<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://paoloparente.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paolo Parente</a></em></p>
<p>I need to say a few things about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. First, he's shredded like wheat. Second, the man is way too thirsty. I mean, he is down bad. I mean, it's such a known factor that he's named for it. I'll let you decide if that's good or bad, but acknowledging it does allow me to suggest to our editors we include this meme I just made:</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-46456 size-full" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9pvpaj.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" /></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adamaro, First to Desire"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro has only one printing, from <em>Saviors of Kamigawa</em> (2005). His ability reads: <em>"<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s power and toughness are each equal to the number of cards in the hand of the opponent with the most cards in hand."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Much like wine, Matthew McConaughey, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Maze&#039;s End" href="#" target="_blank">Maze&#039;s End</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Adamaro has gotten better with age. Thanks to the influx of card draw in Commander, he reliably hits the board as a 6+ power beater. This brew doubles down on his over-statted beef by being a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> strategy at heart, but with a twist that makes for a unique Commander deck. By encouraging opponents to draw cards, we fuel Adamaro, turning their advantage into our win condition.</span></p>
<h2>Strategy One: Voltron</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unquenchable Fury"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Reaver Cleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Spear of Leonidas"></div></div></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro can come down fast, and with haste enablers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, he can attack as soon as turn three. The <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> plan is supported with <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equipment</a> like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reaver Cleaver" href="#" target="_blank">The Reaver Cleaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to help our thirsty friend trample over blockers. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unquenchable Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Unquenchable Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, fittingly from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/neo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty</em></a>, is a recurrable Aura that ensures Adamaro is dishing out damage whenever he turns sideways. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And, it plays into our subtheme of punishing card draw.</span></p>
<h2>Strategy Two: Punish Card Draw</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Razorkin Needlehead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrawling Crawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Howling Mine"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of the joy in brewing a fun Commander deck is finding the little ways your commander supports multiple strategies. Since Adamaro already punishes opponents for having a lot of cards in hand, let's lean into that. It is, after all, the closest thing our man has to an identity (outside of floating decapitated heads and Dracula-levels of thirst). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anyway, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Razorkin Needlehead" href="#" target="_blank">Razorkin Needlehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrawling Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrawling Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> both punish our opponents drawing cards. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temple Bell" href="#" target="_blank">Temple Bell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> force our opponents to draw cards. Savvy?</span></p>
<h2>Mono Red Card Advantage; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Monarchy</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emberwilde Captain"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Court of Embereth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coveted Jewel"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro and the <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/monarch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monarchy</a> are made for each other. If your opponent takes it from you, they're drawing more cards, fueling Adamaro and your other draw hate. Of course, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Embereth" href="#" target="_blank">Court of Embereth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Ire" href="#" target="_blank">its sister court</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are here, but the real star is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emberwilde Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Emberwilde Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is doing everything our deck wants by introducing the monarchy </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">punishing our opponents' hand size. <em>Simpatico</em>! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here. </span></p>
<h2>Goad to Hell</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bothersome Quasit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vengeful Ancestor"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is where I had a big-brain moment. If <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are drawing opponents extra cards, they're likely playing creatures to the board. And, Adamaro is already incentivizing our opponents to dump their hands, so we can anticipate the board might get clogged pretty quickly. Now, if we also want to play to the board, what is the perfect mechanic to keep us alive without having to wipe our own creatures? </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-46462 aligncenter" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-212152-300x217.png" alt="" width="300" height="217" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enter: goad. <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/goad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goad</a> is the perfect mechanic to clear messy boards, damage our opponents, and strengthen our own position. Using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer" href="#" target="_blank">Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vengeful Ancestor" href="#" target="_blank">Vengeful Ancestor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can force our opponents to attack each other instead of us. It also ensures our opponents' creatures are tapped and unable to block the Spirit of Bodybuilders Past. This means that in many board states, goading is better than wiping the board. Trust me, I did the math on this. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Sound of Drums"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, I found this hidden gem: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Sound of Drums" href="#" target="_blank">The Sound of Drums</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. From the <em>Doctor Who</em> set, this is the perfect card for Adamaro. It can goad an opponent's creature, or we can suit up our commander to double its damage! </span></p>
