<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CLius+Lasahido%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lius Lasahido</a></em></p>
<p>Welcome back, readers, to another edition of <em>Tech The Deck</em>. My name is Nick (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/nicnax96.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nicnax96</a>), and I'm bringing something a bit out of my comfort zone today. We're sleeving up <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, from the upcoming <em>Final Fantasy Commander </em>product. I'm not a stranger to a mono-red deck, but what I find as out of place as all these video game characters in my fantasy card game (joking) is an Equipment deck.</p>
<p>I'm always up for trying new things and I'm nothing if not a sucker for a card that reminds me of Alucard from the Hellsing anime. Vincent is ferocious, fun, and fascinating to build. Let's look at what I decided the other 99 cards should be as we set out on the path of atonement.</p>
<h2>Vincent Van Go to Combat</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner"></div></div>
<p>If the combat step is your favorite part of <em>Magic</em>, this deck might be for you. The most important thing to know about Vincent is how their first ability works. In short, it will "work the way you want it to." You can get a counter on Vincent for each opponent to whom you're able to deal combat damage.</p>
<p>This wording also works wonders for Vincent's second ability, <em>Chaos</em>. If Vincent's power is seven or greater in a single combat step, we can trigger <em>Chaos</em> to deal his power to each opponent. Combining these two abilities makes <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> so interesting to build around.</p>
<p>While Vincent is unique with its <em>Chaos</em> ability, there have been some blueprints for the design.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Saskia the Unyielding"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evereth, Viceroy of Plunder"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is fast becoming one of my favorite cards in the format. Whatever opponent you hit with Vincent will not be the only one feeling his vengeance with this little Lizard on the battlefield, thanks to its chaotic ability.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evereth, Viceroy of Plunder" href="#" target="_blank">Evereth, Viceroy of Plunder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes me think of one thing every time I see the card: the Trade Federation from <em>Star Wars</em>. Their disdain for the Republic aside, the ability to pay <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-br" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> to deal damage to all opponents when it dies shares a connection with Vincent. Admittedly, Everth is the most off the beaten path. But there isn't a long list of similar cards, especially ones that can be your commander.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Saskia the Unyielding" href="#" target="_blank">Saskia the Unyielding</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might only be able to share the pain between two of your opponents, but to me, that was the originator of the style of play where connecting with one opponent is all you need to do. Saskia is a great commander not only for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to be included in the 99, but also the other cards we've discussed.</p>
<h2>Those Who Studied the Blade</h2>
<p>We can't just have Vincent do all the work when damaging our opponents. Let's look at some of the exciting additions to our army.</p>
<p>First up is the tag team of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slicer, Hired Muscle" href="#" target="_blank">Slicer, Hired Muscle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos" href="#" target="_blank">Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both creatures are huge additions to this deck, allowing you to get in the much-needed damage to trigger Vincent. We can equip either of these creatures with little to no worry since they won't attack us, and they're relatively hard to remove from the battlefield without a full board wipe.</p>
<p>Next, we have a trio of troublemakers who help us with the worst part of playing Equipment decks: the equip cost.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brass Squire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bladegraft Aspirant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Raubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brass Squire" href="#" target="_blank">Brass Squire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might not be the biggest body or have the ability to activate immediately, but what they do have is an ability not restricted to sorcery speed. So no one is safe if we ever have a sword, hammer, or maybe a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrecking Ball Arm" href="#" target="_blank">Wrecking Ball Arm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lying around.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bladegraft Aspirant" href="#" target="_blank">Bladegraft Aspirant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems like a card designed precisely for this deck. Having menace means it's excellent at getting in damage, which we're all about. It also does double duty, reducing Equipment spells and any Equipment targeting Aspirant.</p>
<p>Coming from <em>Final Fantasy XIV</em>, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo" href="#" target="_blank">Raubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a cheap creature that will be very painful for our opponents to remove, who can get a free attachment of any Equipment as long as they attack. An early body that will force a choice between getting hit or paying for ward is a real lose-lose situation for the others at the table.</p>
<p>Some other cards worth mentioning are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thundering Raiju" href="#" target="_blank">Thundering Raiju</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akki Battle Squad" href="#" target="_blank">Akki Battle Squad</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both cards care about modified creatures. Anything that has an Equipment or Aura attached or a counter counts as being modified. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thundering Raiju" href="#" target="_blank">Thundering Raiju</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will deal massive damage to all opponents, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akki Battle Squad" href="#" target="_blank">Akki Battle Squad</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help end the game by giving us another combat.</p>
<h2>The Armory for Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</h2>
<p>There are <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=type%3Aequipment+commander%3AR+%28game%3Apaper%29+legal%3Aedh&amp;order=color&amp;as=grid&amp;unique=cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">379 Equipment</a> legal for this deck. Many are better than others, but you can choose your arsenal however you see fit. I tried to focus on cards that help Vincent reach the seven power threshold or those that make creatures difficult to block.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blackblade Reforged" href="#" target="_blank">Blackblade Reforged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a cheap way to get our commander to a ridiculously high power. With every turn that goes by, Vincent gets bigger and bigger. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strength-Testing Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Strength-Testing Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> won't always allow us to fulfill the seven power condition, but being able to draw a card is worth the trade-off.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blackblade Reforged"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commander&#039;s Plate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pip-Boy 3000"></div></div>
<p>Some of our Equipment gives +3/+3, which admittedly is annoying to be so close but yet so far. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Loxodon Warhammer" href="#" target="_blank">Loxodon Warhammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives us two much needed keywords: trample to help us punch through decks that can make a plethora of blockers, and lifelink to stave off the retribution from us being the bad guy. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commander&#039;s Plate" href="#" target="_blank">Commander&#039;s Plate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also gets us to one shy of triggering <em>Chaos </em>immediately. Still, it makes Vincent almost certain to stick around on the battlefield.</p>
