Commander Spotlight: Betor, Ancestor's Voice

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vampiric Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Vampiric Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| art by <a href="https://raymondswanland.com/">Raymond Swanland</a></h6>
<h6></h6>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Game Changing Cards</h2>
<h6 style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-149401" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one.png" alt="" width="1580" height="784" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one.png 1580w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one-300x149.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one-1024x508.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one-768x381.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/This_one-1536x762.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1580px) 100vw, 1580px" /></a></h6>
<p><a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/introducing-commander-brackets-beta">Officially</a>, they are defined by Gavin Verhey as "allowing players to run away with resources, shift games in ways that many players dislike, block people from play, efficiently search for their strongest cards, or have commanders that tend to take away from more casual games."</p>
<p>Players can self-regulate and find what works best for them when searching for a game that best suits them through this open-ended definition, but how can the average player determine what is game-changing on their own?</p>
<p>Two-Card Infinite Combos, Extra Turns, Mass Land Denial, and Tutors (for things other than lands... there's plenty to discuss about this later) are considered their own categories for a few reasons, with the most prominent being that the Game Changers List is meant to be easily accessible to new players and not a chore to complete when deckbuilding.</p>
<p>Instead of listing hundreds if not thousands of cards that are considered too warping, these subcategories are left open-ended with the same intent of allowing players to self-regulate.</p>
<p>But this abundance of interpretation challenges what it takes for something to undoubtedly be labeled a Game Changer and thus be limited to Brackets 3-5.</p>
<p>There is no question that the current 61 Game Changers are worthy of their status, but why not more? Verhey has been clear that the original 40 were identified out of convenience and that <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-brackets-beta-update-april-22-2025">the most recent additions</a> reflect what the community believes to be Game Changers, but these 61 set the tone for what is to be expected of a Game Changer.</p>
<p>What these cards share in common that sets them apart from the rest of the game is the heart of this problem, as the ability to identify this mysterious variable would help players understand why their Bracket 2 deck probably should not run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glacial Chasm" href="#" target="_blank">Glacial Chasm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gonti&#039;s Aether Heart"></div></div>
<h2>If You Hear Hooves, Think Horses, Not Zebras</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Griselbrand"></div></div>
<p>The easiest way to understand what distinguishes Game Changers from the majority of <em>Magic</em> cards is to first understand the distinction between Game Changers and cards on the <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list">Commander Ban List</a>. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Griselbrand" href="#" target="_blank">Griselbrand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul, the Aeons Torn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are banned due to at least one of the following: their raw power or their potential to be exploited.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the <em>only</em> legendary creature in existence that grants an immediate (and uncounterable) extra turn in the command zone, with next closest option being <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Medomai the Ageless" href="#" target="_blank">Medomai the Ageless</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>... not quite a far comparison.</p>
<p>This is insanely powerful on its own, and it does not require a player to expend much effort to exploit it. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could not reside in the 99 even as a Game Changer as its presence would ultimately define how a deck operates: a player running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> resolves and immediately neuters, if not eliminates, their biggest threat and assumes the role of archenemy. Verhey states that it <em>may</em> be possible for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to be unbanned and made a Game Changer as the Brackets mature, but now is not the time to make such a decision.</p>
<p>Similarly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Griselbrand" href="#" target="_blank">Griselbrand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is insanely valuable in a format where your starting life total is double that of the 60-card formats this card was originally designed for. If spending dozens of life points for dozens of cards wasn't warping enough, a player seeking to artificially draw value from an effect like "Pay 7 life: Draw seven cards" only needs to play cards worthy of being drawn; again, not exactly a hard choice to make. The closest legal comparison to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Griselbrand" href="#" target="_blank">Griselbrand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> would be <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necropotence" href="#" target="_blank">Necropotence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is already a Game Changer, but the steps necessary for exploiting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Griselbrand" href="#" target="_blank">Griselbrand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are far less demanding than the hoops required to jump through to break <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necropotence" href="#" target="_blank">Necropotence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>For every effort a player makes at exploiting these cards, they are compounding the already "game changing" effects these cards possess on their own.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Intuition"></div></div>
<p>What's important to understand is the difference between a card's raw power and how readily exploitable it is. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does not require any additional help to be too much for Commander, but what about cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">Thassa&#039;s Oracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>?</p>
<p>In a vacuum, the card is most valuable as a Merfolk or for its progress in building one's devotion in blue, since this is a vacuum without consideration for players that intend to win primarily through <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">The Oracle&#039;s</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> triggered ability, but clearly the card reserves its Game Changing status due to <em>how</em> it is played.</p>
<p>The vast majority of the time, players that run "<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">Thoracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>" do so to exploit its triggered ability upon entering the battlefield. So many players have done so that decks that run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">The Oracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are mainly higher power lists. One only needs to see the <a href="https://edhrec.com/cards/thassas-oracle">top commanders</a> to understand that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">The Oracle&#039;s</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> meta is evidence enough for its spot as a Game Changer.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-04-192603.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-147899" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-04-192603.png" alt="A list of Thassa's Oracle's top Commanders provided by EDHREC" width="1029" height="624" /></a></p>
<h2>The Changed, The Banned, And The Staples</h2>
<p>Okay, so the ban list consists of cards that are both too powerful on their own and/or too exploitative, or in other words too easily broken. The difference between these cards and Game Changers is that Game Changers, while strong, are labeled Game Changers with Commander's social setting in mind.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jeweled Lotus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dockside Extortionist"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhystic Study"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Orcish Bowmasters"></div></div>
<p>Game Changers instead experience a "soft ban", so to speak. In an attempt to allow social games of Commander remain social, Game Changers and the four subcategories are "banned" from Brackets 1-2, with Bracket 3 only allowing 3 Game Changers as well as excluding Mass Land Denial and Extra Turns.</p>
<p>Those that wish to be more social can do so without having "feel-bads" against less social decks, and vice versa. This metric works well as a blanket, but it's still difficult to take a given card in a typical Commander night and distinguish between a really good synergy and a Game Changer.</p>
<p>Perhaps it is necessary to adopt a similar approach to the problem just as the Bracket system has attempted: what is the intent behind the card?</p>
<p>The Bracket system is a tool to be used in good faith, meaning that a player and their playstyle are to be categorized based on what they intend to experience. Want to play a Commander deck where all of the cards' arts contain horses? Bracket 1.</p>
<p>Want to push colorless artifacts to the limit? Bracket 4. Similarly, how is a player playing a given card? Is the Bracket 2 player's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirkwood Bats" href="#" target="_blank">Mirkwood Bats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> just pure value or a serious threat? Honestly, just how powerful can <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arena" href="#" target="_blank">Arena</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> be in Bracket 5?</p>
<p>Examples like these highlight that a card's warping effects rely on both its inherent power alongside how it's being used. Sure, you could exploit <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fasting" href="#" target="_blank">Fasting</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as much as your heart desires, but... why would you? <em>How</em> could you? No matter how hard you try, it will absolutely never be as valuable as, say, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dryad Arbor" href="#" target="_blank">Dryad Arbor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grief"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anguished Unmaking"></div></div>
<p>Intent plays an important role in deciding whether a card or an effect is too warping. A player that intends to exploit <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin the Wary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and his frequent enters-/leaves-the-battlefield shenanigans can be found in Brackets 1-4, depending on how exploitative the player intends to play.</p>
<p>Is the player planning on winning the game by infinitely looping <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> somehow? Probably a higher Bracket deck as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is intended to be used as though it were a Game Changer. Is the player running a Warrior- and Coward-themed deck?</p>
<p>Probably a lower Bracket deck since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. A <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that is running a chaotic theme with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrambleverse" href="#" target="_blank">Scrambleverse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not necessarily as warping as a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that runs effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Purphoros, God of the Forge" href="#" target="_blank">Purphoros, God of the Forge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Emancipation" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Emancipation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>Follow The Yellow-Bracket Road</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sol Ring"></div></div>
<p>Exploring the Bracket System and its Game Changers is an important journey many players should engage with. Players who take the time to look at cards in the moment and appreciate how much of an effect they had on a game's course may learn that it is crucial to determine how strong a card is naturally and the potential to exploit it beyond what it could achieve on its own, both when playing against threats and building their own.</p>
<p>A player that understands what makes a card a Game Changer will be better equipped in their threat assessment and their ability to more strategically play their bombs, not only making them more likely to win but allowing for a more enjoyable Commander experience for the whole table.</p>
<p>But there's so much more to learn than just that! Should more cards be unbanned next year? Are the four subcategories effective in providing a desired play space? Will <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ever not be treated as the exception? This series will continue to dive into the nuances and minutiae that the new Bracket System presents, and in doing so explore the larger discussion surrounding Commander and how to be a better player both on and off the battlefield.</p>
<p>But what do you think? Found something important that was left out? Do you think that this approach fails in some way? Please, do tell! Commander is a social format after all, and its no fun practicing philosophy by yourself. Tune in next time to continue this deep dive in the Bracket system and more Commander Philosophy!</p>


