Jeskai Striker Precon Guide - Tarkir: Dragonstorm

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a href="https://scryfall.com/card/exo/129/survival-of-the-fittest">Survival of the Fittest</a> | <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CPete+Venters%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Pete Venters</a>)</h6>
<p>A voice comes over an intercom: "Now boarding Group One." It's time to check your bag one last time before you board your plane. You see a fresh box of sleeves, a brand new deck box, and all 25 of your freshly-made Commander decks.</p>
<p>Have you ever played any of them? No, but that is what a Magic Con is for, right?</p>
<p>Plus, you must have all of these decks when taking a break between your seven events booked between Friday and Saturday. And how could you forget your front bag pocket with all of your triple sleeve and slabbed cards that you need to get signed by 15 artists there? All this leaves plenty of room for you to come home with that oversized card from the prize wall.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="What (Not) to Bring to MagicCon | Magic: the Gathering | Commander" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6Eo_FhnT3E?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>This might sound like a great idea, but I promise it will only make your weekend a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dismal Failure" href="#" target="_blank">Dismal Failure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I have been to a few Magic Cons and thought I would share some things I have learned to help you best "survive" a Magic Con.</p>
<p>My name is Nick, and you do not have to listen to all my tips and tricks, but hopefully, one of them will lead you on the road to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Success!" href="#" target="_blank">Success!</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Success"></div></div>
<h2>Hatching Plans</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hatching Plans"></div></div>
<p>The best advice I can give anyone outside of having fun is to put a plan together for your trip. You do not need to have a full detailed itinerary planning out every minute of your day down to what time you will draw a card, but in my opinion, you should come in with at least a basic outline of how you would like your day(s) to go, otherwise you'll get overwhelmed and overplan. You may have to rely on a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Backup Plan" href="#" target="_blank">Backup Plan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Change of Plans" href="#" target="_blank">Change of Plans</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and maybe even a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Contingency Plan" href="#" target="_blank">Contingency Plan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> by the time you get to the convention.</p>
<p>One of the best things I took advantage of for this year's Magic Con Chicago was to have an idea of what I wanted out of each day I was there.</p>
<p>I was confident in my plans, and even then, I still learned by the end that my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Game Plan" href="#" target="_blank">Game Plan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was not foolproof. For an event like this, things must be done in advance, so even the most well-thought-out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Long-Term Plans" href="#" target="_blank">Long-Term Plans</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will not always result in success.</p>
<h2>Playable</h2>
<p>Magic Cons offers many options for many different types of people. Most people go to Magic Cons to do one thing above all else: sit down and play <em>Magic: The Gathering. </em>Heck yeah.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Assemble the Players"></div></div>
<p>It doesn't matter if you're in the tank and sweating it out to try and win a last-chance qualifier or the Secret Lair Showdown. Maybe you're doing a full box Sealed or Two-Headed Giant with your best mate after a long travel day. Most people are there to sling spells, play a turn-one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or expertly read all the signals in the triple <em>Homelands</em> draft running Sunday morning.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-146174" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-300x225.jpg 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-768x576.jpg 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/nicknaxdeck-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Good times at the Commander table</h6>
<p>This year, I knew that there were three particular things I wanted to play: Commander, Canadian Highlander, and Gavin's Mystery Event. I prioritized time each day to do these things and packed accordingly.</p>
<p>This leads me to my downer point for this topic: you <strong>cannot</strong> play everything you want. That might be decks, events, or even with specific individuals.</p>
<p>I won't tell you not to bring all 25 of your commander decks, but do yourself a favor and don't bring all 25 of your commander decks. You have a finite amount of time at these, so I urge people to take advantage and make their best personal impression of the card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Time Stretch" href="#" target="_blank">Time Stretch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>Paint Me Like One Of Your French Cards</h2>
<p>At this year's Magic Con Chicago, I hit what I will consider the artistic jackpot. I had a small list of cards I wanted to get signed, and if you have ever been to one of these, you know that sometimes that is daunting.</p>
<p>While I missed out on the incredible Tyler Jacobson, I got all the other cards and more signed by various artists and MTG personalities. I commend you if this is why you go to Magic Cons, and honestly, you might be the strongest among us at these events, outside of the cosplayers.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Abstract Iguanart"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Artist&#039;s Talent"></div></div>
<p>Many people in the art sphere of the game have great tips and tricks and even complete Scryfall lists of all the artists going so that you do not have to dig through your deck boxes while standing in line looking for cards to get signed.</p>
<p>Just know the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Artist&#039;s Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Artist&#039;s Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does not come cheap when considering the time it can take for some lines. If you are like me this year, even your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Well-Laid Plans" href="#" target="_blank">Well-Laid Plans</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be hit by the ticking clock of another commitment.</p>
<h2>It's a Mystery</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Trail of Mystery"></div></div>
<p>I have told you a thing or two I would suggest not doing. I have also mentioned the downside to some of those choices, but there is one thing above all of these events that I have and will not recommend to everyone who attends.</p>
<p>That is the Gavin Verhey Mystery Event. For years, Gavin has put on a fantastic event with a cool and unique twist, all while tricking everyone into playing the largest paper brawl event of all time.</p>
<p>This year was no different. Sealed decks built from <em>Mystery Booster 2</em> and what I have been calling the "Gavin Pack." A pack of unique playtest cards that are everything from super funny to extremely broken to loving tributes to those who make the community great.</p>
<p>I never have as much fun as I do playing at this event, and it's something I will always sign up for. Highly recommended, but try to get your tickets fast as they <em>will</em> sell out, even long before the event.</p>
<h2>Mistakes Were Made</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mistakes Were Made"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mistakes Were Made" href="#" target="_blank">Mistakes Were Made</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is the secret of my Magic Con experience this year. I still made some errors in the tips I tried to follow and thought I had done everything correctly. The first mistake was packing my schedule too tightly from Saturday to Sunday.</p>
<p>I did not realize how a late night and lousy sleep on Saturday would lead to one of the most miserable experiences I have had while participating in a Commander Sealed event on Sunday.</p>
<p>It made me reconsider many life decisions during an event I was genuinely pumped to join in. I also made the classic blunder of waiting till the last day to try and use my little tickets at the prize wall and walked away empty-handed.</p>
<p>Secondly, I did not play as much Commander with friends or randoms as I wanted. I should've used my Sunday for this instead of deckbuilding and waiting for seat pairings to be announced.</p>
<p>Lastly, I did not get to enough panels. This was a new mistake, but it might be my second recommendation for people going. The live EDHRECast was a blast, and while I did not win my challenge against the stats, it was a great time.</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-146173" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-1024x478.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="327" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-1024x478.jpg 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-300x140.jpg 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-768x359.jpg 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-1536x717.jpg 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/livecastaudience-2048x956.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">The first Live EDHRECast challenged the hosts' knowledge of the stats! Photo credit: Nick Wolf</h6>
<p>Try to play as much as you can and want and get to all the artists, meetings, and greets, but don't make my mistake of missing out on the great panels people put on in the IRL meet space rather than online.</p>
<h2>Exceeding Expectations</h2>
<p>I won't bore anyone with "normal" travel suggestions. Everyone is already prepared with their food plans, and people often know where they will be for the always fun "Lobby Cons" in the various hotel lobby and bar areas after the convention hall closes for the night. And while this might be a fun little article about "surviving" Magic Cons, this year did not run super smooth for me by comparison.</p>
<p>Luckily, this led me to some <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unexpected Results" href="#" target="_blank">Unexpected Results</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as Magic Con Chicago was full of... <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unexpected Potential" href="#" target="_blank">Unexpected Potential</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I got to chill with friends, new and old; p<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">lay games with creators like Rachel Weeks and notable artists like <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CJesper+Ejsing%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jesper Ejsing</a> and <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CEvyn+Fong%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evyn Fong.</a> </span></p>
<p>In my mind, the most important thing about going to one of these events is maximizing the defining statement of a Magic Con: It's not about the <em>Magic</em>; it's about <em>The Gathering</em>.</p>
<p>I hope to gather with you at a Magic Con soon, and if you can make one, I suggest you try your best to make it out. If you want to tell me how your Magic Con went or show me what cards you got signed, you can find me here or elsewhere on the internet as nicnax96.</p>
<p>Check out all the other great articles here, and as a treat, if you happen to be in the venn diagram of sports fans and <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> fans, stay tuned in during the start of March Madness...</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mandatory Friendship Shackles"></div></div>