<h2>Ramping in Style in Mono-Red</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curse of Opulence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Laser Screwdriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Irencrag"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, we're running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But I'll also highlight some flavorful, on-theme ramp picks.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curse of Opulence" href="#" target="_blank">Curse of Opulence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> supports our primary crash-out plan and incentivizes our opponents to hit each other. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laser Screwdriver" href="#" target="_blank">Laser Screwdriver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can goad creatures, which ties in to our defense strategy. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Irencrag" href="#" target="_blank">The Irencrag</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a mana rock in the early game that can turn into an Adamaro-pumping Equipment when you no longer need the ramp. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns all our artifact removal into permanent removal. </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Oddities and Hidden Gems</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Woah there! I see you side-eyeing the deck list. I know it looks a little weird. Let me explain some of the hidden tech in this Commander deck tech. </span></p>
<h3>Breaking Symmetry</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expedited Inheritance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Share the Spoils"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curse of Hospitality"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These three odd-ball enchantments come from my love of breaking symmetrical effects. The idea here is that we can encourage our opponents to keep cards in their hand by tempting them with impulse draw. And of course, we can get some card advantage from them as well. I don't know if it's the most effective way to spend these slots, but I've been looking for a home for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expedited Inheritance" href="#" target="_blank">Expedited Inheritance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> since it was printed. </span></p>
<h3>Land Destruction? How Did You Get In Here?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Volcanic Offering"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ruination"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hey! Woah! Hey! Who put land destruction in this list? That's weird. But now that it's here, a little land hate would slow down the rate at which our opponents could play cards, meaning their hands might be more full for Adamaro. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On that note, any artifact hate like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shattering Spree" href="#" target="_blank">Shattering Spree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balor" href="#" target="_blank">Balor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could be used to target mana rocks, similarly slowing down our opponents. Hmm... </span></p>
<h3>Hater Blockers</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deflecting Swat"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Untimely Malfunction"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commander&#039;s Plate"></div></div> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>It's dangerous to Adamaro alone! Take these.</em> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When optimizing decks for the Commander format, I like protection pieces that have utility. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Untimely Malfunction" href="#" target="_blank">Untimely Malfunction</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the perfect example of a card that can protect our commander, but also remove troublesome blockers for a turn, or destroy an artifact. Incidental artifact hate like this is a great argument for making <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> a must-run in any red deck. </span></p>
<h3>Pillow Fort, But Mono-Red</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brash Taunter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kazuul, Tyrant of the Cliffs"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm not sure if you can tell, but I don't like to die. Voltron decks draw a lot of heat, and Adamaro isn't killing folks so quickly that we don't have a need to play defense. Thankfully, if anyone likes playing D, it's probably the guy named Adamaro.</span></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: a Surprisingly Threatening Voltron Commander</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck requires a little bit of politicking and strategizing to make it to the end game, but it's a lot of fun fitting all the pieces together. With a mix of Voltron pieces, draw punishment, and goad effects, Adamaro becomes a surprisingly consistent and threatening Voltron option.</span></p>


Is Adamaro, First to Desire a Voltron Hidden Gem?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawn Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Dawn Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by John Avon</em></p>
<p>Welcome to <em>The Cycle Report</em>, an series where I rank the best cards of any given cycle for Commander play. Today, we're looking at one of <em>Magic</em>'s oldest and most expansive cycles: Charms.</p>
<p>If you're unfamiliar, <a href="https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Modal/Charms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charms</a> are cards that let players pick from one of multiple effects (usually three). Also, they have "Charm" in their name. There's actually been many different cycles of Charms over the years, making them a sort of meta-cycle (or <a href="https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Cycle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tight cycle</a>, in designerspeak). In Commander, these cards are especially relevant. The flexibility of Charms means including one can actually free up a card slot - instead of playing one card to counter spells and another to remove a creature, you can play a Charm that can do both!</p>
<p>Today we'll look at the Charms whose effects offer the most value, flexibility, and potential for exciting blow-out plays.</p>