Commander Philosophy - What Makes a Card a Game Changer?

Under the Radar - Silumgar, the Drifting Death

Adapting Your Decks to the Optimized Bracket 4

<p style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tayam, Luminous Enigma" href="#" target="_blank">Tayam, Luminous Enigma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art by <a href="https://www.samburley.com/">Sam Burley</a></p>
<p>Imagine this: You got incredibly hyped for <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm#cardlists"><em>Tarkir: Dragonstorm</em></a>, so you went to prerelease and left with prize packs on top of the bulk from another very nice player! However, it didn't end there... You also host a draft at your house and end up with even more boosters than you expected by the end of it.</p>
<p>One question keeps coming to your mind as that pile of bulk rapidly amasses... "What am I supposed to do with all of these cards?!"</p>
<p>Well, if you're me, you don't have to imagine this, because this is my reality. I currently have way more new singles on my hands than I was prepared for, but I'm not complaining! Since this set is so stacked from the commons up to the mythics, it got me thinking.</p>
<p>Was there a commander from <em>Magic's</em> past that synergizes perfectly some of the core mechanics from this set? Well, the answer to the question turned out to be a resounding yes!</p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Enter Tayam, Luminous Enigma</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tayam, Luminous Enigma"></div></div>
<p>Both the Sultai and Abzan clans have strong counter and graveyard synergies throughout the set. So, with that in mind, there was a commander that stood out among the rest when I was looking for the best headliner for this bulk fest!</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tayam, Luminous Enigma" href="#" target="_blank">Tayam, Luminous Enigma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives us access to three colors as well as a way to utilize both counters and the spells in your graveyard. This allowed me to find plenty of great cards in the main set to build towards a full 99, however we might need a little bit more glue to hold this thing together!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Decklist</h3>
<p>As you will see in the list below, there are fourteen cards from other sets that will help the deck become much more well-rounded, plus there's also a list of budget lands that can help fix your mana.</p>
<p>The best part about all of those outside inclusions is the fact that you could pick them up for about $14. On top of that, there's a good chance that you already own a few of those cards, since most of them are staples, or from recent sets!</p>
<p>The main gameplan for this deck is to build counters on your creatures and then cash them in for value with Tayam. New cards with the endure mechanic, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fortress Kin-Guard" href="#" target="_blank">Fortress Kin-Guard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, help you with building those counters or building up your ranks. Creatures with <em>Renew,</em> such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Champion of Dusan" href="#" target="_blank">Champion of Dusan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, allow you to exile them from your graveyard to put specific counters onto one of the key pieces on your board.</p>
<p>To assist those mechanics, the deck is filled with payoffs for having counters on your team, or helping you fill your graveyard so that you can recur something even more suited for whatever situation you're in.</p>
<p>So, take a look at the list down below, and then I'll highlight some of the best cards that can help this bulk deck put up a fight at most Commander tables!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Tayam, Luminous Enigma - Build A Budget Deck With Dragonstorm Bulk" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Tayam, Luminous Enigma
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Abzan Devotee
*1 Ainok Wayfarer
*1 Alchemist&#039;s Assistant
*1 Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage
*1 Armament Dragon
*1 Champion of Dusan
*1 Descendant of Storms
*1 Felothar, Dawn of the Abzan
*1 Feral Deathgorger // Dusk Sight
*1 Formation Breaker
*1 Fortress Kin-Guard
*1 Host of the Hereafter
*1 Hundred-Battle Veteran
*1 Kin-Tree Nurturer
*1 Krumar Initiate
*1 Lasyd Prowler
*1 Attuned Hunter
*1 Poised Practitioner
*1 Qarsi Revenant
*1 Rainveil Rejuvenator
*1 Reputable Merchant
*1 Sage of the Fang
*1 Sandskitter Outrider
*1 Sinkhole Surveyor
*1 Stalwart Successor
*1 Unburied Earthcarver
*1 Undergrowth Leopard
*1 Warden of the Grove
*1 Yathan Tombguard
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Knockout Maneuver
*1 Nature&#039;s Rhythm
*1 Rite of Renewal
*1 Roamer&#039;s Routine
*1 Synchronized Charge
*1 Worthy Cost
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Cruel Truths
*1 Duty Beyond Death
*1 Heritage Reclamation
*1 Lightfoot Technique
*1 Snakeskin Veil
*1 Wail of War
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Abzan Monument
*1 Herd Heirloom
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Barrensteppe Siege
*1 Encroaching Dragonstorm
*1 Revival of the Ancestors
*1 Static Snare
*1 Stormplain Detainment
*1 Hollowmurk Siege
[/Enchantments]
[Lands From the Set]
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Blossoming Sands
*1 Jungle Hollow
*1 Sandsteppe Citadel
*1 Scoured Barrens
*8 Swamp
*8 Forest
*3 Plains
[/Lands From the Set]
[Adds From Outside Sets]
*1 Trash the Town
*1 Revitalizing Repast // Old-Growth Grove
*1 Return of the Wildspeaker
*1 Damn
*1 Diresight
*1 Cankerbloom
*1 Song of Freyalise
*1 High-Society Hunter
*1 Stargaze
*1 Winding Constrictor
*1 Managorger Hydra
*1 Armored Scrapgorger
*1 Rishkar, Peema Renegade
*1 Wall of Roots
[/Adds From Outside Sets]
[Budget Lands to Include]
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Sungrass Prairie
*1 Caves of Koilos
*1 Necroblossom Snarl
*1 Scattered Grove
*1 Fortified Village
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Command Tower
*1 Deceptive Landscape
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Viridescent Bog
[/Budget Lands to Include]"></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Key Cards from Dragonstorm</h3>
<p>This deck's biggest strength is found in its counter synergies, so prioritizing engine pieces that stack those onto your team will be your main priority. The fact that your commander ensures you get at least one vigilance counter on any creature that enters under your control makes it very pivotal in your gameplan.</p>
<p>A few other cards in the deck that build up your board with counters is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warden of the Grove" href="#" target="_blank">Warden of the Grove</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barrensteppe Siege" href="#" target="_blank">Barrensteppe Siege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stalwart Successor" href="#" target="_blank">Stalwart Successor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felothar, Dawn of the Abzan" href="#" target="_blank">Felothar, Dawn of the Abzan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. After playtesting the deck, I can tell you not to be too precious about your counters as the game goes on.</p>
<p>Since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tayam, Luminous Enigma" href="#" target="_blank">Tayam, Luminous Enigma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can trade three of them in for a permanent in your graveyard, if you find yourself stalling out in the match, pull the trigger and recur a new value piece!</p>
<p>Some more cards from the main set that just hum in this deck are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hollowmurk Siege" href="#" target="_blank">Hollowmurk Siege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yathan Tombguard" href="#" target="_blank">Yathan Tombguard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, becoming powerful draw engines when paired with your counter stacked creatures.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duty Beyond Death" href="#" target="_blank">Duty Beyond Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightfoot Technique" href="#" target="_blank">Lightfoot Technique</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> act as both protection and fit in with all the other counter makers in your deck.</p>
<p>You even have strong game ending spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Synchronized Charge" href="#" target="_blank">Synchronized Charge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Revival of the Ancestors" href="#" target="_blank">Revival of the Ancestors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to assist with buffing your board for a big alpha strike!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Great Includes from Outside the Set</h3>
<p>Since most of the cards in the list are from a standard set, it needed a little help with the normal fruits and veggies that every deck needs: ramp, card draw, removal and a few more counter-centric pieces.</p>
<p>While you could still try to make this deck with only cards from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm"><em>Dragonstorm</em></a>, spending just a little bit more to pick up these fourteen cards will help you have a fighting chance against other bracket <em>2 Core</em>, and even bracket <em>3 Upgraded</em> matchups.</p>
<p>To assist with card draw we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Diresight" href="#" target="_blank">Diresight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stargaze" href="#" target="_blank">Stargaze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High-Society Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">High-Society Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> which will also help fill your graveyard with more reanimation targets for your commander. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Return of the Wildspeaker" href="#" target="_blank">Return of the Wildspeaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trash the Town" href="#" target="_blank">Trash the Town</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can put cards in your hand and/or add some additional punching power to the deck!</p>
<p>Synergistic ramp can be found with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rishkar, Peema Renegade" href="#" target="_blank">Rishkar, Peema Renegade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Song of Freyalise" href="#" target="_blank">Song of Freyalise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wall of Roots" href="#" target="_blank">Wall of Roots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Armored Scrapgorger" href="#" target="_blank">Armored Scrapgorger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In the case of those last two, they will generate mana, as well as counters; which your commander can then remove to bring something back from your graveyard.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winding Constrictor" href="#" target="_blank">Winding Constrictor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Managorger Hydra" href="#" target="_blank">Managorger Hydra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both huge counter-generating engines, which will allow your gameplan to snowball even faster. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Revitalizing Repast" href="#" target="_blank">Revitalizing Repast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> acts as more protection for the deck, as well as an additional land drop when you need it.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cankerbloom" href="#" target="_blank">Cankerbloom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't just give you the option to remove an opponent's pesky artifact or enchantment, but it can also proliferate all the counters on your board. Finally, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Damn" href="#" target="_blank">Damn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> acting as either targeted removal or a boardwipe when it's needed!</p>
<p>On top of those fourteen cards, you'll see I added a list of budget lands to assist you with your fixing, without breaking the bank. Even if you don't want to grab those exact singles, picking up a few solid dual lands will ensure you can cast all the spells you need to in this three-color deck.</p>
<h2>The Wrap Up!</h2>
<p>Well, I hope you enjoyed this trip through your bulk piles as much as I have. <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm">Dragonstorm</a>, </em>is an amazing set, and the fact that a huge percentage of this deck comes from the main set is just a testament to that! If you would like to test out the deck for yourself, as well as see the 'maybe' board for more possible includes, you can do that right <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/12578899/tayam_luminous_enigma_build_a_budget_deck_with_dragonstorm_bulk">here on my Archidekt</a>.</p>


