Sonic the Hedgehog Commander Deck - Hurry Up and Wait

60 to 100 - Temur Reclamation

Building an Orzhov Scam Commander Deck with Papalymo Totolymo

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dreamtide Whale" href="#" target="_blank">Dreamtide Whale</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://ronspearsart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ron Spears</a></em></p>
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<p>As we move into the second half of 2025 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>This month we're exploring what's possible with a transformational sideboard in commander. Similar in concept to a modular deck, the goal of a transformational sideboard is to add as much variety to your deck in as little space as possible.</p>
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<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 July's deck building contest - </strong>build a Commander-legal deck with a 20 card transformational "sideboard." This should be 20 cards that you can swap into your deck to change it's theme, power level, or to an entirely different commander.</p>
<p>Decks will be judged on their creativity and originality, as well as how effectively the sideboard transforms the deck. Submissions should also clearly indicate what cards would be swapped out through the use of a custom category.</p>
<p>See this deck, which swaps between creatures and planeswalkers, as an example: <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/13608220" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://archidekt.com/decks/13608220</a>.</p>
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<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kenrith, the Returned King"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Atraxa, Praetors&#039; Voice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Muldrotha, the Gravetide"></div></div>
<p>Commander decks are large, but somehow never large enough to fit all the cards I want. Especially for commanders that easily support multiple themes, I invariably end up with a pile of 150 cards that all support different strategies.</p>
<p>Instead of having to put all those extra cards away, why not set them aside to swap in later? This let's you easily test different versions of your deck, or just quickly vary the play experience from game to game. Especially for themes that have significant overlap, like Enchantress, Tokens, and Lands, you can also shift the primary focus of your deck from one to another to stop a deck from ever feeling stale.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhystic Study"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Smothering Tithe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Underworld Breach"></div></div>
<p>A transformational sideboard could also be used to help match the power level of a given pod. When playing at a local game store or convention it's helpful to be flexible with the strength of your deck. Swapping in or out <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>, or just adjusting some of the more focused cards in the deck to match a more relaxed pod.</p>
<p>This also saves space compared to carrying around multiple decks, and is a great approach for rediscovering the magic in an old favorite by reintroducing old cards you cut for upgrades.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lord Windgrace"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yurlok of Scorch Thrash"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Korvold, Fae-Cursed King"></div></div>
<p>Taking this concept as far as possible, you could even swap your commander for a different one, along with a set of cards to better support them. This is a great way to get extra mileage out of an expensive mana base, compare how two similar commanders actually play, or get even more variety in your games.</p>
<p>At its most extreme, you could change both the commander and theme of your deck, functionally fitting two decks into 120 cards. How creative can you get with 20 extra cards?</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>Reply to the Archidekt news post, or submission post on the <a href="https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archidekt Discord</a> with a link to your deck before <strong>9:00 pm EST</strong> (UTC -4, currently) on <strong>Wednesday, July 9, 2025</strong> (do not submit the same deck in multiple places).</p>
<p>Only one submission per user! 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>
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<p>On <strong>Wednesday, July 16, 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>
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<p>Finalists will be contacted via email or Discord (depending on where they submitted) regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on <strong>Wednesday, July 23, 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 - July 2025

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toxrill, the Corrosive|vow|321" href="#" target="_blank">Toxrill, the Corrosive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.arborcollective.com/pages/artist-dzo?srsltid=AfmBOoq88Htz5Kb_8wwnksTHKNVyZ5ZIJP9MCDiiKkz8h6Z72oQOd4tn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DZO</a></em></p>
<p>Every so often, a commander comes along that is so salt-inducing that players often refuse to play against it outright. Commanders like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nadu, Winged Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Nadu, Winged Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <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> both spring to mind here.</p>
<p>Thankfully, <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> has relegated many of these commanders to the <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changer list</a>. However, many still exist as lesser bogeymen to the format.</p>
<p>In today's article, I'll examine five salty commanders <em>not</em> on the Game Changer list and discern whether they're too salty to remain excluded.</p>
<h2>#5. Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant"></div></div>
<p>The antagonist of the <em>Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty</em> set, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant" href="#" target="_blank">Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a formidable and consistently frustrating commander to face off against. As such, it's #5 out of the most tilting non-Game Changer commanders in <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/salt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EDHREC's Salt Score Summary</a>.</p>
<p>However, it ranks just above the #5 saltiest Game Changer, Urza, Lord High Artificer. To be a saltier card than Urza feels like an invitation to join the Game Changer list all on its own.</p>
<h3><strong>Verdict: Deserves the Hate (For Its Rank)</strong></h3>
<p>Let's face facts here, dear reader. In <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>, players like to be able to make their plays and not be denied. Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant does not allow many players to play their game the way they want. In fact, the Praetor just allows one player, its controller, to accelerate their game.</p>
<p>Yes, he costs <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-5" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. No, that is not insurmountable, even from the command zone, or even in lower brackets. Yes, his abilities only trigger once per turn. No, that doesn't stop those abilities from being oppressive.</p>
<p>However, all these factors firmly in mind, there are other cards that deserve the hate even more than Jin-Gitaxias, and they're all above them in rank. Plus, it's a bit of a steep hill to get to the #4 rank and above. Let's look at those cards!</p>
<h2>#4. Toxrill, the Corrosive</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Toxrill, the Corrosive"></div></div>
<p>The #4 saltiest non-Game Changer commander is, ironically, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toxrill, the Corrosive" href="#" target="_blank">Toxrill, the Corrosive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a Slug.</p>
<p>Toxrill is relatively disgusting as a control card with a blue-black (Dimir) color identity. Capable of decimating entire boards of creatures within a turn cycle while propagating their own, the pod will often need to deal with a Toxrill player before Toxrill hits the battlefield.</p>
<p>What's more, Toxrill can turn many of those Slug tokens it makes into card advantage for very little investment.</p>
<h3>Verdict: Deserves the Hate (For Its Rank)</h3>
<p>The argument for Toxrill to remain as hated as it is comes from the notion that players can't keep a creature on the board for very long while the Slug Horror is in play.</p>
<p>Again, it boils down to players liking to make valid, impactful plays. There's a certain endorphin rush to making a big play in <em>Magic</em>, and to strip a player of that resolution is rough.</p>
<p>With a vast number of Commander decks running a decent number of creatures, those plays are often diminished by a timely (or persistent) board cleansing, such as in Toxrill's case.</p>
<h2>#3. Emrakul, the Promised End</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emrakul, the Promised End"></div></div>
<p>Mama Emrakul is an important character in the <em>Magic</em> storyline, and players like to use their favorite characters to command their Commander decks. But is that enough to justify Emrakul's usage as a salty commander? Signs point to "no," dear readers.</p>
<p>Even with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Promised End" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul, the Promised End</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s restrictive colorless identity, an Emrakul pilot will often find ways to make the deck work, even potentially casting Emrakul for much less mana than she costs.</p>
<h3>Verdict: Doesn't Deserve the Hate</h3>
<p>Emrakul, the Promised End is a very strong colorless commander, but she doesn't deserve to be viewed as saltier than Game Changer commander options. The Eldrazi Titan that players should assess as a bigger threat is probably <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger" href="#" target="_blank">Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Emrakul performs a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mindslaver" href="#" target="_blank">Mindslaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> operation on a player, yes, but if that player survives the turn, they get an extra turn to do reasonable amounts of damage control and even advance their board state further. That seems pretty fair for something so seemingly oppressive.</p>