<h2>Honorable Mentions</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vision Charm"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vision Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Vision Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is, admittedly, too niche to see play in most decks. But if your deck centers around artifacts, phasing is just about the best protection you could ask for. And the ability to turn all lands of one type into another is sneakily disruptive, as it has the potential to lock an opponent out of playing spells for a turn. Just watch the <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/tergrid-god-of-fright" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tergrid</a> player try to cast their commander when all their Swamps are Islands! Finally, its inclusion in Magic's funkiest format, <a href="https://blog.cardkingdom.com/fringe-format-dandan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forgetful Fish</a>, AKA <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dandân" href="#" target="_blank">Dandân</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, lends the card a sort of folklore appeal.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Simic Charm"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Simic Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Simic Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one half of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which already makes it notable. Bouncing your own creature to save it from a wrath or re-buy its enters or cast trigger is always good value, and bouncing a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blightsteel Colossus" href="#" target="_blank">Blightsteel Colossus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (or <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/yargle-and-multani" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yargle</a>) can be life-saving. Finally, no one suspects a combat trick in Commander, so the +3/+3 can be hilariously effective, and can even be used politically on an opponent's creature.</p>
<h2>10. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/khans-of-tarkir/jeskai-charm">Jeskai Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jeskai Charm"></div></div>
<p>Admittedly, you might not get much use out of the middle mode of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeskai Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Jeskai Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but if you've ever won a game of Commander with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Bolt" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Bolt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, you know the thrill potential is there.</p>
<p>But this card earns its place for the third mode, because there are a lot of <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/jeskai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeskai</a> decks that care about noncreature spells and going wide - the new <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/elsha-threefold-master" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elsha</a> is a perfect example, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an all-time favorite. The buff to your team coupled with the lifelink can lead to massive point swings, and the removal mode might save your life one day. It'll certainly annoy your opponents, that's for sure.</p>
<h2>9. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/khans-of-tarkir/sultai-charm">Sultai Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sultai Charm"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sultai Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Sultai Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the bread-and-butter of Charms. Its modes aren't exciting or splashy, but it can remove a good deal of troublesome permanents, and if it's not doing that, the final mode lets it replace itself. The ability to draw two cards then discard one has extra relevance in <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/sultai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sultai</a> decks, which often want specific cards in their graveyard. Dumping a nine-drop haymaker rotting in your hand for later <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/achievement-unlocked-building-reanimation-in-multiplayer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reanimation</a> always feels good.</p>
<h2>8. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/planeshift/riths-charm">Rith's Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rith&#039;s Charm"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rith&#039;s Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Rith&#039;s Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an oldie, but a goodie. It's the only Charm that can destroy a land, and as WotC seems intent on printing more problematic lands (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza&#039;s Saga" href="#" target="_blank">Urza&#039;s Saga</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, anyone?) I value this effect pretty highly. It can also be three 1/1 tokens at instant speed for three mana, which is a respectable rate, and there are <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/baylen-the-haymaker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">any</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/jetmir-nexus-of-revels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">number</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/jinnie-fay-jetmirs-second" target="_blank" rel="noopener">of</a> <a href="http://edhrec.com/commanders/ghired-conclave-exile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naya</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commanders</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/phabine-bosss-confidant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/gahiji-honored-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">care</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/rith-the-awakener" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/samut-the-driving-force" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tokens</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/ghired-mirror-of-the-wilds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">and</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/hazezon-shaper-of-sand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">going</a> <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/aragorn-hornburg-hero" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wide</a>.</p>
<h2>7. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/planar-chaos/dawn-charm">Dawn Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dawn Charm"></div></div>
<p>On its face, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawn Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Dawn Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems like an entirely defensive spell, but it's one of the more subtly political cards I've seen. The <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> mode can save you from an alpha strike, or you can save an ally in return for favors. Similarly, the second mode lets you regenerate <em>any</em> creature, which you can also use to curry favor. The last mode is the most niche, but countering a fully kicked <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rush of Dread" href="#" target="_blank">Rush of Dread</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will always feel incredible, and they never see it coming.</p>
<h2>6. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/streets-of-new-capenna/riveteers-charm">Riveteers Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Riveteers Charm"></div></div>
<p>Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sultai Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Sultai Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Riveteers Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Riveteers Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is just all around solid. The removal mode can get around hexproof and shroud (just hope your opp isn't packing a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawn Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Dawn Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as it targets a player!), and the last mode being incidental graveyard hate is growing more relevant by the day.</p>
<p>If neither of those two modes are doing it for you, you can always see three cards for three mana at instant speed, which is a decent rate.</p>