<p>The other Universes Beyond properties didn't leave us hanging regarding good Equipment. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can make any of our creatures unblockable, and when equipping any that happen to be legendary, it only costs <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Granting ward <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> often works as well as, if not better than, hexproof, so this might be the best outfit Vincent will ever wear.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pip-Boy 3000" href="#" target="_blank">Pip-Boy 3000</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give us card advantage, a +1/+1 counter, or untap two of our lands for more plays. The best part is that it doesn't even have to have a creature connect. Who doesn't love an attack trigger?</p>
<h3>A Little Bit Mean</h3>
<p>One Equipment in this deck deserves a callout. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grafted Exoskeleton" href="#" target="_blank">Grafted Exoskeleton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives the equipped creature +2/+2 and infect. Normally, infect might not be that bad in an Equipment deck, but that's not true with Vincent. This Equipment turns what could be one person losing the game into the entire table. Since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deals damage, giving him infect, means ten total power and combat damage, or casting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chandra&#039;s Ignition" href="#" target="_blank">Chandra&#039;s Ignition</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> = an instant win.</p>
<p>While I don't think this is unfair, some might believe it's a bit of a scummy way to win the game. So, if you're running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grafted Exoskeleton" href="#" target="_blank">Grafted Exoskeleton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, be aware that it could cause bad beats.</p>
<h2>Little Bit of Spice</h2>
<p>I can't discuss every card in the deck, but since it is my article, I can squeeze in a few more before the end.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin War Drums" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin War Drums</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, giving all our creatures menace means we can hit someone nearly every combat. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Disrupt Decorum" href="#" target="_blank">Disrupt Decorum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundering Eruption" href="#" target="_blank">Sundering Eruption</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also make blockers irrelevant, and sometimes the Decorum can win us the game thanks to what our opponents do.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza&#039;s Saga" href="#" target="_blank">Urza&#039;s Saga</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes bodies to hold equipment, but can tutor six different equipment from our deck. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Witch&#039;s Clinic" href="#" target="_blank">Witch&#039;s Clinic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can gain an absurd amount of life off <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, dealing combat damage and his <em>Chaos</em> ability.</p>
<h2>Wrap Up</h2>
<p>This deck is going to be fun. It can go fast and hit hard. It's not my exact playstyle, but if I were to build an Equipment deck, this would be the lane I would try to ride in. Do I think that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" href="#" target="_blank">Vincent, Vengeful Atoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will be one of the top-most built commanders from <em>Final Fantasy</em>? No, it almost certainly will not be. But it will be seen at many tables for those who want to get into the red zone and play <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>.</p>
<p>If you're wondering what I will <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">build from the new <em>Final Fantasy</em> cards, feel free to ask me </span>on any platform you can find <a href="https://linktr.ee/nicnax96" target="_blank" rel="noopener">me</a>. If you want to see even more content around your favorite characters or games in the <em>Final Fantasy</em> franchise, look no further than <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our set page here</a>.</p>
<p>I am still Nick; this has been another edition of <em>Tech The Deck</em>.</p>
<h2>Vincent, Vengeful Atoner Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Tech The Deck - Vincent, Vengeful Atoner" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Vincent, Vengeful Atoner
[/commander]
[Creature]
*1 Akki Battle Squad
*1 Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos
*1 Bladegraft Aspirant
*1 Brass Squire
*1 Death-Greeter&#039;s Champion
*1 Elturel Survivors
*1 Enduring Courage
*1 Fear of Missing Out
*1 Freya Crescent
*1 Generous Plunderer
*1 Goldlust Triad
*1 Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei
*1 Headliner Scarlett
*1 Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar
*1 Legion Loyalist
*1 Lizard Blades
*1 Loyal Apprentice
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
*1 Raubahn, Bull of Ala Mhigo
*1 Shivan Devastator
*1 Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist
*1 Sunset Strikemaster
*1 Thundering Raiju
*1 Torbran, Thane of Red Fell
*1 Yuffie, Materia Hunter
[/Creature]
[Instant]
*1 Big Score
*1 Bolt Bend
*1 Great Train Heist
*1 Laughing Mad
*1 Tibalt&#039;s Trickery
*1 Valakut Awakening // Valakut Stoneforge
[/Instant]
[Sorcery]
*1 Chandra&#039;s Ignition
*1 Disrupt Decorum
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Isengard Unleashed
*1 Jeska&#039;s Will
*1 Mana Geyser
*1 Sundering Eruption // Volcanic Fissure
[/Sorcery]
[Artifact]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Beamtown Beatstick
*1 Blackblade Reforged
*1 Brotherhood Regalia
*1 Commander&#039;s Plate
*1 Embercleave
*1 Grafted Exoskeleton
*1 Hammer of Nazahn
*1 Lavaspur Boots
*1 Lost Jitte
*1 Loxodon Warhammer
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Nettlecyst
*1 Pip-Boy 3000
*1 Ruby Medallion
*1 Shadowspear
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Strength-Testing Hammer
*1 The Reaver Cleaver
*1 Two-Handed Axe // Sweeping Cleave
*1 Wrecking Ball Arm
[/Artifact]
[Enchantment]
*1 Blacksmith&#039;s Talent
*1 Goblin War Drums
[/Enchantment]
[Planeswalker]
*1 Jeska, Thrice Reborn
[/Planeswalker]
[Land]
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Hanweir Battlements
*23 Mountain
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Plaza of Heroes
*1 Prismatic Vista
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Shinka, the Bloodsoaked Keep
*1 Talon Gates of Madara
*1 Urza&#039;s Saga
*1 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
*1 Witch&#039;s Clinic
[/Land]"></span></div>


Tech The Deck - Vincent, Vengeful Atoner

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gau, Feral Youth" href="#" target="_blank">Gau, Feral Youth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CEgl%C4%97+Mosakait%C4%97%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eglė Mosakaitė</a></em></p>
<p>Welcome to our deck tech featuring one of <em>Final Fantasy VI</em>'s most unique characters. Gau grew up in the Veldt, an area teeming with dangerous monsters, where he was left there by his father. Despite this unceremonious parting, Gau grew up and learned to fend for himself. Despite being largely detached from society and the nearby town of Mobliz, Gau becomes an unlikely ally of The Returners. In the upcoming <em>Magic</em> <em>Final Fantasy</em> set, Gau has his own card, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gau, Feral Youth" href="#" target="_blank">Gau, Feral Youth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and in this article we're exploring a way to build Gau into a recursion machine.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gau, Feral Youth"></div></div></p>
<h2><strong>What Does Gau, Feral Youth Do?</strong></h2>
<p>Gau is a 2/2 Human Berserker that costs <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> to cast. He has two abilities that work in tandem to produce a unique effect in red. The first is a triggered ability that reads, "Whenever Gau attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on it." This ability is not unique, with dozens of other cards having the same or similar abilities. The second ability, however, is unique for a red card, reading "At the beginning of each end step, if a card left your graveyard this turn, Gau deals damage equal to its power to each opponent." Effects that care about cards leaving the graveyard exist in <em>Magic</em>, but mainly in black.</p>
<p>The strategy of this deck centers around triggering Gau's second ability as much as possible using artifact recursion, taking advantage of the fact that Gau can trigger every end step, not just <em>your</em> end step, for maximum damage.</p>