<h2>#2. Sheoldred, the Apocalypse</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheoldred, the Apocalypse"></div></div>
<p>Sheoldred's second iteration, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sheoldred, the Apocalypse" href="#" target="_blank">Sheoldred, the Apocalypse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is a card that people malign, perhaps unfairly, partly due to her price. Similarly to how <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Meathook Massacre" href="#" target="_blank">The Meathook Massacre</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beseech the Mirror" href="#" target="_blank">Beseech the Mirror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> quickly spiked during preorders, Sheoldred shot up in price quickly even though <em>Dominaria United</em> was a widely printed Standard-legal set.</p>
<p>Since then, she's seen reprints in a variety of other Standard-legal set releases. Despite these, she is <em>still</em> exorbitantly expensive for the more casual or discerning Commander player! However, much of the reason she spiked was in her abilities, even more than her novelty as a Phyrexian Praetor.</p>
<p>Being able to reward doing normal things in a <em>Magic</em> game while punishing your opponents for doing the same is impactful. There's a reason players may sometimes rush to remove a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Underworld Dreams" href="#" target="_blank">Underworld Dreams</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that's affecting them after long enough. The same principle can apply to Sheoldred, the Apocalypse.</p>
<h3>Verdict: Deserves Less Hate Than It Gets</h3>
<p>Sheoldred's ability suite, while oppressive and punishing to natural gameplay, doesn't stop opponents from playing their game. Opponents staring down Sheoldred can still cast removal before their opponent has broken their matronly centipede commander. With cards like Urza and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Arbiter Augustin IV" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Arbiter Augustin IV</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in ranks near Sheoldred, it feels weird to lump her in with the rest of the salt.</p>
<p>This brings us to the #1 saltiest commander that isn't a Game Changer. What legendary creature has this distinction, and is it worthy of the hate that it receives? Let's look!</p>
<h2>#1 Saltiest Commander</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hokori, Dust Drinker"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hokori, Dust Drinker" href="#" target="_blank">Hokori, Dust Drinker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the single saltiest non-Game Changer legendary creature on EDHREC's Salt Score Summary. As a creature with a <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>-style effect, it can grind games down to a screeching halt. It's the 22nd-most salty card on the Salt Score Summary overall, and with an ability like it has, my final verdict on Hokori stands to reason.</p>
<h3>Verdict: Deserves the Hate It Gets, and More!</h3>
<p>If you've ever played against a Winter Orb, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Static Orb" href="#" target="_blank">Static Orb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or any of the other variants of this kind of card, you'll know right away that Hokori, Dust Drinker needs to be focused on immediately.</p>
<p>Many of these kinds of effects are on the Game Changer list. Because of this fact, I don't anticipate that Hokori will stay off of that list for long. For now, though, let's all do our part and remove Hokori from the game as often as possible. And remember, player removal is also permanent removal!</p>
<p>So now, let's hear from you, dear readers. Do you think there are any saltier non-Game Changer commanders to look at in the future? How do you typically deal with such cards? And do you play with any of them yourself? Sound off below!</p>


Do These Five Salt-Inducing Commanders Deserve the Hate?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tiamat" href="#" target="_blank">Tiamat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Illustrated by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CChris+Rahn%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Rahn</a></em></p>
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<p>Hello, and welcome to <em>Am I the Bolas</em>?</p>
<p>This column is for all of you out there who have ever played some <em>Magic </em>and wondered if you were the bad guy. I'm here to take in your story with all of its nuances so I can bring some clarity to all those asking, "Am I the Bolas?"</p>
<p>I'm ready to hear you out and offer advice. All you have to do is email amithebolas@gmail.com with your story, a pseudonym you want to use, and of course, only include details you don't mind in the column! You might see your story below one day. You might even hear it on the podcast. Which podcast?</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-25893" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bolcast_logo430x430-300x300.png" alt="" width="249" height="249" /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AmITheBolcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">THIS PODCAST!</a></p>
<p>I'm Mike Carrozza, aka Mark Carbonza, and my friend wants to show you his cool new thing!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alpharael, Dreaming Acolyte"></div></div>
<p><i>Ouhhh, yeah Alphie, very fancy!</i></p>
<p>This week, is win rate a reason to go for someone?</p>
<p>(Post edited for brevity, clarity, and then some.)</p>
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<h2>SUBMISSION</h2>
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<p><em>Hey guys, long time listener, first time writer. I had a scenario I was hoping you can help me with and determine if I was the Bolas. This happened a while back at my local LGS at a free play Commander night. I found a group that needed a fourth and sat down and played three games with them.</em></p>
<p><em>The first game was mostly uneventful; someone won with a combo they stumbled into involving energy and infinite combat.</em></p>
<p><em>The second game we played, the same player ended up winning again. This one was a little interesting because I was playing mill and they told me they were playing a deck that wanted cards in the graveyard but I figured if I could mill them quick enough, it would be fine (I was running a deck that blinks <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gyruda, Doom of Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Gyruda, Doom of Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> a bunch), but they got <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Syr Konrad, the Grim" href="#" target="_blank">Syr Konrad, the Grim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> out and could recur it pretty reliably.</em></p>
<p><em>We go to game three and it's the end of the night, so I get out my end of the night <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tiamat" href="#" target="_blank">Tiamat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck (pre-Tarkir: Dragonstorm). I don't remember what the other player was running but once I ramped up and got Tiamat out, I started attacking them first by sending Tiamat and another Dragon at them, I think it was 11 damage or so, this was because by this point, I know they are a good player and wanted to start up a blow for blow situation with them. I wanted to make 'em work for it. As I declare my two Dragons as attackers at the player, they become very defensive and explain another similar situation where someone in their pod had basically said this player was a better deck builder than them and was targeting them specifically. </em></p>
<p><em>I felt bad and I could tell the player was genuinely upset so I apologized and told them I would spread my damage to other places as the game goes on to not single them out. Fast forward a couple of turns and I am clearly the threat but the player is definitely next in line. Well, someone else at the table is playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thantis, the Warweaver" href="#" target="_blank">Thantis, the Warweaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> so now I have to attack with everything. I declared my attackers in such a way that if I connect, I'll win. The player then casts a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect for themselves as the other two players are knocked out and since Thantis made me attack with everything, I've got shields down. They easily swoop in and take me out, winning game three as well. After the games, the player is pretty chill and we end up talking about the games. <strong>No hard feelings were had but I'm wondering if I was the Bolas for assessing threats based on previous games or if my threat assessment was reasonable.</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Thank you for your time and sorry for the mountain of text.</em></p>
<p><em>Manky</em></p>
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<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Syr Konrad, the Grim"></div></div>
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<h2>VERDICT</h2>
<p>Thank you for writing and asking me to weigh in on your story. As I mention every week, if folks don't write to me, there's no column, so if you, the reader, want to send me a story, whether it's your own or one from Reddit or a friend's, please send it to amithebolas@gmail.com and I'll get to it here.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading the column and listening to the podcast, Manky. Let's get into this submission, already!</p>
<p>First off, you've seen a bunch of submissions and this isn't the mountain of text you think it is! I reject your apology, it's wholly unnecessary. Also, if a submission is long, it's long! Who cares, as long as it's a good story? Let me worry about the length. <em>(Editors' note: more like let </em>us<em> worry about the length...)</em></p>
