<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Fire and Ice" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Fire and Ice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art by <a href="https://www.rahnart.com/">Chris Rahn</a></h6>
<p>Hello, data enthusiasts, and welcome to this overview of the math behind the new <em>Fire and Ice</em> data articles. In this series, we'll we dive into the recent card-playing trends within a given commander and identify the biggest movers as defined as:</p>
<p><strong><em>Cards that are either significantly increasing or decreasing in usage with a given commander relative to other cards played with that commander over the most recent six months.</em></strong></p>
<p>This article will provide an overview of the math behind identifying these "fiery" (trending up) and "icy" (trending down) cards.</p>
<p><strong><em>Why</em> </strong>a given card might be fiery or icy, however, is up to interpretation, and we look forward to speculating wildly in our <em>Fire and Ice</em> series!</p>
<h2>Overview of the Math</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We start by looking at all cards that are played with each commander aside from those that are very rare (&lt;2.5% of decks) or very ubiquitous (&gt; 97.5% of decks). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We calculate the weekly usage of these cards as a percentage of all decks for each given commander for the past six months. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Then, we determine the average change from week to week and summarize the data with a single "extremeness" score (also known as a z-score) as follows:</span></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/latex_z_score-2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-158164" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/latex_z_score-2-300x41.png" alt="" width="300" height="41" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/latex_z_score-2-300x41.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/latex_z_score-2-768x105.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/latex_z_score-2.png 990w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<p><em>where x = average weekly change in card usage (% of decks for this commander)</em></p>
<p>We currently identify those cards with extremeness &gt; 2 as "fiery", or having a high Fire Score, and those with extremeness &lt; -2 as "icy", or having a low Ice Score.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Ur-Dragon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Omnath, Locus of Rage"></div></div>
<p>Using these extremeness scores allows us to control for the unique deck-building behavior of each commander rather than using a fixed threshold of average change to identify big movers.</p>
<p>For example, a commander that has been around for a while that has fairly predictable deck-building (e.g. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ur-Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">The Ur-Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) will see very little movement in the usage of each card over time compared to a commander that has more flexibility in its play (e.g. <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>).</p>
<p>This might mean a relatively small uptick for a card played with The Ur-Dragon will have the same Fire score as a card with a large uptick with Omnath.</p>
<h2>An Example</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let's take a look at card usage in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza, Lord High Artificer" href="#" target="_blank">Urza, Lord High Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks over the six month period from December 24, 2024 to June 24, 2025.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> This plot shows a time series of the weekly usage of all 378 qualifying cards across this commander's decks. </span></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158181" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM-1024x574.png" alt="" width="767" height="430" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM-1024x574.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM-300x168.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM-768x430.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM-1536x861.png 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.24 PM.png 2016w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px" /></a></p>
<p>Another way we can look at the data is relative to the start of the time period.</p>
<p>Here, we see certain cards emerge more clearly as "big movers".</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158182" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM-1024x561.png" alt="" width="761" height="417" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM-1024x561.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM-300x164.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM-768x421.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM-1536x842.png 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.41.12 PM.png 2026w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px" /></a></p>
<p>If we calculate the average weekly change for each card and look at the distribution across all qualifying Urza cards, we see roughly a bell curve with some extreme values that get flagged as being fiery or icy:</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-12.54.42 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158713" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-12.54.42 PM.png" alt="" width="729" height="381" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-12.54.42 PM.png 848w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-12.54.42 PM-300x157.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-12.54.42 PM-768x401.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let's once again plot the relative time series graph, this time highlighting the identified fiery and icy cards. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We can see that these cards clearly have exhibited more extreme changes over the time period than the cards identified as stable:</span></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158187" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM.png" alt="" width="891" height="411" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM.png 2284w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM-300x138.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM-1024x473.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM-768x354.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM-1536x709.png 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-1.02.44 PM-2048x945.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 891px) 100vw, 891px" /></a></p>
<p>The following table shows which cards were identified as fiery and icy, along with their average weekly changes, extremeness score, and the number of decks they were played in over the six month time period.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Repurposing Bay" href="#" target="_blank">Repurposing Bay</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> takes the cake for fieriest card, with a Fire score of 5.85, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Etherium Sculptor" href="#" target="_blank">Etherium Sculptor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as the iciest card, with an Ice score of -3.54.</p>
<p>The top four fieriest cards (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Repurposing Bay" href="#" target="_blank">Repurposing Bay</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mistrise Village" href="#" target="_blank">Mistrise Village</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unstoppable Plan" href="#" target="_blank">Unstoppable Plan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ugin, Eye of the Storms" href="#" target="_blank">Ugin, Eye of the Storms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) were released in the examined six-month period and were able to achieve high Fire Scores largely due to starting at 0% usage.</p>
<p>Not all newly released cards will show up as fiery if they aren't an obviously good fit for the given commander, but it is a good thing to be aware of.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Icy cards are often less explicable as we often see Commander staples showing up icy; this may be due to potential replacements coming on the scene or any of a number of other reasons. </span></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-1.45.05 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158717" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-1.45.05 PM.png" alt="" width="1041" height="316" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-1.45.05 PM.png 1226w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-1.45.05 PM-300x91.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-1.45.05 PM-1024x311.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-1.45.05 PM-768x233.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px" /></a></p>
<h2>What to Expect in the <em>Fire and Ice</em> Series</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In <em>Fire and Ice</em>, we'll highlight commanders with intriguing fiery and icy cards </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">and comment on why we believe each card is trending up or down. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We will also provide the Fire and Ice score of each card discussed along with graphs of the relative weekly usage of each card over the specified time period.</span></p>
<p><strong>Starting today, you'll find brand new <em>Fire and Ice</em> articles out every Friday on EDHREC!</strong></p>


Introducing the Math Behind EDHREC's Fire and Ice Series

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire / / Ice|MH2|290" href="#" target="_blank">Fire / / Ice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art by Dan Scott</h6>
<p>Hello, and welcome to <em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire // Ice" href="#" target="_blank">Fire // Ice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></em>, a brand new data-driven series where we'll go over some cards that are gaining and losing popularity in various Commander decks. I'm Julia, EDHREC's Duchess of Data.</p>
<p>Of course, EDHREC has a ton of data. Using that data, we'll draw some conclusions about how certain commander's decks are changing over time, give some insight into how the format's players are thinking about new cards, and maybe even give you some cool tech for your favorite commander's list.</p>
<p>With all that said, let's jump right into it.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/introducing-the-math-behind-edhrecs-fire-and-ice-series"><strong><em>For information on how we calculate the </em>Fire and Ice<em> Scores used in this article, check out this writeup.</em></strong></a></p>
<h1><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nekusar, the Mindrazer" href="#" target="_blank">Nekusar, the Mindrazer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h1>
<p>Nekusar is an absolute menace for EDH players. This deck churns out damage using its commander's abilities and can make short work of any tables that don't have a way to deal with him quickly.</p>
