The Top 10 Cards of 2020

Conditions Allow - Hans Eriksson

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/velinov">Svetlin Velinov</a>)</h6>
<h1>A Paranormal Coliseum</h1>
<p>Gix couldn't help but grin triumphantly as he watched over the battles in the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. His subjects were ready - ruthless, compleated assassins destined to fight for the Lord of the Wastes. Efuan Pincar didn't stand a chance.</p>
<p>But his ruminations were interrupted by a most irritating event - the lightest prick in his exposed flesh. He looked down to see a tiny, mechanical mosquito, sucking at his oil-infused blood. And with that bite, that 1 point of lost life, Gix was enlightened. An image appeared in his mind, as clear as day; he had to go to the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caves of Koilos" href="#" target="_blank">Caves of Koilos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Such insects infested the Arena, acting more as cameras than animals, giving those inside small morsels of knowledge for a price.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phyrexian Arena"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an exceedingly simple card: each upkeep, it'll draw you one card at the cost of one life - a very good deal, given the powerful potential of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necropotence" href="#" target="_blank">Necropotence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yawgmoth&#039;s Bargain" href="#" target="_blank">Yawgmoth&#039;s Bargain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Griselbrand" href="#" target="_blank">Griselbrand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, all of which have either been banned or have also achieved staple status. In most games of EDH, if you play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> early on, it can draw you upwards of 7 cards throughout the game, a sizeable advantage.</p>
<p>For this reason, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has earned the favor of many EDH players. It has found a home in 16% of decks, making it the 4th most popular black card in the format (behind a bunch of tutors).</p>
<p>But for many players, myself included, this potential advantage just has too many "ifs" attached to be worth it. Others might find <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to be a bit too slow, or consider it to be too expensive, or maybe they're irked that the Phyrexian Arena, an actual named location in the story, is an enchantment instead of a land. If you find yourself dissatisfied with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for any of these reasons, then this is the article for you!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Ascent to Valor's Reach</h2>
<p>As we give our second card draw enchantment the <em>Staple Remover </em>treatment, there are a few things to remember: we are looking for underrated card advantage cards that can be superior to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in certain decks, metas, and situations. Thus, the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necropotence" href="#" target="_blank">Necropotence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a Commander staple, isn't eligible, and neither is a theoretically strictly-worse Arena. As always, if you have any suggestions, I suggest you drop them in the comments!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Underworld Connections"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dread Presence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Necrologia"></div></div>
<p>The most obvious one-to-one comparison with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Underworld Connections" href="#" target="_blank">Underworld Connections</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both are cards that will (usually) draw you 1 card a turn at the cost of 1 life, with the same mana cost. But <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Underworld Connections" href="#" target="_blank">Underworld Connections</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has some spicy tech that isn't reflected in <a href="https://edhrec.com/cards/underworld-connections">its EDHREC page</a>: it synergizes beautifully with any card that untaps lands, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthcraft" href="#" target="_blank">Earthcraft</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Garruk Wildspeaker" href="#" target="_blank">Garruk Wildspeaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, perfect for any Golgari deck looking to abuse powerful effects on lands such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cabal Coffers" href="#" target="_blank">Cabal Coffers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Another contender is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dread Presence" href="#" target="_blank">Dread Presence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card initially hyped up during its release that has since been forgotten by many. Despite this, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dread Presence" href="#" target="_blank">Dread Presence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> still pulls its weight; obviously it can be especially abused in <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/landfall"><em>Landfall</em></a> decks, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yarok, the Desecrated" href="#" target="_blank">Yarok, the Desecrated</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but even in other decks it can turn otherwise dead late-game draws into card advantage and lifegain.</p>