Build a Tayam, Luminous Enigma Deck with Your Dragonstorm Bulk

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harmless Offering" href="#" target="_blank">Harmless Offering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| Art by <a href="https://www.howardlyon.com/illustration/proofs">Howard Lyon </a></h6>
<h1>Interaction in a game of Commander is difficult...</h1>
<p>There are three opponents, with their own boards, and own sets and sequences of interaction. You might be tapping out for an Insurrection or <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>, but someone might have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Obscuring Haze" href="#" target="_blank">Obscuring Haze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>We live in fear of someone having the answer, but sometimes we have the game, all interaction in hand to protect our win, but we still don't try to take the win. Some of the reasoning as to why can be broken up into: improper threat assessment and emotional burden.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Craterhoof Behemoth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Insurrection"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Obscuring Haze"></div></div>
<h2>Threat Assessment in MTG</h2>
<p><em>Magic: The Gathering</em> is a complicated game with tons of mechanics and points of interaction. Don't get me started with the stack and reverse priority order resolution.</p>
<p>This game is especially complex. Commander makes the game even more complicated with additional players and a more complex stack as they add interaction.</p>
<p>We are going to misplay. We are going to misread a card, forget a trigger, sequence poorly. Maybe we play a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lotus Cobra" href="#" target="_blank">Lotus Cobra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> after out land for turn and miss an extra mana. These aren't the kind of misplays I'm talking about.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lotus Cobra"></div></div>
<h3>Working Against the Rest of the Table</h3>
<p>I want to first talk about the kind of misplay where you correctly understand the board state and make a call that hinges on an accurate assessment of player intentions, or capabilities, and you get it wrong.</p>
<p>I'll set the scene. I'm playing against a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prossh, Skyraider of Kher" href="#" target="_blank">Prossh, Skyraider of Kher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 10 Kobolds, and they have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirkwood Bats" href="#" target="_blank">Mirkwood Bats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mahadi, Emporium Master" href="#" target="_blank">Mahadi, Emporium Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I've got an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Olivia, Crimson Bride" href="#" target="_blank">Olivia, Crimson Bride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in hand and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sheoldred, Whispering One" href="#" target="_blank">Sheoldred, Whispering One</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in grave. I also have an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eowyn, Fearless Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Eowyn, Fearless Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in hand and a 10/10 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher" href="#" target="_blank">Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I'm at 13 life.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Olivia, Crimson Bride"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheoldred, Whispering One"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher"></div></div>
<p>Do I remove the Mahadi or the Bats with the Eowyn and swing in for the damage, ending that player but leaving me open to the other opponent, or do reanimate the Sheoldred, strengthen my board, and hope the Prossh player doesn't have removal? Sometimes the incorrect assessment is not anticipating or banking on removal.</p>
<p>Don't play with your food. If you can eliminate a threat, you should bite down hard on it. I played this game and the Prossh player <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Assassin&#039;s Trophy" href="#" target="_blank">Assassin&#039;s Trophy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'d my Carmen so I didn't remove the Bats or the Mahadi and was dead to the sacrifices.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirkwood Bats"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prossh, Skyraider of Kher"></div></div>
<h3>Arrogance in Interactions</h3>
<p>Here is another situation we might get ourselves into. Imagine you're playing against a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghalta, Primal Hunger" href="#" target="_blank">Ghalta, Primal Hunger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which I do a lot. Imagine they play a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> one turn, then a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Tribe" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Tribe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, then a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tribute to the World Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Tribute to the World Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> then a Guardian Project the next.</p>
<p>You have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dihada, Binder of Wills" href="#" target="_blank">Dihada, Binder of Wills</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; and open mana. The other player has a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist" href="#" target="_blank">Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with three open mana. Everything the Ghalta player has is just mana and value with a creature entering. Nothing seems scary yet. Even if they play a creature right now I'm not the biggest threat.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tribute to the World Tree"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Generous Gift"></div></div>
<p>You know you should deal with that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tribute to the World Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Tribute to the World Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> but you're hoping the Hashaton is a bigger threat and you can hedge your bets that the damage is going that way, and the Hashaton player might remove it themselves.</p>
<p>This is a huge gamble. Removal is important and limited, but this feels like a big gamble. The Ghalta player could play their commander this turn and that's 12 trample damage.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghalta, Primal Hunger"></div></div>
<p>It's tough, but we can't let a threat like that lie, we can't toy around with present danger. Turns out the Hashaton player had nothing and the Ghalta came from me next turn.</p>
<p>I know threading the needle with when it absolutely essential moment to use removal, and that's a whole other article, but if you can remove a big value engine and stop snowballing effects you should instead of banking on others to handle it for you.</p>
<p>Also never assume opponents won't see you as a thread just because you aren't doing anything now. Possibility matter too.</p>
<h3>Pity and Underestimating the Other Players</h3>
<p>I know it seems like this should be in the emotional burden section, but the problem with this particular situation is that player will underestimate those they pity. Someone playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Titania, Protector of Argoth" href="#" target="_blank">Titania, Protector of Argoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, missing a few land drops shouldn't be underestimated.</p>
<p><em>It is a lands deck, I will catch up. I will make blockers. Get damage in on them ahead of time. Don't let them build up to becoming a threat.</em> We might think a few missed land drops will make them not a threat for a while, but we can be so wrong.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Titania, Protector of Argoth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ramunap Excavator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terramorphic Expanse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nissa, Resurgent Animist"></div></div>
<p>In a similar vein, don't underestimate a Voltron deck like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aurelia, the Warleader" href="#" target="_blank">Aurelia, the Warleader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, after a board wipe. Unless it's a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farewell" href="#" target="_blank">Farewell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, hitting artifacts and enchantments, graveyards, and creatures, they will rebuild and incredibly fast. Don't think little of those who are a little bit behind.</p>
<p>Depending on the deck, rebuilding and recovery might be easy. Improper assessment of when a player is behind and not a threat shouldn't be based on blanket statements, it should be an assessment of their deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aurelia, the Warleader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div></div>
<h2>Emotional Burden</h2>
<p>Sometimes we are compelled to not remove a threat or win a game because of the social pressures present in a game of Commander. We've all been in a situation where a win feels stinky or uncomfortable, and we lean into that feeling so much that we sandbag or throw. Feels bad to win that way sometimes, but are we helping as much as we think?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tivit, Seller of Secrets"></div></div>
<h3>Winners and Losers</h3>
<p>We all have someone in our playgroup who wins more than anyone else. It's not usually just because their decks are much stronger, but that they're an exceptional pilot of decks in general. They can threat assess well, manage triggers, and sequence very well. They aren't usually playing Bracket 5 at a Bracket 4 table.</p>
<p>There is sometimes a burden to being that winner. Sometimes you've won every game in a session of Commander on Saturday and you want to let your opponent's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reins of Power" href="#" target="_blank">Reins of Power</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> resolve.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reins of Power"></div></div>
<p>I don't know how others feel, but wins like this feel unearned. Finding out my opponent had interaction, but didn't play it, means that in actual fact, I didn't win. It also is a little condescending to let someone else win. Winning is something I would like to earn and it isn't the gift you think it is.</p>
<p>Players want to win on their own merit most of the time and finding out that you actually didn't feels bad. If the goal is to get rid of that bad feeling of constantly losing to the same player, sandbagging doesn't help.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Harmless Offering"></div></div>
<h3>Prolonged Enjoyment</h3>
<p>A deck can sometimes outperform your expectations. It can do the thing faster and more efficiently than before. You're having so much fun piloting, even when you're way ahead, and you don't want the fun to end.</p>
<p>You're taking a fifteen minute turn with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urabrask // The Great Work" href="#" target="_blank">Urabrask // The Great Work</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and you see the win in sight but you don't take it. You want other players to get a chance to go off, you want the game to continue.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Urabrask // The Great Work"></div></div>
<p>Once again, players like to win on their own merits. Finding out that you took a 15 minute turn, could win, and didn't win might even upset other players. They might want to shift to higher power level in a game two, but can't because you sandbagged your own power level.</p>
<p>Maybe they had interaction and could stop you, but you didn't give them the opportunity by not even playing the card. That's the tricky thing with, "I could have won." You never know what other players are holding up.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Swords to Plowshares"></div></div>
<h3>Excessive</h3>
<p>Lastly, decks can be annoying to get the win with, a complicated <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Food Chain" href="#" target="_blank">Food Chain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> stack or something. Maybe you don't want to go through the trouble.</p>
<p>Or maybe you can win, but you'd have to remove someone's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaalia of the Vast" href="#" target="_blank">Kaalia of the Vast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the sixth time. Or maybe you could win, but you'd have to kill the player who has been mana screwed all game. Maybe it will feel bad to win this way.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Food Chain"></div></div>
<p>I like to think that everyone playing Commander likes this game enough that the prospect of losing doesn't make the game unfun. We all grapple with loss when we play.</p>
<p>It's okay to face a loss to a complicated win or a uncomfortable piece of removal before your win. Some of us relish the opportunity to see a complex interaction. We like to learn the lines of an interaction so we can be prepared for it next time.</p>
<h1>Finding the Middle</h1>
<p>Ultimately, the point of this article is to let you know that when you have an opportunity to eliminate a threat effectively, you should probably take it. It's what's best for the feelings and ultimate conclusion to your games. I know it might feel bad sometimes, and the reading player's intentions are hard, but we have to attempt it if we want to remain competitive and learn new things.</p>
<p>Either way, talk about it with your pod; see how they feel about all these kinds of situations and get a pulse on what works for you all. If you want to argue with me about this I'm <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/strixhavendropout.bsky.social">@Strixhavendropout</a> on Blue Sky. Catch me there!</p>