<p>Nekusar is all in on punishing its opponents for playing the game and is feared for good reason. Looking quickly at its most popular cards, we see that 61% of Nekusar decks are running <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>, 61% have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Deal" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Deal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and 61% contain <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Psychosis Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Psychosis Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Razorkin Needlehead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dark Deal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Psychosis Crawler"></div></div>
<h2>What's Fiery for Nekusar Decks?</h2>
<p>Now that we've got a grasp on what Nekusar does, let's see what cards are trending up for these decks since January of this year.</p>
<p>Some new cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mistrise Village" href="#" target="_blank">Mistrise Village</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, slot really nicely into this deck. From <em>Tarkir: Dragonstorm</em>, it's actually the highest riser among all Nekusar decks, with a Fire Score of 5.77. After all, no one wants their spells countered when they're trying to group slug their way through a game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mistrise Village"></div></div>
<p>But, beyond the new cards, there's some really interesting rising stars:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reforge the Soul" href="#" target="_blank">Reforge the Soul</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 2.44 Fire Score</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wheel of Misfortune" href="#" target="_blank">Wheel of Misfortune</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 2.25 Fire Score</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Molten Psyche" href="#" target="_blank">Molten Psyche</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 2.09 Fire Score</li>
</ul>
<p>These wheels all fit nicely into the deck's general group slug gameplan, so it's interesting to see that so many decks didn't have them included before.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reforge the Soul"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wheel of Misfortune"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Molten Psyche"></div></div>
<p>Now, onto some more niche inclusions. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liliana&#039;s Caress" href="#" target="_blank">Liliana&#039;s Caress</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a high Fire Score of 2.54 This card pairs nicely with the wheels often included in Nekusar lists, and players have taken notice.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sigil of Sleep" href="#" target="_blank">Sigil of Sleep</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has been a big riser too, seeing a Fire Score of 2.13. This card comes to us all the way from 1999's <em>Urza's Destiny</em>, and can turn our commander's already-bothersome pings into game-ending removal, too.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Liliana&#039;s Caress"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sigil of Sleep"></div></div>
<h2>What's Icy for Nekusar Decks?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Seizan, Perverter of Truth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phyrexian Tyranny"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fevered Visions"></div></div>
<p>And, if cards are finding their way into Nekusar lists, other cards have got to come out. While the cuts from these decks are varied, three cards lead the pack with big changes in deck inclusion rate.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seizan, Perverter of Truth" href="#" target="_blank">Seizan, Perverter of Truth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a Ice Score of -3.58, the lowest score we'll see for this deck. This may be because of its mana cost: this card sits at the same slot in the curve as our commander.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Tyranny" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Tyranny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has seen a big drop, too, with a slightly more extreme Ice Score of -3.45.While this card is good, its restrictive mana cost may be too much for deckbuilders to justify.</p>
<p>And, lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fevered Visions" href="#" target="_blank">Fevered Visions</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a -3.38 Ice Score.</p>
<p>Nekusar pilots may be looking for ways to deal more damage than just two-per-turn, possibly justifying this card's large percent change.</p>
<div class="mceTemp">
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-158720 aligncenter" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM.png" alt="" width="1375" height="435" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM.png 1758w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM-300x95.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM-1024x324.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM-768x243.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.05.44 PM-1536x486.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1375px) 100vw, 1375px" /></a></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chatterfang, Squirrel General" href="#" target="_blank">Chatterfang, Squirrel General</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chatterfang, Squirrel General"></div></div>
<p>Chatterfang is another super popular commander, leading nearly 20,000 decks and finding himself as the 23rd most popular commander as of the time of writing.</p>
<p>We'll see some notoriously powerful cards gaining popularity here, as some cute on-theme cards fall out of favor. That said, let's see what we can find <em>squirrelled</em> away in Chatterfang's data.</p>
<p>For those of you who haven't had the chance to play against Chatterfang, the deck generally aims to fill the board with tokens and drain out its opponents with Aristocrats-themed win conditions.</p>
<p>Some popular cards for the deck include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (73% of decks), <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zulaport Cutthroat" href="#" target="_blank">Zulaport Cutthroat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (68% of decks), and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tireless Provisioner" href="#" target="_blank">Tireless Provisioner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (64% of decks).</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skullclamp"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zulaport Cutthroat"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tireless Provisioner"></div></div>
<h2>What's Fiery for Chatterfang Decks?</h2>
<p>There's a few cards that have seen big rises in popularity, including eight cards that have seen big jumps in inclusion this year. Let's take a peek at some of the most interesting risers.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warren Soultrader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Diabolic Intent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nature&#039;s Rhythm"></div></div>
<p>First up is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warren Soultrader" href="#" target="_blank">Warren Soultrader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, carrying a Fire Score of 3.64. This card fits right in with the deck's aristocrat and token themes, making it a great inclusion.</p>
<p>It's also got <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=card%3A%22Warren+Soultrader%22+ci%3Agolgari+legal%3Acommander">a huge number of combos that make use of it</a> within Chatterfang's black-green color identity.</p>
<p>Another popular addition is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Diabolic Intent" href="#" target="_blank">Diabolic Intent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card got a Fire Score of 2.64, and it does a pretty good impression of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Diabolic Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Diabolic Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in a deck with so many disposable creatures.</p>
<p>Last but not least is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Rhythm" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Rhythm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, another card from <em>Tarkir: Dragonstorm</em> that's found a home in one of the format's most popular decks. This card works great with the creature-heavy, graveyard-centric gameplan of the deck, so it's no surprise that it tops our list here with a Fire Score of 4.78.</p>
<h2>What's Icy for Chatterfang Decks?</h2>
<p>Quite a few cards have seen big drops in popularity, too, with nine cards seeing their inclusion rate drop by precipitously.</p>
<p>The card that left the most decks, by far, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Squirrel Mob" href="#" target="_blank">Squirrel Mob</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with a Ice Score of -4.39 (the lowest we'll see today). While this card is cool and thematic for players who'd like a Squirrel-centric build, paying for a large creature with no built-in evasion is much less appealing now than it has been in the past.</p>
<p>The same holds true for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drey Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Drey Keeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card that's got a Ice Score of -3.84. While this card is certainly flavorful, a higher casting cost and an expensive activated ability have likely taken this card out of contention for a slot in Chatterfang's army.</p>
<p>The last card that we'll touch on today is one that I wouldn't have expected to be on this list.</p>
<p>While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Squirrel Sovereign" href="#" target="_blank">Squirrel Sovereign</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a Ice Score of -3.74, I view it as a key role-player for <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/wotc-introduces-new-bracket-system-for-edh">lower bracket</a> Chatterfang lists. However, it's possible that it's being replaced by the popular (and consequently more expensive) Treasure-maker <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warren Soultrader" href="#" target="_blank">Warren Soultrader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as demonstrated in the mirrored pattern of usage in the line graph below for these two cards.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158719" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM.png" alt="" width="1772" height="588" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM.png 1772w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM-300x100.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM-1024x340.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM-768x255.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-2.06.35 PM-1536x510.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1772px) 100vw, 1772px" /></a></p>
<h1>Until next time, Stay Cool (or Hot)!</h1>
<p>That's all we have for this week, but we'll be back soon with another edition of <em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire // Ice" href="#" target="_blank">Fire // Ice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></em>. For now, I'd love to hear from you. Let me know what commander's you'd like a data deep dive on in the comments below. I'll take a few of the most interesting picks and include them in the next installment in this series. Until then, happy brewing!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nekusar, the Mindrazer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chatterfang, Squirrel General"></div></div>
</div>


Fire and Ice: What Cards are Hot and Cold for July 2025?