Your Swiftfoot Boots-on-the-Ground Guide to Surviving Magic Con

EDH Rules: How to Play Commander

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ellivere of the Wild Court" href="#" target="_blank">Ellivere of the Wild Court</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://burmak.ru/">Dmitry Burmak</a> | <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gylwain, Casting Director" href="#" target="_blank">Gylwain, Casting Director</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://aurorefolny.com/">Aurore Folny</a> | <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Syr Armont, the Redeemer" href="#" target="_blank">Syr Armont, the Redeemer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by<a href="http://www.magali-villeneuve.com/"> Magali Villeneuve</a>)</h6>
<p>Hello readers! My name is Beth, Queen of Cardboard, and this is the Precon Primer for the<em> Wilds of Eldraine Commander</em> deck <em>Virtue and Valor</em>. This deck may seem like just another enchantment deck, especially since it's coming on the heels of the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/enduring-enchantments-precon-primer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Enduring Enchantments</em> deck</a> from <em>Commander Masters. </em>But if you look at the face commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ellivere of the Wild Court" href="#" target="_blank">Ellivere of the Wild Court</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, you'll note that the deck comes with a brand new Aura token type: Roles. Roles may seem confusing at first, but they're a perfect way to bring your token players and enchantment players together with one deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ellivere of the Wild Court"></div></div>
<p>Ellivere is a four-cost Selesnya (green/white) 4/4 with a powerful ETB and attack trigger, creating a Virtuous Role token attached to another target creature. In addition to this ability, you're awarded a card draw any time an enchanted creature you control deals combat damage to a player. This is quite possibly one of the most synergistic cards I've seen in a while. And if you're a "cute card" lover like me, I want to tell you this one gets a 10/10.</p>
<p>But what's in a Role?</p>
<h2>Role for Value</h2>
<p>This is one of the few decks that I actually went back and played straight off the list, just to get used to this new mechanic.</p>
<p>There are seven Roles in <em>Wilds of Eldraine.</em> The other six roles are Royal, Sorcerer, Monster, Young Hero, Cursed, and Wicked. While you can only get Virtuous from Elliver, other cards in the the deck give you access to Monster, Sorcerer, Royal, and Young Hero.</p>
<p>So what do these roles do?</p>
<ul>
<li>Monster — Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has trample.</li>
<li>Royal — Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has ward 1.</li>
<li>Sorcerer — Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has “Whenever this creature attacks, scry 1.”</li>
<li>Young Hero — Enchanted creature has “Whenever this creature attacks, if its toughness is 3 or less, put a +1/+1 counter on it.”</li>
<li>Virtuous — Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 for each enchantment you control.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Monster // Sorcerer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Royal // Young Hero"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Monster|twoc|1"></div></div>
<p>In addition to Ellivere, you have three other cards that grant Roles in the deck, most notably, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gylwain, Casting Director" href="#" target="_blank">Gylwain, Casting Director</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the alternate commander. Unfortunately, for those who like seeing new cards in action, out of the 15 Role-giving cards available in these colors, this deck only included four.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gylwain, Casting Director"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Giant Inheritance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Syr Armont, the Redeemer"></div></div>
<h2>Enchantress Staples</h2>
<p>While the <em>Enduring Enchantments</em> deck focuses on Sagas and enchantment creatures, this one is all about Auras. Thanks to a commander that passes these out like candy, the Virtuous role is a star in the deck whether you use Gylwain or Ellivere as your main commander. The Totem Armors <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snake Umbra" href="#" target="_blank">Snake Umbra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bear Umbra" href="#" target="_blank">Bear Umbra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come in extremely useful when these big creatures ultimately are destroyed. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umbra Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Umbra Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives Totem Armor to all your Auras, which overcomes board wipes and targeted removal. Constellation also makes a return in this deck, giving you value for each enchantment entering the battlefield.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eidolon of Blossoms"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Setessan Champion"></div></div>
<p>The two all-stars in this deck are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Songbirds&#039; Blessing" href="#" target="_blank">Songbirds&#039; Blessing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mantle of the Ancients" href="#" target="_blank">Mantle of the Ancients</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. If we're being completely honest here, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mantle of the Ancients" href="#" target="_blank">Mantle of the Ancients</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is ridiculously good, especially when you bring back all your enchantments that your opponents thought were gone after casting a piece of key removal. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Songbirds&#039; Blessing" href="#" target="_blank">Songbirds&#039; Blessing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows you to quickly move through the deck, finding more Auras and enchantment creatures to overcome your opponent with.</p>
<h2>Anthems Abound</h2>
<p>The steady strength of this deck is through anthem effects. The Virtuous Role gives the enchanted creature +1/+1 for each enchantment you control. In addition to this Role, there are the Auras <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ethereal Armor" href="#" target="_blank">Ethereal Armor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mantle of the Ancients" href="#" target="_blank">Mantle of the Ancients</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ancestral Mask" href="#" target="_blank">Ancestral Mask</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sage&#039;s Reverie" href="#" target="_blank">Sage&#039;s Reverie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This deck truly is giving you the option to go both wide and tall, quickly creating several big creatures that can be especially hard to defend against.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aura Gnarlid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eidolon of Countless Battles"></div></div>
<p>In addition to your Aura anthem cards, there are two creatures that have anthem effects for themselves. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aura Gnarlid" href="#" target="_blank">Aura Gnarlid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is especially nasty here because it can't be blocked by creatures with lesser power. There's a good chance if you're waiting to put this onto the battlefield that your creatures are also the biggest on the battlefield, giving you a huge, unblockable, killing machine. The Eidolon also pumps itself or can be Bestowed as an Aura to pump another creature. Pair either of these two with flying or trample and you've got two game-ending creatures.</p>
<h2>Interaction, I Barely Know Her</h2>
<p>One weakness of this deck is the lack of instant speed interaction and removal. While the <em>Fae Dominion</em> precon abounds in interaction, this deck has a total of two instants and five sorceries, not including the Adventure card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Realm-Cloaked Giant" href="#" target="_blank">Realm-Cloaked Giant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Of the seven removal cards in the deck, three of them cost more than five mana, making removal seem like an afterthought. We're relying purely on overcoming the opponent by playing enchantment after enchantment as quickly as possible.</p>
<h2>Reprints, Not for the Weak</h2>
<p>This deck contains a LOT of reprints. However, in this list, they work. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Transcendent Envoy" href="#" target="_blank">Transcendent Envoy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jukai Naturalist" href="#" target="_blank">Jukai Naturalist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> make all your Aura spells cheaper to cast, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starfield Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Starfield Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes all enchantment spells cheaper. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Destiny Spinner" href="#" target="_blank">Destiny Spinner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> helps with the lack of interaction in the deck, making the majority of your spells uncounterable. And you've got tons of card draw in reprints like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enchantress&#039;s Presence" href="#" target="_blank">Enchantress&#039;s Presence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sage&#039;s Reverie" href="#" target="_blank">Sage&#039;s Reverie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snake Umbra" href="#" target="_blank">Snake Umbra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Enchantress&#039;s Presence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sage&#039;s Reverie"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Snake Umbra"></div></div>
<p>While it would have been nice to see these functions on new cards, these reprints provide essential value and make the deck incredibly difficult for opponents to deal with. This is a classic case of "If it's not broke, why fix it?" Or in the <em>Magic </em>world, "If there's a card that does it, why make a new one?"</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>While this deck tries to introduce a new mechanic, there are several Roles and cards missing that would have been easy includes in this list. While Ellivere is powerful and a perfect fit for this deck, you could interchange the face commander and alternate commander with ease, as Gylwain provides almost as much value as Ellivere. The Virtuous Role being applied multiple times a turn is insane, and with a flicker package you're going to make and destroy enemies on the board in a succinct manner. It makes sense that this Role is only available via one card in all of <em>Wilds of Eldraine</em>.</p>
<p>If you're looking to upgrade this deck, first look at the weaker enchantment Auras and non-enchantment creatures. I've got more info available in my <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/virtue-and-valor…on-upgrade-guide/">Virtue and Valor Precon Upgrade Guide article</a>.</p>
<p>If you liked this article you might want to read:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/wilds-of-eldraine-the-starring-roles/">Wilds of Eldraine: The Starring Roles</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-command-zone-virtue-and-valor-wilds-of-eldraine-precon-upgrade-guide-the-command-zone-556-mtg-edh-magic/">The Command Zone - “Virtue and Valor” Wilds of Eldraine Precon Upgrade Guide | The Command Zone 556 | MTG EDH Magic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-over-under-predicting-the-popularity-of-wilds-of-eldraine-commanders/">The Over/Under - Predicting the Popularity of Wilds of Eldraine Commanders</a></li>
</ul>


