<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider" href="#" target="_blank">Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.daarken.com/">Daarken</a></h6>
<p>Each color in <em>Magic</em> has its own strengths and weaknesses. This is one of the first things you learn about the game when you start and is what keeps most people playing for years.</p>
<p>A red deck is going to be aggressive, even in a long-form format such as commander. It specializes in direct damage, swarms of cheap and hasted creatures, and an array of artifacts to support them. Not to mention enough mana-cheating and card draw to support a verifiable engine of war.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Urabrask"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko, Mob Boss"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Raid Bombardment"></div></div>
<p>... unless you’re following this series, which is all about taking those traditional deck archetypes and turning them on their head. In that case, a red deck will play the long-game with traps, counters, and a dedicated plan of action to outplay your best maneuvers.</p>
<p>Or just straight-up randomness. That, too.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gamble"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tibalt’s Trickery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chaos Warp"></div></div>
<h1>What is Playing “Out Of Type?”</h1>
<p>Every color in <em>Magic</em> has the ability to engage with every facet of play. Red can play stax while blue can buff your creatures, even if these aren’t the “intended” archetypes of those colors, and while black might lack the “lifegain” tag white is flooded with, it has other means of increasing its life total.</p>
<p>Just like white has some creature removal despite that being black’s “thing.”</p>
<p>Playing Out Of Type or “Off-Color” is focusing on those strange and wonderful exceptions to the color pie and diving into them. Forget the game changers your color is known for and turn a blind eye to the meta.</p>
<p>Grab the worst cards you can find and cram ‘em together with some tape, elbow grease, and a prayer, 'cause where we’re going, we don’t use staples.</p>
<h1>A Quick Disclaimer</h1>
<p>Doing this is not a surefire means of victory. In fact, some might say it’s “intentionally decreasing how effective your deck is.”</p>
<p>To those people I say: yeah, and?</p>
<p>This is a style of play to shake up the rut you might be finding yourself in. Whether you’re the top of your pod and burning out from defending your crown or just looking to craft a deck you’ve never made before, part of the joy of <em>Magic</em> is exploring new possibilities, and making more decks than you’ll ever be able to play!</p>
<p>But to do so, you just have to adopt the mentality that you aren’t playing “optimally.” So when playing Off-Color, it’s probably stick to Bracket 1 or 2 where games aren’t as competitive.</p>
<p>When your green deck has fewer creatures on-board than cards in your hand, your opponents will be confused. When you follow your mana curve religiously, they’ll start asking questions. And when all you have left on your board are artifacts and enchantments, they’ll just assume you’re colorblind.</p>
<p>And that’s when you win right out from under them.</p>
<h1>What Green Does Well</h1>
<h2>Mana Gain and <em>Landfall</em></h2>
<p>I’m throwing these two together because when I think green, I think lands and creatures cosplaying as lands. It’s more common than you’d think in other colors, but the absolute poster child of this is green.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Llanowar Elves"></div></div>
<p>Green breaks the mana curve regularly due to its fundamental hatred of economics. This, of course, stems from green players’ collective illiteracy, but it works out for us because when you can’t read the rules, you don’t need to worry about things such as a limit to how many lands you can play per turn.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azusa, Lost but Seeking"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Greensleeves, Maro-Sorcerer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Exploration"></div></div>
<p>Then green capitalizes off of this flouting of the rules with its rampant use of <em>Landfall</em> and its rampant use of non-<em>Landfall</em> land-based triggers.</p>
<p>So if a green player plays a land, they can benefit from it. If a green player has a lot of lands, they can benefit from that. If a green has lands in their graveyard, well that’s just a hand that takes some work to play from.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bristly Bill, Spine Sower"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tifa Lockhart"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nissa, Resurgent Animist"></div></div>
<h2>Graveyard Reclamation</h2>
<p>Speaking of the graveyard, green is second to one in its ability to access the graveyard. Black takes the cake, but green has no shortage of fetch cards for a wide variety of targets. I have to give a special shoutout to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eternal Witness" href="#" target="_blank">Eternal Witness</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for having a blanket “grab whatever you want, on me” as an enter-the-battlefield effect.</p>
<p>Any ability that allows you to remove it from the field and return it, or otherwise play it again once it dies, skyrockets its value.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Conduit of Worlds"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Multani, Yavimaya&#039;s Avatar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Splendid Reclamation"></div></div>
<h2>Quantity AND Quality of Creature</h2>
<p>The only strength green can employ which would so much as rival its infamy in the mana market is its ability to create a frankly insulting amount of creature tokens or, with its mana production, simply play strong creatures ahead of the curve to dominate the battlefield.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Parallel Lives"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Doubling Season"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Druid&#039;s Deliverance"></div></div>
<p>Not only that, green strengthens and protects creatures with keywords such as reach, hexproof, and indestructible. Or it just increases their base stats with the humble +1/+1 counter, which is itself neutral on the color-pie but has a tinge of green in its alignment.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gaea&#039;s Gift"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Titania&#039;s Command"></div></div>
<p>Then there’s the various temporary strength increases green loves to hand out to its creatures, and in case you were wondering if that was “just” to inflict damage, think again! Green even makes sure to use that to also benefit itself economically.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Garruk&#039;s Uprising"></div></div>
<h2>Artifact/Enchantment Removal</h2>
<p>While this might be a bit needlessly restricting to playing Off-Color, I feel green’s hatred of artifacts and enchantments is core enough to its identity to include. Green struggles with removal of creatures, not removal of other types of permanents.</p>
<p>It has activated abilities, instants, and sorceries whose sole purpose are the removal of artifacts and enchantments, the lore being that they aren’t native to the natural world and so green rejects them, but still! Not the worst coverage, given the inherent strength of green’s creatures.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Naturalize"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Return to Nature"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sundering Vitae"></div></div>
<h2>But What If…</h2>
<p>… you play a green deck where you build a noncombat engine?</p>
<p>It’s time to exit the forest and enter the forge, because green has a surprising amount of noncreature permanents that are quite strong! Granted, they primarily scale off of having a strong creature-base, but don’t worry about it!</p>
<p>You have alt win-cons for that.</p>
<h2>Creature Removal</h2>
<p>Green can’t destroy creatures directly most of the time, save for artifact and/or enchantment creatures. However, it has access to multiple cards which allow your creatures to deal their power in damage to another creature. Similarly, green holds domain over the “fight” keyword, which forces two creatures to attack one another.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cosmic Hunger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prey Upon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prizefight"></div></div>
<h2>Artifacts/Enchantments</h2>
<p>This one’s kind of cheating, but hear me out! Green has very little support for artifacts, so while it’s easy to say “having colorless artifacts in a green deck feels more like playing a colorless deck,” there isn’t the synergy a blue or red deck would have.</p>
<p>Green excels at removing artifacts. Remember the tidbit of lore I mentioned earlier? What’s more Off-Green than to focus on that which is not natural?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Deck of Many Things"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oviya, Automech Artisan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oviya Pashiri, Sage Lifecrafter"></div></div>
<p>Then following the same logic, we can also grab a few cheeky enchantments that’ll really help us set up a legitimate board state, and something that’s usually quite fun while still being Off-Green is Sagas, particularly those that field creatures.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azusa&#039;s Many Journeys"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Boseiju Reaches Skyward"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jugan Defends the Temple"></div></div>
<p>Wait, no, those are VERY green. I meant more like these.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Argothian Enchantress"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The First Iroan Games"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Enchantress&#039;s Presence"></div></div>
<h2>Alternative Win Conditions</h2>
<p>Green seems to struggle with alternative win conditions, at least from what I’ve seen. And for the record, I’m uncertain counting poison counter. While they aren’t “core” to green’s color identity, they’re still quite common in it.</p>
<p>Poison isn’t integral to green, though green is integral to poison. The main other color that involves poison is black through the largely phased-out infect. While Phyrexia gave us poison across all colors, it’s still largely a Golgari exclusive.</p>
<p>So if that fancies you, here’s a few green cards to get the poison going.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fynn, the Fangbearer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Infectious Bite"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ichorspit Basilisk"></div></div>