<p>Threat assessment is a hot topic here at <em>Am I The Bolas?</em>, and it's because people doubt their ability to do it right. It's easy to be uncertain given all the things you need to keep track of: the social aspect of Commander, typically three times the regular amount of opponents with all their stuff, and of course, players' reactions to plays in EDH.</p>
<p>What I mean here is that when a player gets defensive of your targeting of them, whether they're trying to or not, they are sowing doubt in your decision-making. It can even be minimizing tactic some employ to get you to bend to the unspoken rules of the format where "we're all trying to have fun." (Luckily, it doesn't always work.)</p>
<p>I encourage folks to openly admit when they are the threat. It'll add to your credibility for when you need to point out threats at the table, but at the same time, honesty is a good way to get invited back. Not to mention, if a newer player is at the table, I think the better way to show them the ropes is through genuine interaction rather than to "teach 'em a lesson."</p>
<p>Threat assessment is often talked about regarding in-game information, but that's not the only part of it. Threat assessment with information in-game is definitely a little easier. It's pretty easy to say that the player with a huge board that threatens to attack you after playing a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ruinous Ultimatum" href="#" target="_blank">Ruinous Ultimatum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is more of a threat than the player who also got their board wrecked like yours.</p>
<p>Whether it's a game win or a personal victory like trying to pull off a particular interaction, you've got in-game information that tells you what hurdles you'll need to jump over to get there. Will <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rest in Peace" href="#" target="_blank">Rest in Peace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> need to be dealt with if I'm playing a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teysa Karlov" href="#" target="_blank">Teysa Karlov</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck? I'd say so!</p>
<p>You ask yourself, "Who is most likely to get me off my plan or win before I can execute?"</p>
<p>The information you gain from a step back from the current board state is still good to consider. With more sample data, you'll more reliably draw some conclusions.</p>
<p>Breaking it down that way, you've observed this player to be notably more adept at winning the game. When a player has a 100% win rate at a table after one game, they've won <em>one </em>game - cool, let's shuffle up. When they win the second game, they've stood out as player who's demonstrated they have what it takes to win. They're a winner.</p>
<p>If <em>they're</em> a winner, <em>I</em> can't be a winner. Now, I must do everything I can to make sure I improve my chances at winning. The clearest obstruction to that in the past two games has been this player, so wouldn't I have to keep a closer eye on what they do if I'm trying to win?</p>
<p>It is totally fair to acknowledge the pilot in your threat assessment beyond just what's in-game. It's reasonable to keep an eye on the player who's been winning all night!</p>
<p>Not the Bolas.</p>
<p>Especially since you guys have had a chat and you've acknowledged your feelings on the matter and apologized for it. All on good terms! Ultimately, it doesn't quite matter what I have to say as long as you end up having a chat with someone and come out on the other side happier for it. Thanks for writing in!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gyruda, Doom of Depths"></div></div>


Am I The Bolas? - Win Rate Threat Assessment

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tom Bombadil" href="#" target="_blank">Tom Bombadil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://burmak.ru/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dmitry Burmak</a></em></p>
<p><em>Final Fantasy</em> has brought a unique twist on a seven-year old card type: Saga creatures. Across the premier set and Commander decks, there are 33 cards which either mention Sagas, are Sagas, or turn into Sagas.</p>
<p>The set even brings its own five-color Saga commander in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Terra, Magical Adept" href="#" target="_blank">Terra, Magical Adept</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. She looks to be a fun commander, don’t get me wrong, but there was a phenomenal commander of the archetype printed two years ago: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tom Bombadil" href="#" target="_blank">Tom Bombadil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This funny little guy, who showed up briefly in <em>The Fellowship of the Ring</em> only to never be seen again, ended up the third most popular commander from the <em>Lord of the Rings</em> set and 32nd overall.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tom Bombadil"></div></div>
<p>Tom and Terra have a similar desire to run a lot of Sagas, but there are some slight structural differences. It’s a valid choice to pick Terra, but if you’re already running the funny little God Bard, let me give you an idea of how to bring in some <em>Final Fantasy</em> spice to your established deck.</p>
<p>Let’s answer the age-old question: what if Tom Bombadil had been a gamer?</p>
<h2>What Does Tom Bombadil Do?</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tom Bombadil" href="#" target="_blank">Tom Bombadil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has two abilities. The first is a protective one, granting him hexproof and indestructible while you have enough lore counters on Sagas. The second is key: whenever a Saga you control finishes, you reveal cards from your library until you find a Saga to put directly onto the battlefield (once per turn).</p>
<p>Tom Bombadil won’t be interrupted while telling a story, and when he finishes one, he starts another! Very cool.</p>
<p>This is a midrange deck through and through. The Saga subtype, by its very nature, is incredibly geared towards the turn-by-turn accrual of resources. Some can turn it into more of a combo-style deck with the use of proliferate and other effects, but that will be fairly minimal here.</p>
<p>Tom’s purpose is staying on the battlefield and keeping the stories rolling. The rest of our deck will be Sagas or ways to maximize them, with an emphasis on what the <em>Final Fantasy</em> set has to offer!</p>
<h2>The Premise</h2>
<p>EDHRec has a fantastic little starting point for looking at older commanders: Average Deck. I used this to generate a general form of a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tom Bombadil" href="#" target="_blank">Tom Bombadil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck. The average deck function is a good starting point, but don’t treat it as a final product.</p>
<p>The “average” Tom Bombadil deck only ran 35 lands and ran non-synergistic ramp spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Lore" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Lore</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I did some trimming and weeding, while trying to keep the general tune intact… and voila! I present the typical Tom Bombadil deck, pre-<em>Final Fantasy</em>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Average Tom Bombadil Deck" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Tom Bombadil
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Chromatic Lantern
*1 Power Conduit
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Strionic Resonator
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace
*1 Barbara Wright
*1 Eidolon of Blossoms
*1 Ghen, Arcanum Weaver
*1 Glissa Sunslayer
*1 Goldberry, River-Daughter
*1 Hex Parasite
*1 Jin-Gitaxias // The Great Synthesis
*1 Jukai Naturalist
*1 Narci, Fable Singer
*1 Sanctum Weaver
*1 Satsuki, the Living Lore
*1 Satyr Enchanter
*1 Scholar of New Horizons
*1 Setessan Champion
*1 Sigurd, Jarl of Ravensthorpe
*1 Sythis, Harvest&#039;s Hand
*1 Weaver of Harmony
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Azusa&#039;s Many Journeys // Likeness of the Seeker
*1 Binding the Old Gods
*1 Birth of the Imperium
*1 Elspeth Conquers Death
*1 Enchantress&#039;s Presence
*1 Encroaching Dragonstorm
*1 Fable of the Mirror-Breaker // Reflection of Kiki-Jiki
*1 Historian&#039;s Boon
*1 In the Darkness Bind Them
*1 Inventive Iteration // Living Breakthrough
*1 Jugan Defends the Temple // Remnant of the Rising Star
*1 Kiora Bests the Sea God
*1 One Ring to Rule Them All
*1 Overgrowth
*1 Phyrexian Scriptures
*1 Scroll of Isildur
*1 Song of Eärendil
*1 Starfield of Nyx
*1 Sterling Grove
*1 The Akroan War
*1 The Bath Song
*1 The Cruelty of Gix
*1 The Elder Dragon War
*1 The Eldest Reborn
*1 The First Iroan Games
*1 The Horus Heresy
*1 The Kami War // O-Kagachi Made Manifest
*1 The Phasing of Zhalfir
*1 The Weatherseed Treaty
*1 There and Back Again
*1 Wild Growth
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Clockspinning
*1 Flicker of Fate
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Dance of the Manse
*1 Resurgent Belief
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Breeding Pool
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*2 Forest
*1 Godless Shrine
*1 Hall of Heliod&#039;s Generosity
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Indatha Triome
*2 Island
*1 Jetmir&#039;s Garden
*1 Jungle Shrine
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*1 Ketria Triome
*1 Misty Rainforest
*2 Mountain
*1 Nesting Grounds
*1 Overgrown Tomb
*1 Path of Ancestry
*2 Plains
*1 Raffine&#039;s Tower
*1 Sandsteppe Citadel
*1 Seaside Citadel
*1 Spara&#039;s Headquarters
*1 Stomping Ground
*2 Swamp
*1 Temple Garden
*1 The World Tree
*1 Urza&#039;s Saga
*1 Windswept Heath
*1 Zagoth Triome
*1 Ziatora&#039;s Proving Ground
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<p>According to a quick use of the Archidekt compare feature, my final rebuild and this deck share 73 cards. Let’s talk about it!</p>
<h2>Key Cards for Tom Bombadil</h2>
<p>The Tom Bombadil deck has three key needs: Sagas, ways to get value out of Sagas, and ways to manipulate Sagas. The high density of Sagas that we need to use means they need to fulfill basic roles like card draw, removal, and ramp. Some, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Binding the Old Gods" href="#" target="_blank">Binding the Old Gods</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, do multiple!</p>