<p>The deck has three distinct components to facilitate this objective. The first is recurring artifacts, either to your hand or to the battlefield, satisfying the condition for Gau to trigger at the end step. The second is to allow Gau to attack while staying protected, to get the boost from its first ability and to perhaps deal some extra damage. The third is to boost Gau's power so when he does trigger, it will pack a bigger punch. In the way we're using Gau for this deck, there are several red commanders that have decks built in similar fashions. Examples include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Daretti, Rocketeer Engineer" href="#" target="_blank">Daretti, Rocketeer Engineer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slobad, Iron Goblin" href="#" target="_blank">Slobad, Iron Goblin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>Gau's Shiny Treasures</h2>
<p>The core pieces of this deck involve causing cards to leave your graveyard as often as possible. This deck mainly uses artifact recursion pieces to accomplish this, and red and colorless have many options for this purpose. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Welder" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Welder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrap Trawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrap Trawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are pivotal to this objective, and can be triggered or activated at instant speed so Gau will trigger during an opponent's turn. The deck also uses many utility artifacts like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ichor Wellspring" href="#" target="_blank">Ichor Wellspring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prized Statue" href="#" target="_blank">Prized Statue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to get extra advantage from the constant cycle of artifacts leaving and entering the battlefield. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slobad, Iron Goblin" href="#" target="_blank">Slobad, Iron Goblin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krark-Clan Ironworks" href="#" target="_blank">Krark-Clan Ironworks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> serve as sacrifice outlets, allowing cards like Scrap Trawler to then trigger with ease.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Welder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Slobad, Iron Goblin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ichor Wellspring"></div></div></p>
<p>While the main purpose of the deck centers around recurring artifacts, several other effects are also included that can help Gau trigger. The deck contains several cards with flashback, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faithless Looting" href="#" target="_blank">Faithless Looting</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Isengard Unleashed" href="#" target="_blank">Isengard Unleashed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as casting them for their flashback costs will cause them to leave the graveyard. Some other notable ways to trigger Gau include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elixir of Immortality" href="#" target="_blank">Elixir of Immortality</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrap Mastery" href="#" target="_blank">Scrap Mastery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, among many others.</p>
<p>This deck also includes cards with the sole purpose of helping Gau deal more damage when it does trigger. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nettlecyst" href="#" target="_blank">Nettlecyst</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> work extremely well in this deck, boosting Gau's power by a large amount due to the number of artifacts the deck contains. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Excalibur, Sword of Eden" href="#" target="_blank">Excalibur, Sword of Eden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another very useful buff piece that should be fairly cheap to cast. While these cards boost Gau's power directly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="City on Fire" href="#" target="_blank">City on Fire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and other cards simply amplify the damage dealt by Gau, causing a similar effect overall.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nettlecyst"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Excalibur, Sword of Eden"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrap Mastery"></div></div></p>
<p>Several cards are also included to protect Gau when it attacks, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Whispersilk Cloak" href="#" target="_blank">Whispersilk Cloak</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, with Gau only costing <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, he won't be outlandishly expensive to recast even if he's wiped off the board a couple times. Many of the buff effects (like the Equipment mentioned earlier) are also not very expensive to reattach to Gau, so him being wiped off the board is nowhere near game-ending. While keeping Gau around is best to stack counters from attacking, the deck can still function fine with just using external buffs.</p>
<h2>How Will Gau End the Game?</h2>
<p>The main way Gau plans to end the game is by damage dealt with its second ability. Over the course of the game, Gau should be able to be buffed and fling a considerable amount of damage at opponents. Even if he isn't heavily buffed, dealing damage during each end step can quickly add up to a devastating amount if left unchecked. The deck does contain a few pieces of redundancy that can also fling damage, and possibly end the game on their own. This includes cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fuming Effigy" href="#" target="_blank">Fuming Effigy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckless Fireweaver" href="#" target="_blank">Reckless Fireweaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can supplement Gau's damage or continue to deal damage if Gau happens to leave the battlefield.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fuming Effigy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reckless Fireweaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ingenious Artillerist"></div></div></p>
<p>This deck does contain some other possible win conditions. One such condition is combat damage, as we're constantly attacking (hopefully) with Gau and maybe other creatures, which can be amplified by the damage increasers and possibly end a game. This method, of course, isn't the primary focus or an overly reliable plan, but it could work in a pinch.</p>
<p>The deck also contains several combos that, when paired with some payoffs, can end the game on the spot. According to <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/find-my-combos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander Spellbook's Find My Combos</a> feature, this deck contains eight infinite combos. These combos can largely trigger Reckless Fireweaver or similar cards repeatedly, leading to infinite damage and thus ending the game. Let's work through one of the simplest combos in the deck:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirrorworks"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Myr Retriever"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krark-Clan Ironworks"></div></div></p>
<p>To perform this combo, cast Myr Retriever for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. When it enters, Mirrorworks and Reckless Fireweaver trigger, dealing one damage to each opponent and triggering you to pay <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> to copy Myr Retriever. You can then sacrifice the nontoken Myr Retriever to Krark-Clan Ironwroks for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-c" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-c" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Myr Retriever will trigger, allowing you to return another artifact card from your graveyard to your hand. Then, repeat the same process with the token Myr Retriever, instead returning the nontoken Myr Retriever to your hand. From here, repeat the combo infinitely until the game ends from Reckless Fireweaver's damage. Below are a few other possible combos in this deck, thanks to help from <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander Spellbook</a>.</p>
<div id="1020-1117-2866-4659-5034" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
<script id="1020-1117-2866-4659-5034" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/embed.js?v=1&uses=%5B%22Scrap%20Trawler%22%2C%22Myr%20Retriever%22%2C%22Krark-Clan%20Ironworks%22%2C%22Sol%20Ring%22%2C%22Junk%20Diver%22%5D&requires=%5B%5D&produces=%5B%22Infinite%20blinking%20of%20artifacts%20you%20control%20with%20a%20mana%20value%20of%200%22%2C%22Infinite%20colorless%20mana%22%2C%22Infinite%20death%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20ETB%22%2C%22Infinite%20LTB%22%2C%22Infinite%20sacrifice%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20storm%20count%22%5D&id=1020-1117-2866-4659-5034&color=C&extraRequirementCount=0"></script></div>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe></p>