<p>However, there are certain cards which simply allow you to win the game. They aren’t quite common to green and when they exist, they tend to focus on green’s strengths, so while many might bemoan their fielding, the fact you’re facing an uphill battle means it won’t be “cheap.”</p>
<p>You have to earn an Off-Green victory, because ignoring your ignoring your economy and board state aren’t markers of an easy strategy!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Helix Pinnacle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Epic Struggle"></div></div>
<h1>Green Loves Fundamentals</h1>
<p>A primal part of my brain lights up whenever I see a big number and I make it get bigger, whether mana or a creature’s strength, so I’m a green player and have been since I first started playing.</p>
<p>Green has the basic loop of magic down to a science. It plays lands, lots of them. Gets lots of mana. Plays creatures and makes them hit harder.</p>
<p>But it struggles and loses scope the further from that core loop you stray. It has some enchantment support, life gain, and card draw if you build your board right, but it can’t control your opponent’s stack or board nearly as well as any other color.</p>
<p>If you want to play Off-Green, you’re using a wooden sword to enact drone warfare. It’s a blunt tool you’re trying to be clever with, so start your engines, begin the politicking, and be prepared to have a much more open board than you’d ever feel comfortable with.</p>
<p>I’ll stick to my big numbers in the meantime.</p>


How to Play Green Differently in EDH

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Malcolm, the Eyes" href="#" target="_blank">Malcolm, the Eyes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | <em>Art by</em><em> <a href="https://michaelwalshcomics.com/">Michael Walsh</a></em></h6>
<p>Last year, the <em>Magic </em>Pride event was my favorite of the year. The premise is simple: all legendary creatures have partner. This format has a nearly limitless number of potential partner combinations to construct a strategy around. The greatest challenge for me isn't building a good deck, but choosing just one deck to play at the event. In this deck tech, we're going to be taking my signature commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Malcolm, the Eyes" href="#" target="_blank">Malcolm, the Eyes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and pairing him with my favorite commander from <em>Final Fantasy</em>: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Malcolm, the Eyes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary"></div></div>
<h2>What Do Cloud and Malcolm Do?</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Malcolm, the Eyes" href="#" target="_blank">Malcolm, the Eyes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a two-mana commander with flying and haste. Whenever you cast your second spell each turn, you get a Clue token. That's it. In the age of commanders that have two paragraphs of rules text, I find Malcolm's simplicity refreshing. The complexity lies in how to take advantage of Malcolm's abilities. Here, I'm primarily interested in leveraging Malcolm's speed and evasion. A two-mana creature with flying is going to get through in combat very often in the early stages of the game as most opponents will still be developing their mana and establishing their engines by the time Malcolm hits the red zone.</p>
<p>Unlike Malcolm, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has quite a bit of text to work through. When Cloud enters, you search your library for an Equipment card and put it into your hand. Then, while Cloud is equipped, his abilities as well as the abilities of any Equipment attached to him trigger twice. The tutor effect is going to be key in this deck. I'm a huge fan of toolbox-style decks that have a plethora of situational cards tied together by a powerful tutor effect and Cloud is a perfect fit.</p>
<p>These two commanders are going to come together to form a really sweet Voltron deck. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an easy way to find the best Equipment card for any given situation and Malcolm is an evasive creature that shouldn't be difficult to connect with. Additionally, both commanders are very good attackers! This means I can theoretically work towards a turn where I kill the two most threatening opponents at the table with commander damage in a single turn, leaving only one player alive to try to stop me.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for Malcolm &amp; Cloud</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Buster Sword"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blade of Selves"></div></div>
<p>The most important cards in any deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the command zone are the Equipment spells. I've fit as many of the best Equipment as I can get away with in this deck. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buster Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Buster Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as most <em>Final Fantasy</em> fans would probably guess, has really strong synergy with Cloud. Getting to cast one spell from your hand for free is pretty good, but getting to do it twice when <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buster Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Buster Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is equipped to Cloud is a ridiculous amount of value. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blade of Selves" href="#" target="_blank">Blade of Selves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also at its best when equipped to Cloud, as attacking with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blade of Selves" href="#" target="_blank">Blade of Selves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> equipped will give you a bunch of copies of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Sure, those copies are all going to get sacrificed to the legend rule, but each one of them will still get their enters trigger to search for an Equipment.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sigarda&#039;s Aid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Puresteel Paladin"></div></div>
<p>The weakest part of Equipment spells is that they cost mana to cast and additional mana to equip to a creature. No one wants to spend their hard-earned mana on equipping their creatures. Thankfully, a number of ways to cheat on these costs have been printed over the years. Taking a page directly out of Modern Hammer Time's playbook, this deck includes <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sigarda&#039;s Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Sigarda&#039;s Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, two of the most mana-efficient ways to cheat Equipment onto your creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forge Anew" href="#" target="_blank">Forge Anew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bureau Headmaster" href="#" target="_blank">Bureau Headmaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fighter Class" href="#" target="_blank">Fighter Class</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are also here to help give Cloud his <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buster Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Buster Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> without having to spend all of my mana.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thoughtcast"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emry, Lurker of the Loch"></div></div>
<p>Between Malcolm's Clue tokens, artifact-based ramp, and the 15 Equipment cards in the deck, I expect this deck to have a lot of artifacts in play at any given time. I've included some cards with affinity or improvise to take full advantage of that. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thoughtcast" href="#" target="_blank">Thoughtcast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will often be a one-mana <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Divination" href="#" target="_blank">Divination</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Metallic Rebuke" href="#" target="_blank">Metallic Rebuke</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> becomes a one-mana <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Leak" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Leak</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> very early into most games. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emry, Lurker of the Loch" href="#" target="_blank">Emry, Lurker of the Loch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ensures that none of your most important artifacts stay gone for long after being removed. Emry is particularly strong in a deck that plays <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mishra&#039;s Bauble" href="#" target="_blank">Mishra&#039;s Bauble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza&#039;s Bauble" href="#" target="_blank">Urza&#039;s Bauble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as she'll often be able to tap to draw a card with one of those at the very least.</p>
<h2>How Do Malcolm &amp; Cloud Win the Game?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jeska, Thrice Reborn"></div></div>
<p>The most common way that a Voltron deck wins games is through commander damage, typically dealt by a commander with a critical mass of Auras or Equipment attached. This deck is no exception. It isn't all Auras and Equipment, though. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeska, Thrice Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">Jeska, Thrice Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a card I've been including as a finisher more and more often in my decks lately and this deck makes very good use of her. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Two-Handed Axe" href="#" target="_blank">Two-Handed Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> serves a similar purpose to Jeska, while being an Equipment that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stoneforge Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Stoneforge Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can fetch.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kappa Cannoneer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inkmoth Nexus"></div></div>