<p>Finally, we have one of my favorites, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necrologia" href="#" target="_blank">Necrologia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is most comparable to the absolute cEDH powerhouse that is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ad Nauseam" href="#" target="_blank">Ad Nauseam</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, another staple in the format. Although <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necrologia" href="#" target="_blank">Necrologia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> suffers from serious timing restrictions, it benefits by not requiring careful deckbuilding like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ad Nauseam" href="#" target="_blank">Ad Nauseam</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both cards will get you what you need way faster than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> by giving you a massive burst of card draw.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Upping the Ante</h2>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Azra-Oddsmaker.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-59933 size-large" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Azra-Oddsmaker-1024x753.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="753" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Azra-Oddsmaker-1024x753.jpg 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Azra-Oddsmaker-300x221.jpg 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Azra-Oddsmaker-768x564.jpg 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Azra-Oddsmaker.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azra Oddsmaker" href="#" target="_blank">Azra Oddsmaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/joshhass">Josh Hass</a>)</h6>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azra Oddsmaker"></div></div>
<p>The #1 card that I use in place of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> whenever possible is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azra Oddsmaker" href="#" target="_blank">Azra Oddsmaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a surprisingly potent uncommon from <em>Battlebond</em>.</p>
<p>This card has a lot going for it. While triggering upon dealing combat damage is a real restriction, the Oddsmaker makes up for it by instead allowing you to discard a card and draw two. This nets you the same numebr of cards per turn as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but the rummaging also allows for additional card selection. In certain decks, the combat damage restriction is even a boon, as multiple combat damage steps (either through double strike or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Relentless Assault" href="#" target="_blank">Relentless Assault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) will grant you even more advantage.</p>
<p>The decks best-suited to take advantage of all the abilities on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azra Oddsmaker" href="#" target="_blank">Azra Oddsmaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> tend to be reanimator decks, which benefit from filling the graveyard and from card selection, and they can easily trigger it. In fact, certain <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tymna, the Weaver" href="#" target="_blank">Tymna, the Weaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> + <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tana, the Bloodsower" href="#" target="_blank">Tana, the Bloodsower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <a href="https://www.moxfield.com/decks/DRp3K4w94Uu-8JYEwnc9nA">cEDH Reanimator builds</a> will run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azra Oddsmaker" href="#" target="_blank">Azra Oddsmaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for this purpose!</p>
<p>Below we have a Reanimator build helmed by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sedris, the Traitor King" href="#" target="_blank">Sedris, the Traitor King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that makes good use of some of these cards.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Unearthed Arcanis" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Sedris, the Traitor King
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Arcanis, the Omnipotent
*1 Azra Oddsmaker
*1 Chainer, Nightmare Adept
*1 Deadeye Navigator
*1 Deranged Assistant
*1 Drana, the Last Bloodchief
*1 Duplicant
*1 Etali, Primal Storm
*1 Feldon of the Third Path
*1 Grave Titan
*1 Gravebreaker Lamia
*1 Magus of the Wheel
*1 Millikin
*1 Mulldrifter
*1 Nightscape Familiar
*1 Noxious Gearhulk
*1 Obeka, Brute Chronologist
*1 Plaguecrafter
*1 River Kelpie
*1 Sepulchral Primordialp
*1 Thassa, Deep-Dwelling
*1 Vilis, Broker of Blood
*1 Worldgorger Dragon
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Conjurer&#039;s Closet
*1 Dimir Signet
*1 Embalmer&#039;s Tools
*1 Izzet Signet
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Rakdos Signet
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sundial of the Infinite
*1 Talisman of Creativity
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Whip of Erebos
*1 Worn Powerstone
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Animate Dead
*1 Dance of the Dead
*1 Diabolic Servitude
*1 Flameshadow Conjuring
*1 Kaya&#039;s Ghostform
*1 Teferi&#039;s Veil
*1 Vanishing
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Buried Alive
*1 Chandra&#039;s Ignition
*1 Dread Return
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Final Parting
*1 Living Death
*1 Reanimate
*1 Victimize
*1 Wheel of Misfortune
*1 Windfall
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Bedevil
*1 Counterspell
*1 Fact or Fiction
*1 Frantic Search
*1 Necrologia
*1 Pongify
*1 Reality Shift
*1 Terminate
*1 Tragic Slip
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Blood Crypt
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Command Tower
*1 Crumbling Necropolis
*1 Desolate Lighthouse
*1 Dragonskull Summit
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Geier Reach Sanitarium
*4 Island
*3 Mountain
*1 Polluted Delta
*1 Smoldering Marsh
*1 Steam Vents
*1 Sulfur Falls
*1 Sunken Hollow
*8 Swamp
*1 Temple of Deceit
*1 Temple of Epiphany
*1 Temple of Malice
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Training Center
*1 Watery Grave
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>Hopefully this article has convinced you of the utility of these cards over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. What cards do you prefer using when you need card advantage in your black decks? Let me know in the comments!</p>