Top 10 Counter Finishers for Lulu, Stern Guardian

Beyond the Multiverse - Galadriel, Light of Valinor Deck Tech

<h6 style="text-align: right;">The Dominion Bracelet | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/ninesicks">Nathaniel Himawan</a></h6>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's Thursday, July 10th, and that means it's time to do our third recap of <em>Edge of Eternities</em> previews! We covered a bunch of cards over yesterday and the day before, but this first of two weeks of <em>EOE </em>spoiler season really is picking up a ton of speed! Fortunately for our readers who play Commander (and that's obviously a <em>lot</em> of you!), we also got the reveal of the second of two Commander precons! Let's check everything out!</p>
<h2><em>Edge of Eternities</em> Main Set Previews</h2>
<p>Let's begin with cards revealed from the main set. These were previewed by the following content creators and media outlets:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ben Bateman</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ethan Fleischer</strong></li>
<li><strong>Anna Margaret</strong></li>
<li><strong>Taalia Vess</strong></li>
<li><strong>Tom Lum</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rebell Lily</strong></li>
<li><strong>StarCityGames</strong></li>
<li><strong>PC Gamer</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>As for the other outlets and creators involved with today's previews, they... unfortunately seem to have not publicly shown their cards off yet. Therefore, we are going to omit those reveals until we have confirmation of those previews. So, without any further ado, here are the previews we have available (image credit: Wizards of the Coast)!</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Alpharael-Stonechosen-Ben-Bateman.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158726" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Alpharael-Stonechosen-Ben-Bateman.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Alpharael-Stonechosen-Ben-Bateman.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Alpharael-Stonechosen-Ben-Bateman-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Famished-Worldsire-PC-Gamer.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158727" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Famished-Worldsire-PC-Gamer.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Famished-Worldsire-PC-Gamer.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Famished-Worldsire-PC-Gamer-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fell-Gravship-Rebell-Lily.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158728" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fell-Gravship-Rebell-Lily.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fell-Gravship-Rebell-Lily.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fell-Gravship-Rebell-Lily-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Possibility-Technician-StarCityGames.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158729" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Possibility-Technician-StarCityGames.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Possibility-Technician-StarCityGames.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Possibility-Technician-StarCityGames-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Scout-for-Survivors-Tom-Lum.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158730" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Scout-for-Survivors-Tom-Lum.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Scout-for-Survivors-Tom-Lum.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Scout-for-Survivors-Tom-Lum-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Dominion-Bracelet-Ethan-Fleischer.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158731" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Dominion-Bracelet-Ethan-Fleischer.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Dominion-Bracelet-Ethan-Fleischer.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Dominion-Bracelet-Ethan-Fleischer-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Umbral-Collar-Zealot-Anna-Margaret.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158732" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Umbral-Collar-Zealot-Anna-Margaret.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Umbral-Collar-Zealot-Anna-Margaret.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Umbral-Collar-Zealot-Anna-Margaret-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a></p>
<p>Very cool, indeed!</p>
<h2>"Counter Intelligence" Commander Precon</h2>
<p>Additionally, the YouTube channel Elder Dragon Hijinks revealed the contents of the "Counter Intelligence" precon from <em>Edge of Eternities</em> Commander. You can watch that video below.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Counter Intelligence Full Deck Reveal | The BEST Artifact Value Engine! | Edge of Eternities MTG" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Swjj0JGhFco?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>But why stop there? The new cards the YouTubers revealed are just below this line of text!</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depthshaker-Titan.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158733" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depthshaker-Titan.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depthshaker-Titan.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depthshaker-Titan-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glittering-Massif.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158734" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glittering-Massif.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glittering-Massif.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glittering-Massif-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Insight-Engine.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158735" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Insight-Engine.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Insight-Engine.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Insight-Engine-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Long-Range-Sensor.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158736" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Long-Range-Sensor.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Long-Range-Sensor.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Long-Range-Sensor-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Moxite-Refinery.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158737" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Moxite-Refinery.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Moxite-Refinery.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Moxite-Refinery-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Patrolling-Peacemaker.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158738" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Patrolling-Peacemaker.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Patrolling-Peacemaker.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Patrolling-Peacemaker-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Radiant-Summit.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158739" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Radiant-Summit.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Radiant-Summit.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Radiant-Summit-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Solar-Array.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158740" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Solar-Array.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Solar-Array.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Solar-Array-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Surge-Conductor.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158741" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Surge-Conductor.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Surge-Conductor.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Surge-Conductor-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Uthros-Research-Craft.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-158742" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Uthros-Research-Craft.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Uthros-Research-Craft.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Uthros-Research-Craft-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a></p>