<h2>5. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/modern-horizons/archmages-charm">Archmage's Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archmage&#039;s Charm"></div></div>
<p>I'll admit, I have mixed feelings about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archmage&#039;s Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Archmage&#039;s Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It is, on its face, quite powerful. <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/staple-remover-counterspell">Countering spells</a> will never not be good. Drawing two cards is fine. Stealing a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esper Sentinel" href="#" target="_blank">Esper Sentinel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with the final mode is always satisfying. The card puts in work, but the amount of dramatic, memorable moments it creates are few and far between, and the longer I play <em>Magic</em>, the more I'm looking to create those moments more than anything else.</p>
<h2>4. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/return-to-ravnica/rakdos-charm">Rakdos Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rakdos Charm"></div></div>
<p>Pound for pound, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rakdos Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Rakdos Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not better than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archmage&#039;s Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Archmage&#039;s Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but it's <em>my</em> list! There's almost always a use-case for the first two modes, but the real reason <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rakdos Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Rakdos Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is so high on the list is for the final mode, which I just adore. This has the potential to scale incredibly well on clogged boards; I've seen more than one game end with this card dishing out upwards of 40 damage across the table. The fact that it's a symmetrical effect makes it that much cooler.</p>
<h2>3. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/wilds-of-eldraine/charming-scoundrel">Charming Scoundrel</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Charming Scoundrel"></div></div>
<p>We could debate all day if <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Charming Scoundrel" href="#" target="_blank">Charming Scoundrel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a charm or not - and please do, in the comments - but I've been slotting this into more and more decks. It's easy to cast, it blocks in the early game, and it's <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/blink" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blinkable</a>. This card can be a solid role player in a shocking number of strategies. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sultai Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Sultai Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the rummaging effect can move a card from your hand to the 'yard for later reanimation, and WotC continues to print commanders with artifact and <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/treasure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Treasure</a> synergies. From <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/prosper-tome-bound" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prosper</a> to <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/sauron-lord-of-the-rings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sauron</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/uril-the-miststalker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uril</a> to <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/calamity-galloping-inferno" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calamity</a>, this lady simply belongs.</p>
<h2>2. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/gatecrash/boros-charm">Boros Charm</a></h2>
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<p>We've talked enough about the importance of protecting your board and the thrill of burning out an opponent at low life, so I won't reiterate that here. What I will say is I love <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/top-10-double-strike-enablers">double strike</a>. It's easily one of the best ability keywords in the format. It can be used offensively to end games out of nowhere, and it can be used defensively to trade up on blocks. And much like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawn Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Dawn Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boros Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Boros Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give double strike to any creature, meaning you can use it politically on an opponent's creature to completely upend an attack step.</p>
<p>Also, fun fact, I believe it's the only card whose artist shares a name with the card they drew!</p>
<h2>1. <a href="https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/murders-at-karlov-manor/archdruids-charm">Archdruid's Charm</a></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archdruid&#039;s Charm"></div></div>
<p>I don't think there's any debate that, pound-for-pound, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archdruid&#039;s Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Archdruid&#039;s Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the best Charm WotC has ever printed. When you break it down, it essentially breaks the Charm rules by having <em>five</em> modes, not three.</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Search your library for a creature card and put it into your hand.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Search your library for any land card (yes, really, any land card) and put it onto the battlefield.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Buff your creature, then <a href="https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Biting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">punch</a> an opponent's creature.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Exile target artifact.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Exile target enchantment.</li>
</ul>
<p>These modes range from good to phenomenal. Given the ability to tutor creatures and lands, the flexibility of this card really is nearly limitless. The only question is, can you cast it?</p>
<h2>Charmed, I'm Sure</h2>
<p>Those were my personal picks for the top 10 Charms in Commander. If anything, I hope you found a good utility piece that frees up a slot in your deck for your <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/pet-cards-hidden-gems-edhrecast-165" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pet card</a> (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Loxodon Warhammer" href="#" target="_blank">Loxodon Warhammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, here I come!) or better yet, synergizes with your commander in ways you never considered.</p>
<p>What do you think? Did I miss your favorite Charm? Are you worried I hit my head and forgot <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Charming Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Charming Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Golgari Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Golgari Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> exist? Let me know in the comments below! I'll read them. I promise.</p>


Noah Chen

Is Adamaro, First to Desire a Voltron Hidden Gem?

Top 10 Charms for Commander