Don't Play With Your Food: Social Interactions in Commander

Dueling Deck Techs: Brewing With Cantrips in Commander

 <p style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brago, King Eternal" href="#" target="_blank">Brago, King Eternal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art by <a href="https://www.karlaortizart.com/">Karla Ortiz</a></p> <p>Hello Everyone! I’m Levi from the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5n27ku41qleRMM7CKrWOh3">Thought Vessel Show</a>, and today I am very excited to debut a new series here at EDHREC called <em>Ten Under Twenty</em>, where we take a deep dive on a single commander and find those cards that are simply not getting the respect they deserve.</p> <p>You may find similarities between this series and the “Challenge the Stats” segment on EDHRECCast. The main difference is we are looking for several hidden gems for only one commander at a time. This week, we are looking at one of my favorite commanders of all time, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brago, King Eternal" href="#" target="_blank">Brago, King Eternal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p> <p>In order to qualify for this list, the card has to appear in less than 20% of decks here on EDHREC. This is a buffet-style list, meaning you can take whatever you like and leave whatever you don't.</p> <p>My goal here is to simply shine some light on some great cards that deserve some love. Let’s jump right in!</p> <h3>10.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Delney, Streetwise Lookout" href="#" target="_blank">Delney, Streetwise Lookout</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (11%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Delney, Streetwise Lookout"></div></div> <p>Starting out our list is an absolute beast of a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Panharmonicon" href="#" target="_blank">Panharmonicon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect in Delney, Streetwise Lookout. For starters, Delney’s first ability ensures that Brago cannot be blocked by creatures with power 3 or greater, which makes the chances of Brago being able to connect for damage almost a guarantee.</p> <p>Speaking of that trigger, the Brago blink effect is also copied, meaning you can flicker every nonland permanent you control twice per turn. And those creatures coming into play with power two or less will also have their triggered abilities doubled.</p> <p>Essentially, this means that one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wall of Omens" href="#" target="_blank">Wall of Omens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will draw four cards per turn. That’s an incredible amount of value.</p> <h3>9.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Mightstone and Weakstone" href="#" target="_blank">The Mightstone and Weakstone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (11%) </h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Mightstone and Weakstone"></div></div> <p>Being that this is the second half of the melded combination, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza, Planeswalker" href="#" target="_blank">Urza, Planeswalker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Mightstone and Weakstone" href="#" target="_blank">The Mightstone and Weakstone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> goes under the radar. This card can do plenty on its own without its other half, being repeatable ramp, card draw, and spot removal at the same time.</p> <p>In decks that are taking advantage of the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strionic Resonator" href="#" target="_blank">Strionic Resonator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> infinite combo, the mana can be used to activate the artifact and draw your entire deck at the same time.</p> <h3>8.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glen Elendra Archmage" href="#" target="_blank">Glen Elendra Archmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (11%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glen Elendra Archmage"></div></div> <p>In a deck like this, keeping Brago safe from removal is essential. If you can do that with the right pieces on board, you can take complete control of the game. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glen Elendra Archmage" href="#" target="_blank">Glen Elendra Archmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great protective tool.</p> <p>When <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glen Elendra Archmage" href="#" target="_blank">Glen Elendra Archmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is sacrificed, it comes back into play with a -1/-1 counter. When you blink it with Brago, that ability resets, and you can counter something else and keep <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glen Elendra Archmage" href="#" target="_blank">Glen Elendra Archmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> around. It becomes an extremely effective removal engine.</p> <h3>7.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Hearth and Home" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Hearth and Home</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (10%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Hearth and Home"></div></div> <p> This one is pretty simple compared to the rest of the list. Being able to protect Brago from removal spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swords to Plowshares" href="#" target="_blank">Swords to Plowshares</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beast Within" href="#" target="_blank">Beast Within</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can function like hexproof.</p> <p>Blink decks are also mana-hungry, so being able to get that extra land per turn can really add up if the game runs longer. Also, never underestimate being able to blink your best payoff one extra time per turn. Having a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Agent of Treachery" href="#" target="_blank">Agent of Treachery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to blink in play could make all the difference.</p> <h3>6.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blessed Sanctuary" href="#" target="_blank">Blessed Sanctuary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (7%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blessed Sanctuary"></div></div> <p>This one is more for the bracket two or bracket three style of lists. One of the biggest weaknesses of a blink-style deck is the lack of raw power to use in combat.</p> <p>If Brago were to come across a mono-green stompy deck that had the capability to prevent Brago from connecting with combat damage, this would be a tough spot to work from. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blessed Sanctuary" href="#" target="_blank">Blessed Sanctuary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> would protect against damage-based board wipes like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasphemous Act" href="#" target="_blank">Blasphemous Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and also provide a very steady flow of attackers or blockers in the 2/2 Unicorns it makes every time a nontoken creature enters. Off of a Brago trigger, that number could easily be 5–10 Unicorns without a lot of difficulty.</p> <h3>5.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elspeth Conquers Death" href="#" target="_blank">Elspeth Conquers Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (7%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elspeth Conquers Death"></div></div> <p>Sagas are a really neat inclusion in a Brago deck since Brago has the capability of blinking them and resetting their lore counters to keep them around. On chapter one, you get a very versatile removal spell for any big threats.</p> <p>When it gets to chapter two, you can consistently slow things down for your opponents by making spells cost two more mana. By chapter three, if you want to let it move toward chapter three, you can bring back your best creature or planeswalker from the graveyard to use again.</p> <h3>4.