<div id="1020-2866-4659-5346" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
<script id="1020-2866-4659-5346" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/embed.js?v=1&uses=%5B%22Crime%20Novelist%22%2C%22Krark-Clan%20Ironworks%22%2C%22Myr%20Retriever%22%2C%22Scrap%20Trawler%22%5D&requires=%5B%5D&produces=%5B%22Infinite%20LTB%22%2C%22Infinite%20ETB%22%2C%22Infinite%20sacrifice%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20death%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20storm%20count%22%2C%22Infinite%20%2B1%2F%2B1%20counters%20on%20Crime%20Novelist%22%2C%22Infinite%20colorless%20mana%22%2C%22Infinite%20red%20mana%22%5D&id=1020-2866-4659-5346&color=R&extraRequirementCount=1"></script></div>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe></p>
<div id="1721-3210-4659" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
<script id="1721-3210-4659" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/embed.js?v=1&uses=%5B%22Scrap%20Mastery%22%2C%22Codex%20Shredder%22%2C%22Krark-Clan%20Ironworks%22%5D&requires=%5B%5D&produces=%5B%22Infinite%20colorless%20mana%22%2C%22Infinite%20magecraft%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20mana%20artifacts%20you%20control%20can%20produce%22%2C%22Infinite%20storm%20count%22%5D&id=1721-3210-4659&color=R&extraRequirementCount=2"></script></div>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe></p>
<p>With that out of the way, let's get to the fun part: the deck.</p>
<h2>Gau, Feral Youth's Artifact Déjà Vu - Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Gau&#039;s Artifact Déjà Vu" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Gau, Feral Youth
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Adaptive Omnitool
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Blackblade Reforged
*1 Brotherhood Regalia
*1 Codex Shredder
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Dowsing Device // Geode Grotto
*1 Elixir of Immortality
*1 Excalibur, Sword of Eden
*1 Genesis Chamber
*1 Ichor Wellspring
*1 Krark-Clan Ironworks
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mimic Vat
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mirrorworks
*1 Mycosynth Wellspring
*1 Mystic Forge
*1 Nettlecyst
*1 Perpetual Timepiece
*1 Prized Statue
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Throne of Eldraine
*1 Unlicensed Hearse
*1 Whispersilk Cloak
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Big Score
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Deflecting Swat
*1 Demand Answers
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Isengard Unleashed
*1 Reckless Handling
*1 Scrap Mastery
*1 Trash for Treasure
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 City on Fire
*1 Fiery Emancipation
*1 Pia&#039;s Revolution
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Combustible Gearhulk
*1 Crime Novelist
*1 Daretti, Rocketeer Engineer
*1 Feldon of the Third Path
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Fuming Effigy
*1 Goblin Engineer
*1 Goblin Welder
*1 Gogo, Mysterious Mime
*1 Ingenious Artillerist
*1 Jhoira&#039;s Familiar
*1 Junk Diver
*1 Metalwork Colossus
*1 Myr Battlesphere
*1 Myr Retriever
*1 Reckless Fireweaver
*1 Ruin Grinder
*1 Scrap Trawler
*1 Scrap Welder
*1 Slobad, Iron Goblin
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Tersa Lightshatter
*1 Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith
*1 Workshop Assistant
*1 Yidaro, Wandering Monster
[/Creatures]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Daretti, Scrap Savant
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Command Tower
*1 Forgotten Cave
*1 Great Furnace
*27 Mountain
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
*1 War Room
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>This deck is a fun way to explore a unique card while having a legitimate chance of winning a few games. It fits well into Bracket 3 - being reasonably strong while not being excruciating to play against. It's probably not going to fare well against ultra-polished Bracket 4/5 decks, but it fits well for the average casual player who wants to play something unique and different. It is worth noting that Gau is not the optimal recursion commander - cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tormod, the Desecrator" href="#" target="_blank">Tormod, the Desecrator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> have far more options and are generally more useful.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, Commander is about having fun, especially in a casual environment. Gau allows you to have fun while pioneering a reasonably strong deck. However, if you're looking for an extremely strong or polished commander, especially for cEDH, I would recommend checking out Tormod or other options instead. Perhaps, if Gau was in Rakdos, you could make it a lot stronger and accomplish this, but it doesn't seem to be possible with it in mono-red.</p>


Artifact Déjà Vu With Gau, Feral Youth

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://paoloparente.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paolo Parente</a></em></p>
<p>I need to say a few things about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. First, he's shredded like wheat. Second, the man is way too thirsty. I mean, he is down bad. I mean, it's such a known factor that he's named for it. I'll let you decide if that's good or bad, but acknowledging it does allow me to suggest to our editors we include this meme I just made:</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-46456 size-full" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9pvpaj.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" /></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adamaro, First to Desire"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro has only one printing, from <em>Saviors of Kamigawa</em> (2005). His ability reads: <em>"<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s power and toughness are each equal to the number of cards in the hand of the opponent with the most cards in hand."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Much like wine, Matthew McConaughey, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Maze&#039;s End" href="#" target="_blank">Maze&#039;s End</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Adamaro has gotten better with age. Thanks to the influx of card draw in Commander, he reliably hits the board as a 6+ power beater. This brew doubles down on his over-statted beef by being a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> strategy at heart, but with a twist that makes for a unique Commander deck. By encouraging opponents to draw cards, we fuel Adamaro, turning their advantage into our win condition.</span></p>
<h2>Strategy One: Voltron</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unquenchable Fury"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Reaver Cleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Spear of Leonidas"></div></div></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro can come down fast, and with haste enablers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, he can attack as soon as turn three. The <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> plan is supported with <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equipment</a> like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reaver Cleaver" href="#" target="_blank">The Reaver Cleaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to help our thirsty friend trample over blockers. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unquenchable Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Unquenchable Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, fittingly from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/neo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty</em></a>, is a recurrable Aura that ensures Adamaro is dishing out damage whenever he turns sideways. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And, it plays into our subtheme of punishing card draw.</span></p>
<h2>Strategy Two: Punish Card Draw</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Razorkin Needlehead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrawling Crawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Howling Mine"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of the joy in brewing a fun Commander deck is finding the little ways your commander supports multiple strategies. Since Adamaro already punishes opponents for having a lot of cards in hand, let's lean into that. It is, after all, the closest thing our man has to an identity (outside of floating decapitated heads and Dracula-levels of thirst). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anyway, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Razorkin Needlehead" href="#" target="_blank">Razorkin Needlehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrawling Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrawling Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> both punish our opponents drawing cards. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temple Bell" href="#" target="_blank">Temple Bell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> force our opponents to draw cards. Savvy?</span></p>