<p>Notably, the two lands in this batch of previews, Glittering Massif and Radiant Summit, are part of Wizards of the Coast's efforts to finish a few unfinished land cycles. You can see more of these in <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/best-edge-of-eternities-spoilers-for-wednesday-july-9th/">yesterday's batch of previews</a>, where we showcased <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vernal Fen" href="#" target="_blank">Vernal Fen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Festering Thicket" href="#" target="_blank">Festering Thicket</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<p>That about wraps up our coverage of today's previews! The set is shaping up to look quite awesome. Would you agree? Furthermore, do any of the new cards entice you for any of your existing decks? Alternatively, do any of the legendary creatures and Spacecraft in the set make you want to build something new? Sound off below!</p>
<p>Finally, stay tuned tomorrow for our exclusive preview, going live at 11 AM Pacific Time (2 PM Eastern)! In the meantime, if you want to keep track of our previous preview recaps, you can find those below as well.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/best-edge-of-eternities-spoilers-from-tuesday-july-8th">Day 1</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/best-edge-of-eternities-spoilers-for-wednesday-july-9th/">Day 2</a></strong></p>


Best Edge of Eternities Spoilers From Thursday, July 10th

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Knuckles the Echidna" href="#" target="_blank">Knuckles the Echidna</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.tylerwalpole.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler Walpole</a></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another deck tech; I'm <a href="http://linktr.ee/commandzoe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Command Zoe</a>. This time we're going to be looking at one of the new commanders from the <em>Sonic Secret Lair</em>, Knuckles the Echidna! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Knuckles is a fan favorite character from the original Sega Genesis games; he was a rival of Sonic before teaming up with him in a later installment. I'm excited to show you this list I brewed up, but first let's take a look at him</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Knuckles the Echidna"></div></div></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Get it? He's the keeper of the Master Emerald, so he cares about rocks!<br />
Anyway, that's why I'm running Mox Emerald in here — that's cool right?</em></p>
<h3>What Does Knuckles the Echidna Do?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Knuckles is a straightforward but incredibly powerful commander. He has three keywords that work well with each other, he grants all his controller's creatures the ability to create Treasure tokens upon dealing combat damage to a player, and then he has an upkeep trigger that wins the game with thirty artifacts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The idea of the design is to have him hit the board and immediately generate two Treasures using a combination of haste and double strike, with trample on there to guarantee he doesn't get chump-blocked. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With only two power, he's not dealing a ton of damage, but that doesn't matter because the goal is to win Treasure tokens on the upkeep trigger.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are three other mono-red commanders that care about Treasure tokens: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer" href="#" target="_blank">Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magda, Brazen Outlaw" href="#" target="_blank">Magda, Brazen Outlaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magda, the Hoardmaster" href="#" target="_blank">Magda, the Hoardmaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both Magdas come with some sort of payoff for those Treasures, but none of them are quite as powerful as "win the game". </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Knuckles probably wont be able to reach the high-highs of Brazen Outlaw, which is a cEDH deck, but he is a fun card with a very powerful effect, which would be perfect for any of brackets 2, 3, or 4.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This Knuckles deck is going to be within Bracket 3. It technically has three extra turn spells in cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Final Fortune" href="#" target="_blank">Final Fortune</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but it can't chain them. They're only in the deck to be able to trigger Knuckles' upkeep-ability immediately.</span></p>
<h2>Key Cards for Knuckles the Echidna</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The main win condition in this deck is quite obviously Knuckles' second ability, so we want to rush up to twenty-nine total permanents on the board then cast both key card of the deck: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mycosynth Lattice" href="#" target="_blank">Mycosynth Lattice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following that up with an extra turn spell will allow an instant win off of Knuckles when the turn rolls over to the next upkeep. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to these, two keys to the deck are the tutors to get them out. Everything else is there to push the board to thirty permanents.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Final Fortune"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warrior&#039;s Oath"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Last Chance"></div></div><br />
<em>This is still technically bracket two because I'm not-<br />
What are you all doing with those torches and pitchforks?</em></p>
<p>To help get there the deck has <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckless Handling" href="#" target="_blank">Reckless Handling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inventors&#039; Fair" href="#" target="_blank">Inventors&#039; Fair</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Engineer" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Engineer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can be used in conjunction with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trash for Treasure" href="#" target="_blank">Trash for Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or either of Daretti's cards to get the Mycosynth Lattice out.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Matron" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Matron</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can play a game of telephone to get it out by searching for the Engineer first. It can also snag a Grenzo, Havoc Raiser in case more permanents are needed but none are in hand.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Daretti, Rocketeer Engineer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Daretti, Scrap Savant"></div></div><br />
<em>Both flavors work! Trade your Treasures for permanents that make more Treasures!<br />
</em></p>
<p>Instant board state cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brass&#039;s Bounty" href="#" target="_blank">Brass&#039;s Bounty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, can be extremely useful at making the final push to thirty cards.</p>
<p>Playing it along with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magda, Brazen Outlaw" href="#" target="_blank">Magda, Brazen Outlaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can go for infinite by snagging Lattice plus <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clock of Omens" href="#" target="_blank">Clock of Omens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Tap the Magda plus a Treasure to untap the Magda. Make a new Treasure, and use it infinitely. Then just sacrifice 5 Treasures at a time to spit the entire deck's permanents onto the battlefield, then finally win by sacrificing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anger" href="#" target="_blank">Anger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to a sac outlet and attacking with everything.</p>
<h2>How Does This Knuckles the Echidna Commander Deck Win?</h2>
<p>Getting to thirty permanents can be difficult, so there are some tricks to make a lot all at once.</p>
<p>With <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krark-Clan Ironworks" href="#" target="_blank">Krark-Clan Ironworks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> plus <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Song of Totentanz" href="#" target="_blank">Song of Totentanz</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hell to Pay" href="#" target="_blank">Hell to Pay</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, each artifact sacrificed will turn into two new permanents, effectively doubling the number on the board if there is a Lattice out.</p>
<p>There are a few other ways to do the same that take more set up, like adding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Xorn" href="#" target="_blank">Xorn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure Vault" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure Vault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to KCI, or using <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldspan Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Goldspan Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as the Treasure-doubler.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ancient Copper Dragon"></div></div><br />