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Parting Gust" href="#" target="_blank">Parting Gust</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (6%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Parting Gust"></div></div> <p>It’s important in a blink deck to have removal that isn’t tied to a creature in the event that an opponent plays a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines" href="#" target="_blank">Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that can completely shut down our entire strategy. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Parting Gust" href="#" target="_blank">Parting Gust</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has the great ability to either be a removal spell or a single-target blink spell depending on what you need at the moment.</p> <h3>3.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scroll of Fate" href="#" target="_blank">Scroll of Fate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (5%) </h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scroll of Fate"></div></div> <p>This card is criminally underplayed. With a Brago trigger on the stack, you can manifest a card into play, which will be blinked and come in on the face-up side. This can allow us to cheat a high mana value card or combo piece without giving opponents the chance to counter the spell.</p> <p>At its floor, it can be used to manifest extra lands. Routinely, we can flash in a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Time Raveler" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Time Raveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to prevent players from casting spells on our turns. Since manifest is a more niche mechanic, this card is flying under the radar. Hopefully, that will change.</p> <h3>2.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plagon, Lord of the Beach" href="#" target="_blank">Plagon, Lord of the Beach</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (0.88%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Plagon, Lord of the Beach"></div></div> <p>For a super sleeper, we have Plagon, Lord of the Beach. Plagon allows us to draw a card for each creature you have that has a toughness greater than power. With Brago in play, this is a minimum of two cards per trigger.</p> <p>Since blink creatures are usually smaller and a good portion of them do, in fact, have greater toughness than power, Plagon can easily draw 5+ cards per turn. In a lesser capacity, you can also pay one mana to have Brago attack for four damage rather than two.</p> <p>1.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Raven’s Warning" href="#" target="_blank">The Raven’s Warning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (0.57%)</p> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Raven’s Warning"></div></div> <p>Our second saga on the list, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Raven’s Warning" href="#" target="_blank">The Raven’s Warning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is a great card for information. Initially, it will produce a 1/1 flying Bird with some life gain, which when repeated can actually be pretty effective. The second chapter lets you look at each opponent’s hand and draw cards.</p> <p>When playing a deck like this, being able to know the potential threats your opponents are hiding can make you borderline invincible. This card definitely scales with the skill of the pilot, but fair warning: this card does take a lot of time to resolve and can lead to a bit of analysis paralysis.</p> <h2>3 Cards You Don't Always Need for Brago</h2> <p>Now, with all these cards that I am suggesting, it can be intimidating to find cards to cut from the deck to make room. So, in our section, we’ll be looking at some cut candidates.</p> <p>These are good cards, showing up in over 50% of Brago decks here on EDHREC. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it's an undisputed auto-include. Let's start off with a blink staple.</p> <h3>1.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mulldrifter" href="#" target="_blank">Mulldrifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (59%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mulldrifter"></div></div> <p>Ah yes, the flying fish. Drawing two cards per entering the battlefield is indeed a strong ability. If you have a card in hand like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, you can actually get around the sacrifice portion of the evoke cost.</p> <p>However, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Mightstone and Weakstone" href="#" target="_blank">The Mightstone and Weakstone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plagon, Lord of the Beach" href="#" target="_blank">Plagon, Lord of the Beach</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> being on the list, we’re simply able to get more bang for the buck with these cards over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mulldrifter" href="#" target="_blank">Mulldrifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p> <p>Card advantage isn’t as much of a problem in a deck like Brago that has so many repeatable card advantage engines in the 99, and it’s good to look for cards that can wear multiple hats.</p> <h3>2.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reality Acid" href="#" target="_blank">Reality Acid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (53%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reality Acid"></div></div> <p>This is a card that I actually used to run in my personal Brago list. Being able to remove something for three mana repeatedly is a very solid effect. Since you can blink this card, the time counters running out really isn’t as big of an issue as it appears to be.</p> <p>It's also nice to have a removal spell that simply says “permanent” instead of “nonland permanent” or something even more restrictive. The downside of this card is that this is a leaves-the-battlefield ability instead of an enters-the-battlefield ability.</p> <p>This means that any type of ETB-doubling cards in the deck do not impact this card at all. Additionally, with a traditional removal ETB ability like on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Solitude" href="#" target="_blank">Solitude</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, this can be used twice in the turn it is cast. You also have to telegraph your next removal target by enchanting it without an effective way of using it again until your next turn.</p> <p>If the enchanted permanent can be removed by sacrificing, for example, then the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reality Acid" href="#" target="_blank">Reality Acid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is taken off the board without any real ability to stop it from happening. Because of this, I’m more cold on this card than the average Brago player.</p> <h3>3.) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghostly Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Ghostly Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (54%)</h3> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghostly Flicker"></div></div> <p>Another staple in blink decks. The main problem with this card is that we simply have access to better cards. For less mana I would want something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for more versatility I want <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Parting Gust" href="#" target="_blank">Parting Gust</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and for a better utility, I want <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eerie Interlude" href="#" target="_blank">Eerie Interlude</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghostway" href="#" target="_blank">Ghostway</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> at a minimum.</p> <p>In a blink deck that also uses white, I just feel we have better things that we can be doing in the 99 with the exception of using this card as a combo piece to win the game.</p> <p>And there you have it! These are some incredible cards that you might want to consider putting in your Brago, King Eternal deck. If you have a commander that you would like to see in the next <em>Ten Under Twenty</em> article or a card you feel needs some love, leave a comment. Until next time, happy brewing!</p> 