<h2>Mono Red Card Advantage; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Monarchy</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emberwilde Captain"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Court of Embereth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coveted Jewel"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro and the <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/monarch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monarchy</a> are made for each other. If your opponent takes it from you, they're drawing more cards, fueling Adamaro and your other draw hate. Of course, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Embereth" href="#" target="_blank">Court of Embereth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Ire" href="#" target="_blank">its sister court</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are here, but the real star is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emberwilde Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Emberwilde Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is doing everything our deck wants by introducing the monarchy </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">punishing our opponents' hand size. <em>Simpatico</em>! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here. </span></p>
<h2>Goad to Hell</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bothersome Quasit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vengeful Ancestor"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is where I had a big-brain moment. If <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are drawing opponents extra cards, they're likely playing creatures to the board. And, Adamaro is already incentivizing our opponents to dump their hands, so we can anticipate the board might get clogged pretty quickly. Now, if we also want to play to the board, what is the perfect mechanic to keep us alive without having to wipe our own creatures? </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-46462 aligncenter" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-212152-300x217.png" alt="" width="300" height="217" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enter: goad. <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/goad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goad</a> is the perfect mechanic to clear messy boards, damage our opponents, and strengthen our own position. Using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer" href="#" target="_blank">Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vengeful Ancestor" href="#" target="_blank">Vengeful Ancestor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can force our opponents to attack each other instead of us. It also ensures our opponents' creatures are tapped and unable to block the Spirit of Bodybuilders Past. This means that in many board states, goading is better than wiping the board. Trust me, I did the math on this. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Sound of Drums"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, I found this hidden gem: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Sound of Drums" href="#" target="_blank">The Sound of Drums</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. From the <em>Doctor Who</em> set, this is the perfect card for Adamaro. It can goad an opponent's creature, or we can suit up our commander to double its damage! </span></p>
<h2>Ramping in Style in Mono-Red</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curse of Opulence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Laser Screwdriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Irencrag"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, we're running <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>. But I'll also highlight some flavorful, on-theme ramp picks.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curse of Opulence" href="#" target="_blank">Curse of Opulence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> supports our primary crash-out plan and incentivizes our opponents to hit each other. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laser Screwdriver" href="#" target="_blank">Laser Screwdriver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can goad creatures, which ties in to our defense strategy. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Irencrag" href="#" target="_blank">The Irencrag</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a mana rock in the early game that can turn into an Adamaro-pumping Equipment when you no longer need the ramp. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns all our artifact removal into permanent removal. </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Oddities and Hidden Gems</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Woah there! I see you side-eyeing the deck list. I know it looks a little weird. Let me explain some of the hidden tech in this Commander deck tech. </span></p>
<h3>Breaking Symmetry</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expedited Inheritance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Share the Spoils"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curse of Hospitality"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These three odd-ball enchantments come from my love of breaking symmetrical effects. The idea here is that we can encourage our opponents to keep cards in their hand by tempting them with impulse draw. And of course, we can get some card advantage from them as well. I don't know if it's the most effective way to spend these slots, but I've been looking for a home for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expedited Inheritance" href="#" target="_blank">Expedited Inheritance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> since it was printed. </span></p>
<h3>Land Destruction? How Did You Get In Here?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Volcanic Offering"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ruination"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hey! Woah! Hey! Who put land destruction in this list? That's weird. But now that it's here, a little land hate would slow down the rate at which our opponents could play cards, meaning their hands might be more full for Adamaro. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On that note, any artifact hate like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shattering Spree" href="#" target="_blank">Shattering Spree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balor" href="#" target="_blank">Balor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could be used to target mana rocks, similarly slowing down our opponents. Hmm... </span></p>
<h3>Hater Blockers</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deflecting Swat"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Untimely Malfunction"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commander&#039;s Plate"></div></div> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>It's dangerous to Adamaro alone! Take these.</em> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When optimizing decks for the Commander format, I like protection pieces that have utility. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Untimely Malfunction" href="#" target="_blank">Untimely Malfunction</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the perfect example of a card that can protect our commander, but also remove troublesome blockers for a turn, or destroy an artifact. Incidental artifact hate like this is a great argument for making <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> a must-run in any red deck. </span></p>
<h3>Pillow Fort, But Mono-Red</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brash Taunter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kazuul, Tyrant of the Cliffs"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm not sure if you can tell, but I don't like to die. Voltron decks draw a lot of heat, and Adamaro isn't killing folks so quickly that we don't have a need to play defense. Thankfully, if anyone likes playing D, it's probably the guy named Adamaro.</span></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: a Surprisingly Threatening Voltron Commander</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck requires a little bit of politicking and strategizing to make it to the end game, but it's a lot of fun fitting all the pieces together. With a mix of Voltron pieces, draw punishment, and goad effects, Adamaro becomes a surprisingly consistent and threatening Voltron option.</span></p>


Is Adamaro, First to Desire a Voltron Hidden Gem?