<em>I just need to roll a 16 or better, but I don't have advantage...</em></p>
<p>In terms of alternate win conditions, there's only one, since the commander comes with its own "win the game" ability. However, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hellkite Tyrant" href="#" target="_blank">Hellkite Tyrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is strictly better in terms of how many permanents are needed, so it goes in the ninety-nine. Needing one third the number of permanents is too good to give up, and the theft ability is nothing to write off either.</p>
<h2>Knuckles the Echidna Commander Decklist</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Echidna Echinacea" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Knuckles the Echidna
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Academy Manufactor
*1 Ancient Copper Dragon
*1 Anger
*1 Bonehoard Dracosaur
*1 Daretti, Rocketeer Engineer
*1 Glóin, Dwarf Emissary
*1 Goblin Engineer
*1 Goblin Matron
*1 Goblin Welder
*1 Goldlust Triad
*1 Goldspan Dragon
*1 Grenzo, Havoc Raiser
*1 Hellkite Tyrant
*1 Magda, Brazen Outlaw
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
*1 Treasure Nabber
*1 Xorn
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Big Score
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Final Fortune
*1 Seething Song
*1 Unexpected Windfall
*1 Valakut Awakening // Valakut Stoneforge
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Brass&#039;s Bounty
*1 Hell to Pay
*1 Hit the Mother Lode
*1 Last Chance
*1 Reckless Handling
*1 Scrap Mastery
*1 Song of Totentanz
*1 Strike It Rich
*1 Trash for Treasure
*1 Warrior&#039;s Oath
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Clock of Omens
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Everflowing Chalice
*1 Expedition Map
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Fire Diamond
*1 Krark-Clan Ironworks
*1 Liquimetal Torque
*1 Lotus Petal
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mycosynth Lattice
*1 Phial of Galadriel
*1 Planar Atlas
*1 Prismatic Lens
*1 Ruby Medallion
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Star Compass
*1 The Reaver Cleaver
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Descent into Avernus
*1 Fable of the Mirror-Breaker // Reflection of Kiki-Jiki
*1 Guild Artisan
*1 Spiteful Banditry
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Chandra, Spark Hunter
*1 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
*1 Daretti, Scrap Savant
*1 Karn, Scion of Urza
*1 Koth, Fire of Resistance
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Darksteel Citadel
*1 Fomori Vault
*1 Fountainport
*1 Great Furnace
*1 Inventors&#039; Fair
*1 Mines of Moria
*19 Mountain
*1 Power Depot
*1 Scene of the Crime
*1 Sunken Citadel
*1 The Mycosynth Gardens
*1 Treasure Vault
*1 Urza&#039;s Cave
*1 Urza&#039;s Saga
*1 War Room
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to read this deck tech on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Knuckles the Echidna" href="#" target="_blank">Knuckles the Echidna</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I think he's quite a strong commander and has a lot of potential for upgrade into the Bracket 4 arena.</p>
<p>I had a lot of fun playing it; Treasures are a blast, and getting the win off of the extra turn felt incredible. I hope you get to give it a try yourself because it is such a blast to pilot. If you like making Treasures and scraping out value you will love this deck.</p>
<p>If you missed it make sure you check out my last <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/mog-moogle-warrior-commander-deck-tech">deck tech</a> on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mog, Moogle Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Mog, Moogle Warrior</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and be sure to follow me on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/commandzoe">twitch</a> where you can find me playing this deck sometimes.</p>


Knuckles the Echidna Commander Deck Tech

Building Armix and Gilanra as Partner Commanders

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giott, King of the Dwarves" href="#" target="_blank">Giott, King of the Dwarves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/johnthacker">John Thacker</a></h6>
<p>One of the more intriguing elements of Role-Playing Games such as <em>Final Fantasy</em> is the weapons, which offer endless amounts of customization of characters.</p>
<p>Some, such as the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buster Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Buster Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are iconic and representative of not just the Zanbatou (horse-cleaver blades) of Edo Japan but also the characters who wield them.</p>
<p>Each set seems to bring new ways for creatures to do battle based on the setting of the plane, from the fantastic to the mundane.</p>
<p>Someone has to make these items, and the creature type most commonly associated with making and wielding is Dwarves, where Giott reigns King.</p>
<p>Dwarves go way back to the early days of <em>Magic</em>, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magda, Brazen Outlaw" href="#" target="_blank">Magda, Brazen Outlaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> uniting the type and bringing it not only into the public but all the way into cEDH!</p>
<p>While Magda is a decent Dwarf lord, she's more notable for using them to make Treasures and then using those Treasures to tutor for artifacts and Dragons. She can use Dwarves to create some powerful lines, but she’s not a “true” Dwarf commander. Giott, however, has earned the title of King of the Dwarves for a reason. And yes, “King of the Dwarves” includes Magda.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Giott, King of the Dwarves"></div></div>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giott, King of the Dwarves" href="#" target="_blank">Giott, King of the Dwarves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<p>Giott is a 1/1 with double strike for Boros mana. He comes out quickly and can either lead from the front or sit back and accrue card advantage passively by looting when he, another Dwarf, or an Equipment enter, notably not limited to once a turn despite being an uncommon.</p>
<p>The ability to perform attacking, blocking, and reconnaissance ably lend credence to his claim as king. The aggressive cost allows Giott to make effective use of the rummaging, sculpting the hand early and often while remaining reasonable to cast throughout the game, even as commander tax accrues.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Koll, the Forgemaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bruenor Battlehammer"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Koll, the Forgemaster" href="#" target="_blank">Koll, the Forgemaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruenor Battlehammer" href="#" target="_blank">Bruenor Battlehammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both Dwarf commanders that care about Equipment and could lay a claim to being better Dwarf Equipment commanders than Giott. They, however, lean further into the Equipment part and just happen to be Dwarves.</p>
<p>Koll, in particular, is better with Equipment that enter equipped to tokens, such as those with living weapon. Bruenor, on the other hand, pumps equipped creatures and reduces the cost of equipping. Neither carry the Equipment well, however, so both are unable to lead from the front like Giott.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Depala, Pilot Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Depala, Pilot Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is able to lead from the front, and she even acts as a lord for Dwarves, but she focuses on Vehicles instead of Equipment. While there is space for a Dwarf Vehicle deck, especially one that uses Vehicles to tap creatures for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magda, Brazen Outlaw" href="#" target="_blank">Magda, Brazen Outlaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it would go against the traditional lore of Dwarves as mountainfolk and forgemasters, which is cool but less established.</p>
<p>Giott reigns king because of his aggressive cost and ability to play offense, defense, and card velocity engine. It’s rare to find all of these in an aggressively costed package, and even rarer in a kindred package, making Giott a hidden gem of the <em>Final Fantasy</em> set.</p>
<p>Dwarves occupy an odd space in the kindred world, as they want Equipment, but heavy Equipment decks tend to lean towards singularly powerful threats, such as the ones created in Voltron decks. Giott needs help to become that big, but the double strike accentuates every Equipment he racks up.</p>