<p>It is important for any Voltron deck to have creatures that can get the job done in case the commanders are rendered uncastable, either by a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drannith Magistrate" href="#" target="_blank">Drannith Magistrate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or prohibitively high command tax. With all of the powerful Equipment in this deck, any creature can easily become a lethal threat, but some cards in the deck are more well-suited than others to this purpose. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kappa Cannoneer" href="#" target="_blank">Kappa Cannoneer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an unblockable menace that is easy to cast and difficult to remove. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inkmoth Nexus" href="#" target="_blank">Inkmoth Nexus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a land that can become a creature with infect. With a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sigarda&#039;s Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Sigarda&#039;s Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on the field, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inkmoth Nexus" href="#" target="_blank">Inkmoth Nexus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can attack and then receive an instant-speed <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> after blocks to kill a player in one hit!</p>
<h2>Malcolm &amp; Cloud Commander Decklist</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Jeskai Stoneblade" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Cloud, Midgar Mercenary
*1 Malcolm, the Eyes
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Astrologian&#039;s Planisphere
*1 Blade of Selves
*1 Buster Sword
*1 Chrome Mox
*1 Colossus Hammer
*1 Conqueror&#039;s Flail
*1 Cori-Steel Cutter
*1 Lavaspur Boots
*1 Mishra&#039;s Bauble
*1 Mithril Coat
*1 Mox Amber
*1 Mox Opal
*1 Nettlecyst
*1 Pre-War Formalwear
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Springleaf Drum
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Sword of Feast and Famine
*1 Sword of Fire and Ice
*1 Two-Handed Axe
[/Artifacts]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Jeska, Thrice Reborn
*1 Saheeli, Sublime Artificer
[/Planeswalkers]
[Instants]
*1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
*1 Deflecting Swat
*1 Dispel
*1 Fierce Guardianship
*1 Final Fortune
*1 Flusterstorm
*1 Force of Negation
*1 Force of Will
*1 Galvanic Blast
*1 Metallic Rebuke
*1 Misdirection
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Wear // Tear
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Combat Research
*1 Curiosity
*1 Curious Obsession
*1 Fighter Class
*1 Forge Anew
*1 Frostcliff Siege
*1 Guild Artisan
*1 Sigarda&#039;s Aid
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Bureau Headmaster
*1 Emry, Lurker of the Loch
*1 Esper Sentinel
*1 Forensic Gadgeteer
*1 Kappa Cannoneer
*1 Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Stoneforge Mystic
*1 Subtlety
*1 Third Path Iconoclast
[/Creatures]
[Lands]
*1 Academy Ruins
*1 Ancient Den
*1 Arid Mesa
*1 Bloodstained Mire
*1 City of Brass
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Flooded Strand
*1 Great Furnace
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Inkmoth Nexus
*1 Island
*1 Mana Confluence
*1 Marsh Flats
*1 Misty Rainforest
*1 Mountain
*1 Plains
*1 Plateau
*1 Polluted Delta
*1 Raugrin Triome
*1 Razortide Bridge
*1 Rustvale Bridge
*1 Sacred Foundry
*1 Scalding Tarn
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Seat of the Synod
*1 Silverbluff Bridge
*1 Spectator Seating
*1 Spire of Industry
*1 Starting Town
*1 Steam Vents
*1 Training Center
*1 Tundra
*1 Urza&#039;s Saga
*1 Volcanic Island
*1 Windswept Heath
*1 Wooded Foothills
[/Lands]
[Sorceries]
*1 Eagle Vision
*1 Shattering Spree
*1 Thoughtcast
*1 Winds of Abandon
[/Sorceries]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>I'd place this deck into the lower end of the Optimized Bracket (4). The suite of interaction and ramp is packed with Game Changers, and this deck has a very fast gameplan that would most likely be overwhelming to less interactive decks in the lower brackets. It wouldn't be a big ask to tone it down to fit into the Upgraded Bracket (3) for someone that isn't as committed to playing cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Force of Will" href="#" target="_blank">Force of Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chrome Mox" href="#" target="_blank">Chrome Mox</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>This deck is made for players that like to feel like they're putting a puzzle together each turn. The decision trees start to get complicated as early as turn two where you have to decide which commander to deploy first, and then what Equipment Cloud will fetch first. While it is incredibly fun to navigate those decision trees, they come with a very real risk. Even the most skilled pilot could make a wrong choice early on in a game and doom themselves in the process. I love the feeling of that risk hanging over my head, but it certainly isn't for everyone.</p>
<p>I love building for this variant of Commander, even if I only get to play it twice a year. I'm excited to see what interesting combinations the people at my local game store came up with this year, and I'm equally excited to hear about what pairings the people in the comments have come up with!</p>
<p>For more Malcolm, the Eyes content, be sure to check out <a href="https://commandersherald.com/60-to-100-legacy-delver/">my article</a> about him over on Commander's Herald. Even with all of the awesome tools recent sets have given us, I believe this version of the deck still holds up.</p>


Cloud, Midgar Mercenary &#038; Malcolm, the Eyes Pride Event Deck Tech

Zack Fair, the Self-Sacrificing Hero - Commander Deck Tech

Deckbuilding Contest Finalists - June 2025

Ping your Opponents Trim-Style With a Mighty Merfolk Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Juri, Master of the Revue" href="#" target="_blank">Juri, Master of the Revue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art By <a href="https://www.artstation.com/burmak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dmitry Burmak</a></em></p>
<p>Hello, and welcome to <i>Archetypes of Imagination</i>, the series in which we build decks based on popular Commander archetypes. I'm back with another unhinged addition to this otherwise very normal series. Let's look at how best to shove our commander in a cannon and blast him at our opponents by making a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/fling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fling deck</a>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fling"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fling" href="#" target="_blank">Fling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks are built around the eponymous spell's effect of sacrificing a creature to deal damage equal to its stats to another player or permanent.</p>
<p>Decks with this strategy try to take opponents down with noncombat damage, either by flinging lots of different creatures via a commander that has the ability - see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brion Stoutarm" href="#" target="_blank">Brion Stoutarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ziatora, the Incinerator" href="#" target="_blank">Ziatora, the Incinerator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> - or by making a commander so absolutely massive that one fling from it will end someone's game on the spot - like absolute chungus, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thromok the Insatiable" href="#" target="_blank">Thromok the Insatiable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brion Stoutarm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ziatora, the Incinerator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thromok the Insatiable"></div></div>
<p>I'll be using <a href="https://tagger.scryfall.com/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scryfall's tagging system</a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EDHREC's Tag pages</a> to build a deck around our theme, using a commander that actually manages to combine the two methods together all wrapped up in a sacrifice matters sub-theme.</p>
<h2>Skewer the Critics, and Your Opponents!</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Juri, Master of the Revue" href="#" target="_blank">Juri, Master of the Revue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a two-cost, 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>) legendary creature with just one power and toughness each. However, whenever you sacrifice any kind of permanent, Juri will get a +1/+1 counter added to him.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Juri, Master of the Revue"></div></div>
<p>You might know Juri as the head honcho of The Cult of Rakdos' premier, blood-soaked, cursed clown circus on the plane of Ravnica. When I play my own personal build of him, I like to refer to Juri as the O.B.L. (the Orbital Death Laser).</p>
<p>The strategy is incredibly simple with this deck. We sacrifice as many of our permanents for value as possible and all the while, Juri gets more and more swole. Then, when Juri dies for any reason (usually because we sacrificed him) he deals damage equal to his power to any target of our choice.</p>
<h3>Forking the Fling</h3>
<p>One of the troubles of a Fling deck is trying to find a card in your deck that delivers the effect. Whether it's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fling" href="#" target="_blank">Fling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> itself or one of the other cards that have been printed that delivers the same effect. This is usually why people like to go for a commander that has the effect stapled on them, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brion Stoutarm" href="#" target="_blank">Brion Stoutarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>But the problem with those cards is the fact that they then need to find and cast something big to actually fling.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fork"></div></div>
<p>Juri allows us to eat our cake and have it too, not only by having the ability to get super large with a load of sacrifices in our deck, but also by flinging himself whenever he dies.</p>
<p>The fun thing about this effect being triggered by Juri dying though is that by sacrificing him to a card like Fling, we actually get to double dip. We get two different instances of damage going to any target equal to Juri's power.</p>
<p>In an ideal final turn of the game we could potentially swing Juri in to one of our opponents, dealing lethal commander damage, then cast Fling and deal lethal noncombat damage to both of the other players at the table.</p>
<p>That might seem ambitious but it's in fact very achievable. I've done it multiple times before!</p>
<h2>Charging Up the Laser</h2>
<p>Before we can start shooting the laser at our opponents, we gotta charge it up first. And that means making some sacrifices. Not of any great loss to us of course, as we'll be sacrificing pretty much everything we have for value to add counters to our commander.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fabled Passage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terramorphic Expanse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evolving Wilds"></div></div>