<p>As time goes on, we’ve gotten more and more role-filler Sagas that help this category become a stronger backbone for the old God Bard. An important new addition from <em>Final Fantasy</em> is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Summon: Fenrir" href="#" target="_blank">Summon: Fenrir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Weatherseed Treaty" href="#" target="_blank">The Weatherseed Treaty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, this is a three-mana Saga that immediately puts a basic land onto the battlefield before helping our board presence.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Summon: Fenrir"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Song of Eärendil"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Elder Dragon War"></div></div>
<p>Our Sagas are good; they provide a lot of value, be it utility or board presence. But a deck with just that and normal Good Stuff isn’t going to cut it. Our deck is bent around the card subtype and can take advantage of that.</p>
<p>We have a handful of cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Historian&#039;s Boon" href="#" target="_blank">Historian&#039;s Boon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narci, Fable Singer" href="#" target="_blank">Narci, Fable Singer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which explicitly key off of Sagas. More generally, though, Sagas are enchantments, so we get to run some solid cards from your typical Enchantress build.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starfield Mystic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Historian&#039;s Boon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Narci, Fable Singer"></div></div>
<p>Our deck is running 29 Sagas in total, which leads up to the next need: manipulating them. This can be the act of removing or adding lore counters to either keep getting certain triggers or speed through to the big value effect. Sagas have three to four turns over which to accrue value, but sometimes that takes too long.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Satsuki, the Living Lore" href="#" target="_blank">Satsuki, the Living Lore</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an auto-include for any Saga deck’s 99, being able to advance all our Sagas at once and recur one with her death trigger. Another one is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barbara Wright" href="#" target="_blank">Barbara Wright</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who gives our Sagas the read ahead ability, which lets us choose which chapter to start it on. If we have a low-impact Saga in hand and no Sagas ending that turn, we can drop it on its final chapter to ensure Tom Bombadil can pull up another one from the deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="O&#039;aka, Traveling Merchant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Satsuki, the Living Lore"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Garnet, Princess of Alexandria"></div></div>
<p>The new <em>Final Fantasy</em> inclusions in this category are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="O&#039;aka, Traveling Merchant" href="#" target="_blank">O&#039;aka, Traveling Merchant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Garnet, Princess of Alexandria" href="#" target="_blank">Garnet, Princess of Alexandria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. They each remove lore counters and turn them into other resources. O’aka turns them into cards while Garnet turns them into power, both of which we’ll need to close out the game.</p>
<h2>How Does Tom Bombadil Win?</h2>
<p>In the mid-game, this is a graveyard deck. Sagas naturally put themselves in the graveyard, but we have several cards which help speed up that process, be it through mill, looting, surveilling, or what-have-you.</p>
<p>Once the dustbin is stocked, we can use cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anikthea, Hand of Erebos" href="#" target="_blank">Anikthea, Hand of Erebos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghen, Arcanum Weaver" href="#" target="_blank">Ghen, Arcanum Weaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to start bringing those stories back. Bonus tech for Ghen: he can sacrifice a Saga in response to its final lore trigger to get a different one on the field.</p>
<p>We also get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuna, Hope of Spira" href="#" target="_blank">Yuna, Hope of Spira</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rydia, Summoner of Mist" href="#" target="_blank">Rydia, Summoner of Mist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for this category, reanimating or even just replaying our Sagas as the game goes long.</p>
<p>This graveyard angle will accelerate the kind of value we can get out of our Sagas.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yuna, Hope of Spira"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rydia, Summoner of Mist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anikthea, Hand of Erebos"></div></div>
<p>I mentioned previously in the article that a lot of our Sagas need to serve basic utility functions like ramp, draw, and removal. Another utility Sagas must take over is the win condition slot - the big splashy card that can turn the game around for us or lock it in place. Not a literal <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changer</a> necessarily, but in that vein.</p>
<p>One of the number-one cards in traditional lists is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kiora Bests the Sea God" href="#" target="_blank">Kiora Bests the Sea God</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It creates a big threat, clears the way for a big swing, and then steals something on the way out. Classic, massive, very successful.</p>
<p>Similarly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Summon: Knights of Round" href="#" target="_blank">Summon: Knights of Round</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> creates a massive board for us before pumping them and making them indestructible. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Summon: Bahamut" href="#" target="_blank">Summon: Bahamut</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> rounds out our trio of Big Spells With Big Impact.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Horus Heresy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Summon: Knights of Round"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Summon: Bahamut"></div></div>
<p>A final trick that the <em>Final Fantasy</em> games gives us are a handful of creatures that transform into Sagas and back, much like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jin-Gitaxias" href="#" target="_blank">Jin-Gitaxias</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the other Praetors from <em>March of the Machine</em>. These DFCs are impactful, and the fact that their final chapters still trigger <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tom Bombadil" href="#" target="_blank">Tom Bombadil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>’s ability makes them even more so.</p>
<p>We don’t want to go overboard (since Tom can’t “find” them), but these three will be capable of turning games around.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jin-Gitaxias"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terra, Magical Adept"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Joshua, Phoenix&#039;s Dominant"></div></div>
<p>So there we have it. Tom deploys Sagas left and right, getting extra value out of them via lore counter tricks or graveyard shenanigans. If the overwhelming synergies from our light Enchantress core don’t pull it off, then one of our haymakers will.</p>
<h2>Tom Bombadil Commander Deck List</h2>
<p>And here’s our rebuild!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Rebuilding Tom Bombadil" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Tom Bombadil
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Aminatou, Veil Piercer
*1 Anikthea, Hand of Erebos
*1 Barbara Wright
*1 Bello, Bard of the Brambles
*1 Eidolon of Blossoms
*1 Garnet, Princess of Alexandria
*1 Ghen, Arcanum Weaver
*1 Herald of the Pantheon
*1 Jin-Gitaxias // The Great Synthesis
*1 Joshua, Phoenix&#039;s Dominant // Phoenix, Warden of Fire
*1 Jukai Naturalist
*1 Narci, Fable Singer
*1 O&#039;aka, Traveling Merchant
*1 Rydia, Summoner of Mist
*1 Sanctum Weaver
*1 Satsuki, the Living Lore
*1 Scholar of New Horizons
*1 Setessan Champion
*1 Starfield Mystic
*1 Summon: Bahamut
*1 Summon: Esper Valigarmanda
*1 Summon: Fenrir
*1 Summon: Knights of Round
*1 Summon: Titan
*1 Sythis, Harvest&#039;s Hand
*1 Terra, Magical Adept // Esper Terra
*1 Weaver of Harmony
*1 Yuna, Hope of Spira
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Power Conduit
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Strionic Resonator
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Awaken the Honored Dead
*1 Ballad of the Black Flag
*1 Binding the Old Gods
*1 Birth of the Imperium
*1 Elspeth Conquers Death
*1 Enchantress&#039;s Presence
*1 Encroaching Dragonstorm
*1 Estrid&#039;s Invocation
*1 Fertile Ground
*1 Historian&#039;s Boon
*1 In the Darkness Bind Them
*1 Khalni Heart Expedition
*1 Kiora Bests the Sea God
*1 One Ring to Rule Them All
*1 Scroll of Isildur
*1 Song of Eärendil
*1 The Aesir Escape Valhalla
*1 The Bath Song
*1 The Elder Dragon War
*1 The Eldest Reborn
*1 The First Iroan Games
*1 The Horus Heresy
*1 The Kami War // O-Kagachi Made Manifest
*1 The Phasing of Zhalfir
*1 The Weatherseed Treaty
*1 There and Back Again
*1 War of the Last Alliance
*1 Wild Growth
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Dance of the Manse
*1 Resurgent Belief
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Flicker of Fate
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Abstergo Entertainment
*1 Breeding Pool
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*2 Forest
*1 Godless Shrine
*1 Hall of Heliod&#039;s Generosity
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Indatha Triome
*2 Island
*1 Jetmir&#039;s Garden
*1 Jungle Shrine
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*1 Ketria Triome
*2 Mountain
*1 Nesting Grounds
*1 Overgrown Tomb
*2 Plains
*1 Raffine&#039;s Tower
*1 Raugrin Triome
*1 Sandsteppe Citadel
*1 Seaside Citadel
*1 Spara&#039;s Headquarters
*1 Stomping Ground
*2 Swamp
*1 Temple Garden
*1 The World Tree
*1 Windswept Heath
*1 Zagoth Triome
*1 Ziatora&#039;s Proving Ground
