<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surprise Deployment" href="#" target="_blank">Surprise Deployment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.bradleywilliamsart.net/magic-the-gathering.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bradley Williams</a></em></p>
<p>Hello, and welcome to the Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest! My name is Jeremy Cassidy and I work as the Product Manager over on Archidekt. I'm filling in for <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/ben-doolittle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ben</a> as Contest Host this month as he focuses his time on getting married, or whatever.</p>
<p>For those unfamiliar, this is a monthly contest with a different theme each month. Your goal is to build a Commander-legal deck that fulfills the prompt in a creative or unique fashion. At the end of each month, three finalists will be selected for you to vote on.</p>
<p>Whoever gets the most votes will be crowned the winner, although all three finalists receive a prize.</p>
<p>This month, we're embracing sPoOkY season by building decks featuring jumpscares! Details below.</p>
<h2>What’s the Contest All About?</h2>
<p>Working within the parameters of the prompt provided below, construct a decklist with your own creative spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded <a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">store credit to use on Cardsphere</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For October's deckbuilding contest: Build a Commander-legal deck that features a "jumpscare." In other words, your deck should appear to be doing one thing, then quickly shift in an unexpected and threatening direction. Decks will be judged primarily on their creativity and originality.</strong></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko, Mob Boss"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Siege-Gang Commander"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin King"></div></div>
<p>If you sit down for a game and pull out a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krenko, Mob Boss" href="#" target="_blank">Krenko, Mob Boss</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck, you're probably planning to cast Goblins, make more Goblins, then attack with Goblins. This sort of linear game plan is popular for good reason: It's powerful and consistent. You're usually going to get to do the Goblin thing.</p>
<p>However, the other side of the Krenko consistency coin is predictability. Your opponents will know what you're trying to do, have a fairly clear idea of your threat level, and know what they can do to slow you down.</p>
<p>There's nothing strictly wrong with this, per se, but you're really missing out if this is the only kind of deck you play.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Plargg, Dean of Chaos"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glimpse of Tomorrow"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="General Kreat, the Boltbringer"></div></div>
<p>A great joy of Commander is pulling off something your opponents don't expect. It's even better if it takes you from an inconspicuous participant to the biggest threat at the table in a single turn. These "jumpscares" are immensely fun to play and equally gratifying to brew.</p>
<p>One of my favorite decks is my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plargg, Dean of Chaos" href="#" target="_blank">Plargg, Dean of Chaos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> list. What begins as a pretty typical looking Boros tokens deck quickly gets out of hand when Plargg "cascades" into <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glimpse of Tomorrow" href="#" target="_blank">Glimpse of Tomorrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> - the only card in the deck that meets his ability's qualifications.</p>
<p>This one-sided <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warp World" href="#" target="_blank">Warp World</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will often turn a board of 13 low-impact permanents into something far scarier due to token-creating abilities on cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudgoat Ranger" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudgoat Ranger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emeria Angel" href="#" target="_blank">Emeria Angel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Myr Battlesphere" href="#" target="_blank">Myr Battlesphere</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With typically terrible cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftgear Drake" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftgear Drake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Junktroller" href="#" target="_blank">Junktroller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to get Glimpse back into my library, it's not uncommon to be able to recast Plargg and keep on Glimpse-ing.</p>