<p>Since he’s not that big, however, Giott is just as happy to build up a weapons storehouse and suit up his brethren, taking up their arms only after they’ve fallen.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giott, King of the Dwarves" href="#" target="_blank">Giott, King of the Dwarves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Priest of Ancient Lore"></div></div>
<p>Giott is the rare case where he needs two different categories of cards to work together and form a cohesive offensive strategy.</p>
<p>Thankfully, his rummaging gives him the card velocity and selection needed to bridge the two. Dwarves and Equipment are also flexible enough that they can serve multiple roles.</p>
<p>For example, the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruenor Battlehammer" href="#" target="_blank">Bruenor Battlehammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>’s cost reduction of equip abilities behaves as additional ramp and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Priest of Ancient Lore" href="#" target="_blank">Priest of Ancient Lore</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a Dwarf that gains life and draws a card when it enters, which helps increase the options for future rummaging.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bearded Axe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Trailblazer&#039;s Boots"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Maul of the Skyclaves"></div></div>
<p>Dwarves tend to have middling stats, with some being aggressively costed small creatures with relevant abilities, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reyav, Master Smith" href="#" target="_blank">Reyav, Master Smith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>’s 2/2 for two that gives double strike to attacking equipped creatures, and some being higher-costed and power-heavy, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruenor Battlehammer" href="#" target="_blank">Bruenor Battlehammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>’s 5/3 for four mana.</p>
<p>As a result, our secondary synergy category consists of Equipment that increase power, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bearded Axe" href="#" target="_blank">Bearded Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, provide evasion, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trailblazer&#039;s Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Trailblazer&#039;s Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or combine the two, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Maul of the Skyclaves" href="#" target="_blank">Maul of the Skyclaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can even auto-equip itself!</p>
<p>These pieces provide the punch needed to break through the inevitable board stalls that occur when small Boros creatures meet big green beasties.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prying Blade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Beamtown Beatstick"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Diamond Pick-Axe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goldvein Pick"></div></div>
<p>One of the benefits of Equipment is that they have been featured so many times in so many sets and at so many rarities that they're flexible enough to perform a variety of tasks.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prying Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Prying Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beamtown Beatstick" href="#" target="_blank">Beamtown Beatstick</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Diamond Pick-Axe" href="#" target="_blank">Diamond Pick-Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldvein Pick" href="#" target="_blank">Goldvein Pick</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all functional reprints, each of which makes Treasure tokens when the creature connects, which doubles when the creature has double strike, such as Giott’s natural combat ability and Reyav’s universal ability.</p>
<p>These double triggers help to power out the deck’s more explosive turns: as any combo player can attest, a steady stream of mana and cards are the bread and butter, with payoff cards as the meat!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Infiltration Lens"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glimmer Lens"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mask of Memory"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of functional reprints that trigger on combat, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Infiltration Lens" href="#" target="_blank">Infiltration Lens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glimmer Lens" href="#" target="_blank">Glimmer Lens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mask of Memory" href="#" target="_blank">Mask of Memory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> all draw or loot with similar timing.</p>
<p>That may seem a bit excessive, given our commander’s ability to rummage, and this is where the deck’s customization can come in. In an unknown playgroup (which is what I build these decks for), I tend to lean towards less interaction, a lower power level, and a more linear strategy.</p>
<p>I also like to plan for the commander to be unavailable, due to excessive commander tax, oppressive static abilities, or other adverse situations.</p>
<p>As a result, a small draw dedicated draw package helps the deck draw through land pockets, fix mana, and find action, although these ten cards could be cut in favor of removal, interaction, or even a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> package.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunforger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Citizen&#039;s Crowbar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dispatch"></div></div>
<p>Removal, interaction, or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> package would make the deck more skill-intensive and more custom to a given playgroup, which is why the current incarnation eschews them.</p>
<p>There are some Equipment that can double as removal, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Citizen&#039;s Crowbar" href="#" target="_blank">Citizen&#039;s Crowbar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which would maintain the deck’s ratio while sneaking in a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Naturalize" href="#" target="_blank">Naturalize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Interaction such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Path to Exile" href="#" target="_blank">Path to Exile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dispatch" href="#" target="_blank">Dispatch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can deal with the large creatures that can brick wall our smaller Dwarves, and can even slot into a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> package.</p>
<p>The <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> package would consist of the titular card plus nine instants to tutor up. The ability to tutor up those nine cards is a powerful one, but it makes decisions difficult, including our rummaging, as we don’t want to draw the tutorable cards and we risk reducing the amount of live targets it can find.</p>
<h2>How Does This <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giott, King of the Dwarves" href="#" target="_blank">Giott, King of the Dwarves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Commander Deck Win?</h2>
<p>This Giott deck looks to flood the board with Equipment and Dwarves and then punch through damage. It's very much an aggro-combo deck looking to attack early and often while opponents are setting up.</p>
<p>Our curve is relatively low, and we can easily cast multiple spells in the same turn. Equip costs, multi-spelling, and commander tax all provide reasons to run extra lands.</p>
<h2>Giott, King of the Dwarves Commander Decklist</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Giott, King of the Dwarves Commander Deck Tech" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Giott, King of the Dwarves
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Aerial Responder
*1 Axgard Cavalry
*1 Bruenor Battlehammer
*1 Digsite Engineer
*1 Duergar Hedge-Mage
*1 Dwarven Bloodboiler
*1 Dwarven Castle Guard
*1 Dwarven Recruiter
*1 Fairgrounds Warden
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 Glóin, Dwarf Emissary
*1 Hammers of Moradin
*1 Hofri Ghostforge
*1 Insufferable Balladeer
*1 Koll, the Forgemaster
*1 Magda, Brazen Outlaw
*1 Plundering Barbarian
*1 Priest of Ancient Lore
*1 Restoration Specialist
*1 Reyav, Master Smith
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Tataru Taru
*1 Toolcraft Exemplar
*1 Torbran, Thane of Red Fell
*1 Warchanter Skald
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Basilisk Collar
*1 Beamtown Beatstick
*1 Bearded Axe
*1 Bloodforged Battle-Axe
*1 Buster Sword