<p>There's a huge amount of things we can sacrifice in Commander, and Juri doesn't really care what we're sacrificing when we're triggering his ability. Even just sacking a land like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Terramorphic Expanse" href="#" target="_blank">Terramorphic Expanse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will net us a +1/+1 counter.</p>
<p>As we're in Rakdos (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-br" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) colors, it would be downright senseless of us to ignore <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> tokens. Most people who've played one or two games of Commander, especially against <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prosper, Tome-Bound" href="#" target="_blank">Prosper, Tome-Bound</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, will know how busted they can be in the format. There's a reason they banned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dockside Extortionist" href="#" target="_blank">Dockside Extortionist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Reaver Cleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deadly Dispute"></div></div>
<p>There's plenty of great cards that can dump out Treasure tokens for us during the game.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reaver Cleaver" href="#" target="_blank">The Reaver Cleaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an absolutely terrifying thing to put on a giant commander as it is, but when you can also make that commander even bigger with the Treasures it makes, it gets even worse. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Dispute" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Dispute</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allow us to see card draw, sac a creature, and make a Treasure to sac later all in one card.</p>
<h3>Keeping Momentum</h3>
<p>One of the common pitfalls of a strategy like this is running out of things to sacrifice and floating around with a midsized Juri and no good targets.</p>
<p>When you're picking your sac outlets, try and look for cards that not only sacrifice stuff but also give you other bits of sac fodder in return.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warren Soultrader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Orcish Bowmasters"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ophiomancer"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warren Soultrader" href="#" target="_blank">Warren Soultrader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a perfect bit of tech, allowing you to not only blend up your chaff creatures but also get a Treasure token for your troubles. These double value cards will get your Juri snowball rolling much faster in the long run.</p>
<p>To make sure you have good access to expendable creatures, a few token generators will definitely come in handy. It's a <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changer</a>, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Orcish Bowmasters" href="#" target="_blank">Orcish Bowmasters</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will put in serious work. Or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ophiomancer" href="#" target="_blank">Ophiomancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can also provide plenty of access to bodies as well.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghoulcaller Gisa"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghoulcaller Gisa" href="#" target="_blank">Ghoulcaller Gisa</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works perfectly in a Juri deck as it not only works as a sacrifice trigger, and a way to sac Juri himself, but it also can turn Juri's huge statline into an army of 2/2 Zombie tokens.</p>
<h2>Pull the Trigger</h2>
<p>When we've got Juri suitably fattened up for the cannon, it's time to light the fuse and fling for the win.</p>
<p>As I've mentioned before, the benefit of this commander is that it comes pre loaded with its Fling effect. We can have Juri die to any effect at all to blast his power into someone's face at instant speed. But having Juri die to one of those Fling effects will effectively double the amount of damage he can do.</p>
<p>For that reason, we definitely want to include some of those cards in our list. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fling" href="#" target="_blank">Fling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works great of course but we can also use some other options to achieve the same goal.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Callous Sell-Sword"></div></div>
<p>The adventure spell on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Callous Sell-Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Callous Sell-Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Burn Together, trades instant speed for one less mana. It also has the potential benefit of only sacrificing Juri if the spell actually resolves, rather than it being a casting cost. At least if it gets countered, we won't miss out on our double damage!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Voldaren Thrillseeker"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Voldaren Thrillseeker" href="#" target="_blank">Voldaren Thrillseeker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of my personal favorite picks using the currently set-exclusive mechanic of Backup which puts two +1/+1 counters on Juri and gives him the Fling text as an activated ability until end of turn for the price of one mana. And of course you can even fling the Thrillseeker herself!</p>
<h2>Backup Cannon Fodder</h2>
<p>One thing to bear in mind when building this deck is that it (like pretty much everything I build, honestly) is very commander centric. This deck doesn't really do a whole lot if Juri isn't on the board.</p>
<p>Luckily our commander is super cheap at only two mana to cast, so we can get a few instances of him out through the course of a game. But if we started getting loaded up with commander tax, it would be good to get some alternate options to fling.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Storm-Kiln Artist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Plumb the Forbidden"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm-Kiln Artist" href="#" target="_blank">Storm-Kiln Artist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works as a nice combo with Juri, not only providing us Treasures whenever we cast or copy instants and sorceries, but also getting more and more power with each artifact we have on the board. If Juri is out we can sac the Treasures to make him bigger. If he isn't, then we can keep the Treasures around and think about flinging the artist instead.</p>
<p>This card pairs so well with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plumb the Forbidden" href="#" target="_blank">Plumb the Forbidden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (shock horror, they're from the same set) as we dump a ton of card draw, sacrifice triggers, and Treasures.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crime Novelist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blackblade Reforged"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crime Novelist" href="#" target="_blank">Crime Novelist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is like a sort of soft-Juri clone. He can't fling himself but he does get bigger whenever we sacrifice an artifact - not to mention he'll provide us with an extra red mana for each of our spent treasure Tokens. Double mana Treasures can provide us with some explosive turns, and this creature once again gives us some redundancy for our strategy.</p>
<p>I'll also give a quick mention to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blackblade Reforged" href="#" target="_blank">Blackblade Reforged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and other such Equipment cards that give a huge boost to our creatures. These can make fling fodder out of pretty much anything.</p>
<h2>Build It Yourself</h2>
<p>Fling decks are pretty simple to put together and a ton of fun to play. Taking out an entire table in one fell swoop feels unreal when you pull it off and even the sorest of losers will at least be treated to some spectacle. Just like the Cult of Rakdos would have wanted.</p>
<h2>Juri, Master of the Revue Fling Commander Deck List</h2>
<p>If you want to build Juri for yourself, here's a list I've played before below with some pretty good results.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Fling - Archetypes of Imagination" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Juri, Master of the Revue
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Ayara, Widow of the Realm // Ayara, Furnace Queen
*1 Bladewing, Deathless Tyrant
*1 Callous Sell-Sword // Burn Together
*1 Captain Lannery Storm
*1 Crime Novelist
*1 Decadent Dragon // Expensive Taste
*1 Enterprising Scallywag
*1 Feldon of the Third Path
*1 Ghoulcaller Gisa
*1 Goblin Cratermaker
*1 Hoard Robber
*1 Hoarding Ogre
*1 Kalain, Reclusive Painter
*1 Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin
*1 Lagomos, Hand of Hatred
*1 Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
*1 Mahadi, Emporium Master
*1 Marching Duodrone
*1 Mirkwood Bats
*1 Ophiomancer
*1 Orcish Bowmasters
*1 Orthion, Hero of Lavabrink
*1 Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded
*1 Rankle and Torbran
*1 Redcap Gutter-Dweller
*1 Soulcoil Viper
*1 Storm-Kiln Artist
*1 Stormclaw Rager
*1 Tangled Colony
*1 Tavern Scoundrel
*1 The Balrog, Durin&#039;s Bane
*1 Voldaren Thrillseeker
*1 Warren Soultrader
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Beamtown Beatstick
*1 Blackblade Reforged
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Fire Diamond
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mithril Coat
*1 Oni-Cult Anvil
*1 Rakdos Signet
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Tenza, Godo&#039;s Maul
*1 The Reaver Cleaver
*1 Urabrask&#039;s Forge
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Deadly Dispute
*1 Fanatical Offering
*1 Feign Death
*1 Flare of Duplication
*1 Fling
*1 Nasty End
*1 Orcish Medicine
*1 Plumb the Forbidden
*1 Unexpected Windfall
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Blasphemous Edict
*1 Bloodsoaked Insight // Sanguine Morass
*1 Burn Down the House
*1 Furnace Reins
*1 Lash of the Balrog
*1 Lich-Knights&#039; Conquest
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Scavenger&#039;s Talent
*1 Shiny Impetus
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Blackcleave Cliffs
*1 Blightstep Pathway // Searstep Pathway
*1 Command Tower
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Dragonskull Summit
*1 Dwarven Mine