<p>Finally, finishers 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>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akroma&#039;s Memorial" href="#" target="_blank">Akroma&#039;s Memorial</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="In the Web of War" href="#" target="_blank">In the Web of War</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turn all of those uninspired tokens I'm creating into lethal damage for the table.</p>
<p>The first <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glimpse of Tomorrow" href="#" target="_blank">Glimpse of Tomorrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a jumpscare through and through, never failing to elicit alarm (and intrigue!) from opponents who have never played against the deck before. <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/5978699/plargg_glimpse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here's a link</a> to the full list.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Polymorph"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hauntwoods Shrieker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sneak Attack"></div></div>
<p>But that's only one kind of jumpscare! Commander is filled with mechanics that can quickly turn an innocuous board state into something that can't be ignored. Show us something terrifying!</p>
<h2>How To Participate</h2>
<ul>
<li>Brew an EDH/Commander-legal deck on <a href="https://archidekt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archidekt</a> that satisfies the prompt.</li>
<li>Any unreleased cards spoiled during the contest’s duration are allowed.</li>
<li>Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while cool, are not allowed.</li>
<li>Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are not allowed.</li>
<li>Strictly one deck submitted per user.</li>
</ul>
<p>As of a couple months ago, we've also revamped the submission process. Decks must now be submitted on Archidekt via a button on the <a href="https://archidekt.com/contest/16431052">newspost</a>. This will make it easier to view all submissions in a single place. Additionally, it will simplify the process of writing a description by sharing the same text on the submission page and the deck page itself.</p>
<p>You can also comment on individual decks directly from the submission, making those discussions easier to find and track later.</p>
<p>To submit a deck, select the orange button labeled "Submit a deck to this contest" and follow the form prompt. Submissions are accepted until <strong>9:00 pm EST</strong> (UTC -4, currently) on <strong>Wednesday, October 8, 2025</strong>.</p>
<p>Only one submission per user! If you change your mind and want to submit a different deck before submissions close, you may do so by first deleting your submission. To edit your description, you can do so from the deck page itself.</p>
<p>From the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spirit of the prompt. Deck descriptions are not required but certainly may provide valuable context!</p>
<p>On <strong>Wednesday, October 15, 2025</strong>, we’ll announce three finalists via the Archidekt Discord and a brief article on EDHREC highlighting each deck.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/sets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Each finalist will be awarded credit to use on Cardsphere</a>. The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:</p>
<ul>
<li>1st Place Prize - $250</li>
<li>2nd Place Prize - $150</li>
<li>3rd Place Prize - $100</li>
</ul>
<p>Finalists will be contacted via email regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on <strong>Wednesday, October 22, 2025</strong>.</p>
<p>Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. It's quick and free - <a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/signup?referrer=archidekt_contest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a> if you don't have an account already!</p>
<p>Here are the <a href="https://archidekt.com/contestRules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official contest rules</a>. If you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or join the Archidekt <a href="https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public Discord server</a>. We look forward to seeing what you all come up with!</p>


Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest - October 2025

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Joint Exploration" href="#" target="_blank">Joint Exploration</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://zezhouchen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zezhou Chen</a></em></p>
<div></p>
<p>It's once more time for another Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest.</p>
<p>This is a monthly contest with a different theme each month. Your goal is to build a Commander-legal deck that fulfills the prompt in a creative or unique fashion. At the end of each month, three finalists will be selected for you to vote on.</p>
<p>Whoever gets the most votes will be crowned the winner, although all three finalists receive a prize.</p>
<p>For this contest, we're looking for a deck that combines two themes you wouldn't expect to see together.</p>
<p></div>
<div></p>
<h2>What’s the Contest All About?</h2>
<p>Working within the parameters of the prompt provided below, construct a decklist with your own creative spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded <a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">store credit to use on Cardsphere</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For September's deck building contest - </strong>build a Commander-legal deck that combines two themes or archetypes you don't normally see together. These could be themes defined by card types, such as artifacts and enchantments, or themes defined by strategy, like aristocrats and spellslinger.</p>
<p>Decks will be judged on their creativity, originality, and how well they combine two unexpected themes.</p>
<p></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Priest of Titania"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Diregraf Captain"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krark-Clan Ironworks"></div></div>
<p>There are nearly unlimited ways to play <em>Magic</em>. Whether you like small creatures, big creatures, controlling the game, or racing to its conclusion as fast as possible, there's an archetype that supports what you want to do.</p>
<p>In many cases, these archetypes also overlap, especially in Commander. Elf decks are often also ramp decks, token decks, and sometimes even storm decks. Zombie decks are usually aristocrats, artifact decks usually sacrifice their stuff. But what happens when you try to combine two archetypes that don't normally go together?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Animate Dead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Enchantress&#039;s Presence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Voltaic Key"></div></div>
<p>Building an archetype you know well with an unusual twist is a great way to keep your decks feeling fresh without having to abandon your favorite cards. Enchantress is known for being storm-adjacent, but could also support a reanimator strategy with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Animate Dead" href="#" target="_blank">Animate Dead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s.</p>
<p>Or there are powerful artifacts to support planeswalkers, so what if you added a little more artifact support to your Super-friends deck? Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Voltaic Key" href="#" target="_blank">Voltaic Key</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to untap <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Chain Veil" href="#" target="_blank">The Chain Veil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and make more mana from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromatic Orrery" href="#" target="_blank">Chromatic Orrery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mycosynth Lattice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Field of the Dead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hordewing Skaab"></div></div>
<p>Combining themes is also a great way to experiment with an archetype you're not familiar with yet. Supporting artifacts with another archetype can help determine if you want to invest in some of the expensive artifact synergy cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krark-Clan Ironworks" href="#" target="_blank">Krark-Clan Ironworks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mycosynth Lattice" href="#" target="_blank">Mycosynth Lattice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Alternatively, this can be a fun way to modulate your play experience. If your playgroup is tired of your lands deck comboing off every game, you can replace some of those combo pieces with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Death Baron" href="#" target="_blank">Death Baron</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hordewing Skaab" href="#" target="_blank">Hordewing Skaab</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to win with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Field of the Dead" href="#" target="_blank">Field of the Dead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in a different way.</p>
<h2>How To Participate</h2>
<ul>
<li>Brew an EDH/Commander-legal deck on <a href="https://archidekt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archidekt</a> that satisfies the prompt.</li>
<li>Any unreleased cards spoiled during the contest’s duration are allowed.</li>
<li>Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while cool, are not allowed.</li>
<li>Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are not allowed.</li>
<li>Strictly one deck submitted per user.</li>
</ul>
<p>As of last month we've also revamped the submission process. Decks must now be submitted on Archidekt via a button on the <a href="https://archidekt.com/contest/15788219">newspost</a>. This will make it easier to view all submissions in a single place. Additionally, it will simplify the process of writing a description by sharing the same text on the submission page and the deck page itself.</p>
<p>You can also comment on individual decks directly from the submission, making those discussions easier to find and track later.</p>
<p>To submit a deck, select the orange button labeled "Submit a deck to this contest" and follow the form prompt. Submissions are accepted until <strong>9:00 pm EST</strong> (UTC -4, currently) on <strong>Wednesday, September 10, 2025</strong>.</p>
<p>Only one submission per user! If you change your mind and want to submit a different deck before submissions close, you may do so by first deleting your submission. To edit your description, you can do so from the deck page itself.</p>
<p>From the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spirit of the prompt. Deck descriptions are not required but certainly may provide valuable context!</p>
<div></p>
<p>On <strong>Wednesday, September 17, 2025</strong>, we’ll announce three finalists via the Archidekt Discord and a brief article on EDHREC highlighting each deck.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/sets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Each finalist will be awarded credit to use on Cardsphere</a>. The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:</p>
<ul>
<li>1st Place Prize - $250</li>
<li>2nd Place Prize - $150</li>
<li>3rd Place Prize - $100</li>
</ul>
<p></div>
<p>Finalists will be contacted via email regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on <strong>Wednesday, September 24, 2025</strong>.</p>
<p>Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. It's quick and free - <a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/signup?referrer=archidekt_contest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a> if you don't have an account already!</p>
<p>Here are the <a href="https://archidekt.com/contestRules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official contest rules</a>. If you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or join the Archidekt <a href="https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public Discord server</a>. We look forward to seeing what you all come up with!</p>


commander themes

Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest - October 2025

Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest - September 2025