*1 Celestial Armor
*1 Colossus Hammer
*1 Conjurer&#039;s Mantle
*1 Diamond Pick-Axe
*1 Dwarven Hammer
*1 Gimli&#039;s Axe
*1 Glimmer Lens
*1 Goldvein Pick
*1 Hammer of Nazahn
*1 Heirloom Blade
*1 Hoard Hauler
*1 Infiltration Lens
*1 Leyline Axe
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mask of Memory
*1 Maul of the Skyclaves
*1 Paradise Mantle
*1 Prying Blade
*1 Rogue&#039;s Gloves
*1 Shadowspear
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Sword of the Animist
*1 The Reaver Cleaver
*1 Trailblazer&#039;s Boots
*1 Two-Handed Axe // Sweeping Cleave
*1 Zephyr Boots
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Open the Armory
*1 Steelshaper&#039;s Gift
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*20 Mountain
*20 Plains
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>This is an aggressive kindred deck, aiming to attack early and often. We don’t need much setup; we want to attack opponents while they are setting up.</p>
<p>We have some ways to punch through damage and break board stalls, as well as to rummage through our library using our commander’s passive ability.</p>
<p>How would you use those final slots? Would you want extra velocity, removal, interaction, or a Sunforger package?</p>


Giott, King of the Dwarves Deck Tech

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barret, Avalanche Leader" href="#" target="_blank">Barret, Avalanche Leader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/janaschirmer">Jana Shirmer</a> and <a href="https://www.iamag.co/the-art-of-mathias-verhasselt/">Matthias Verhasselt</a></h6>
<p>Hi there, and welcome to part three of building around interesting new commanders from <em>Final Fantasy</em>! Just like last time, we're here to...</p>
<ul>
<li>Highlight interesting gameplan(s) for a <em>Final Fantasy</em> commander</li>
<li>Build a budget-friendly (~$40) "Core" power level deck following these plans</li>
<li>Work through important card categories and discuss notable inclusions</li>
<li>Include a decklist and a deck checklist</li>
<li>Go through mid-budget upgrades (&lt;=$20 per card) as options to invest more into this strategy.</li>
</ul>
<p>For this week, let's take a look chosen <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barret, Avalanche Leader" href="#" target="_blank">Barret, Avalanche Leader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. He's quite a character, described as an <a href="https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Barret_Wallace">eco-terrorist with a grudge, equipped with a gun-arm for long range attacks</a> (I guess that's why he has reach!).</p>
<p>Barret offers a classic "Equipment matters" strategy usually reserved for Boros commanders, but in Gruul colors instead.</p>
<h2>What does Barret, Avalanche Leader Do?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Barret, Avalanche Leader"></div></div>
<p>Beyond the reach made possible by his modified arm-that's-now-a-gun, Barret has two main abilities.</p>
<p>First, whenever an Equipment we control enters, it comes with a 2/2 red Rebel friend. Second, we get a free equip to a Rebel each turn when moving to combat.</p>
<h2>The Gameplan(s)</h2>
<p>With these abilities in mind, let's think about what kind of Equipment to build around. Barret's first ability incentivizes us to prioritize low-mana value Equipment, while his second ability works best when making high equip costs free instead.</p>
<p><a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=id%3C%3Drg+legal%3Acommander+usd%3C2+t%3Aequipment+cmc%3C3+%28fo%3A%22equip+%7B4%7D%22+or+fo%3A%22equip+%7B5%7D%22+or+fo%3A%22equip+%7B6%7D%22+or+fo%3A%22equip+%7B7%7D%22+or+fo%3A%22equip+%7B8%7D%22+or+fo%3A%22equip+%7B9%7D%22+or+fo%3A%22equip+%7B10%7D%22%29&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=cmc&amp;dir=asc">Here's</a> what I searched to find budget-friendly Equipment around 2 mana value and 4 equip cost. As you may have already guessed, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the poster child for this kind of Equipment.</p>
<p>We'll combine this low-cost, high-equip core with other Equipment-matters cards, artifact/token-centric mana production, and thematic disruption and card advantage.</p>
<p>Put it all together and we'll overrun opponents with a Rebel army wielding all sorts of exciting weaponry!</p>
<h2>The Equipment</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Greataxe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ogre&#039;s Cleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wrecking Ball Arm"></div></div>
<p>As mentioned above, low-mana value, high-equip cost Equipment are exactly what this deck is all about, whether it's cheap/free ways to create more Rebels like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Accorder&#039;s Shield" href="#" target="_blank">Accorder&#039;s Shield</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodforged Battle-Axe" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodforged Battle-Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, disruptive Equipment like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chainsaw" href="#" target="_blank">Chainsaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rock" href="#" target="_blank">Rock</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> tokens, ramp from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Diamond Pick-Axe" href="#" target="_blank">Diamond Pick-Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldvein Pick" href="#" target="_blank">Goldvein Pick</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or having a keyword bonanza with <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> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Vengeance" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Vengeance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>A deck focused on Equipment often struggles with two issues:</p>
<ol>
<li>What happens if we have all Equipment and nothing to attach it to?</li>
<li>When the game state changes, how can we both spend mana moving Equipment around and still be able to cast new cards?</li>
</ol>
<p>Fortunately, Barret solves both of these problems for us at once!</p>
<div>
<h2>Equipment Matter</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firion, Wild Rose Warrior"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oxidda Finisher"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rebel Salvo"></div></div>
<p>Having a high Equipment density opens us up to these possibilities:</p>
<ul>
<li>Doubling up on our commander's token-making ability with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chishiro, the Shattered Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Chishiro, the Shattered Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li>Reattaching Equipment for free or cheap with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blacksmith&#039;s Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Blacksmith&#039;s Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhuk, Hexgold Nabber" href="#" target="_blank">Rhuk, Hexgold Nabber</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldwardens&#039; Gambit" href="#" target="_blank">Goldwardens&#039; Gambit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (note the built-in Rebel synergies!)</li>
<li>Dealing tons of direct damage to our opponents with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Judgment Bolt" href="#" target="_blank">Judgment Bolt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or another version of our commander's character – <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barret Wallace" href="#" target="_blank">Barret Wallace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Quick aside... you know when you are teaching a new player <em>Magic </em>and they inevitably tap their Equipment when they attack and you kind of let it slide because it doesn't really matter... but you let them know it <em>technically </em>could matter at some point?</p>
<p>Well, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Meria, Scholar of Antiquity" href="#" target="_blank">Meria, Scholar of Antiquity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghirapur Aether Grid" href="#" target="_blank">Ghirapur Aether Grid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bottle-Cap Blast" href="#" target="_blank">Bottle-Cap Blast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> showcase this intricacy very well, allowing us to get extra value out of our Equipment beyond powering up our creatures.</p>
</div>
<div>
<h2>Equipment Token Shenanigans</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bludgeon Brawl"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Golem-Skin Gauntlets|MRD|181"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stangg, Echo Warrior"></div></div>