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tom Bombadil" href="#" target="_blank">Tom Bombadil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is basically a perfect Saga commander for those who want a straightforward experience with the fiddly card subtype. The hard commitment to a single card subtype narrows the field but increases the synergy. It’s a fun romp, strategically deploying Sagas and waiting for value until you start accelerating it.</p>
<p>The deck can stumble hard in the face of a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cleansing Nova" href="#" target="_blank">Cleansing Nova</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Season of Gathering" href="#" target="_blank">Season of Gathering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but its graveyard and Enchantress lines help it rebuild. Just be aware when you’re playing lore counter manipulators of the potential choice fatigue or how turns can go long. It takes some learning, but it’s very rewarding.</p>


Rebuilding Tom Bombadil with Final Fantasy

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dr. Eggman" href="#" target="_blank">Dr. Eggman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by <a href="https://nathaliefourdraine.crevado.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathalie Fourdraine</a></em></p>
<p>If you've reached this <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dr. Eggman" href="#" target="_blank">Dr. Eggman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck tech with legitimately anything but the most villainous intentions, you may be disappointed to know that this deck, based around that most dastardly villain, is true to form.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dr. Eggman"></div></div>
<p>This deck revolves around <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em>'s mad scientist antagonist and his Construct and Robot minions. Are you strapped in and ready for a ride? Let's go!</p>
<h2>What Does Dr. Eggman Do?</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dr. Eggman" href="#" target="_blank">Dr. Eggman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a discard commander, first and foremost. His ability to either cause a discard or force your opponent to allow you to put a Construct, Robot, or Vehicle onto the battlefield is a fairly intuitive one for your foes.</p>
<p>Spoiler alert: unless an opponent has a vital response to something and need to keep it in hand, they will generally opt to discard before they'll allow you to cheat in a Construct.</p>
<p>In addition, Dr. Eggman draws you a card at every one of your end steps. This further fuels the options you have handy for cheating in an artifact of some sort.</p>
<p>Finally, as a 3/6 body for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, Dr. Eggman won't swing in for much damage, but he's a fantastic flying blocker much of the time.</p>
<h3>Which Commander Is Dr. Eggman Most Comparable To?</h3>
<p>On the surface, Dr. Eggman feels fairly similar to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Davros, Dalek Creator" href="#" target="_blank">Davros, Dalek Creator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Off the bat, they're both legendary Scientist creatures in the blue-black-red (Grixis) color identity. They're both <em>Universes Beyond</em> villains, and they are both relatively evil. These comparisons can't be ignored. Nevertheless, the biggest differences they share are in the villainous choice they offer your opponents.</p>
<p>Sure, both have something to do with board state advantage, card draw, and opposing discard. The buck stops there, however. Dr. Eggman affects all of your opponents automatically; Davros needs opponents to lose life before their pain can truly begin.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Davros, Dalek Creator"></div></div>
<p>As for the way this deck wants to operate, the strategy is that of an overwhelming force of Construct creatures, many of which are easy to cheat in with Dr. Eggman himself. With over 50 sources of mana and a glut of robotic creatures (if not Robot creatures), it's plausible to think the pilot of this deck will be able to power out the good Doctor sooner than players may expect, and then begin churning out value.</p>
<p>With the versatility of Constructs, the deck should be well-equipped to present many different tough situations for opponents.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for Dr. Eggman</h2>
<p>Various good choices exist for a Dr. Eggman deck. Here, I'd like to highlight two key aspects of the deck:</p>
<ul>
<li>Strong Constructs and Robots for when your opponents make the wrong decision</li>
<li>Cards that punish opponents for making the <em>right</em> decision</li>
</ul>
<p>It's no surprise that, as soon as many people looked up this <em>Secret Lair</em> drop, they were encouraged to "always choose discard" when they face down Dr. Eggman. This is widely the right decision; after all, better the devil you know, right? ...Right?</p>
<h3>A Construct Toolbox for Your Hand</h3>
<p>Fret not, for there <em>is hope</em>! There are those foolish enough to forgo discarding without the foresight to properly estimate the versatility of the cards Dr. Eggman can and will eventually cheat into play. To that end, here are but three notable Constructs you could see in a Dr. Eggman deck many turns too early:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cityscape Leveler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrap Trawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cryptothrall"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cityscape Leveler" href="#" target="_blank">Cityscape Leveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is less scary when cast outright, but it can still spook your opponents enough into reconsidering the merits of discarding that pivotal counterspell or combat trick. Furthermore, its talents aren't completely lost if you don't cast it, for it also triggers on the attack. To that end, you're going to decimate many different permanents with this thing.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrap Trawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrap Trawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will also allow a Dr. Eggman player to keep a sizable grip on the deck's artifacts. If you've lost the aforementioned Cityscape Leveler, you might be consoled with the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Roaming Throne" href="#" target="_blank">Roaming Throne</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> you lost a couple of turns prior. Lost a <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>? Here's a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Noxious Gearhulk" href="#" target="_blank">Noxious Gearhulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for your pains. The possibilities are expansive and oh, so diabolical!</p>
<p>Let's also discuss <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptothrall" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptothrall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With as simple an ability as giving your artifact creatures hexproof, Cryptothrall is an unassuming threat in a deck with quite a few haymakers. However, when your opponents find they can't <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abrade" href="#" target="_blank">Abrade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> your other options, they'll realize they have to focus down a less overt card to get to anything else.</p>
<p>That's pretty evil, in all the best ways!</p>
<h3>Forcing Discards</h3>
<p>Plenty of cards exist in the general realm of Constructs for a commander like Dr. Eggman, and we'll get to them shortly. But how do we encourage opponents to decide to forgo discarding?</p>
<p>Three kinds of cards exist to assist this line of discard discouragement. Two are extremely familiar to most players experienced with discard themes in Commander. There's one more kind of card in this overarching category that is less obvious, although it's on the more salt-inducing end of things.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Liliana&#039;s Caress"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Waste Not"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Telepathy"></div></div>
<p><strong>Damage Upon Discard:</strong> Cards such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Megrim" href="#" target="_blank">Megrim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liliana&#039;s Caress" href="#" target="_blank">Liliana&#039;s Caress</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and similar all deal damage to an opponent upon discarding. These can add up to more damage than an opponent may feel comfortable taking. At the same time, they're also losing a valuable card in hand, so this eases the stress of a painful decision.</p>
<p><strong>Benefits Upon Discard:</strong> Roughly in the same vein as dealing damage upon discard, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waste Not" href="#" target="_blank">Waste Not</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provide you with bonuses for making your opponent discard.</p>
<p>As such, perhaps your opponent doesn't want you to have an extra Zombie token blocker or draw an additional card. So, they'll discard a land (or allow you to cheat in a Construct) instead. Forcing the decision to make itself is a very strong tool in your arsenal.</p>
<p><strong>Informed Hand Control: </strong>This is a more subtle way to force your opponents to discard cards. If your opponents' hands are pretty full, it helps to know why. Therefore, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Telepathy" href="#" target="_blank">Telepathy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glasses of Urza" href="#" target="_blank">Glasses of Urza</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are prime pieces to use here. They allow you to both make informed decisions and strongarm opponents with a political factor.</p>
<p>Of the two, I prefer Glasses of Urza. With it, you can focus the fear upon other opponents by looking at one opponent's hand and monitoring their otherwise hidden hand. You're snooping, as usual, and that's only fair!</p>
<h2>How Does Dr. Eggman Win?</h2>
<p>Put simply, Dr. Eggman wants to run your opponents well out of options while slowly amassing a robotic legion and then overrunning them with said legion.</p>