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Fabled Passage
*1 Foreboding Ruins
*1 Fountainport
*1 Graven Cairns
*1 Great Hall of the Citadel
*1 Mount Doom
*8 Mountain
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Raucous Theater
*1 Smoldering Marsh
*1 Sulfurous Springs
*8 Swamp
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>


How to Make a Fling Deck, With Juri, Master of the Revue

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirko, Obsessive Theorist" href="#" target="_blank">Mirko, Obsessive Theorist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CHeonhwa+Choe%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heonhwa Choe</a></em></p>
<hr />
<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 now I have <em>Final Fantasy </em>names stuck in my head like earworms!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tataru Taru"></div></div>
<p><i>GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD!</i></p>
<p>This week: a bad taste in your mouth?</p>
<p>(Post edited for brevity, clarity, and then some.)</p>
<hr />
<h2>SUBMISSION</h2>
<div dir="auto">
<p><em>Hi Mike,</em></p>
<p><em>I'm curious whether I'm the antagonist here for really not liking my fellow player and not calling him out on his misplays.</em></p>
<p><em>So I'm at my LGS a few days ago, and I sit down to join a pod. The guy across from me is playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph" href="#" target="_blank">Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The person next to me is playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirko, Obsessive Theorist" href="#" target="_blank">Mirko, Obsessive Theorist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and the last guy is playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ganax, Astral Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Ganax, Astral Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Acolyte of Bahamut" href="#" target="_blank">Acolyte of Bahamut</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</em></p>
<p><em>The Mirko guy immediately starts getting salty at me because I am running <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>. Now, I probably did deserve a little bit of hate for playing Jin, but I really like his copy ability and while I wish he didn't have the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> clause, he does and he is sadly a pretty salty card. Anyway, the Mirko player starts being rude to me - aggressively reminding me about mulligan rules, checking to see if I'm tapping my mana correctly, and telling me to stop talking because "he needs to think."</em></p>
<p><em>Beyond this, the Mirko player also didn't seem to understand how his commander worked, putting counters on him equal to surveil value rather than whenever he surveils. When I tried to tell him that that isn't how Mirko works, he starts arguing with me and I drop the subject, not calling a judge because I don't want to antagonize him more.</em></p>
<p><em>Eventually Jin gets removed by the Mirko player's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imprisoned in the Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Imprisoned in the Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which I only realize later he cast on his opponent's turn, even though it doesn't have flash. I end up killing Mirko, partly so I don't have to deal with the misplay issue. The Ghyrson player proceeds to combo off with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niv-Mizzet, Parun" href="#" target="_blank">Niv-Mizzet, Parun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tandem Lookout" href="#" target="_blank">Tandem Lookout</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, winning the game. We move onto a second game, and the Mirko player switches to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the Ghyrson guy changes over to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain N&#039;ghathrod" href="#" target="_blank">Captain N&#039;ghathrod</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and I play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghalta and Mavren" href="#" target="_blank">Ghalta and Mavren</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</em></p>
<p><em>Pretty early on, the N'gathrod player gets out a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sludge Monster" href="#" target="_blank">Sludge Monster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and puts a slime counter on Anim, turning her into a vanilla 2/2. The Anim guy rage-quits over this, and leaves, saying he can't do anything without his commander.</em></p>
<p><em>My LGS does random seating arrangements on Commander nights. However, I'm honestly tempted to ask not to be seated with the Mirko player again. He just made the entire experience very uncomfortable for me, and I don't feel any desire to play Magic with him again.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Am I the Bolas for being mad at this guy, or not pointing out his misconduct rules-wise?</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Sincerely frustrated,</em></p>
<p><em>#1 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mossbridge Troll" href="#" target="_blank">Mossbridge Troll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Fan</em></p>
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<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirko, Obsessive Theorist"></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>Look, I'm going to be super blunt. Some weeks, the submissions are just gimmes - easy to judge and more than likely already covered in another article. However, we do get some different nuances to discuss in these so they serve as more of a springboard to chat about something that sticks out.</p>
<p>So, let's get this out of the way: You're not the Bolas for not wanting to play with someone again if you didn't have a good time playing with them.</p>
<p>From what you've told us, there's a few things that would be frustrating to deal with. Obviously, we're only getting your side and if I heard from the Mirko player, I'd probably hear all about the <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> and whatnot. But the misplays are really where I'm on your side.</p>
<p>One of my biggest <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> pet peeves is people who don't engage in good faith discussions about how their cards work - and then doubling down.</p>
<p>I know you missed the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imprisoned in the Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Imprisoned in the Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not having flash, but, excuse me, if someone were to point out my commander doesn't work the way I think it does, I'd hopefully have the humility to at least verify the claim, whether by judge or checking online.</p>
<p>What's the worst that can happen if you're really right? You get to teach a player who misunderstood your card how it works? Or worse - What if you're wrong? Aren't you grateful for someone having pointed that out so you can correct your gameplay and adjust your deck since your commander is <em>basically a different card? </em>I mean, come on!</p>
<p>If you are sitting at a table and somebody tells you a card doesn't do what you think it does, call a judge. Do it. It's worth it. If you're in an environment where they are available, call one. You can use the online judge chat, too. Leave no ambiguity if both opinions are opposed.</p>
<p>Of course, if they point it out and you see what they're saying, then yeah, go with that read of the card. Be a good person playing <em>Magic</em>, read the card, and if you're deadlocked, phone a friend ("Judge!") to get you sorted.</p>
<p>I don't really want to say much about the Anim Pakal being Sludged thing. Somebody storming off because their commander is "turned off" after having played (correction: misplayed) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imprisoned in the Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Imprisoned in the Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> - that's pretty rich.</p>
<p>It's not like you can't hold up the Sludged commander to block so you can cast it again. It's not like you can't make a deal with another player at the table to kill your 2/2 commander so you can have it back. There are more options.</p>
<p>This guy's got real "my way or the highway" energy and that's unpleasant enough for me to not want to play with them again, too. Not the Bolas for not wanting to play with them again.</p>
<p>I'll say this, though. I know <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> isn't a <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changer on the official list</a> and all, but Jin's a card that might be worth mentioning in the rule zero chat. Is it necessary? No, but I think it's worth mentioning.</p>
<p>I'm surprised the Reanimator deck had a problem with it though. Get your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ravenous Chupacabra" href="#" target="_blank">Ravenous Chupacabra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the graveyard, you only needed Mirko to have surveilled twice to get it back!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant"></div></div>
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<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Am I The Bolas? - Forestwalking the Only Other Green Player&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/am-i-the-bolas-forestwalking-the-only-other-green-player/embed/#?secret=M66RosUWVq#?secret=WqgynN9UZU" data-secret="WqgynN9UZU" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
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Am I the Bolas? - Do We Have to Do This?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hope Estheim" href="#" target="_blank">Hope Estheim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CShiyu%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shiyu</a></em></p>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">With only <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/mill/azorius" target="_blank" rel="noopener">708 Azorius mill decks</a> on the site, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hope Estheim" href="#" target="_blank">Hope Estheim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> brings a fresh look to the archetype by combining it with another, much more popular one: life gain. It's so popular that <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/lifegain/azorius" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Azorius has 4.4 thousand</a> decks on the site!</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hope Estheim"></div></div>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A fresh take with a fresh-faced commander means only one thing left to do: dive in, and remind you that while I have never finaled a fantasy, I'm always <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/nicnax96.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nick</a>. And this is <em>Tech The Deck</em>.</span></p>