Virtue and Valor - Precon Primer

<h6 style="text-align: right;"> (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor" href="#" target="_blank">Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/katemaxpaint">Ekaterina Burmak</a> | <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Obyra, Dreaming Duelist" href="#" target="_blank">Obyra, Dreaming Duelist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/evynfong">Evyn Fong</a> | <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sanguine Bond" href="#" target="_blank">Sanguine Bond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/harribo">Harry Conway</a>)</h6>
<p>Hey friends, Beth, Queen of Cardboard here with the Precon Upgrade Guide for Fae Dominion, the Faerie typal deck from <em>Wilds of Eldraine Commander</em>. If you read my <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/fae-dominion-precon-primer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">primer</a> on this deck, you already know that I'm not the biggest fan of the precon right out of the box. Now, before you pull out your wings and pitchforks, I have nothing against the Fae themselves. I think Faeries are adorable and the deck has a lot of promise to be very good. Personally, out of the box, while it can be very annoying, the deck feels like it could be pretty easily overcome opponents with a board wipe and some well-placed removal. However, it doesn't have a lot of recursion and seems to be all over the place with its actual win condition.</p>
<h2>With Great Sacrifice</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor"></div></div>
<p>Without replacing our face commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor" href="#" target="_blank">Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, our deck wants to focus on the death of our creatures, and in doing so we're rewarded with card draw and punished with life loss. Knowing this, I want to replace our life lost and add to our ability to kill our creatures. It won't be long until our opponents figure out our master plan and refuse to kill our creatures for us, or worse; exile our board.</p>
<p>So what do we need in the deck to help murder our board for our benefit? Staying in the deck are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rankle, Master of Pranks" href="#" target="_blank">Rankle, Master of Pranks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glen Elendra Archmage" href="#" target="_blank">Glen Elendra Archmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quickling" href="#" target="_blank">Quickling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We also would be remiss if we didn't leave in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Bladecrafter" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Bladecrafter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faerie Impostor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Old Flitterfang"></div></div>
<p>For additions, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Impostor" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Impostor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Old Flitterfang" href="#" target="_blank">Old Flitterfang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> help a little bit with the sacrifice goal and stay in our Faerie typal theme. Old Flitterfang is my favorite of these two options, because he's got a sacrifice outlet right on the card and a little pump is never a bad thing. We're also going to get some value from death triggers by adding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flitting Guerrilla" href="#" target="_blank">Flitting Guerrilla</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ringskipper" href="#" target="_blank">Ringskipper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surveilling Sprite" href="#" target="_blank">Surveilling Sprite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>But we're still missing some valuable sacrifice outlets. I know I'm going to need to cut some of our other instant and sorcery spells, so I want permanents that give me value while also doing the job I need for my ultimate goal. The following enchantments are a little nasty, just like this deck is going to be when we're done with it. While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grave Pact" href="#" target="_blank">Grave Pact</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> technically isn't a sacrifice outlet, it will give us extra value for our creatures dying. And for more creatures to kill, we're adding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitterblossom" href="#" target="_blank">Bitterblossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, another card I can't believe wasn't put in the precon.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Attrition"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vampiric Rites"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grave Pact"></div></div>
<p>A few other permanent options to kill off our cute little Faeries are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Altar of Dementia" href="#" target="_blank">Altar of Dementia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashnod&#039;s Altar" href="#" target="_blank">Ashnod&#039;s Altar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Altar" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Altar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>Drawing an Answer</h2>
<p>Card draw is a secondary function of this deck. It's already on our commander and included in the text of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Formation" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Formation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rankle, Master of Pranks" href="#" target="_blank">Rankle, Master of Pranks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While we've mastered the sacrifice function, we're missing the ability to draw on more than one body. I'm honestly surprised that cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Mastermind" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Mastermind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talion&#039;s Messenger" href="#" target="_blank">Talion&#039;s Messenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talion, the Kindly Lord" href="#" target="_blank">Talion, the Kindly Lord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> were missing from this deck. In addition to those cards I also like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surveilling Sprite" href="#" target="_blank">Surveilling Sprite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Likeness Looter" href="#" target="_blank">Likeness Looter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Vandal" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Vandal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Surveilling Sprite"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Likeness Looter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faerie Vandal"></div></div>
<p>While we're not running any tutors, the ability to draw is going to take some questions out of the deck and allow us to find the cards we need to finish the game. Card draw isn't the win condition, so I haven't included cards that punish our opponents for your card draw, but it would be pretty easy to include some.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Psychosis Crawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gixian Puppeteer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheoldred, the Apocalypse"></div></div>
<h2>Turning Loss Into Life</h2>
<p>So at this point we've got sacrifice and a little bit of life loss. We need to turn all these negatives into positives. Life is a resource, but if it's gone you're dead, and we don't want that.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blood Tithe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Consuming Vapors"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Exsanguinate"></div></div>
<p>I also suggest the combo of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sanguine Bond" href="#" target="_blank">Sanguine Bond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Exquisite Blood" href="#" target="_blank">Exquisite Blood</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as well as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wound Reflection" href="#" target="_blank">Wound Reflection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fraying Omnipotence" href="#" target="_blank">Fraying Omnipotence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. If you're not about infinite combos, then leave these on the side. You do need to consider some life-gain options though, so make sure to check out the cards included.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alhammarret&#039;s Archive"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arguel&#039;s Blood Fast"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bubbling Cauldron"></div></div>
<p>The great thing about these tactics is that they go hand in hand, even if you don't include the combos. The cards that I've included benefit each other. At this rate we've got a good engine going and now it's time for the hardest part, removing cards that don't work in the deck now that we've added more streamlined options.</p>
<h2>Cut It Out</h2>
<p>Coming out of the deck are a lot of cards that just don't work for me. I removed several Faerie creatures, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brazen Borrower" href="#" target="_blank">Brazen Borrower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mocking Sprite" href="#" target="_blank">Mocking Sprite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nightveil Sprite" href="#" target="_blank">Nightveil Sprite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which aren't necessarily bad cards, they just don't work in our deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hullbreaker Horror"></div></div>
<p>I also removed good cards that didn't feel thematic to me. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hullbreaker Horror" href="#" target="_blank">Hullbreaker Horror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the biggest problem in the deck, but it just doesn't fit thematically. I excluded this from my list because if I'm building a typal Faerie deck, there are plenty of options. It feels like it was included as an "automatic good card" in the deck, and that didn't work for me.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Misleading Signpost"></div></div>
<p>The one card I wanted to keep but didn't feel I had space for was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Misleading Signpost" href="#" target="_blank">Misleading Signpost</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I love this card; it's silly, on theme, and tricksy. Once you've played it, you can use it as a mana rock, which is always useful. Another card you may want to reconsider that I cut is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reconnaissance Mission" href="#" target="_blank">Reconnaissance Mission</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While it gives us card draw, it's a little expensive, and we're not really looking to do combat damage.</p>
<p>Check out the entire cut list below:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Fae Dominion Cut List" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Creatures]
*1 Alela, Cunning Conqueror
*1 Blightwing Bandit
*1 Brazen Borrower // Petty Theft
*1 Cloud of Faeries
*1 Glen Elendra Liege
*1 Halo Forager
*1 Hullbreaker Horror
*1 Malleable Impostor
*1 Mocking Sprite
*1 Nettling Nuisance
*1 Nightveil Sprite
*1 Picklock Prankster // Free the Fae
*1 Scion of Oona
*1 Sower of Temptation
*1 Spellscorn Coven // Take It Back
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Dig Through Time
*1 Perplexing Test
*1 Run Away Together
*1 Snap
*1 Theoretical Duplication
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Midnight Clock
*1 Misleading Signpost
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Reconnaissance Mission
[/Enchantments]"></span></div>


<h2>What's Left</h2>
<p>One of the things I think this deck did right was copying the Faerie spells. We don't have a lot of recursion in the deck still, so while it's heavy on sacrifice, we want to make sure that we get the most bang for the buck for our losses. In fact, if you don't want to include those infinite combos listed above, I highly suggest adding some recursion spells to the list. Without them, you're relying on cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archmage of Echoes" href="#" target="_blank">Archmage of Echoes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reflections of Littjara" href="#" target="_blank">Reflections of Littjara</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to copy your Faeries so that you've not sacrificed something super important.</p>
<p>When not making copies, token creation is your next best bet. We've got our new additions <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Old Flitterfang" href="#" target="_blank">Old Flitterfang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitterblossom" href="#" target="_blank">Bitterblossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doing some work here, as well as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Formation" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Formation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oona, Queen of the Fae" href="#" target="_blank">Oona, Queen of the Fae</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which were in the deck previously.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Fae Dominion Precon Upgrade" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Alhammarret&#039;s Archive
*1 Altar of Dementia
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Ashnod&#039;s Altar
*1 Bubbling Cauldron
*1 Dimir Signet
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Phyrexian Altar
*1 Robe of the Archmagi
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Dominance
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Consider
*1 Fact or Fiction
*1 Frantic Search
*1 Illusionist&#039;s Gambit
*1 Keep Watch
*1 Opt
*1 Reality Shift
*1 Reckless Spite
*1 Repulse
*1 Spell Stutter
*1 Thrilling Encore
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Archmage of Echoes
*1 Faerie Bladecrafter
*1 Faerie Formation
*1 Faerie Impostor
*1 Faerie Mastermind
*1 Faerie Seer
*1 Faerie Vandal
*1 Flitting Guerrilla
*1 Glen Elendra Archmage
*1 Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare
*1 Likeness Looter
*1 Nymris, Oona&#039;s Trickster
*1 Obyra, Dreaming Duelist
*1 Old Flitterfang
*1 Oona, Queen of the Fae
*1 Puppeteer Clique
*1 Quickling
*1 Rankle, Master of Pranks
*1 Ringskipper
*1 Shadow Puppeteers
*1 Surveilling Sprite
*1 Talion&#039;s Messenger
*1 Talion, the Kindly Lord
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Arguel&#039;s Blood Fast // Temple of Aclazotz
*1 Attrition
*1 Bitterblossom
*1 Exquisite Blood
*1 Grave Pact
*1 Reflections of Littjara
*1 Sanguine Bond
*1 Vampiric Rites
*1 Wound Reflection
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blood Tithe
*1 Consuming Vapors
*1 Distant Melody
*1 Exsanguinate
*1 Fraying Omnipotence
*1 Kindred Dominance
*1 Nightmare Unmaking
*1 Tegwyll&#039;s Scouring
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Choked Estuary
*1 Command Tower
*1 Darkwater Catacombs
*1 Dimir Aqueduct
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Faerie Conclave
*10 Island
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Secluded Glen
*1 Sunken Hollow
*11 Swamp
*1 Tainted Isle
*1 Temple of Deceit
*1 Temple of the False God
[/Lands]"></span></div>