<p>Notably, there are a few cards that allow you to double up on villainous choices and other abilities. When you have a critical mass of automatons and your opponents have no ready means of dealing with them, you'll be able to win in practically no time at all.</p>
<h2>Dr. Eggman Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Dr. Eggman" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Dr. Eggman
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Cryptcaller Chariot
*1 Demonic Junker
*1 Foreboding Steamboat
*1 Glasses of Urza
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Jackdaw
*1 Mechtitan Core
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Panharmonicon
*1 RMS Titanic
*1 Relic of Sauron
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Creativity
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Indulgence
*1 The Falcon, Airship Restored
*1 The Last Ride
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Fevered Visions
*1 Funeral Room // Awakening Hall
*1 Kindred Discovery
*1 Liliana&#039;s Caress
*1 Sphinx&#039;s Tutelage
*1 Telepathy
*1 Waste Not
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Barbed Servitor
*1 Cityscape Leveler
*1 Combustible Gearhulk
*1 Cryptothrall
*1 Cyberdrive Awakener
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Goring Warplow
*1 K-9, Mark I
*1 Kuldotha Forgemaster
*1 Manakin
*1 Myr Battlesphere
*1 Noxious Gearhulk
*1 PuPu UFO
*1 Roaming Throne
*1 Rose, Cutthroat Raider
*1 Ruin Grinder
*1 Scavenged Brawler
*1 Scrap Trawler
*1 Scrawling Crawler
*1 Silent Arbiter
*1 Starscream, Power Hungry // Starscream, Seeker Leader
*1 The Valeyard
*1 Torrential Gearhulk
*1 Walking Atlas
*1 Y&#039;shtola Rhul
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Damnation
*1 Raise the Palisade
*1 Toxic Deluge
[/Sorceries]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Daretti, Scrap Savant
[/Planeswalkers]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Access Denied
*1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Counterspell
*1 Mana Leak
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Blackcleave Cliffs
*1 Blazemire Verge
*1 Blood Crypt
*1 Bloodstained Mire
*1 City of Brass
*1 Command Tower
*1 Crosis&#039;s Catacombs
*1 Crumbling Necropolis
*1 Darkslick Shores
*1 Dragonskull Summit
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Gloomlake Verge
*1 Great Furnace
*3 Island
*1 Mana Confluence
*3 Mountain
*1 Polluted Delta
*1 Raucous Theater
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 Riverpyre Verge
*1 Scalding Tarn
*1 Seat of the Synod
*1 Spirebluff Canal
*1 Steam Vents
*1 Sulfur Falls
*3 Swamp
*1 Thundering Falls
*1 Undercity Sewers
*1 Vault of Whispers
*1 Watery Grave
*1 Xander&#039;s Lounge
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>In short, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dr. Eggman" href="#" target="_blank">Dr. Eggman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a pretty imposing commander. He's similar to Davros in his triggering of a tough villainous choice. He's also very similar to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kefka, Court Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Kefka, Court Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in many related ways as well. If you're a fan of either of those commanders, you're certain to like Dr. Eggman.</p>
<p>So now, I'd like to hear from you, dear readers. Are you excited about the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/secret-lair-x-sonic-three-new-drops-officially-announced/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new <em>Secret Lair</em> drop series</a>, out July 14th? Would you play a Dr. Eggman deck? Do any of the other mechanically unique cards pique your deckbuilding interest? Sound off below!</p>


Constructing Evil With a Dr. Eggman Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Setzer, Wandering Gambler" href="#" target="_blank">Setzer, Wandering Gambler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CNorikatsu+Miyoshi%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Norikatsu Miyoshi</a></em></p>
<p>Whenever a new Commander product comes out, the legend that’s on the front of the box, as well as the backup commander, tend to hog the spotlight. Which means that the other new legendary creatures from the deck can fall by the wayside. That is especially true this time around, since the <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Final Fantasy</a></em> commander decks brought a total of 65 new legends to the format.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Setzer, Wandering Gambler"></div></div>
<p>One such legend that got left on the side of the road is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Setzer, Wandering Gambler" href="#" target="_blank">Setzer, Wandering Gambler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a Rakdos (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>)commander that cares about both flipping coins and driving Vehicles; which is such a fun combo!</p>
<p>So join me, Tyler ‘Savesya’ Bucks, as I cover this wild deck list that you can pick up right now for less than $40.</p>
<h2>The Commander - Setzer, Wandering Gambler</h2>
<p>Hailing from <em>Final Fantasy VI</em>, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Setzer, Wandering Gambler" href="#" target="_blank">Setzer, Wandering Gambler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which perfectly melds flavor and mechanics together on one card. In the game, this character runs a casino out of his traveling airship, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Blackjack" href="#" target="_blank">The Blackjack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Blackjack"></div></div>
<p>Not only does this commander make that Vehicle token when he enters, but he also adds some gambling to the mix.</p>
<p>Creating two tapped Treasures for each coin flip you win is very powerful, especially when you flip a coin anytime one of your Vehicles hits an opponent. I warn you, once you get a taste of this deck, you’re going to want more.</p>
<p>This article started as one of my normal <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/jenova-ancient-calamity-build-a-team-of-mutants-on-a-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14 Cards for Under $14</a> lists, but I couldn’t stop myself from building out an entire 99.</p>
<p>While I was putting the deck together, the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/edge-of-eternities-rules-update-vehicles-can-be-commanders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news came out that legendary Vehicles will be legal as your commander</a> starting with <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/eoe">Edge of Eternities</a></em>. It was very fitting that I was putting together this fun list at the time, because my hype levels went through the roof.</p>
<p>Even though a Vehicle technically isn't leading this deck, the fact that the commander comes with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Blackjack" href="#" target="_blank">The Blackjack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a legendary Vehicle, feels close enough, right?</p>
<p>That being said, let's take a look at some of the other great Vehicles that fill out this decklist.</p>
<h2>The Vehicles</h2>
<p>Since your commander’s trigger is so strong, having a garage full of Vehicles is paramount for building this deck. First up, let's check out some great rides that ramp you.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">The Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mobile Homestead" href="#" target="_blank">Mobile Homestead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cultivator&#039;s Caravan" href="#" target="_blank">Cultivator&#039;s Caravan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Regalia"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mobile Homestead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cultivator&#039;s Caravan"></div></div>
<p>There’s also plenty of ways to dig further into your deck, while making you those Treasures along the way.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weatherlight" href="#" target="_blank">Weatherlight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smuggler&#039;s Copter" href="#" target="_blank">Smuggler&#039;s Copter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mighty Servant of Leuk-o" href="#" target="_blank">Mighty Servant of Leuk-o</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Weatherlight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Smuggler&#039;s Copter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mighty Servant of Leuk-o"></div></div>
<p>Every deck needs a good level of removal, and these Vehicles can help with that as well.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Junker" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Junker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Midnight Crusader Shuttle" href="#" target="_blank">Midnight Crusader Shuttle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skysovereign, Consul Flagship" href="#" target="_blank">Skysovereign, Consul Flagship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Demonic Junker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Midnight Crusader Shuttle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skysovereign, Consul Flagship"></div></div>
<h2>The "Crewers"</h2>
<p>What’s a Vehicle without its pilot? This deck is filled with some really great “crewers” that ensure you always have someone to jump behind the wheel.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Speedway Fanatic" href="#" target="_blank">Speedway Fanatic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dynamite Diver" href="#" target="_blank">Dynamite Diver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deathless Pilot" href="#" target="_blank">Deathless Pilot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Speedway Fanatic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dynamite Diver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deathless Pilot"></div></div>
<p>There’s also a few interesting creatures that can pull double duty in this deck. Either being a driver, or a value player.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ingenious Artillerist" href="#" target="_blank">Ingenious Artillerist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marionette Apprentice" href="#" target="_blank">Marionette Apprentice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forerunner of Slaughter" href="#" target="_blank">Forerunner of Slaughter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ingenious Artillerist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Marionette Apprentice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forerunner of Slaughter"></div></div>