Top 10 Hidden Gems for Brago, King Eternal (And 3 You Don't Need)

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a href="https://scryfall.com/card/otj/11/final-showdown">Final Showdown</a> | Art By: <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CIzzy%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Izzy</a>)</h6>
<p> Welcome back to the finale of the March Magic Madness. Unfortunately, the tournament had to be delayed due to a massive unforeseen Dragonstorm that opened up in the skies above <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strixhaven Stadium" href="#" target="_blank">Strixhaven Stadium</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Nevertheless, we will play on and what a final we have for everyone out there. Isn't that right? <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arena Rector" href="#" target="_blank">Arena Rector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: That is indeed right. I am so pumped up for this finale, and I think any of the four remaining teams could take home the trophy. What do you say we stop dragging it out and get down and meet our final four teams? I think that is an excellent idea. Let's get into it and meet the teams. </p>
<h2>Scoring:</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Color Multipliers</strong>
<ul>
<li>Colorless 1.6x</li>
<li>Mono 1.5x</li>
<li>Two-color 1.4x</li>
<li>Three-color 1.3x</li>
<li>Four-color 1.2x</li>
<li>Five Color 1.1x</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deck Count &lt; or &gt; 15 Thousand</strong>
<ul>
<li>&gt; 15 Thousand 15.1x</li>
<li>&lt; 15 Thousand 14.9x</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Original Print Date</strong>
<ul>
<li>Over five years ago, 5.9x</li>
<li>Printed in 202, 5.5x</li>
<li>Printed less than five years ago, 5.1x</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Was it a "Design Mistake"</strong>
<ul>
<li>Yes 6.9x</li>
<li>No 7x</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Game Changer</strong>
<ul>
<li>Yes 2.5x</li>
<li>No 7x</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Salt Score &lt;, &gt; or = 1.2</strong>
<ul>
<li>&lt; 1.2 avg. Salt score 2.1x</li>
<li>&gt; 1.2 avg. Salt score 1.9x</li>
<li>= 1.2 avg. Salt score 2x</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basketball scores are made with a generator to align with the "math" used.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2>Final Four.</h2>
<h3>Wedge Region vs. Guild Region</h3>
<p> (2) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> vs. (13) <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> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow Urza, Lord High Artificer"></div></div> The Ninjas, the highest-ranked team left in the tournament and the winners of the Wedge Region, are led by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. They have cakewalked through this tournament so far, with no match being close. It's safe to say that they're the strongest team left in the tournament and the one to beat, led by an all-star lineup featuring <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fallen Shinobi Silver-Fur Master Ninja of the Deep Hours"></div></div> And a strong bench squad with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nashi, Moon Sage&#039;s Scion" href="#" target="_blank">Nashi, Moon Sage&#039;s Scion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and newcomer <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Changeling Outcast" href="#" target="_blank">Changeling Outcast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This team has tricks that will make their opponents sick, they have moves that will bring out the a chorus of boos, and their leader is a design mistake that makes their enemies quake, but don't let any of this give you too much confidence, sports fans, because the winners from the Guild Region led by <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> are not planning to roll over. The High Artificers have had as dominant of a tournament as their opponents, making this match-up a battle of behemoths rather than a lopsided affair. Seeds mean nothing this late in the tournament, and Urza and the High Artificers plan to make people remember that. No team in the tournament knows the ins and outs of the rules like the High Artificers. Who would have ever thought about tapping their <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winter Orb" href="#" target="_blank">Winter Orb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Or when they ran their <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-0" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>-cost lineup featuring <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lotus Petal Spellbook Welding Jar"></div></div> Their unsung hero of the tournament <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Simulacrum Synthesizer" href="#" target="_blank">Simulacrum Synthesizer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> showed what a new card can do. It gave extra reach to this team that it did not have in years past and pulled its weight and then some in the tournament. So, with all this out of the way, let's see how this game goes. <strong>End of First Quarter:</strong> Ninjas 25 - High Artificers 18. <strong>End of Second Quarter:</strong> Ninjas 55 - High Artificers 56. <strong>End of Third Quarter:</strong> Ninjas 77 - High Artificers 69. <strong>Final:</strong> Ninjas 103 - High Artificers 98. It was a fantastic battle all the way through, and after the second quarter, it looked like the High Artificers would take this one home. However, a well-timed <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commandeer" href="#" target="_blank">Commandeer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and a perfectly cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curtains&#039; Call" href="#" target="_blank">Curtains&#039; Call</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> brought down the proverbial curtain on Urza and his High Artificers. Punching their way to the Finals of the March Magic Madness tournament is <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow|CMM|690"></div></div> </p>
<h3>Shards Region vs. Blind Eternities Region</h3>
<p> (8) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph" href="#" target="_blank">Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> vs. (13) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy" href="#" target="_blank">Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy"></div></div> The one and only Universes Beyond commander Ghyrson Starn leads the Kelermorphs out of the Shards Region. Their path was not as easy as Yuriko's or Urza's, but they dispatched all their opponents fairly. The Kelermorphs play with a fast and furious gameplan, embodying the "death by a thousand cuts" style of victory. The key to their victory is often <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flame Fusillade" href="#" target="_blank">Flame Fusillade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which makes every player on their team lethal. Every match, the Kelermorphs try to make their opponents <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fear, Fire, Foes!" href="#" target="_blank">Fear, Fire, Foes!</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and turn every <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Playful Shove" href="#" target="_blank">Playful Shove</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> punch above their weight. As the only Universes Beyond representative, it was unsurprising that they came into this game with an all-UB lineup. <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Exalted Flamer of Tzeentch Magnus the Red Pink Horror"></div></div> Kinnan and the Prodigies had the most challenging path to the Final Four. This team knows close games and tough battles, but they can close out with one big flip every time, but since big flips are the name of the game for the Prodigies, they come in as the biggest lineup left in the tournament. <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tidespout Tyrant Koma, Cosmos Serpent Colossal Skyturtle"></div></div> Often, in close games, the Prodigies had to rely on their Praetorial Powerhouses of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger" href="#" target="_blank">Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur" href="#" target="_blank">Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Big Flips = Big Victories for the Prodigies, but how will they stack up against this undersized but fiercely fast lineup fielded by the Kelermorphs? Let's find out. <strong>End of First Quarter:</strong> Kelermorphs 22 - Prodigies 16. <strong>End of Second Quarter:</strong> Kelermorphs 49 - Prodigies 35. <strong>End of Third Quarter:</strong> Kelermorphs 88 - Prodigies 59. <strong>Final:</strong> Kelermorphs 122 - Prodigies 89. In the end, no matter how big the Prodigies went with their lineup, they eventually fell to the quick gun gaming of the Kelermorphs. They were in control from the start of the game, and with early and often pinging of their opponents set up pieces, the Final is now set with our second entry. <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph|40K|124★"></div></div> </p>