Staple Remover - Phyrexian Arena

Ranking Every Planeswalker with EDHREC – Part 16: Tamiyo Wins

Too-Specific Top 10 - Multicolor Pauper Commanders, Part II

Evasive Maneuvers — Trample

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jegantha, the Wellspring" href="#" target="_blank">Jegantha, the Wellspring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| Art by <a href="http://www.rahnart.com/">Chris Rahn</a></h6>
<h1>Time to Make a New Friend</h1>
<p><em>Companions</em> are a game-changer. They give us access to a free card from the start of the game in exchange for some deckbuilding restrictions (and, of course, they now have an extra three-mana tax). Here on <em>Collected Company</em>, we’re going to take a look at all of them and see how we can build around their quirks.</p>
<p>Let's talk about one of the most powerful <em>Companions</em> out there, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jegantha, the Wellspring" href="#" target="_blank">Jegantha, the Wellspring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jegantha, the Wellspring"></div></div>
<p>Jegantha's restriction is pretty minor because cards with the same mana symbol can be easily replaced. The most noticeable losses are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrath of God" href="#" target="_blank">Wrath of God</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects and big top-end cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craterhoof Behemoth" href="#" target="_blank">Craterhoof Behemoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>While the above is true, there are still some "hidden" restrictions when using Jegantha. Commanders like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jodah, Archmage Eternal" href="#" target="_blank">Jodah, Archmage Eternal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will have trouble finding expensive cards to cheat out with the restriction. Artifact-heavy lists won't really benefit from having Jegantha as a <em>Companion</em>. There's also the case of needing to build a deck in a more color-intensive way to get full use of Jegantha's kit.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, let's talk about Jegantha's kit: it's pretty amazing! Having this kind of access to such a powerful mana dork is game-changing. There are plenty of powerful commanders that have the WUBRG cost that can be fully paid with Jegantha, which can lead into a huge tempo swing if we get to play Jegantha before our commander. Take <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The First Sliver" href="#" target="_blank">The First Sliver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example: it really appreciates having the huge tempo turn before getting cast. And don't even get me started on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Najeela, the Blade-Blossom" href="#" target="_blank">Najeela, the Blade-Blossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>....</p>
<p>However, it's hard to get full benefits from Jegantha. Decks that play it well are the ones that tend to invest in some form of WUBRG activated ability or that are trying to cast multiple spells a turn.</p>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrath of God" href="#" target="_blank">Wrath of God</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overrun" href="#" target="_blank">Overrun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2>Endless Possibilities</h2>
<div><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ramos, Dragon Engine"></div></div></div>
<div></div>
<div><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ramos, Dragon Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Ramos, Dragon Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a commander that tends to have lots of multicolored spells, which are used to generate mana via its activated ability. Jegantha really helps the deck by providing both the color-fixing needed to consistently cast those spells and by accelerating so that we get to the point of casting multiple spells a turn. Ramos lists tend naturally trends towards tricolor spells, so not only we get full benefit from our <em>Companion</em>, but we also don't lose all that much with its restrictions.</div>
<div>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Progenitus" href="#" target="_blank">Progenitus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expansion // Explosion" href="#" target="_blank">Expansion // Explosion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Verdict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Debt to the Deathless" href="#" target="_blank">Debt to the Deathless</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cruel Ultimatum" href="#" target="_blank">Cruel Ultimatum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omniscience" href="#" target="_blank">Omniscience</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Horde of Notions"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Horde of Notions" href="#" target="_blank">Horde of Notions</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great tribal commander to showcase the power of Jegantha in a tribal setting. Horde provides a useful mana sink (that can even recur Jegantha), and having Jegantha makes getting multiple activations out of the commander much easier. Elementals as a whole don't lose all that much, aside from some tribal support. The fact that Jegantha is an Elemental plays really well with Horde, too, since we get to save it from the occasional non-exile removal.</p>