<h2>In Conclusion</h2>
<p>Fae Dominion has some great cards in it. The legends are all fun and do their own thing. But at the end of the day there were some serious misses in this precon, and with as many reprints as the deck had, it seems silly that it had such huge misses, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitterblossom" href="#" target="_blank">Bitterblossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and fan favorite <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Mastermind" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Mastermind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not making the cut. I also feel that you've got several different options to go with this deck. It's definitely a more challenging build for me because Faeries aren't really combat-based, which tends to be my favorite win condition.</p>
<p>If you liked this upgrade guide, please check out the next guide on the other <em>Wilds of Eldraine</em> deck, Virtue and Valor.</p>


Fae Dominion - Precon Upgrade Guide

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://ronspearsart.com/">Ron Spears</a>)</h6>
<h2>Mastering Commander</h2>
<p>Welcome to<em> Rookie Roadmap</em>, where we give newer <em>Magic </em>players a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sméagol, Helpful Guide" href="#" target="_blank">helpful guide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and easy-to-use <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expedition Map" href="#" target="_blank">map</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the latest and greatest set releases. Ever since the first <em>Masters</em> set, players have joked that any supplemental set from <em>Jumpstart</em> to <em>Commander Legends</em> is secretly <strong>the</strong> <em>Commander Masters;</em> with <a href="https://commandersherald.com/commander-masters-second-looks-part-1/">reprints</a> aimed at keeping staples priced low for Commander players. Finally, those jokes are no longer necessary, because this set really is <em>Commander Masters </em>(CMM). One of the best things about reprints is their accessibility, whether that's in buying price or their proven history in the format. If you're a long-time player eager for new reprint prices or a <a href="https://commandersherald.com/your-new-to-commander-guide-to-the-lord-of-the-rings-tales-of-middle-earth/">beginner looking to finally invest in the format</a>, here's your beginner's guide for what to look out for in <em>Commander Masters.</em></p>
<h2>Choose Your Fighter</h2>
<p>As with every set, <em>Commander Masters</em> is accompanied by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/?s=commander+masters+precon&amp;cat=4">four preconstructed Commander decks</a>. Unlike a normal set, however, they are not necessarily connected to the themes and mechanics of the main set. Instead, they are supplemental and standalone, allowing the designers to get old characters onto cards and revisit fan-favorite mechanics and creature types.</p>
<h3>Eldrazi Unbound</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zhulodok, Void Gorger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate"></div></div>
<p>One of Magic's signature villains, <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=eldrazi">the Eldrazi,</a> make their return in <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/eldrazi-unbound-precon-primer/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Eldrazi Unbound</a>, led by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zhulodok, Void Gorger" href="#" target="_blank">Zhulodok, Void Gorger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The deck leans heavily into casting big colorless spells, as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zhulodok, Void Gorger" href="#" target="_blank">Zhulodok, Void Gorger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets them <em>Cascade</em> twice, allowing you to chain together powerful spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="It That Betrays" href="#" target="_blank">It That Betrays</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flayer of Loyalties" href="#" target="_blank">Flayer of Loyalties</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rise of the Eldrazi" href="#" target="_blank">Rise of the Eldrazi</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Colorless decks often struggle with card advantage in Commander, and double <em>Cascade</em> triggers are a great way to work around this. The alternate commander in this deck, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate" href="#" target="_blank">Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, also addresses the card advantage problem by <em>Manifesting</em> cards from your library when it dies. You can then use those colorless tokens to attack or flip over into actual creatures with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ugin&#039;s Mastery" href="#" target="_blank">Ugin&#039;s Mastery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Sliver Swarm</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sliver Gravemother"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rukarumel, Biologist"></div></div>
<p>Another <a href="https://commandersherald.com/socially-anxious-sliver-makes-family-worry/">iconic <em>Magic</em> creature type</a>, <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=sliver">Slivers</a>, reappear with a brand new five color commander: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sliver Gravemother" href="#" target="_blank">Sliver Gravemother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Slivers grow stronger the more of them you have, so being able to gain three copies of the best ones with the ability <em>Encore</em> seems like an easy recipe for success. Some Slivers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudshredder Sliver" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudshredder Sliver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> don't do anything extra in multiples, but others are more impactful. Multiple copies of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harmonic Sliver" href="#" target="_blank">Harmonic Sliver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lazotep Sliver" href="#" target="_blank">Lazotep Sliver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> all give each Sliver you control multiple instances of their effects. If you'd like to spread this power to creatures of other types, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rukarumel, Biologist" href="#" target="_blank">Rukarumel, Biologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns all of your creatures into Slivers. You can also use Rukarumel for <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=Rukarumel">other typal shenanigans</a>, similar to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Adaptation" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Adaptation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Enduring Enchantments</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anikthea, Hand of Erebos"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Narci, Fable Singer"></div></div>
<p>Thanks to <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/enduring-enchantments-precon-primer/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Enduring Enchantments</a>, we finally have two excellent Abzan enchantment commanders. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anikthea, Hand of Erebos" href="#" target="_blank">Anikthea, Hand of Erebos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wants to pull enchantments out of the graveyard as 3/3 creatures with menace. Sagas help keep your graveyard full, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eidolon of Blossoms" href="#" target="_blank">Eidolon of Blossoms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narci, Fable Singer" href="#" target="_blank">Narci, Fable Singer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> help reload your hand. Those tokens also trigger <em>Constellation</em> effects, such as <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> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boon of the Spirit Realm" href="#" target="_blank">Boon of the Spirit Realm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=archon%20of%20sun%27s%20grace">making your army of tokens truly deadly</a>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Planeswalker Party</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commodore Guff"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leori, Sparktouched Hunter"></div></div>
<p>Finally, we come to a character you probably hadn't heard of before, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commodore Guff" href="#" target="_blank">Commodore Guff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, leading a <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/planeswalker-party-precon-primer/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Planeswalker Party</a>. This deck (rather obviously focused around planeswalkers) wants to slowly accumulate value through their activated abilities until you finally win. This could be with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sarkhan the Masterless" href="#" target="_blank">Sarkhan the Masterless</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sparkshaper Visionary" href="#" target="_blank">Sparkshaper Visionary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turning all your planeswalkers into flying creatures, an army of tokens buffed by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elspeth, Sun&#039;s Champion" href="#" target="_blank">Elspeth, Sun&#039;s Champion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or just having both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chandra, Awakened Inferno" href="#" target="_blank">Chandra, Awakened Inferno</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chandra, Legacy of Fire" href="#" target="_blank">Chandra, Legacy of Fire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in play.</p>
<p>As always, these decks are designed to be played against each other. If you want to step things up a notch, you can also check out our <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/?s=scrap+trawlers&amp;cat=4">upgrade guides</a> written by the Scrap Trawlers. They've written in-depth reviews of each deck if you want to be sure they're exactly what you're looking for.</p>
<h2>Making a Comeback</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ruby Medallion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deflecting Swat"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Personal Tutor"></div></div>
<p>With all of the new cards limited to the Commander precon decks, the real draw (pun intended) of <em>Commander Masters</em> lies in its many reprints. This is a great opportunity to get your hands on powerful cards that have been historically expensive. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deflecting Swat" href="#" target="_blank">Deflecting Swat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Rollick" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Rollick</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fierce Guardianship" href="#" target="_blank">Fierce Guardianship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all getting reprinted, along with each of the <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=mv%3D2+medallion">Medallions</a>. This is also the first time <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Capture of Jingzhou" href="#" target="_blank">Capture of Jingzhou</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is being reprinted, so there are <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=Capture%20of%20Jingzhou">a ton of new combos to discover</a>.</p>
<p>Fans of Reanimator decks will also be happy to see both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Razaketh, the Foulblooded" href="#" target="_blank">Razaketh, the Foulblooded</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archfiend of Despair" href="#" target="_blank">Archfiend of Despair</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, while Aristocrats players are getting brand new art for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder" href="#" target="_blank">Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Other notable reprints include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mangara, the Diplomat" href="#" target="_blank">Mangara, the Diplomat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Savage Beating" href="#" target="_blank">Savage Beating</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arachnogenesis" href="#" target="_blank">Arachnogenesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ur-Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">The Ur-Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Great Henge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Puresteel Paladin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Meren of Clan Nel Toth"></div></div>
<p>Especially for players who've <a href="https://commandersherald.com/your-new-to-commander-guide-to-the-lord-of-the-rings-tales-of-middle-earth/">recently gotten into Commander</a>, <em>Commander Masters</em> might be the perfect time to snag old Commander cards you may have missed the first time around. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Meren of Clan Nel Toth" href="#" target="_blank">Meren of Clan Nel Toth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ur-Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">The Ur-Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both powerful commanders from previous preconstructed decks. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sun Quan, Lord of Wu" href="#" target="_blank">Sun Quan, Lord of Wu</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chainer, Dementia Master" href="#" target="_blank">Chainer, Dementia Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both old cards that can't be reprinted easily outside of a release like this.</p>
<h2>Drafting A Deck</h2>
<p><em>Commander Masters</em> was also designed with the intention to <a href="https://magic.gg/news/commander-masters-draft-primer">draft Commander decks</a> to play against your friends. This works a lot like a normal draft. Each player starts with three packs which you pass around the table in alternating left-right order. However, each pack in CMM has 20 cards, and you pick two cards at a time. Additionally, at the end of the draft you'll build a 60-card deck that can include as many copies of any card as you drafted. Otherwise, normal Commander rules apply. All your cards must be in your commander's color identity and your starting life is 40.</p>
<p>There's just one more small exception. For the purposes of draft, every mono-color legendary creature is considered to have <a href="https://edhrec.com/partners">Partner</a>. This helps make sure you have enough useful cards, and makes sure everyone isn't fighting over a small pool of multi-color options.</p>
<p>Drafting can be a great way for established players to re-ignite their passion and <a href="https://commandersherald.com/conquering-the-commander-cube-balancing-your-cube-pt-1/">deckbuilding creativity</a> in the game. Being forced to use cards you wouldn't otherwise and apply cards in unique new ways is a great way to get a fresh take on <em>Magic</em> and the Commander format. Playing Sealed Constructed is also a great way to introduce friends to the game. The limited card pool keeps things comprehensible, while still allowing for plenty of personal customization. It also ensures that you don't win just because you have more "good" cards.</p>
<h2>The Gathering</h2>
<p><a href="https://commandersherald.com/set-review-commander-masters/"><em>Commander Masters</em></a> is a great set for remembering that <em>Magic</em> is really about "the Gathering". Of course, some of us play to win. Some of us just want the shiniest cards or the craziest deck at the table. Thankfully, <em>Commander Masters</em> really does let you have it all. And whether you pick up the precons, organize a draft, or even just buy singles to add to your decks, <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/how-to-get-your-friends-into-edh-with-commander-masters/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">you can't play Commander without a group of friends</a>.</p>