<h2>Championship</h2>
<p> The stage is set, and the combatants are ready to go. The first combatant is the most dominant team from the entire tournament. They are a design mistake and one of the most incredible creatures around. You won't see them until it is too late as they strike from the shadows, and the moment you think you have pinned them down, you will learn that it was too late. We welcome <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow|CMM|690" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from the Wedge Region. <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow|CMM|690"></div></div> From the Shards Region, we have the creature that might not put the UB in Universes Beyond, but they do put damage into an opponent's face. We welcome <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph|40K|124★" href="#" target="_blank">Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph|40K|124★"></div></div> Nanjas versus Kelermorphs. UB (blue-black) versus UB (universes beyond). This one is a battle for the ages. This one is for all the marbles. Let's get into the game and break it down. </p>
<h3>First Quarter</h3>
<p> The first quarter was a tight battle. Yuriko and the Ninjas got on the battlefield early with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gingerbrute" href="#" target="_blank">Gingerbrute</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Triton Shorestalker" href="#" target="_blank">Triton Shorestalker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Setting up for a commander ninjutsu play, the following turn, the Kelermorphs countered <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Electrolyze" href="#" target="_blank">Electrolyze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Seeing that the game's speed favored the Kelermorphs, the Ninjas decided to deploy a slower strategy near the end of the first quarter. <strong>End of First Quarter:</strong> Ninjas 22 - Kelermorphs 23. </p>
<h3>Second Quarter</h3>
<p> With a slower strategy in mind, the Ninjas decided it was time for a bit of a secret weapon: the dual threat of Ninja planeswalkers in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaito, Bane of Nightmares" href="#" target="_blank">Kaito, Bane of Nightmares</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaito Shizuki" href="#" target="_blank">Kaito Shizuki</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With a way to get a steady stream on ninjas and an emblem giving some breathing room to the constant single-digit damages being thrown their way, the ninjas were setting up for a big second quarter. The Kelermorphs were not going to take this sitting down, and with some chaining of card-damage-based card draw, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flick a Coin" href="#" target="_blank">Flick a Coin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Needle Drop" href="#" target="_blank">Needle Drop</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, they found their way into a well-timed <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flatline" href="#" target="_blank">Flatline</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>... or so they thought. While it is risky, Yuriko met Ghyrson with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse" href="#" target="_blank">An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to save their board before the half. <strong>End of Second Quarter:</strong> Ninjas 45 - Kelermorphs 40. </p>
<h3>Third Quarter</h3>
<p> While unable to stop the constant barrage of one damage being thrown at their small creatures, the Ninjas decided that they would be at least able to get value out of the onslaught of spells being thrown at them. The duo of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mystic Remora" href="#" target="_blank">Mystic Remora</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhystic Study" href="#" target="_blank">Rhystic Study</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> slowed down the Kelermorphs to a grinding halt. Not out of the game thoroughly, thanks to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quicksilver Dagger" href="#" target="_blank">Quicksilver Dagger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manabarbs" href="#" target="_blank">Manabarbs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the Kelermorphs knew that this game was slipping away. <strong>End of Third Quarter:</strong> Ninjas 70 - Kelermorphs 62. </p>
<h3>Fourth Quarter</h3>
<p> As a last-ditch play, the Kelermorphs pulled out a bit of a strange strategy in playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Charisma" href="#" target="_blank">Charisma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The plan was to stall and try to hit a last-second play with the help of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thousand-Year Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Thousand-Year Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the chaining together of enough game changers, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeska&#039;s Will" href="#" target="_blank">Jeska&#039;s Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Underworld Breach" href="#" target="_blank">Underworld Breach</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, to claim victory. Unfortunately for them, the plan was all for naught. Yuriko knew what they had to do to lead their team to victory. Thanks to all the resources they had gathered across the game, one more attack gave them the Yuriko triggers they needed to close it out. They found some of their game changers in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chrome Mox" href="#" target="_blank">Chrome Mox</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While it was not the flashy finish that they wanted, they were able to establish a well-known game-winning play with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">Thassa&#039;s Oracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> + <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tainted Pact" href="#" target="_blank">Tainted Pact</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This sealed the deal for the ninjas as they claimed the hardest-fought victory of their tournament to date. <strong>Final:</strong> Ninjas 100 - Kelermorphs 93. </p>
<h2>Winner and Champion</h2>
<p> Congratulations to your winner and this year's March Magic Madness champions <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow|CMM|690" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the Ninjas! From all of us here at the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strixhaven Stadium" href="#" target="_blank">Strixhaven Stadium</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and on behalf of the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arena Rector" href="#" target="_blank">Arena Rector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we want to thank you for a great tournament season. We hope to see you next year to find out if Yuriko will be defending their crown or if someone from a new universe can step up to the challenge. As always, I've been Nic, and you can find me here on EDHrec. Don't forget to look at all the other fantastic content here and everywhere from the many great minds behind EDHrec.</p>