Building a Powerful Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient Commander Deck

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krenko, Mob Boss|jmp|339" href="#" target="_blank">Krenko, Mob Boss</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://karlkopinski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karl Kopinski</a></em></p>
<p>No creature type in <em>Magic</em> better epitomizes the phrase “just a little guy” than Goblins. But rest assured, where there’s just a little Goblin, a lot more are hiding nearby, waiting to make a splash on the game in the most humorous and painful way possible.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/kindred" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EDHREC stats</a>, Goblins are the 7th most popular creature type across all data-scraped deck building sites, with over 35,000 decks built. They've been part of <em>Magic</em> since the beginning, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mons&#039;s Goblin Raiders" href="#" target="_blank">Mons&#039;s Goblin Raiders</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as part of the "<a href="https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Sligh#:~:text=The%20philosophy%20of%20the%20%22Sligh,utilize%20all%20of%20its%20mana." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sligh Principle</a>" red decks that revolutionized the way players look at deck lists, introducing the concept of a mana curve. Goblins have been featured in Duel Decks and Starter Decks, as an integral part of introducing new players to <em>Magic</em> and the color red.</p>
<p>It seems like Goblins are all over the multiverse, with each set adding to their ranks. Goblins love to go wide and go boom, and our build for this deck tech will do both!</p>
<h2>Notable Goblins for Commander Decks</h2>
<p>Like <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> <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/building-a-dragon-commander-deck-with-the-ur-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last week</a>, our commander this week, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krenko, Mob Boss" href="#" target="_blank">Krenko, Mob Boss</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, does one thing and does it well. He adds to our board exponentially, challenging the limits of our creativity and our ability to represent an accurate board state. Each turn, our board gets wider and wider. There are creatureless builds, highlighting how quickly Krenko alone gets out of hand, as well as combo builds, as Krenko can easily go infinite and make a quality cEDH commander. As a typal commander, however, Krenko presents a repeated must-answer threat that can easily snowball out of control.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko, Mob Boss"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stadium Headliner"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Underfoot Underdogs"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shock Brigade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Devoted Duelist"></div></div></p>
<p>We want our creatures to hit the ground running, so there are a couple of ways to do that: make multiple bodies or enable the casting of multiple spells. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skirk Prospector" href="#" target="_blank">Skirk Prospector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns our excess bodies into mana, enabling massive turns and powering out our larger threats. One of the stranger aspects of newer Goblin builds, especially with a lightning rod for a commander, is that they're growing more and more hungry for mana. Cool Goblins keep getting printed, and there’s a tendency to cut lands for them, but it’s better to build in ramp without committing slots to dead cards.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Warchief"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Howlsquad Heavy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skirk Prospector"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Chieftain"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pashalik Mons"></div></div></p>
<p>One of the key elements of go-wide strategies is the presence of lords - creatures who provide boosts and/or keywords for those that fit certain criteria. There are lots of Goblin lords. Some provide haste, some provide a generic cost reduction, but only <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Trashmaster" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Trashmaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets us blow up artifacts.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hobgoblin Bandit Lord"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brightstone Ritual"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Trashmaster"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin King"></div></div></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conspicuous Snoop" href="#" target="_blank">Conspicuous Snoop</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides some interesting nuance to Goblin decks. At the highest levels of play, topdeck manipulation can set up infinite win cons. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skirk Prospector" href="#" target="_blank">Skirk Prospector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a key Goblin with an activated ability, as is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Chirurgeon" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Chirurgeon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can protect key parts of our board.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko&#039;s Command"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Conspicuous Snoop"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Chirurgeon"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Instigator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Muxus, Goblin Grandee"></div></div></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mogg War Marshal" href="#" target="_blank">Mogg War Marshal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an unassuming piece of cardboard, but it’s secretly the perfect role player for a deck like this. It brings a buddy along with it, and, if the echo isn’t paid, it brings another. Two 1/1s for two mana is a solid rate, and the more lords we have, the better the rate gets, especially when our commander can turn those two bodies into four!</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warren Instigator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Legion Warboss"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Battle Cry Goblin"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Beetleback Chief"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mogg War Marshal"></div></div></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Lackey" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Lackey</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has been a key card in Goblin decks across formats, from Legacy to EDH to cEDH, and everything in between. If little red guys are being played, there are few better turn-one plays.</p>
<p>You may notice that this deck eschews <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>. How can we get away with that? Well, as good as a turn-two Krenko is, a turn-one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Lackey" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Lackey</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is even better. True, the returns diminish as boards develop, but the Lackey is also a solid play after a board wipe, which could otherwise be backbreaking for a deck like this.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Lackey"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Piledriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei"></div></div>
<h2>Complementary Cards for Goblin Decks</h2>