Rookie Roadmap: How to Play With Commander Masters

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zhulodok, Void Gorger" href="#" target="_blank">Zhulodok, Void Gorger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/lasahido" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lius Lasahido</a>)</h6>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hey friends! Andy from the Scrap Trawlers here, ready to give you the lowdown on a very high-mana precon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s been like a week, so of course new product is coming out soon. The new product we’re looking at is <em>Commander Masters</em>, a premium reprint set full of some of Commander’s biggest hitters. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And with this new set comes four precons (a first for a <em>Masters</em> set), each with 10 new cards and a bevy of hot reprints. And it just so happens that today we’re talking about the first ever colorless precon, Eldrazi Unbound. It’s led by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zhulodok, Void Gorger" href="#" target="_blank">Zhulodok, Void Gorger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Void Gorgeous</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zhulodok, Void Gorger"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zhulodok is a 7/4 Eldrazi for six mana that gives colorless spells with mana value seven or greater that you cast from your hand Cascade…twice! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve seen Cascade commanders before, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yidris, Maelstrom Wielder" href="#" target="_blank">Yidris, Maelstrom Wielder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abaddon the Despoiler" href="#" target="_blank">Abaddon the Despoiler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and my personal favorite, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty" href="#" target="_blank">Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but never one with such a steep requirement for the Cascade trigger. Sure, Imoti’s requirement is only one less, but it doesn’t have the “from hand” stipulation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s the full decklist:</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Eldrazi Unbound Precon" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Zhulodok, Void Gorger
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Abstruse Archaic
*1 Ancient Stone Idol
*1 Artisan of Kozilek
*1 Bane of Bala Ged
*1 Burnished Hart
*1 Crashing Drawbridge
*1 Duplicant
*1 Endbringer
*1 Endless One
*1 Flayer of Loyalties
*1 Geode Golem
*1 Hangarback Walker
*1 It That Betrays
*1 Kozilek, the Great Distortion
*1 Matter Reshaper
*1 Metalwork Colossus
*1 Meteor Golem
*1 Myriad Construct
*1 Oblivion Sower
*1 Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Palladium Myr
*1 Phyrexian Triniform
*1 Scaretiller
*1 Skittering Cicada
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Soul of New Phyrexia
*1 Steel Hellkite
*1 Stonecoil Serpent
*1 Suspicious Bookcase
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 All Is Dust
*1 Calamity of the Titans
*1 Rise of the Eldrazi
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Darksteel Monolith
*1 Dreamstone Hedron
*1 Endless Atlas
*1 Everflowing Chalice
*1 Fireshrieker
*1 Forsaken Monument
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Investigator&#039;s Journal
*1 Kaldra Compleat
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mazemind Tome
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mirage Mirror
*1 Mystic Forge
*1 Perilous Vault
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Thought Vessel
*1 Thran Dynamo
*1 Transmogrifying Wand
*1 Unstable Obelisk
*1 Worn Powerstone
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Desecrate Reality
*1 Not of This World
*1 Spatial Contortion
*1 Titan&#039;s Presence
*1 Warping Wail
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Ugin&#039;s Mastery
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Ugin, the Ineffable
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Arcane Lighthouse
*1 Arch of Orazca
*1 Blast Zone
*1 Bonders&#039; Enclave
*1 Eldrazi Temple
*1 Forge of Heroes
*1 Geier Reach Sanitarium
*1 Guildless Commons
*1 Mage-Ring Network
*1 Mirrorpool
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Ruins of Oran-Rief
*1 Scavenger Grounds
*1 Sea Gate Wreckage
*1 Shrine of the Forsaken Gods
*1 Temple of the False God
*1 Tomb of the Spirit Dragon
*1 Tyrite Sanctum
*1 Urza&#039;s Mine
*1 Urza&#039;s Power Plant
*1 Urza&#039;s Tower
*1 War Room
*15 Wastes
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The backup commander is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate" href="#" target="_blank">Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a 0/0 Spirit Naga (did you expect another Eldrazi? How foolish of you) that costs XX and gets a +1/+1 counter whenever you put one or more on another colorless creature. It also manifests cards from your library when it dies. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m just going to point this out here instead of waiting until the end. Having X spells in a Cascade deck makes zero sense. If you Cascade into Omarthis, it just dies instantly. Useless. And it’s not the only X spell in the deck. Omarthis is completely out of place in this list, not only because it’s not Eldrazi even though it easily could have been, but it also doesn’t actually work as the deck’s commander either, because there’s only a small handful of cards that add +1/+1 counters in the list. A real misfire in this deck, but a potentially good commander for its own deck filled with creatures with Modular, or in the 99 of a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zabaz, the Glimmerwasp" href="#" target="_blank">Zabaz, the Glimmerwasp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What It Do?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What’s this deck all about? We’ve seen plenty of four- and five-color decks whose main goal is to play many colors. But what do we do with a deck that wants to play </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">no </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">colors? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal of the deck is to get as much value as possible out of Zhulodok’s double Cascade trigger. That’s why it’s running 15 spells of mana value seven or more, with four X spells that can also fit the mold. This sounds like a lot. And it definitely is. We’ve got a massive average mana value of 4.6 in this deck (and realistically that number should be even higher since our X spells count as zero in the average calculation). Because of this, the deck also runs a lot of ramp (my count is 18). Not all of it is cheap, though, so expect some slow games (more on this later).</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Artisan of Kozilek"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Metalwork Colossus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phyrexian Triniform"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the name Eldrazi Unbound, you might expect some synergy with the Eldrazi creature type. But that’s definitely not what this deck is doing. In fact, there are only 10 Eldrazi in the deck, which is a bit misleading, if you ask me.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The only real path to victory is combat. The deck is full of fatties whose only purpose in life is to smash face. And they do that well. However, as a colorless deck, you have few ways to protect your stuff from removal. Keep that in mind when you’re considering filling up the board. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warping Wail" href="#" target="_blank">Warping Wail</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is great for stopping a board wipe, but it’s just one card in the deck.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rock Lords</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So how does the deck play? A bit slow, unsurprisingly. Even with 18 ramp sources, the deck can struggle if you don’t hit ramp early. In fact, I highly recommend you don’t start the game until you’ve got a starting hand with some cheap ramp. Without it, you won’t be participating in the game until turn seven or later. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zhulodok is crucial. The deck does very little without it except look like a circa ‘94 kitchen table deck filled with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craw Wurm" href="#" target="_blank">Craw Wurm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s and other high-cost creatures. The commander is the only real source of value in the deck, so protect it at all costs. In fact, the deck’s designers want you to rely on Zhulodok so much that they’ve weakened the rest of the card advantage suite in the deck. From my experience, this usually isn’t a smart way to build.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I mentioned this before, but the deck does run some X-cost creatures, which feels really bad when you Cascade into them. They’re obviously in there to support Omarthis, but they’re not great with Zhulodok.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In playtesting the deck, I found myself regularly not doing anything except ramping until turn six or seven. And nothing impactful came out of the deck until Zhulodok was on the board. Relying on your commander this much, especially one with a high mana value, can be a bit disheartening. So I wouldn’t bring this deck to anything but the most battle cruiser-y games.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unbound. Moisturized. In My Lane</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Okay kids, it’s time to talk about the best thing about Commander precons. And that is…? </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kids all shout, “New Cards!” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s right, it’s the new cards. In addition to the two legends that can lead the deck, we’ve got eight other toasty new treats for colorless fans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ll start with the only other new Eldrazi in the deck besides Zhulodok (seriously), and that’s <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flayer of Loyalties" href="#" target="_blank">Flayer of Loyalties</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. For 10 mana, you get the biggest, meanest <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Threaten" href="#" target="_blank">Threaten</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> you’ve ever seen in your life. But I’ve got one complaint. Just one. And that’s that it’s 10 power instead of 11. With 11 power, you could steal someone’s commander, strap on a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fireshrieker" href="#" target="_blank">Fireshrieker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (included in the deck), and potentially kill an opponent with their own commander (assuming they can’t block). Killing someone with their own commander is one of the most satisfying ways to win a game, but 20 damage just won't cut it. Otherwise, this card is sick.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flayer of Loyalties"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Abstruse Archaic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skittering Cicada"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve got <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abstruse Archaic" href="#" target="_blank">Abstruse Archaic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who also isn’t an Eldrazi, and doesn’t cost seven or more mana. What it does do is copy abilities. We saw something similar last year with <em>Dominaria United</em>’s <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Peregrine Dynamo" href="#" target="_blank">The Peregrine Dynamo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card that was severely hampered by its non-commander clause. Abstruse’s only requirement is that the source be colorless. Copying an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> activation is pretty exciting, no?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our last new creature is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skittering Cicada" href="#" target="_blank">Skittering Cicada</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, whose flash ability is a sort of upgrade on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shimmer Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Shimmer Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (unless you’re playing colored artifacts), and also similar to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberator, Urza&#039;s Battlethopter" href="#" target="_blank">Liberator, Urza&#039;s Battlethopter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Obviously the goal with this guy is to make him real big and punch faces. Simple enough. Just get some boots and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fireshrieker" href="#" target="_blank">Fireshrieker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on him.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Darksteel Monolith" href="#" target="_blank">Darksteel Monolith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an all-star in the deck, as it not only triggers Cascade from Zhulodok, but then it lets you cast another big spell for free if you’ve got one. And with Skittering Cicada, you can cast a free colorless spell on your opponents’ turns too!</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Darksteel Monolith"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Desecrate Reality"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rise of the Eldrazi"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ugin&#039;s Mastery" href="#" target="_blank">Ugin&#039;s Mastery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> sounds decent, in theory. But I think it might be awful in practice. The problem is that 2/2s aren’t all that useful in Commander. Especially if it’s not actually a creature card (creatures make up only a third of the deck). Yeah, the free flip when you attack with six or more power can be great, but since you’re likely to be attacking with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wastes" href="#" target="_blank">Wastes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, I don’t think there’s consistent payoff in this deck. But maybe in a deck where you build around it…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over to instants and sorceries. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Desecrate Reality" href="#" target="_blank">Desecrate Reality</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is going to be fantastic in some games. But there will also be games where the thing that’s wrecking your plans has an even cost. I like that it’s instant speed. In fact, I would argue that the card would be pretty bad if it were a sorcery. As it is, it’s okay.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Calamity of the Titans" href="#" target="_blank">Calamity of the Titans</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has an effect that I’ve never been a fan of: mass exile. At no time do I ever want to lose my stuff forever, even if I get rid of some other threats. But that's just my personal preference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And we’ll end with the one that got a few people salivating, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rise of the Eldrazi" href="#" target="_blank">Rise of the Eldrazi</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. For 12 mana, you too can destroy a permanent, draw four cards, and take an extra turn. The self-exile stings, but is probably necessary to stop infinite turns shenanigans.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Final Thoughts</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alright, time for my verdict on this deck. Is it worth picking up at your friendly local game store?</span></p>
<p><b>Verdict: Skip it. Unless…</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This one was a bit challenging to give a final verdict on. While the gameplay is a bit dull, and some cards just plain don’t work in the deck, I also have to take value into consideration.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The reprints in this deck, as with the other three from this set, are pretty stacked. And, considering how much these decks are selling for, they freaking better be. The biggest hitter here is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="It That Betrays" href="#" target="_blank">It That Betrays</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But there are a handful of other high-price reprints, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kozilek, the Great Distortion" href="#" target="_blank">Kozilek, the Great Distortion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="All Is Dust" href="#" target="_blank">All Is Dust</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eldrazi Temple" href="#" target="_blank">Eldrazi Temple</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forsaken Monument" href="#" target="_blank">Forsaken Monument</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We also have to consider the fact that all of the new singles are pre-selling for ridiculous prices, with Zhulodok alone preselling for over $60. </span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="It That Betrays"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kozilek, the Great Distortion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="All Is Dust"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, unless you can find the deck for a </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">reasonable </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">price (quite a bit lower than the $150 that it’s currently selling for on TCGPlayer), it’s a pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What do you think? Can we make this deck better? Go check out my <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/eldrazi-unbound-upgrade-guide/">Upgrade Guide</a> to find out if I was able to make this deck more polished without mortgaging my house again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Until next time, from us here at Scrap Trawlers, remember to budget…before you buy it.</span></p>