March Magic Madness - Final Four and National Champion

<p>The long-awaited <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/commander-bracket-system-updates-and-unbans-april-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander format update has arrived</a>! Gavin Verhey posted <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-bans-and-restrictions-april-22-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>two</em></a> <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-brackets-beta-update-april-22-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">articles</a>, a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P38DsBMs6vA&amp;pp=ygUSZ29vZCBtb3JuaW5nIG1hZ2lj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good Morning Magic video</a>, and also appeared on an hour-long Weekly MTG stream on Tuesday, going through unbans, new Game Changers, what they considered, what they didn’t, which cards were unbanned, how they’re changing Brackets, and more. We've gotten a lot of information to go through. However, I’m interested in just one thing: how do these new changes impact Bracket 5 - my beloved Competitive EDH (cEDH)? The new Game Changers don’t matter much - we’re in a realm that doesn’t care about them, so I’ll keep my commentary on those to another venue. Still, there was a lot we learned this week about the present, so I’m going to do my best to break down what matters and what doesn’t - and what the future may hold. </p>
<h2>Cards Unbanned in Commander</h2>
<p> First, the overview. The following cards have been unbanned: </p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braids, Cabal Minion" href="#" target="_blank">Braids, Cabal Minion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li aria-level="1"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Panoptic Mirror" href="#" target="_blank">Panoptic Mirror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li aria-level="1"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sway of the Stars" href="#" target="_blank">Sway of the Stars</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li aria-level="1"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coalition Victory" href="#" target="_blank">Coalition Victory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li aria-level="1"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gifts Ungiven" href="#" target="_blank">Gifts Ungiven</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Braids, Cabal Minion Gifts Ungiven Coalition Victory"></div></div> In short - this feels a little bit safe. Four of the five are almost certainly not going to have an impact on the Competitive EDH format - and even more so I would guess that they won’t see much play in normal Commander either. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Panoptic Mirror" href="#" target="_blank">Panoptic Mirror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sway of the Stars" href="#" target="_blank">Sway of the Stars</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coalition Victory" href="#" target="_blank">Coalition Victory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all bits of cardboard that people have asked to come off of the ban list for years now - saying they feel a bit less egregious than in years past. These changes are a bit of safe banlist trimming that’ll also make the crowd at home happy and test the whole “unban to game changers” pipeline thing. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braids, Cabal Minion" href="#" target="_blank">Braids, Cabal Minion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is slightly more of a danger for taking off the ban list, just because it can be a pretty miserable experience in casual games if it resolves. The <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gifts Ungiven" href="#" target="_blank">Gifts Ungiven</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> unban though - now that is interesting! Gifts is a situationally better, situationally worse version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Intuition" href="#" target="_blank">Intuition</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (which is why I’ve always been confused as to why it was banned when we had Intuition, etc.) that seems best suited to inclusion in the likes of Blue Farm and other decks that make heavy use of the graveyard. The sidegrade tech of being able to only search up two cards - forcing both to go to your graveyard - could be relevant depending on what you have in hand, but in most situations you'd rather spend one more mana to end up with one more card in hand. If you can get to the said four mana, that’s a pretty good trade. Also, the most obvious use case of this one is someone who wants a draw searching up four counterspells, targeting the other player who really wants a draw. That ain’t that fun. More about that later, though. <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Panoptic Mirror Sway of the Stars"></div></div> </p>
<h2>The Rest of the Year for Brackets and Bans</h2>
<p> The biggest impact on cEDH from this update, besides what they <i>didn’t </i>unban (more about that in a bit too), was announcing their plans for the rest of the year: a focus on letting the bracket system settle in, a continual refinement of both it and the Game Changer list, and similar before formally taking both out of beta in 2026. To help settle the waters as they work on that aim, they said there would be no more unbannings or bannings this year - unless there was a “Nadu situation” necessitating a sort of emergency ban. With this knowledge, it starts to become more clear why this unban was on the safer side. If they aren’t wanting to fiddle with the banlist for the next eight months, this instead becomes a test of a theory. Does unbanning something and transitioning it into a Game Changer, even with a more risky card like Braids or Gifts, work out well? Is it a path they can continue going down? This thought processes and reticence makes some sense to me, and I do think that Brackets and Game Changer tweaks have way more potential to effect the average invested EDH player than straight up banlist changes. But I'm still a bit frustrated that they are committing to no action this far out. There are still plenty of cards that could come off the banlist, and slow rolling the process, while it doesn’t exactly hurt anyone, would keep momentum moving towards a more meaningfully shaken up format. I get it though; stability is king! </p>
<h2>The Elephants in the Room - Dockside, Mana Crypt &amp; Jeweled Lotus</h2>
<p> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dockside Extortionist Mana Crypt Jeweled Lotus"></div></div> Look, I’m not really going to be jumping around moralizing anything here. The Commander Format Panel can unban or keep these cards banned as they see fit. Do I think the specter of <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-end-of-edh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what happened surrounding their banning</a> will pretty much forever taint them? Aaaabsolutely! Regardless, we did get a bit more clarity on the three cards that were basically banned straight out of cEDH top tables several months ago. The light shed on them did point where I expected: we can expect to probably never see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Crypt" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Crypt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dockside Extortionist" href="#" target="_blank">Dockside Extortionist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> again. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeweled Lotus" href="#" target="_blank">Jeweled Lotus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, however, was given an olive branch of hope, with Gavin saying that it resonated more because it shares a kind of iconic design with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Lotus" href="#" target="_blank">Black Lotus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This feels like a weird argument to make; you can just say that WotC likes the card being legal and they enjoy the effects it has on the format. This, independent of my frustrations re: Dockside being banned removing the best non-blue-centric game winning option from the cEDH cardpool, does make some level of sense to me. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeweled Lotus" href="#" target="_blank">Jeweled Lotus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the “safest” of the bunch, given it only speeds up Commander casting (in the format called Commander) rather than providing more widely usable explosive mana production. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dockside Extortionist" href="#" target="_blank">Dockside Extortionist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> itself was on and off the radar of the Rules Committee for some time; it was known as an amount of problematic and therefore not that surprising when it was banned. It does strike me as a card that could fall in line with other Game Changers. While the door is closed, I think a window could open. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Crypt" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Crypt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will remain the sticking point that frustrates people for years to come, and reasonably so. It’s never going to be easy to ban a very expensive card. It’s not easy to unban it either; creating two huge waves of bad feels from one card is not great. I can’t imagine a path to this one coming back. </p>
<h2>The Commander Format Panel Probably Can’t Fully Fix cEDH’s Problems</h2>
<p> <div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhystic Study Quick Draw Valley Floodcaller"></div></div> cEDH has a few different prominent problems currently - the peak of which are currently the “midrange hell” meta we find ourselves in, focused around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhystic Study" href="#" target="_blank">Rhystic Study</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mystic Remora" href="#" target="_blank">Mystic Remora</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and more. People sit behind their value engines and angle towards forcing a draw, for some reason. I ran into this behavior for the first time ever at the TopDeck Open in 2023 - and since then it’s really taken off to an obnoxious extent. A lot of people point to the latest bans as a reason for this - and they <i>may</i> have contributed. However, I’m more of the opinion that these play patterns were always prevalent beforehand; players already loved to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for their <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhystic Study" href="#" target="_blank">Rhystic Study</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and then watched someone Thoracle Combo them with one piece of backup. Playing safe is naturally attractive. People love to not take risks, and risks in cEDH can end up blowing up spectacularly. Turtling up isn’t risky - that’s why people are so biased towards this play pattern. The printing of more flash enablers has obviously also helped - making it even more attractive to sit back and wait rather than taking definitive action at the (perceived) risk of being stopped (and then losing). A single ban or unban won’t fix this; they won’t change a dang thing if people don’t stop convincing themselves that refusing to play the game until they have 15 green lights to win is the easiest way to equity. Just win. <i>Still</i>, players will continue to do this no matter how much I rant about it. <i>And</i> cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhystic Study" href="#" target="_blank">Rhystic Study</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> &amp; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valley Floodcaller" href="#" target="_blank">Valley Floodcaller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> do help enable the problem in the first place as well. A ban of such a card (or an unban to re-Turbo things slightly) would definitely tilt the scale and make it easier for players to, well, <i>play</i> to their outs. That’s something the panel could do to help. But I would, as ever, continue to not expect it as a rule; the focus always will remain on where the vast majority of players live, which is realistically Bracket 2-4. However, there is some hope. During the Weekly MTG Stream, Gavin answered a question about the format and said they're very aware of where cEDH is and what its players think, referencing the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flash" href="#" target="_blank">Flash</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ban as a precedent to taking action that will help Bracket 5 (wink) without affecting the rest of the format much. I have a hunch that a relatively surgical ban (e.g., <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mystic Remora" href="#" target="_blank">Mystic Remora</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which isn't as egregious as Rhystic Study, but still part of the problem and played <em>much</em> less in casual circles) could be the easiest solution.</p>


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