<p>That last card, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forerunner of Slaughter" href="#" target="_blank">Forerunner of Slaughter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, has some interesting synergies in this deck. Not only does it have high power, making it great to crew with, but it also gives you the opportunity to pay one mana and give that colorless Vehicle it just jumped in haste!</p>
<h2>Coin Flipping and Finishers</h2>
<p>Even though coin flipping will happen often in this deck, I didn't want to devote too many slots to that subtheme. Of course, if you have a random <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krark&#039;s Thumb" href="#" target="_blank">Krark&#039;s Thumb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> laying around, be sure to include it in this list!</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Traprunner" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Traprunner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fighting Chance" href="#" target="_blank">Fighting Chance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tavern Scoundrel" href="#" target="_blank">Tavern Scoundrel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Traprunner"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fighting Chance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tavern Scoundrel"></div></div>
<p>Finally, we need to close out the game somehow, so here are just a few of the heavy hitting cards you can use to run over the rest of the table with.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cybership" href="#" target="_blank">Cybership</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Start Your Engines" href="#" target="_blank">Start Your Engines</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Vertibird" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Vertibird</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cybership"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Start Your Engines"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brotherhood Vertibird"></div></div>
<h2>Setzer, Wandering Gambler Deck List</h2>
<p>The fun doesn’t stop there; the whole deck is filled with great hidden gems that work well with Setzer. So, be sure to check out the list here, and then go to <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/13901045/setzer_wandering_gambler_edhrec_article" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archidekt to playtest the deck yourself!</a></p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Budget Setzer, Wandering Gambler Deck" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Setzer, Wandering Gambler
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Boggart Trawler // Boggart Bog
*1 Clockwork Droid
*1 Crime Novelist
*1 Deathless Pilot
*1 Dynamite Diver
*1 Flamewar, Brash Veteran // Flamewar, Streetwise Operative
*1 Forerunner of Slaughter
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Goblin Traprunner
*1 Ingenious Artillerist
*1 King Macar, the Gold-Cursed
*1 Magda, Brazen Outlaw
*1 Marionette Apprentice
*1 Mastermind Plum
*1 Pain Seer
*1 Reckless Velocitaur
*1 Rose, Cutthroat Raider
*1 Speedway Fanatic
*1 Starscream, Power Hungry // Starscream, Seeker Leader
*1 Swashbuckler Extraordinaire
*1 Tavern Scoundrel
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Adventurer&#039;s Airship
*1 Apocalypse Runner
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Brotherhood Vertibird
*1 Cultivator&#039;s Caravan
*1 Cybership
*1 Demonic Junker
*1 Dermotaxi
*1 Fleetwheel Cruiser
*1 Gastal Thrillroller
*1 Ghost Ark
*1 High-Speed Hoverbike
*1 Honeymoon Hearse
*1 Midnight Crusader Shuttle
*1 Mighty Servant of Leuk-o
*1 Mobile Homestead
*1 Ovalchase Dragster
*1 Phantom Train
*1 RMS Titanic
*1 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship
*1 Smuggler&#039;s Copter
*1 Sol Ring
*1 The Falcon, Airship Restored
*1 The Regalia
*1 Thundering Chariot
*1 Untethered Express
*1 Weatherlight
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Curse of Opulence
*1 Okiba Reckoner Raid // Nezumi Road Captain
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Demand Answers
*1 Fanatical Offering
*1 Fighting Chance
*1 Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit
*1 Wild Magic Surge
*1 Zoyowa&#039;s Justice
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Back on Track
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Stargaze
*1 Start Your Engines
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Canyon Slough
*1 Command Tower
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Dragonskull Summit
*1 Drossforge Bridge
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Foreboding Ruins
*1 Foul Roads
*1 Mech Hangar
*11 Mountain
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Restless Vents
*1 Rocky Roads
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Shadowblood Ridge
*1 Smoldering Marsh
*1 Sulfurous Springs
*8 Swamp
*1 Temple of Malice
*1 The Gold Saucer
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>A Few More Cards to Highlight</h2>
<p>Even though Rakdos isn’t the usual color combo for a Vehicle deck, you can see that there’s plenty of great cards you get access to, especially in black. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="King Macar, the Gold-Cursed" href="#" target="_blank">King Macar, the Gold-Cursed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pain Seer" href="#" target="_blank">Pain Seer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> having inspired makes for a great combo with all that crewing. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Okiba Reckoner Raid" href="#" target="_blank">Okiba Reckoner Raid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Apocalypse Runner" href="#" target="_blank">Apocalypse Runner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are interesting ways to give some evasion, which can in turn makes you more Treasures.</p>
<p>Then cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Falcon, Airship Restored" href="#" target="_blank">The Falcon, Airship Restored</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Back on Track" href="#" target="_blank">Back on Track</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give more options for recurring your big threats.</p>
<p>Of course, we can’t overlook those <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/bot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transformers</a> cards, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starscream, Power Hungry" href="#" target="_blank">Starscream, Power Hungry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flamewar, Brash Veteran" href="#" target="_blank">Flamewar, Brash Veteran</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both give you ways to draw some additional cards, while also being Vehicles that don’t have to be crewed on their other sides.</p>
<p>Finally, I just want to shout out some more great role-players I found while putting this list together. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mastermind Plum" href="#" target="_blank">Mastermind Plum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is incredible in the late game, when you can double and even triple spell with your Treasures, drawing you cards on each cast. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rose, Cutthroat Raider" href="#" target="_blank">Rose, Cutthroat Raider</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not only adds to your artifact count, but also brings you both mana and card advantage just for attacking your opponents.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swashbuckler Extraordinaire" href="#" target="_blank">Swashbuckler Extraordinaire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives your Treasures additional utility by adding double strike to your creatures, which will in-turn trigger your commander's coin flipping a few more times.</p>
<p>Both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marionette Apprentice" href="#" target="_blank">Marionette Apprentice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ingenious Artillerist" href="#" target="_blank">Ingenious Artillerist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> help you weaponize those Treasures whenever they enter or go to the graveyard, which just pressures your opponents' life totals even more than before.</p>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>So, there you have it, a budget Rakdos Vehicle deck led by Setzer, Wandering Gambler that’s an absolute blast to pilot!</p>
<p>Let me know in the comments which cards you would include in this list. Feel free to throw out some non-budget options as well, just in case someone wants to drop more than this deck’s $40 price tag. Good luck out there, and may your coins land how you call 'em!</p>


A Super Fun Setzer, Wandering Gambler Budget Deck | Coin Flips &#038; Vehicles Galore

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Edgar, King of Figaro" href="#" target="_blank">Edgar, King of Figaro</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://jakemurraystudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Murray</a></em></p>
<p>As an avid commander player, I'm always trying to find unique ideas to build decks around, and when I saw <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Edgar, King of Figaro" href="#" target="_blank">Edgar, King of Figaro</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> during <em>Final Fantasy</em> spoiler season, there was something about it I couldn't ignore.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Edgar, King of Figaro"></div></div>
<p>The first part is incredibly powerful on its own. Drawing a ridiculous amount of cards attached to an "enters" trigger seems extremely good. However, I was drawn in by the second line of text, and it has haunted me ever since.</p>
<p>Auto-winning your first coin flip? That <em>has</em> to be good, right?</p>