<p>With Goblins, speed is the name of the game. We want to take opponents out before they get a chance to get fully set up, before we even have to resort to the combat step, if need be. After all, why risk bodies in combat when we can threaten to overwhelm opponents with numbers? Well, because of board wipes. So, how do we win during this phase, before the wipe hits? Keep direct damage coming with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impact Tremors" href="#" target="_blank">Impact Tremors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects, and going with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Bombardment" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Bombardment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shocking Sharpshooter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Bombardment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Impact Tremors"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin War Strike"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Witty Roastmaster"></div></div></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin War Strike" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin War Strike</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a hard-hitting card. Its damage scales with the number of Goblins we control, so it’s best used pre-combat, after activating Krenko, before attacking. That way, our army of Goblins will be at its largest when it hits. It also enables us to alpha strike with reckless abandon (the best kind) on the turn we intend to win.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Purphoros, God of the Forge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Siege-Gang Commander"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Siege-Gang Lieutenant"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin War Strike"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="General Kreat, the Boltbringer"></div></div></p>
<h2>Goblin Draw Spells and Card Advantage</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Recruiter" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Recruiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a key part of the higher-level Goblin decks. Since it puts any Goblins we want on top of our library, we can set up <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conspicuous Snoop" href="#" target="_blank">Conspicuous Snoop</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for any number of combinations. We can also combine it with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to draw into whatever cards we put there. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be an issue if we have lords out with no ways to sacrifice creatures, as we can find ourselves in the strange position of needing help to get our creatures killed.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skullclamp"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rundvelt Hordemaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Recruiter"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Ringleader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Moria Marauder"></div></div></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Outpost Siege" href="#" target="_blank">Outpost Siege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a draw engine that doubles as a source of repeatable direct damage…or it would, if we didn’t have to pick a side. Luckily, we can take the perspective that it will either find what we want or be what we want. Thankfully, both options are relevant in a deck like this.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dark-Dweller Oracle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Matron"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Moggcatcher"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rummaging Goblin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Outpost Siege"></div></div></p>
<h2>Removal Spells for Goblin Decks</h2>
<p>Being in mono-red, our removal options are somewhat limited. Our best options are also Goblins, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Sharpshooter" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Sharpshooter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Cratermaker" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Cratermaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The Sharpshooter can mow down opposing creatures, including untapping off of creatures that would be dying anyways, to get in extra pings. The Cratermaker is primarily there to ping small creatures or blow up artifacts, but we can live the dream occasionally, blowing up an Eldrazi with a little explosives expert. He might die, but what a way to go!</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Sharpshooter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Cratermaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tibalt&#039;s Trickery"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Abrade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Untimely Malfunction"></div></div></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gempalm Incinerator" href="#" target="_blank">Gempalm Incinerator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might just be the most exciting singular card in the deck. Not only does it cycle to draw a card, but it smacks a creature hard when it does. As an activated ability, it isn’t being cast, so it's difficult to counter. It doesn’t even stop at the Goblins we control, however, as it smacks for an amount equal to the total number of Goblins on the field. If we can hit an opponent’s <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can have a lot of fun!</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reverberate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Return the Favor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mogg Salvage"></div></div><br />
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flare of Duplication"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gempalm Incinerator"></div></div></p>
<h2>Krenko, Mob Boss Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Krenko, Mob Boss Commander Deck Tech" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Krenko, Mob Boss
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Battle Cry Goblin
*1 Beetleback Chief
*1 Conspicuous Snoop
*1 Dark-Dweller Oracle
*1 Devoted Duelist
*1 Gempalm Incinerator
*1 General Kreat, the Boltbringer
*1 Goblin Chieftain
*1 Goblin Chirurgeon
*1 Goblin Cratermaker
*1 Goblin Instigator
*1 Goblin King
*1 Goblin Lackey
*1 Goblin Matron
*1 Goblin Piledriver
*1 Goblin Recruiter
*1 Goblin Ringleader
*1 Goblin Sharpshooter
*1 Goblin Trashmaster
*1 Goblin Warchief
*1 Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei
*1 Hobgoblin Bandit Lord
*1 Howlsquad Heavy
*1 Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin
*1 Legion Warboss
*1 Mogg War Marshal
*1 Moggcatcher
*1 Moria Marauder
*1 Muxus, Goblin Grandee
*1 Pashalik Mons
*1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
*1 Rummaging Goblin
*1 Rundvelt Hordemaster
*1 Searslicer Goblin
*1 Shock Brigade
*1 Shocking Sharpshooter
*1 Siege-Gang Commander
*1 Siege-Gang Lieutenant
*1 Skirk Prospector
*1 Squee, Dubious Monarch
*1 Stadium Headliner
*1 Underfoot Underdogs
*1 Warren Instigator
*1 Witty Roastmaster
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Brightstone Ritual
*1 Flare of Duplication
*1 Mogg Salvage
*1 Return the Favor
*1 Reverberate
*1 Tibalt&#039;s Trickery
*1 Untimely Malfunction
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Goblin War Strike
*1 Krenko&#039;s Command
*1 Vandalblast
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Goblin Bombardment
*1 Impact Tremors
*1 Outpost Siege
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Skullclamp
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*40 Mountain
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<p>Goblins are single-minded, and their decks are similar. They swarm the field, attack, and burn opponents coming and going. Sometimes, their speed literally blows up in their face, but one thing’s for sure: their lives may be short, but they’re not boring!</p>


Building a Goblin Commander Deck with Krenko, Mob Boss

<p style="text-align: right;"><em>(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Delina, Wild Mage|AFR|138" href="#" target="_blank">Delina, Wild Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/wisnutan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisnu Tan</a>)</em></p>