Eldrazi Unbound - Precon Primer

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eowyn, Shieldmaiden" href="#" target="_blank">Eowyn, Shieldmaiden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/elliott">Craig Elliott</a>)</h6>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hello all! I'm Bert from the Scrap Trawlers, where we do EDH on a budget. Today we're taking a look at the Riders of Rohan precon from the Tales of Middle-earth Commander decks. Our face commander this time around is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eowyn, Shieldmaiden" href="#" target="_blank">Eowyn, Shieldmaiden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, placing us in the Human archetype. Let’s do what we always do and go over how the deck plays, the strengths and weaknesses, and which new and reprinted cards are going to be worth looking at. Let’s Ride!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inspiring Leader</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eowyn, Shieldmaiden"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So taking a look at our face commander again, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eowyn, Shieldmaiden" href="#" target="_blank">Eowyn, Shieldmaiden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a five mana Jeskai commander that provides us with some Human synergies. She provides us with incentive to play a Human before combat so that we create even more creatures and maybe even draw a card. It may only trigger once per turn, but this effect is something to be reckoned with in the span of a game. Eowyn wants some quality Humans that will trigger her ability and provide support for the tokens that she's creating. Army in a can doesn’t even do her justice with the amount of tokens that she can create. With all this in mind, let’s take a look at the list.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Riders of Rohan" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="&nbsp;
[Commander]
*1 Éowyn, Shieldmaiden
[/Commander]
&nbsp;
[Creatures]
*1 Aragorn, King of Gondor
*1 Archivist of Gondor
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Beregond of the Guard
*1 Boromir, Gondor&#039;s Hope
*1 Champions of Minas Tirith
*1 Combat Celebrant
*1 Dearly Departed
*1 Denethor, Stone Seer
*1 Erkenbrand, Lord of Westfold
*1 Faramir, Steward of Gondor
*1 Fiend Hunter
*1 Flamerush Rider
*1 Frontier Warmonger
*1 Frontline Medic
*1 Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 Grey Host Reinforcements
*1 Harsh Mentor
*1 Humble Defector
*1 Lossarnach Captain
*1 Palace Jailer
*1 Prince Imrahil the Fair
*1 Riders of Rohan
*1 Selfless Squire
*1 Théoden, King of Rohan
*1 Verge Rangers
*1 Village Bell-Ringer
*1 Weathered Wayfarer
*1 Zealous Conscripts
*1 Éomer, King of Rohan
[/Creatures]
&nbsp;
[Enchantments]
*1 Banishing Light
*1 Court of Ire
*1 Fealty to the Realm
*1 Marshal&#039;s Anthem
*1 Oath of Eorl
*1 Shared Animosity
[/Enchantments]
&nbsp;
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Crown of Gondor
*1 Door of Destinies
*1 Heirloom Blade
*1 Herald&#039;s Horn
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Conviction
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Thought Vessel
*1 Vanquisher&#039;s Banner
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
&nbsp;
[Sorceries]
*1 Call for Aid
*1 Earthquake
*1 Forth Eorlingas!
*1 Increasing Devotion
*1 Sunset Revelry
*1 Supreme Verdict
*1 Taunt from the Rampart
*1 Visions of Glory
[/Sorceries]
&nbsp;
[Instants]
*1 Lost to Legend
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Unbreakable Formation
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Battlefield Forge
*1 Clifftop Retreat
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Field of Ruin
*1 Furycalm Snarl
*1 Glacial Fortress
*5 Island
*5 Mountain
*1 Path of Ancestry
*9 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Secluded Courtyard
*1 Sulfur Falls
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Throne of the High City
*1 Tranquil Cove
*1 Wind-Scarred Crag
*1 Windbrisk Heights
[/Lands]
&nbsp;"></span></div></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the list in front of us, I believe we have a good shell for a Humans deck that has the capacity to create creatures and increase our board state to the point where it will be a problem for our opponents. We not only accomplish this by the power of our commander, but also with the value creatures throughout the deck. Before we get to specifics though, let’s take a look and see where our deck excels!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kindred Charge</span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Riders of Rohan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Weathered Wayfarer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faramir, Steward of Gondor"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This time around we are an aggro deck that aims to swarm the board with Humans and power them up to stampede over our opponents. The average mana value makes me pretty happy sitting at a nice 3.31 out of the box. This means that after turn three we have a pretty high chance of us playing out our creatures, and with 31 of them in our deck (28 of them being Humans), we're set up for a great time with our commander.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So how are the vitals of the deck? Well, in the ramp department we're looking pretty healthy sitting at eight ramp sources, one being a synergistic Human, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weathered Wayfarer" href="#" target="_blank">Weathered Wayfarer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is a good starting point for ramp and means that we'll have an easier time casting not only our commander, but also those value Humans littered throughout the deck. The deck also has a couple of board wipes, one of which is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Verdict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a solid unconditional way to rid the board of creatures.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overall I'm pretty happy with the state of the deck, but where are some places the deck needs help? What it really needs is that good old card draw. I feel conflicted about this because out of the box we have a number of Monarch cards that allow us to draw that extra card at the end of our turn. However, it's always my goal to have unconditional card draw that will give us cards no matter what. There will be times where we are unable to reliably hold the Monarch and that will make it tough for us to get that extra card per turn. There's even card draw on our commander if we have a staggering six Humans on the field, which in this deck should be pretty routine. But, call me greedy, I say we need more card draw. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanquisher’s banner" href="#" target="_blank">Vanquisher’s banner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is included, which is a great start, but it's not quite enough. That's actually the only “problem” that I have with the deck, so let's move on to talk about some of those fancy new commander cards that were printed for this deck, shall we? </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fresh-Faced Recruits &amp; Veteran Soldiers </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With there being so many new cards, let's go over the ones that I feel will be seen throughout the format. We can’t get too far into this section without talking about our alternate commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aragorn, King of Gondor" href="#" target="_blank">Aragorn, King of Gondor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a four mana 4/4 with vigilance and lifelink. He makes you the Monarch when he enters and his third line of text makes it harder for your opponents to block, or makes them unable to block at all if you're the Monarch.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aragorn, King of Gondor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oath of Eorl"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Celebrant"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Saga <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oath of Eorl" href="#" target="_blank">Oath of Eorl</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also a power house in this deck, making a total of four creatures for five mana and making a Human (hopefully our commander) indestructible. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Riders of Rohan" href="#" target="_blank">Riders of Rohan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also a powerful card due to it having the Dash ability, making it almost a modular spell where you have to decide which “mode” you're going to cast it in. Using the Dash mechanic makes it so that you can accumulate more power over time, or if you just need it then and there you can cast it for its normal cost.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forth Eorlingas!" href="#" target="_blank">Forth Eorlingas!</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of my favorite cards in the deck. It gives us a way to create a board state, but also gives us incentive to attack so that we can get access to the Monarch. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Theoden, King of Rohan" href="#" target="_blank">Theoden, King of Rohan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems strong for an uncommon. So long as a Human enters the battlefield he'll be able to give double strike to a creature we control. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Call for Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Call for Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a cute card, but not one of my favorites. It definitely has the power to swing a game into our favor, but we can’t attack the player whose creatures we stole, so that makes winning with it a lot more difficult. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Theoden, King of Rohan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Call for Aid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forth Eorlingas!"></div></div></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With new cards comes reprints of old ones. Our deck didn't win the lottery in the reprint department, but we definitely have some solid ones. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Celebrant" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Celebrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a card that I'm excited to see, especially in a deck where it can shine. An additional combat in this deck may be that extra push that we need to win. It being a 4/1 can be a bit of a detriment at times, however we are in a Human deck with a ton of synergies, so I imagine that it'll live for longer than we think. Another reprint that I'm happy to see is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Verdict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is just a clean and efficient board wipe. There's also the awesome reprint of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanquisher&#039;s Banner" href="#" target="_blank">Vanquisher&#039;s Banner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which I mentioned earlier but is still nice to see in the reprint department! I talked about ways to power up our Humans and a prime example of that is the card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Door of Destinies" href="#" target="_blank">Door of Destinies</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The more Humans we cast, the stronger our humans get and this is the way we want our deck to play. There are also a ton of cheaper reprints with a couple of my favorites being <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weathered Wayfarer" href="#" target="_blank">Weathered Wayfarer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talisman of Progress" href="#" target="_blank">Talisman of Progress</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clifftop Retreat" href="#" target="_blank">Clifftop Retreat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Final Thoughts</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Riders of Rohan deck is my favorite precon in a while. So much so that I believe that I'll build a budget version of it for myself. The deck is very cohesive and has synergies including room for you to add some of those of your own. I love the deck, be sure to let me know what <em>you</em> think of it in the comments! Come back next time so we can go over some <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/riders-of-rohan-upgrade-guide/">upgrades for the deck</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure to check back for more precon guides from us Scrap Trawlers. The other Trawlers are coming up with the guides for the other decks, so be sure to check them out. You can also check out our budget content over on </span><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/scraptrawlers"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Twitch</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/scraptrawlers"><span style="font-weight: 400;">YouTube</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and follow us on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/scraptrawlers"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>


Riders of Rohan - Precon Primer

Rebellion Rising - Precon Upgrade

<h1>Rise to the Occasion</h1>
<p>This is Lenny from the Scrap Trawlers back for another precon primer. This time, we're putting in more than a token effort with the <em>Rebellion Rising</em> deck from <em>Phyrexia: All will be One. </em>The face commander for this one is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Neyali, Suns&#039; Vanguard" href="#" target="_blank">Neyali, Suns&#039; Vanguard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Neyali, Suns&#039; Vanguard"></div></div>
<p>Neyali is a powerful new commander for token decks that gives double strike to attacking tokens and when you attack a player, she exiles a card from the top of your deck that you can play in any turn you attack with a token. Neyali is asking for a go wide deck similar to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jetmir, Nexus of Revels" href="#" target="_blank">Jetmir, Nexus of Revels</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, except Neyali wants to come down earlier to mine that card advantage. I can see this card being adopted as a commander and in the 99 of token decks as it does a lot for the strategy. The commander is straightforward enough, so lets take a look at the rest of the deck now.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Rebellion Rising" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Neyali, Suns&#039; Vanguard
[/Commander]
[Lands]
*1 Boros Garrison
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Castle Ardenvale
*1 Castle Embereth
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Forgotten Cave
*1 Furycalm Snarl
*1 Kher Keep
*11 Mountain
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Path of Ancestry
*11 Plains
*1 Secluded Steppe
*1 Slayers&#039; Stronghold
*1 Temple of Triumph
*1 Temple of the False God
*1 Windbrisk Heights
[/Lands]
[Instants]
*1 Boros Charm
*1 Call the Coppercoats
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Flawless Maneuver
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Midnight Haunting
*1 Path to Exile
*1 White Sun&#039;s Zenith
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Battle Screech
*1 Chain Reaction
*1 Collective Effort
*1 Cut a Deal
*1 Finale of Glory
*1 Goldwardens&#039; Gambit
*1 Hate Mirage
*1 Heroic Reinforcements
*1 Hordeling Outburst
*1 Hour of Reckoning
*1 Increasing Devotion
*1 Martial Coup
*1 Rip Apart
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Boros Signet
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Glimmer Lens
*1 Hexplate Wallbreaker
*1 Idol of Oblivion
*1 Kemba&#039;s Banner
*1 Loxodon Warhammer
*1 Mace of the Valiant
*1 Mask of Memory
*1 Maul of the Skyclaves
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Soul-Guide Lantern
*1 Staff of the Storyteller
*1 Talisman of Conviction
*1 Vulshok Factory
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Assemble the Legion
*1 Court of Grace
*1 Felidar Retreat
*1 Intangible Virtue
*1 Roar of Resistance
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Adriana, Captain of the Guard
*1 Dragonmaster Outcast
*1 Emeria Angel
*1 Goldnight Commander
*1 Harmonious Archon
*1 Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer
*1 Legion Warboss
*1 Loyal Apprentice
*1 Mentor of the Meek
*1 Myr Battlesphere
*1 Otharri, Suns&#039; Glory
*1 Phantom General
*1 Prava of the Steel Legion
*1 Siege-Gang Commander
*1 Silverwing Squadron
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
[/Creatures]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Elspeth Tirel
[/Planeswalkers]"></span></div>