<h2>Key Cards for Hope Estheim</h2>
<h3>So Enchanting</h3>
<p>Today, I must go out of order when discussing cards. The reason is to shout out your Commander Mechanic and mine...Commander Mechanic. After seeing a <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/cmdrmechanic.bsky.social/post/3lpxhwh3vlc2q" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post about Hope's synergy with two of my favorite cards</a>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Illusions of Grandeur" href="#" target="_blank">Illusions of Grandeur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Delusions of Mediocrity" href="#" target="_blank">Delusions of Mediocrity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it only makes sense that they would inspire this deck.</p>
<p>They also did <a href="https://youtu.be/gT5rKB9CE54?si=w78Hbv50exbIrq1n" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an excellent video</a> on their version of the deck that everyone should watch.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Illusions of Grandeur"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Delusions of Mediocrity"></div></div>
<p>Both cards seem to have too much risk and not enough reward. Most players might not even know these are real cards. Even fewer would believe me when I tell them that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Illusions of Grandeur" href="#" target="_blank">Illusions of Grandeur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was part of a <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/trix-2008-09-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">top-tier deck named Trix</a>.</p>
<p>For two cards I think about far too often, I'm ashamed that their synergy with Hope slipped my mind. Now they will only slip inside a sleeve as I put them into this deck.</p>
<p>The ability to gain 10 or 20 life off only one card would typically be worth nothing in the Commander format. But when that turns into the rest of the table getting milled for 10 to 20 cards, we're on to something. What would be even better for us would be finding a way to do it more than once.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Copy Enchantment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirrormade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Estrid&#039;s Invocation"></div></div>
<p>One great thing about enchantments is that they love to find ways to make copies of other enchantments. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Copy Enchantment" href="#" target="_blank">Copy Enchantment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a card whose name tells you exactly what the card does: It copies an enchantment. You can use this to get a copy of an opponent's enchantment, but they won't have anything as good as an Illusion or Delusion.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirrormade" href="#" target="_blank">Mirrormade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> comes with the added benefit of duplicating an artifact, and, like above, the table certainly won't have anything as good as we're working with, but if they do, we get one too.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Estrid&#039;s Invocation" href="#" target="_blank">Estrid&#039;s Invocation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems to be tailor made for this deck. Not only does it copy an enchantment for us, but it can do it every time we get an upkeep - every upkeep, gaining 20 life and milling 60 cards total from the table. Yes please.</p>
<p>We have one last way to get copies of enchantments from our enchantments in this deck: <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>. At <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-4" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, this card is at the higher end of our mana value, but after just a few turns, it might get us everything we need to win the game.</p>
<p>It will also do a fine job of giving us extra copies of a few of the next set of cards.</p>
<h3>Twice As Much Instead</h3>
<p>Mill decks over the years have been no strangers to powerful artifacts, with possibly the most well-known being the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mesmeric Orb" href="#" target="_blank">Mesmeric Orb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While the Orb doesn't make the 99 of this deck, some other powerful artifacts do.</p>
<p>The first is a card most people ignore until it's too late: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Venser&#039;s Journal" href="#" target="_blank">Venser&#039;s Journal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Giving no maximum hand size as an effect is often a bonus for cards with something better to do. When it comes to the Journal, it's a key part of why the card is good.</p>
<p>If this card capped out at gaining seven life, it might still get some play, but having an upper end defined by how many cards you can draw guarantees it gets in decks.</p>
<p>A newcomer to the lifegain suite of cards comes courtesy of <em>Final Fantasy, </em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wind Crystal" href="#" target="_blank">The Wind Crystal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span><em>. </em>Cost reduction on white spells, which make up 63% of the deck, doubling up our lifegain and, in turn, our milling, makes it an easy inclusion.</p>
<p>Finally, some oldie but goodies from Commander games of the past.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Well of Lost Dreams"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alhammarret&#039;s Archive"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Well of Lost Dreams" href="#" target="_blank">Well of Lost Dreams</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a key to this deck turning something like a trigger off of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Delusions of Mediocrity" href="#" target="_blank">Delusions of Mediocrity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> into possibly ten fresh cards. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alhammarret&#039;s Archive" href="#" target="_blank">Alhammarret&#039;s Archive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has been a mainstay in Lifegain decks, so it's a mainstay in this deck. Both cards will be out simultaneously, keeping our cards flowing and our opponents drawing on an empty deck.</p>
<h3>Enchanting</h3>
<p>The core of this deck acts as a typical Enchantress deck. So, the creatures within will look different from those in a typical Lifegain lineup.</p>
<p>The first thing every Enchantress deck needs is the Enchantress creatures.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inquisitive Glimmer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Entity Tracker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starfield Mystic"></div></div>
<p>Every Enchantress worth their salt does one of two things: they draw a card whenever we play an enchantment or when one enters, or they reduce how expensive our enchantments are to cast. Sadly, none of these creatures do both.</p>
<p>Our other non-Enchantress creatures in the deck also do their best to help.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Will, Scion of Peace" href="#" target="_blank">Will, Scion of Peace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, helps turn our lifegain into cost reduction on spells. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace" href="#" target="_blank">Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides us with an army to keep up the pressure and keep our life high, and giving Pegasus creatures lifelink has never been more relevant than in this deck. This deck runs <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm Herd" href="#" target="_blank">Storm Herd</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and likes it.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heliod, Sun-Crowned" href="#" target="_blank">Heliod, Sun-Crowned</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heliod, the Radiant Dawn" href="#" target="_blank">Heliod, the Radiant Dawn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might not be the best of friends with one another, but they do love the rest of the characters in this deck.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gogo, Master of Mimicry" href="#" target="_blank">Gogo, Master of Mimicry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be from a different game in the franchise, but they do work great with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hope Estheim" href="#" target="_blank">Hope Estheim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Gogo copying Hope's ability multiple times a turn is an easy way to win a game out of nowhere on any turn where we can gain a substantial amount of life.</p>
<h3>Clerical</h3>
<p>One creature in this deck must be highlighted. Not only does it give us life; not only is it cheap to cast; not only does it provide us with a combo angle for the deck; it also has some killer art.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faith Healer"></div></div>
<p>The game doesn't have many ways to sacrifice an enchantment, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faith Healer" href="#" target="_blank">Faith Healer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does this with no downside. It's not restricted to sorcery speed only, and no mana or life has to be paid to activate it either. The card <em>gains us life</em>.</p>
<p>The combo aspect this card allows us is the primary focus for its inclusion. While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Illusions of Grandeur" href="#" target="_blank">Illusions of Grandeur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will eventually put itself into the yard, not all of our enchantments have that same ability. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faith Healer" href="#" target="_blank">Faith Healer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> saves the day.</p>
<p>But why are we putting these cards into the yard? To bring them all back, of course.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dance of the Manse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Open the Vaults"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Second Sunrise"></div></div>
<p>Sending our enchantments to the graveyard looks silly until any of these cards end up in our hands while we do it. While not the most potent combo ever assembled and not the best example of just how powerful <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Second Sunrise" href="#" target="_blank">Second Sunrise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be as a card, this will catch a table off guard.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Resplendent Mentor" href="#" target="_blank">Resplendent Mentor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Famished Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Famished Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can combine to mill an entire table out all at once.</p>