<div>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omnath, Locus of Rage" href="#" target="_blank">Omnath, Locus of Rage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avenger of Zendikar" href="#" target="_blank">Avenger of Zendikar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nyxbloom Ancient" href="#" target="_blank">Nyxbloom Ancient</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindred Discovery" href="#" target="_blank">Kindred Discovery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sisay, Weatherlight Captain"></div></div>
<p>Commanders with a powerful activated ability that can be accelerated by Jegantha also can make great use of it. These commanders often struggle to find the balance between paying for their ability and playing cards from hand. This combination allows for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sisay, Weatherlight Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Sisay, Weatherlight Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> players to have more flexible turns where they don't need to overextend, allowing them to hold on to interaction for longer.</p>
<div>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kamahl&#039;s Druidic Vow" href="#" target="_blank">Kamahl&#039;s Druidic Vow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashiok, Dream Render" href="#" target="_blank">Ashiok, Dream Render</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narset, Parter of Veils" href="#" target="_blank">Narset, Parter of Veils</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eerie Ultimatum" href="#" target="_blank">Eerie Ultimatum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bolas&#039;s Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Bolas&#039;s Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<hr />
<h2>It's Alive!</h2>
</div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Niv-Mizzet Reborn"></div></div>
<p>The combination of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niv-Mizzet Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">Niv-Mizzet Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jegantha, the Wellspring" href="#" target="_blank">Jegantha, the Wellspring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is quite an impressive one: Niv provides the cards and Jegantha provides the mana. The best part about this duo is that it's very easy to fully use Jegantha's mana ability because we have access to a bunch of different guild-colored cards.</p>
<p>Just like many Niv-Mizzet Reborn lists out there, our deck gravitates towards a control shell. We use our commander's ETB to fill our hand with powerful spells, and we have the mana (thanks to Jegantha) to cast some of them right away. However, we still need a way to win the game: enter planeswalkers. Planewalkers are a great type to mix with Niv 4.0 because they are resilient win conditions that are spread among the color pie, giving us plenty of great choices. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaya, Ghost Assassin" href="#" target="_blank">Kaya, Ghost Assassin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Venser, the Sojourner" href="#" target="_blank">Venser, the Sojourner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are a great way to get a consistent chain of Niv-Mizzet's ETB, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ral Zarek" href="#" target="_blank">Ral Zarek</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner" href="#" target="_blank">Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kiora, Master of the Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Kiora, Master of the Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allow us to untap Jegantha. As for game-ending planeswalkers, we're packing some powerful ones: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Hero of Dominaria" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Hero of Dominaria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can quickly get out of control if we get to emblem, and don't underestimate <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sorin, Grim Nemesis" href="#" target="_blank">Sorin, Grim Nemesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; we have a deck that isn't very aggressive but that packs a lot of punch, so the +1 ability can really make a difference. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Garruk, Cursed Huntsman" href="#" target="_blank">Garruk, Cursed Huntsman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can quickly get out of control with its tokens and can be great in post-board-wipe scenarios, and his ultimate is really powerful with other token-producers.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ral Zarek"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kiora, Master of the Depths"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Garruk, Cursed Huntsman"></div></div>
<p>Our control suite is really important, but it's not as straightforward as other decks. We do need to consider the color identity of the cards that we're including so that we have a more reliable Niv trigger. Each guild has a certain tendency that we can explore to improve our consistency. Dimir, for example, is filled with counterspell goodies, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Countersquall" href="#" target="_blank">Countersquall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but it also has lots of great removal/counterspell hybrids, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drown in the Loch" href="#" target="_blank">Drown in the Loch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dimir Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Dimir Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, that are usually live for most of the game. Finding the perfect balance is a fun challenge that rewards the time we put into it.</p>