<p>The other potential commanders for this deck lend themselves to a similar aggressive strategy. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adriana, Captain of the Guard" href="#" target="_blank">Adriana, Captain of the Guard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer" href="#" target="_blank">Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> boost the stats of your creatures which is nice, but limited. I'd only swap them in if you want to experience what Boros was like in 2016. Newly printed for this deck and a fantastic option to use in its own right is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Otharri, Suns&#039; Glory" href="#" target="_blank">Otharri, Suns&#039; Glory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This phoenix gives you an experience counter when it attacks, then makes you a 2/2 attacking creature for each of those counters you had. You can also bring it back to the battlefield by tapping a rebel and paying four mana. It's not official, but I'm considering this a do-over of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas" href="#" target="_blank">Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Swap in Otharri if you prefer to have a token maker in the command zone.</p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rise Up</span></h2>
<p>This is primarily a token based aggro deck. It's looking to make small tokens and send them into combat with Neyali out to keep the cards flowing and the life totals going. Supporting the go wide strategy is an equipment subtheme in case an army of small creatures isn't up to the task. I think this was a good call to include as this deck might otherwise struggle against cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghostly Prison" href="#" target="_blank">Ghostly Prison</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that can restrict the number of creatures you can attack with. If you're a fan of token decks, you definitely want to take a look at some of the new toys that were made for this deck. Board wipes are a big problem for any go wide strategy, so <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerful new way to keep your battlefield intact that's easy to cast thanks to convoke. We also get another three mana rock with upside in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vulshok Factory" href="#" target="_blank">Vulshok Factory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This one gets a charge counter every time we tap it for mana and can be cashed in for a token as big as the number of counters on the factory. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Roar of Resistance" href="#" target="_blank">Roar of Resistance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a haste enabler for creature tokens with the added benefit of giving creatures attacking your opponents +2/0 for just two mana. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Staff of the Storyteller" href="#" target="_blank">Staff of the Storyteller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets counters whenever you create tokens, the draw is limited by it having to tap much like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Idol of Oblivion" href="#" target="_blank">Idol of Oblivion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but the staff also produces a token when it enters the battlefield. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldwardens&#039; Gambit" href="#" target="_blank">Goldwardens&#039; Gambit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> straddles the line between the token and equipment strategies by giving you five hasted creatures to which you can immediately attach any equipment you have lying around.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clever Concealment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Staff of the Storyteller"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Roar of Resistance"></div></div>
<p>There are already quite a few equipment cards that pair well with token decks, but we got a few more made just for this product that feature the for Mirrodin! ability, which makes a token and attaches the equipment to it. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glimmer Lens" href="#" target="_blank">Glimmer Lens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an equipment that draws a card whenever the equipped creature attacks with at least one other creature. What I like here is that it comes with its own token so it starts as a two mana 2/2 with upside, and you get to keep the draw effect when the token becomes less relevant. Equipment decks in general are going to be happy to get an extra combat step with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hexplate Wallbreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Hexplate Wallbreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but in this deck, an extra combat means more cards exiled with Neyali and another swing with an army of creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kemba&#039;s Banner" href="#" target="_blank">Kemba&#039;s Banner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is yet another effect that boosts power and toughness according to the number of creatures you control, but this one also makes a token attached to it.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glimmer Lens"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hexplate Wallbreaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kemba&#039;s Banner"></div></div>
<p>This deck doesn't really lack wincons. With token decks, any card that makes tokens en masse can be a win condition, especially when the commander gives them double strike. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Martial Coup" href="#" target="_blank">Martial Coup</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Finale of Glory" href="#" target="_blank">Finale of Glory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="White Sun&#039;s Zenith" href="#" target="_blank">White Sun&#039;s Zenith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are ways to spend a bunch of mana to make an army and just swing next turn with double striking tokens. These effects can also work alongside <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldnight Commander" href="#" target="_blank">Goldnight Commander</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to make an existing token army hit much harder. If you can get them on an evasive creature, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kemba&#039;s Banner" href="#" target="_blank">Kemba&#039;s Banner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mace of the Valiant" href="#" target="_blank">Mace of the Valiant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could also be lethal.</p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rising Action</span></h2>
<p><em>Rebellion Rising </em>strikes me as the deck that wants to be attacking early and often, putting opponents on the back foot while they try to deal with your double striking creatures and your commander adds to your available cards. Later on you want to lay down an anthem or an equipment to really pile on damage. Be careful not to over commit to the board; you want to have a way to make tokens available to you throughout the game in case your creatures get removed. In a starting hand I think you want to be looking for an early token producer like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hordeling Outburst" href="#" target="_blank">Hordeling Outburst</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Midnight Haunting" href="#" target="_blank">Midnight Haunting</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> so you have something to attack with when you drop your commander. Having a card to protect from board wipes is also a great place to start because this deck has a bad time if it can't keep its creatures on the field. While this can be a problem for all aggro decks, it can be especially rough for this one as it leans on the commander for draw and needs to be able to attack with tokens to make that happen. This can lead to some awkward moments where you have cards you need to cast in exile that you can't access because you don't have a token to attack with. This deck relies solely on attacking to win, so this deck will struggle against cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Propaganda" href="#" target="_blank">Propaganda</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Constant Mists" href="#" target="_blank">Constant Mists</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. There also aren't many ways in the deck to provide mass evasion so you may have trouble getting through if you encounter a deck that wants to go as wide as you do.</p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rise Above</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which cards are the cream of the crop in this release? Among the new cards, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has the makings of a white staple. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Protection" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Protection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> shows up in 182,021 decks according to EDHREC and while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't protect your life total, the fact that you can be selective with what you phase out can be very useful and thanks to convoke, you can cast it when you're otherwise tapped out. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glimmer Lens" href="#" target="_blank">Glimmer Lens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great new card draw effect in white that's cheap to cast and an easy hoop to jump through for the card. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hexplate Wallbreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Hexplate Wallbreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great new tool for equipment decks to get extra combats. Nine mana total to cast and equip is a lot, but it pairs well with the numerous ways we have to cheat equip costs nowadays, and since it comes equipped to its own token, you don't need to pay the equip cost the first time anyway.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clever Concealment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glimmer Lens"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hexplate Wallbreaker"></div></div>
<p>Among the reprints, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flawless Maneuver" href="#" target="_blank">Flawless Maneuver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a clear stand out. It hasn't been reprinted outside of <em>Commander 2020</em> and I never expected to see anything from that cycle outside of a chase card in a masters set. It's a great card for this deck and any deck that's looking to protect it's creatures or commander. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boros Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Boros Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> shows up in 124,902 decks on EDHEC arguably making it a staple in the colors. This is the first reprint for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elspeth Tirel" href="#" target="_blank">Elspeth Tirel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and she was nearly at $10. She only shows up in 4,195 decks, but she does quite a bit for token decks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flawless Maneuver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Boros Charm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elspeth Tirel"></div></div>
<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rise and Shine</span></h1>
<p>The <em>Rebellion Rising</em> deck is a decent starting point, but I think it needs a bit of work. Out of the box, this is a good deck to get for a newer player or if you're looking for something to play that doesn't use a lot of complicated interactions, but I think it will struggle against more tuned decks that have answers for combat focused strategies. I think with a bit more draw, board protection, and evasion this deck could really shine. Still, it's not a bad pickup. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flawless Maneuver" href="#" target="_blank">Flawless Maneuver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> cover a chunk of the cost of the deck and many of the cards are useful in a variety of decks. I've got some great ideas for improving this precon so check back soon for my upgrade guide and remember to budget before you buy it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