<h3>Spice Rack</h3>
<p>No Commander deck is complete without a few spicy inclusions. And this deck is no stranger to spice.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ondu Spiritdancer" href="#" target="_blank">Ondu Spiritdancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets themselves onto the copy train every turn. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Angel of Destiny" href="#" target="_blank">Angel of Destiny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows us to win the game with an alternative plan after opponents catch on to the primary strategy.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Congregate" href="#" target="_blank">Congregate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can gain the most absurd amount of life of any card ever printed, and at the low cost of not blowing up the board. And possible new Lifegain staple <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elixir" href="#" target="_blank">Elixir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> shuffles back all the good stuff so you can use it again.</p>
<h2>Wrap Up</h2>
<p>The <em>Final Fantasy</em> set is a strange one for me. I have no connection with the characters, and haven't played any of the games. But at the same time, I'm connected to so many of these cards because of how cool they are for the game.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hope Estheim" href="#" target="_blank">Hope Estheim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> took me a few reads to understand just how cool it is, and I feel that will be happening with many of these cards for years to come.</p>
<p>Thanks to the set, I know that many amazing strategies are coming for the first time, and many more are getting new toys to play with. If you want to see those strategies and the cards that help them, check out <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/final-fantasy-commander-deck-techs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all of the great content</a> by our fantastic group of writers.</p>
<p>If you want to know my thoughts on more cards, check out <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/nicholas-lucchesi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all my articles here</a>. With <em>Edge of Eternities</em> on the horizon and trips to New York (Spider-Man) and the Fire Nation (Avatar), I'll have no shortage of cool cards to discuss.</p>
<p>As always, I have been Nick. This has been <em>Tech The Deck</em>, and you can find me anywhere you can spell nicnax96 on the internet.</p>
<h2>Hope Estheim Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Tech The Deck - Hope Estheim" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Hope Estheim
[/Commander]
[Instant]
*1 Absorb
*1 Beacon of Immortality
*1 Congregate
*1 Faithful Mending
*1 Ghostly Flicker
*1 Heliod&#039;s Intervention
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Revitalize
*1 Second Sunrise
*1 Sink into Stupor // Soporific Springs
*1 Sphinx&#039;s Revelation
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Teferi&#039;s Time Twist
*1 Thirst for Meaning
[/Instant]
[Artifact]
*1 Alhammarret&#039;s Archive
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Elixir
*1 Pristine Talisman
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 The Wind Crystal
*1 Venser&#039;s Journal
*1 Well of Lost Dreams
*1 Zuran Orb
[/Artifact]
[Creature]
*1 Angel of Destiny
*1 Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace
*1 Drogskol Reaver
*1 Entity Tracker
*1 Faith Healer
*1 Famished Paladin
*1 Ghostly Dancers
*1 Gogo, Master of Mimicry
*1 Heliod, Sun-Crowned
*1 Heliod, the Radiant Dawn // Heliod, the Warped Eclipse
*1 Inquisitive Glimmer
*1 Kwain, Itinerant Meddler
*1 Ondu Spiritdancer
*1 Resplendent Mentor
*1 Rhox Faithmender
*1 Shabraz, the Skyshark
*1 Starfield Mystic
*1 Will, Scion of Peace
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*1 Authority of the Consuls
*1 Copy Enchantment
*1 Delusions of Mediocrity
*1 Estrid&#039;s Invocation
*1 Extravagant Replication
*1 Ghostly Prison
*1 Grasp of Fate
*1 Illusions of Grandeur
*1 Land Tax
*1 Mirrormade
*1 Propaganda
*1 Sigil of the Empty Throne
*1 Smothering Tithe
*1 Sphere of Safety
[/Enchantment]
[Sorcery]
*1 Dance of the Manse
*1 Fumigate
*1 Idyllic Tutor
*1 Open the Vaults
*1 Sanctify
*1 Storm Herd
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Adventurer&#039;s Inn
*1 Azorius Chancery
*1 Command Tower
*1 Deserted Beach
*1 Fabled Passage
*1 Flooded Strand
*1 Floodfarm Verge
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hall of Heliod&#039;s Generosity
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Ishgard, the Holy See // Faith &amp; Grief
*7 Island
*1 Jidoor, Aristocratic Capital // Overture
*1 Kabira Crossroads
*1 Meticulous Archive
*1 Nimbus Maze
*9 Plains
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Radiant Fountain
*1 Sea of Clouds
[/Land]"></span></div>


Building an Azorius Mill Commander Deck With Hope Estheim

How Fun Are the Final Fantasy Main Set Commanders?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cid, Timeless Artificer|fin|412" href="#" target="_blank">Cid, Timeless Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://davidastruga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Astruga</a></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Well, <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Final Fantasy</em></a> is here and just as predicted, it's an incredibly popular set. Sure, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vivi Ornitier" href="#" target="_blank">Vivi Ornitier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER" href="#" target="_blank">Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Traveling Chocobo" href="#" target="_blank">Traveling Chocobo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are dominating the spotlight, but let’s take a look at some of the gems from the set that may be hidden in your bulk. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My name is Tyler ‘Savesya’ Bucks, and it’s my duty to look through your stacks of commons &amp; uncommons so you don’t have to. On today’s Bulk Up, I present to you some amazing cards you might have overlooked, just waiting to be added to your decks.</span></p>
<h3>Blitzball</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blitzball"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s kick things off this week with everyone’s favorite game: Is this three mana rock good enough in Commander? <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blitzball" href="#" target="_blank">Blitzball</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> taps for a mana of any color, but it can also tap and sacrifice itself to draw two cards if a legendary creature has dealt combat damage to an opponent that turn. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This card is great in aggressive strategies, especially when you have an expensive commander who loves to get into combat, since those kinds of decks usually need help with refilling their hand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In terms of a deck suggestion for this card, let’s pair it up with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slicer, Hired Muscle" href="#" target="_blank">Slicer, Hired Muscle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Decks built around this commander are centered around powering out Slicer, and then passing it around. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you notice, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blitzball" href="#" target="_blank">Blitzball</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be sacrificed to draw those cards whenever an opponent is dealt damage by any legendary creature, you don’t have to be the one to control it. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, be sneaky and hold this up until it’s just right for you to draw those cards when no one is expecting it. </span></p>
<h3>Restoration Magic</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Restoration Magic"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every deck needs to protect its key pieces, especially since more and more removal gets added to the format each year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Restoration Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Restoration Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> being a tiered spell that can save a valuable permanent makes it incredibly useful at any point in the game. Since some matchups can be a war of attrition, the option to save your whole board while also gaining six life can be just the thing to put you out of kill-range!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amalia Benavides Aguirre" href="#" target="_blank">Amalia Benavides Aguirre</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a life gain commander that, when left unchecked, can turn into a board wipe. So, she often becomes a lightning rod for removal, which is where <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Restoration Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Restoration Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can come to the rescue. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, you can get extra tricky with these two cards, and here’s how: When Amalia is one counter away from sweeping the table, cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Restoration Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Restoration Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for its five mana level, giving your board indestructible and gaining you life. If Amalia gets that final counter, then she'll destroy every creature except for yours.</span></p>