<p>This is where things get a little wild. Importantly, Barret (and Chishiro!) care about Equipment <em>entering</em>, not being cast. This mean that cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dan Lewis" href="#" target="_blank">Dan Lewis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gemcutter Buccaneer" href="#" target="_blank">Gemcutter Buccaneer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bludgeon Brawl" href="#" target="_blank">Bludgeon Brawl</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> combine with our commander to supplement each <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure|TFIN|23" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (and often other noncreature artifacts) we create with a 2/2 Rebel.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bludgeon Brawl" href="#" target="_blank">Bludgeon Brawl</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in particular is also amazing at turning artifact tokens into a bunch of "Equipment" with Equip <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-0" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, leading to fun interactions with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Champion of the Flame" href="#" target="_blank">Champion of the Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valduk, Keeper of the Flame" href="#" target="_blank">Valduk, Keeper of the Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Golem-Skin Gauntlets" href="#" target="_blank">Golem-Skin Gauntlets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Throw <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prosperous Bandit" href="#" target="_blank">Prosperous Bandit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stangg, Echo Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Stangg, Echo Warrior</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> into the mix, and things start to get really out of hand!</p>
<h2>Mass Disruption</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Keen-Eyed Curator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Storm the Citadel"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Decimate"></div></div>
<p>This color combo isn't exactly <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> control when it comes to the ability for mass removal and disruption (quite the opposite, in fact!).</p>
<p>With that being said, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Confluence" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Confluence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Burn Down the House" href="#" target="_blank">Burn Down the House</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are flexible removal, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keen-Eyed Curator" href="#" target="_blank">Keen-Eyed Curator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> represents graveyard disruption that is great at wearing Equipment, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Decimate" href="#" target="_blank">Decimate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an old-school classic, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm the Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Storm the Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ties in great with our "go-wide" subtheme.</p>
</div>
<div>
<h2>Decklist</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Barret, Avalanche Leader" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Barret, Avalanche Leader
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Accorder&#039;s Shield
*1 Adaptive Omnitool
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Blackblade Reforged
*1 Bloodforged Battle-Axe
*1 Chainsaw
*1 Colossus Hammer
*1 Diamond Pick-Axe
*1 Dragonwing Glider
*1 Goldvein Pick
*1 Golem-Skin Gauntlets
*1 Greataxe
*1 Hexgold Halberd
*1 Idol of Oblivion
*1 Loxodon Warhammer
*1 Masterwork of Ingenuity
*1 Stoneforge Masterwork
*1 Ogre&#039;s Cleaver
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of Vengeance
*1 Talisman of Impulse
*1 The Irencrag
*1 Wrecking Ball Arm
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Ace, Fearless Rebel
*1 Barret Wallace
*1 Chameleon Colossus
*1 Champion of the Flame
*1 Chishiro, the Shattered Blade
*1 Dan Lewis
*1 Firion, Wild Rose Warrior
*1 Gemcutter Buccaneer
*1 Glóin, Dwarf Emissary
*1 Jaheira, Friend of the Forest
*1 Keen-Eyed Curator
*1 Meria, Scholar of Antiquity
*1 Mister Gutsy
*1 Owlbear Shepherd
*1 Oxidda Finisher
*1 Professor Hojo
*1 Prosperous Bandit
*1 Quicksmith Genius
*1 Reckless Fireweaver
*1 Red XIII, Proud Warrior
*1 Rhuk, Hexgold Nabber
*1 Rose Room Treasurer
*1 Stangg, Echo Warrior
*1 Taurean Mauler
*1 Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith
*1 Valduk, Keeper of the Flame
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Blacksmith&#039;s Talent
*1 Bludgeon Brawl
*1 Ghirapur Aether Grid
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Daretti, Scrap Savant
[/Planeswalkers]
[Instants]
*1 Bottle-Cap Blast
*1 Judgment Bolt
*1 Rebel Salvo
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Burn Down the House
*1 Decimate
*1 Fiery Confluence
*1 Goldwardens&#039; Gambit
*1 Shamanic Revelation
*1 Storm the Citadel
*1 Stump Stomp // Burnwillow Clearing
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*7 Forest
*1 Karplusan Forest
*1 Kessig Wolf Run
*1 Lindblum, Industrial Regency // Mage Siege
*1 Mines of Moria
*1 Mosswort Bridge
*13 Mountain
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Raging Ravine
*1 Rootbound Crag
*1 Scavenger Grounds
*1 Slagwoods Bridge
*1 Spinerock Knoll
*1 Treasure Vault
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Deck Checklist</h2>
<ul>
<li>49 mana sources (36 lands, 6 Treasure-based ramp, 4 mana rocks, 2 misc., 1 MDFC)</li>
<li>36 cards that are, create, or care about Equipment</li>
<li>11 card draw/selection/recursion</li>
<li>8 targeted disruption</li>
<li>7 mass disruption</li>
</ul>
<h2>Mid-Budget Upgrades</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Reaver Cleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Belt of Giant Strength"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silkguard"></div></div>
<p>There are a <em>lot </em>of on-theme Equipment and related cards that can improve this deck, while still staying below a $20 price tag for each.</p>
<p>If you're interesting in improving your ramp that synergizes with Barret, try:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kodama of the West Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Kodama of the West Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paradise Mantle" href="#" target="_blank">Paradise Mantle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dowsing Dagger" href="#" target="_blank">Dowsing Dagger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of the Animist" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of the Animist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><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> (another card to supplement the "Equipment token" strategy mentioned above!)</li>
</ul>
<p>If you want to focus on Equipment that improves your card advantage/token creation, try:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blade of Selves" href="#" target="_blank">Blade of Selves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cori-Steel Cutter" href="#" target="_blank">Cori-Steel Cutter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>If you are interested in raw power, try:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Belt of Giant Strength" href="#" target="_blank">Belt of Giant Strength</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Excalibur, Sword of Eden" href="#" target="_blank">Excalibur, Sword of Eden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (note: Barret's attach ability means you can put this on any Rebel!)</li>
</ul>
<p>To improve your disruption and protection suite, try:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vandalblast" href="#" target="_blank">Vandalblast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><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></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silkguard" href="#" target="_blank">Silkguard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conqueror&#039;s Flail" href="#" target="_blank">Conqueror&#039;s Flail</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenge the Stats</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Konda&#039;s Banner"></div></div>
<p>I don't see this card on Barret's page yet (disclaimer: there are only about 140 decks logged so far, so a very small sample size).</p>
<p>With that being said, this is my early "Challenge the Stats" pick, pumping all Rebel tokens by +2/+2 when attached to Barret.</p>
</div>
<div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>So there you have it, a low-budget Core deck inspired by one of the many new commanders from <em>Final Fantasy</em>.</p>
<p>Can you see any other cards that fit well into this strategy? Sound off in the comments below! Thanks for reading, and see you next time when <em>Edge of Eternities </em>previews begin.</p>
</div>


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