<p>We're choosing to go with as few non-guild-colored cards as possible, but there's certainly the case to add a few more high-impact staples, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doubling Season" href="#" target="_blank">Doubling Season</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, into the mix. In fact, all of our non-hits are cards that are dedicated to smooth out our mid-game, by either color-fixing, or simply by accelerating us in the early game. Flexible ramp spells, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skyshroud Claim" href="#" target="_blank">Skyshroud Claim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farseek" href="#" target="_blank">Farseek</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are even better because they can also thin our deck, which on its own isn't that relevant, but, in conjunction with our fetch lands, can make a difference.</p>
<p>Our priority is to get Jegantha online as soon as possible; our impact on the board is much more... impactful when we untap with it. Getting to use Jegantha to pay for our commander means that we have the mana to cast at least one extra spell on this turn, which is usually a huge tempo swing in our favor. This curve is really something else, and it's mainly the reason why I felt that enablers, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Panharmonicon" href="#" target="_blank">Panharmonicon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or blinks in general, felt a bit unnecessary, as they play kind of awkwardly with our setup.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Niv-Mizzet and Jegantha Superfriends" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Niv-Mizzet Reborn
[/Commander]
[Companion]
*Jegantha, the Wellspring
[/Companion]
[Artifact]
*Sol Ring
*Arcane Signet
*Chromatic Lantern
[/Artifact]
[Creature]
*Birds of Paradise
*Baleful Strix
*Bloom Tender
*Coiling Oracle
*Qasali Pridemage
*Faeburrow Elder
*Knight of Autumn
*Radha, Heart of Keld
*Uro, Titan of Nature&#039;s Wrath
*Polukranos, Unchained
*Keranos, God of Storms
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*Oath of Kaya
*Assemble the Legion
*Mirari&#039;s Wake
*Oath of Teferi
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Assassin&#039;s Trophy
*Azorius Charm
*Boros Charm
*Countersquall
*Despark
*Dimir Charm
*Dovin&#039;s Veto
*Drown in the Loch
*Growth Spiral
*Izzet Charm
*Orzhov Charm
*Rakdos Charm
*Fire Covenant
*Kolaghan&#039;s Command
[/Instant]
[Planeswalker]
*Dack Fayden
*Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner
*Teferi, Time Raveler
*Kaya, Ghost Assassin
*Kiora, Master of the Depths
*Nahiri, the Harbinger
*Ral Zarek
*Teferi, Hero of Dominaria
*Venser, the Sojourner
*Garruk, Cursed Huntsman
*Sorin, Grim Nemesis
*Vraska, Relic Seeker
*Garruk, Apex Predator
[/Planeswalker]
[Sorcery]
*Dreadbore
*Farseek
*Hull Breach
*Nature&#039;s Lore
*Reborn Hope
*Three Visits
*Deafening Clarion
*Last One Standing
*Decimate
*Skyshroud Claim
*Solar Blaze
*Bring To Light
*Escape to the Wilds
*Merciless Eviction
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Arid Mesa
*Blood Crypt
*Bloodstained Mire
*Breeding Pool
*City of Brass
*Command Tower
*Exotic Orchard
*Flooded Strand
*Godless Shrine
*Hallowed Fountain
*Indatha Triome
*Ketria Triome
*Mana Confluence
*Marsh Flats
*Misty Rainforest
*Overgrown Tomb
*Pillar of the Paruns
*Polluted Delta
*Raugrin Triome
*Sacred Foundry
*Savai Triome
*Scalding Tarn
*Steam Vents
*Stomping Ground
*Temple Garden
*Verdant Catacombs
*Watery Grave
*Windswept Heath
*Wooded Foothills
*Zagoth Triome
*2 Forest
*2 Island
*2 Mountain
*2 Plains
*2 Swamp
[/Land]"></span></div></p>

<hr />
<h2>This is the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship</h2>
<p>This list is something else. The combination of mana and card draw is impressive, and it shows the power of Jegantha as a mana dork. The deckbuilding restriction never was in the way of the deckbuilding process, and it felt like a nuisance more than anything else.</p>
<p>I was quite impressed on how Jegantha played out. The <em>Companion </em>tax change certainly reduced some of the possibilities for it, but Jegantha's impact didn't get completely destroyed like it felt with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zirda, the Dawnwaker" href="#" target="_blank">Zirda, the Dawnwaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In fact, Jegantha felt very similar to Zirda, but it was overall better than its Boros counterpart because it was not as restrictive.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Collected Company</em>! What do you think about this article? What are your thoughts on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jegantha, the Wellspring" href="#" target="_blank">Jegantha, the Wellspring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Which<em> Companion</em> do you want to see covered next? Share your opinions in the comments.</p>


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