<p>Upon closer inspection, most cards that flip coins are based in red, <em>not</em> blue. We have two amazing coin-flip decks that live in the Izzet world with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zndrsplt, Eye of Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Zndrsplt, Eye of Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> partnered with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Okaun, Eye of Chaos" href="#" target="_blank">Okaun, Eye of Chaos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yusri, Fortune&#039;s Flame" href="#" target="_blank">Yusri, Fortune&#039;s Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zndrsplt, Eye of Wisdom"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Okaun, Eye of Chaos"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yusri, Fortune&#039;s Flame"></div></div>
<p>Would Edgar be a slam dunk inclusion in those decks? Yes, absolutely. But...what about his own coin flip deck? Is that even possible?</p>
<p>Let me show you what I have in mind...</p>
<h2>Key Cards for Edgar, King of Figaro...Our version</h2>
<h3>Category #1: The Flippers</h3>
<p>As previously stated, not a lot of "flip a coin" cards exist in mono-blue, so the list here is pretty small. Ironically enough, they're all artifacts, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zndrsplt, Eye of Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Zndrsplt, Eye of Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as the only exception.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Creepy Doll"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Boompile"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crooked Scales"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Creepy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Creepy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a funny little effect that can act as the perfect blocker;</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boompile" href="#" target="_blank">Boompile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> leaves a board wipe completely up to chance;</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crooked Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Crooked Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an expensive, but humorous, way to remove a problematic creature;</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Lyre" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Lyre</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can punish opponents when we have a critical mass of creatures;</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Gold Saucer" href="#" target="_blank">The Gold Saucer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a land that can create Treasures in a pinch;</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sorcerer&#039;s Strongbox" href="#" target="_blank">Sorcerer&#039;s Strongbox</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can potentially allow us to draw three cards;</li>
<li>and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krark&#039;s Thumb" href="#" target="_blank">Krark&#039;s Thumb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help us have more control over our flips.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Lyre"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Gold Saucer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krark&#039;s Thumb"></div></div>
<p>Obviously, these cards aren't incredible, but that leads us perfectly into the next category...</p>
<h3>Category #2: Bridging the Gap = Copying Artifacts</h3>
<p>The best way to get the most out of our pretty underwhelming coin flippers, is simple: copy them.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clever Impersonator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phyrexian Metamorph"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Machine God&#039;s Effigy"></div></div>
<p>This can be through permanents that enter as copies, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Impersonator" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Impersonator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Metamorph" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Metamorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Machine God&#039;s Effigy" href="#" target="_blank">Machine God&#039;s Effigy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Or it can be through spells that create token copies, like:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Three Steps Ahead" href="#" target="_blank">Three Steps Ahead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drafna, Founder of Lat-Nam" href="#" target="_blank">Drafna, Founder of Lat-Nam</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Echo Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Echo Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cackling Counterpart" href="#" target="_blank">Cackling Counterpart</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Replication Technique" href="#" target="_blank">Replication Technique</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quasiduplicate" href="#" target="_blank">Quasiduplicate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>Or it can be through consistent copies being made every turn with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Extravagant Replication" href="#" target="_blank">Extravagant Replication</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mechanized Production" href="#" target="_blank">Mechanized Production</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nexus of Becoming" href="#" target="_blank">Nexus of Becoming</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Three Steps Ahead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Drafna, Founder of Lat-Nam"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Echo Storm"></div></div>
<p>We may need our artifacts to be creatures in order to copy them, that's why we run cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Karn, Silver Golem" href="#" target="_blank">Karn, Silver Golem</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Karn, the Great Creator" href="#" target="_blank">Karn, the Great Creator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Karn, Silver Golem"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Karn, the Great Creator"></div></div>
<p>Now, I'm sure you're wondering, Why would we waste our time copying cards that aren't amazing? And that's a great question. The coin flip guarantee on our commander is cool, sure, but this deck and its copy shenanigans has a trick up its sleeve...or should I say a <em>trap</em>...</p>
<h3>Category #3: Booby Trap(s)</h3>
<p>No good king is complete without a little <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Booby Trap" href="#" target="_blank">Booby Trap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to protect his castle. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Booby Trap" href="#" target="_blank">Booby Trap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a hilariously janky card that I've never seen in Commander, but it's also a card that is <em>begging</em> to be copied.</p>
<p>Just think about it: you have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lantern of Insight" href="#" target="_blank">Lantern of Insight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in play so you know what your opponents have coming. You play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Booby Trap" href="#" target="_blank">Booby Trap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> naming an opponent and their top card. You copy <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Booby Trap" href="#" target="_blank">Booby Trap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, choosing another opponent and naming their top card. And so on.</p>
<p>It's "Magical Christmas Land," sure, but it might just be crazy enough to work. Ten damage is not a small amount.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Booby Trap"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lantern of Insight"></div></div>
<p>The deck is functionally a copy-centric deck, where you want to copy your coin flippers, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Booby Trap" href="#" target="_blank">Booby Trap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or both.</p>
<p>Janky? Sure. Fun? Absolutely.</p>
<h2>Edgar, King of Figaro Commander Deck List</h2>
<p>Check out my decklist below!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Edgar, King of Figaro and his Booby Traps" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Edgar, King of Figaro
[/Commander]
[Enchantments]
*1 Artificer Class
*1 Court of Vantress
*1 Extravagant Replication
*1 Mechanized Production
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Adric, Mathematical Genius
*1 Astral Dragon
*1 Clever Impersonator
*1 Creepy Doll
*1 Displacer Kitten
*1 Drafna, Founder of Lat-Nam
*1 Emry, Lurker of the Loch
*1 Etherium Sculptor
*1 Faerie Mastermind
*1 Gogo, Master of Mimicry
*1 Hulking Metamorph
*1 Karn, Silver Golem
*1 Phyrexian Metamorph
*1 Threefold Thunderhulk
*1 Treasure Mage
*1 Trinket Mage
*1 Zndrsplt, Eye of Wisdom
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Echo Storm
*1 Fabricate
*1 Quasiduplicate
*1 Relm&#039;s Sketching
*1 Replication Technique
*1 Season of Weaving
*1 Will of the Temur
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Booby Trap
*1 Boompile
*1 Crooked Scales
*1 Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
*1 Goblin Lyre
*1 Grinning Totem
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Krark&#039;s Thumb
*1 Lantern of Insight
*1 Liquimetal Torque
*1 Lithoform Engine
*1 Machine God&#039;s Effigy
*1 Midnight Clock
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mirage Mirror
*1 Misleading Signpost
*1 Nexus of Becoming
*1 Prototype Portal
*1 Sculpting Steel
*1 Simulacrum Synthesizer
*1 Skyclave Relic
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sorcerer&#039;s Strongbox
*1 Thought Vessel
*1 Wirefly Hive
*1 Worldwalker Helm
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Cackling Counterpart
*1 Pongify
*1 Rapid Hybridization
*1 Reality Shift
*1 Sink into Stupor // Soporific Springs
*1 Three Steps Ahead
*1 Whir of Invention
[/Instants]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Karn, the Great Creator
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Academy Ruins
*1 Archway of Innovation
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Crystal Vein
*1 Darksteel Citadel
*1 Emergence Zone
*1 Fomori Vault
*1 Geier Reach Sanitarium
*1 Inventors&#039; Fair
*17 Island
*1 Mikokoro, Center of the Sea
*1 Mirrorpool
*1 Mystic Sanctuary
*1 Saprazzan Skerry
*1 Scavenger Grounds
*1 Seat of the Synod
*1 Talon Gates of Madara
*1 The Gold Saucer
*1 The Mycosynth Gardens
*1 Treasure Vault
[/Lands]"></span></div>


commander