<h3>Sazh's Chocobo</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sazh&#039;s Chocobo"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">+1/+1 counter decks are incredibly popular in Commander, totaling over one hundred and sixty thousand decks <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/plus-1-plus-1-counters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here on EDHREC</a>. Which is why you could hear a collective cheer during preview season when <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sazh&#039;s Chocobo" href="#" target="_blank">Sazh&#039;s Chocobo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was revealed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A one-mana creature that gets a counter every time a land enters your board may not seem flashy, but when your deck just wants to build up counters as quickly as possible, starting that engine on turn one is exactly what you’re looking for. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A mono-colored legend that loves modified creatures is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kodama of the West Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Kodama of the West Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The one thing that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sazh&#039;s Chocobo" href="#" target="_blank">Sazh&#039;s Chocobo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is missing is some way to punch that damage through, which is where Kodama comes in. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giving your little chick trample, then ramping lands when it hits is exactly the type of synergy we love to see. So, if you already have a Kodama deck, be sure to go looking for this li'l friend in your boosters.</span></p>
<h3>Al Bhed Salvagers</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Al Bhed Salvagers"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our next card not only fits in with <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/aristocrats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aristocrat decks</a>, but it also makes Clues, Food, Treasures and more even better; it’s <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Al Bhed Salvagers" href="#" target="_blank">Al Bhed Salvagers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We've seen several different variations of this type of card over the years, but the new spin this time around is that it triggers on both creatures and artifacts, making it perfect to pair up with anything that wants to sacrifice itself for your cause.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A commander that consistently makes artifacts that will feed the Salvagers is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff" href="#" target="_blank">Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. He makes you a Treasure whenever a player casts their second spell, which is a great ability, however it does cost you one life in the process. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is what makes <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Al Bhed Salvagers" href="#" target="_blank">Al Bhed Salvagers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> such a great fit in the deck, since you can then use that token for mana, gain your life back, and drain someone else.</span></p>
<h3>Opera Love Song</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Opera Love Song"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Red’s card advantage has come a long way, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Opera Love Song" href="#" target="_blank">Opera Love Song</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is just more proof of that. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sure, it could pump up a couple of your creatures for a turn, but more importantly, it gives you access to the top two cards of your library at instant speed. The rate of this is just amazing, especially since you can hold up that mana as your opponents take their turns, then surprise them with this spell right before your turn.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you picked up the <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/exit-from-exile-precon-primer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Exit From Exile</a></em> precon back in the day, then your commander <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faldorn, Dread Wolf Herald" href="#" target="_blank">Faldorn, Dread Wolf Herald</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is just champing at the bit for this new spell. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, casting spells from exile is something that keeps your engine running, but that power buff is something that could come up when the time is right. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With all those Wolf tokens you have sitting around, you can turn a chump block into a gotcha-style combat trick! </span></p>
<h3>Stolen Uniform</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stolen Uniform"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At first glance, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stolen Uniform" href="#" target="_blank">Stolen Uniform</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might seem like a pretty narrow Equipment-matters card. While it does rely on an Equipment being on the field, it has a few tricks up its stolen sleeves. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First off, you can steal an opponent’s pivotal protection piece, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, allowing you to finally target the creature with removal. On top of that, it can also just allow you to attach an Equipment on your side of the field for only one mana, getting around expensive equip costs (I’m looking at you, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>…)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A commander that can add even more tricks to the mix is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain" href="#" target="_blank">Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you steal an Equipment from one of your opponents, all you need to do is attack with the creature you attached it to, which will then trigger Arna. That'll create a copy of the Equipment you stole, which you get to keep even after you give back what you borrowed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not bad for only one mana! </span></p>
<h2>Great Uncommon Legends</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next up, let’s take a look at a few uncommon legendary creatures that could make for great commanders themselves, but can do some major work in the 99 of another deck.</span></p>
<h3>Black Waltz No. 3</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Black Waltz No. 3"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guttersnipe" href="#" target="_blank">Guttersnipe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a certified staple in the Commander format, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Waltz No. 3" href="#" target="_blank">Black Waltz No. 3</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> fits a similar role. Dealing two damage to each opponent whenever you cast a noncreature spell is amazing, and can fit in a few places <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guttersnipe" href="#" target="_blank">Guttersnipe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn’t. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Decks centered around artifacts, enchantments, or even planeswalkers can tend to spin their wheels, but that’s where this Black Mage can help. Plus, don’t discount this in Standard spellslinger decks, since it can weaponize your value plays.</span></p>
<h3>Ignis Scientia</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ignis Scientia"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For people who have followed my <em>Bulk Up</em> series for a while, you’ll know I love the type of ramp found on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ignis Scientia" href="#" target="_blank">Ignis Scientia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Instead of picking up your deck, searching for a land, then shuffling; you just look at the top six cards of your library and pick the best land. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This helps speed up the game, as well as gives you the ability to hit nonbasics. Sure, it makes fixing your mana a little harder, but the ease of use is worth the risk. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep an eye out for this guy and his delicious treats while you’re opening packs from this set!</span></p>
<h3>The Emperor of Palamecia</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Emperor of Palamecia"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking of ramp, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Emperor of Palamecia" href="#" target="_blank">The Emperor of Palamecia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here to help you cast your noncreature spells, coming down as early as turn two. Even though that mana does come with a restriction, when paired with the right deck, The Emperor can end up feeling like any other mana source. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On top of all of that, it can grow with counters as the game goes on, and transform into a nasty repeatable burn outlet on its flip side. Which makes it great not only in the setup phases of your game, but also when you need to close things out in a match. </span></p>
<h3>Cid, Timeless Artificer</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cid, Timeless Artificer"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Closing things out this week with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cid, Timeless Artificer" href="#" target="_blank">Cid, Timeless Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which comes with everyone's favorite text “A deck can have any number of cards named <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&amp;order=released&amp;q=%21%22Cid%2C+Timeless+Artificer%22+include%3Aextras&amp;unique=prints" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cid, Timeless Artificer</a>.” Since it has that clause, this is an uncommon that will most likely fetch a higher price for a long time. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">It also has the benefit of being a card with alternate art for each version of Cid in the games, adding more value to whichever variant of the card you get. Plus, it’s just a cool design, helping both Heroes and artifact creatures you control. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With this set, and all the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/spe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marvel cards to come</a>, supporting Heroes will become more valuable as time goes on. </span></p>
<h2>The Wrap Up</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you went to a prerelease, draft, or just picked up boosters from this set, you’re bound to find some of the amazing cards we talked about today hidden in your bulk. So, before you let those stacks of cards sit too long, sift through them one more time, because a future staple might be waiting for you. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want to see more great commons &amp; uncommons from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Final Fantasy</em></a>, I did another edition of <em>Bulk Up</em> a few weeks ago that you can <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/amazing-commons-uncommons-from-the-final-fantasy-set" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check out here</a>.</span></p>
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