<p>Friendly greetings and welcome to <em>Bracketeering</em>, the series about sideboards for Commander Brackets. With two announcements on April 22nd, 2025, <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> updated the Commander <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-bans-and-restrictions-april-22-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ban List</a> and <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/commander-brackets-beta-update-april-22-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers List</a>. Basically, the Bracket system is still a beta test, and there are no major system changes at this time. A total of twenty-three cards joined the Game Changers list, including five previously banned cards. This is our first Bracketeering article in the updated environment, and I'm excited to put my money where my mouth is.</p>
<p>This week I'm bracketeering my very own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Delina, Wild Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Delina, Wild Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck, and I'll show a picture of the cards and sleeves to prove it. This deck is my happy place, my touchstone for a fun Commander game. If I'm playing two games of Commander in a session, then one of those games will be with Delina. I want to make sure I have the tools to match this deck with as many pods as possible.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Delina, Wild Mage|AFR|317"></div></div>
<h2>Roll the Dice</h2>
<p>Since the advent of Commander Brackets, I've listed my Delina deck as Core (2). Technically this deck fits the criteria for Upgraded (3) since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gamble|SPG|24" href="#" target="_blank">Gamble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> joined the Game Changer list. Gamble is in the deck because I have one, and it matches the flavor of Delina leaving things to chance.</p>
<p>Here's my deck list:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Delina" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Delina, Wild Mage
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Cloak of the Bat
*1 Coldsteel Heart
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Dolmen Gate
*1 Ebony Fly
*1 Fire Diamond
*1 Glittering Stockpile
*1 Key to the City
*1 Liquimetal Torque
*1 Manifold Key
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Ruby Medallion
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sonic Screwdriver
*1 Vexing Puzzlebox
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Anzrag&#039;s Rampage
*1 Cosmotronic Wave
*1 Gamble
*1 Hazardous Blast
*1 Ignite the Future
*1 Light Up the Stage
*1 Mizzium Mortars
*1 Reckless Impulse
*1 Seize the Spotlight
*1 Vandalblast
*1 Wrenn&#039;s Resolve
[/Sorceries]
[Creatures]
*1 Ardent Elementalist
*1 Breya&#039;s Apprentice
*1 Caves of Chaos Adventurer
*1 Charming Scoundrel
*1 Dire Fleet Daredevil
*1 Ganax, Astral Hunter
*1 Ghirapur Gearcrafter
*1 Goblin Welder
*1 Harmonic Prodigy
*1 Imperial Recruiter
*1 Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar
*1 Krenko&#039;s Buzzcrusher
*1 Myr Battlesphere
*1 Patron of the Arts
*1 Pia Nalaar
*1 Pia and Kiran Nalaar
*1 Plundering Barbarian
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Siege-Gang Commander
*1 Swashbuckler Extraordinaire
*1 Thopter Engineer
*1 Trumpeting Carnosaur
*1 Wily Goblin
*1 Wyll, Blade of Frontiers
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Barbarian Class
*1 Echoing Assault
*1 Frenzied Fugue
*1 Goblin Bombardment
*1 War Cadence
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Invoke Calamity
*1 Lightning Bolt
*1 Wild Magic Surge
*1 You Find Some Prisoners
*1 Zoyowa&#039;s Justice
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Access Tunnel
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Barbarian Ring
*1 Castle Embereth
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Den of the Bugbear
*1 Dwarven Mine
*1 Forgotten Cave
*1 Great Furnace
*1 Maze of Ith
*27 Mountain
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Shivan Gorge
*1 Terrain Generator
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<p>While this version of the deck might technically be an Upgraded (3), I can assure you it rarely performs at that level. There's a wild range of variance baked into this dice-rolling legend.</p>
<p>Delina's attack trigger and lack of evasion require effort to get the game plan up and running. To be honest, playing Delina is an uphill battle, even at Core (2) tables where disposable blockers are plentiful. Although the challenge and variance are part of the fun for me, I do want to play this deck more often in more places. Making a sideboard will help me do that.</p>
<p>By the time my new sideboard is complete, my main deck will be firmly Core (2) and I'll have a tool box for playing comfortably in any pod from Exhibition (1) to Upgraded (3).</p>
<h2>Improving the Odds</h2>
<p>I know from experience that it'll take more than a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gamble" href="#" target="_blank">Gamble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to give this deck a fighting chance in Upgraded (3) games. Delina needs to attack more frequently and be unblockable to punch at a higher weight class. I like cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manifold Key" href="#" target="_blank">Manifold Key</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sonic Screwdriver" href="#" target="_blank">Sonic Screwdriver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but paying mana every turn for those activated abilities is less efficient than one-time investments in quality Equipment. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prowler&#039;s Helm" href="#" target="_blank">Prowler&#039;s Helm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trailblazer&#039;s Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Trailblazer&#039;s Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help keep Delina alive in combat.</p>
<p>Red is the color of extra combat, and I already own copies of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seize the Day|ODY|220" href="#" target="_blank">Seize the Day</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aggravated Assault|WOT|39" href="#" target="_blank">Aggravated Assault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Port Razer" href="#" target="_blank">Port Razer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is in 59% of Delina decks, because any copies she makes have a chance to chain multiple combat steps together.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Port Razer"></div></div>
<p>If I'm sideboarding for an upgraded game, some of my pet cards will have to side-out. For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invoke Calamity|NEO|147" href="#" target="_blank">Invoke Calamity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is dead-in-hand too often for Upgarded (3) gameplay. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manifold Key|TSR|398" href="#" target="_blank">Manifold Key</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be exchanged for any of those Equipment I mentioned. Sadly, I rarely reach the seven mana to cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Myr Battlesphere|DDU|57" href="#" target="_blank">Myr Battlesphere</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The rest of the swaps will require some hard choices, but some likely candidates will be four-mana creatures competing to be cast on the same turn as Delina.</p>
<h2>Digging a Hole</h2>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/ytWz0qVvBZ0?si=_ijXrHLVYh-bGVjS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brothers of the mine, rejoice!</a> A playset of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seven Dwarves" href="#" target="_blank">Seven Dwarves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has been living rent free in my head and card collection since 2019. I had these cards in very early drafts of my Delina deck, but I cut them for token producers. If I'm being completely honest, I love the flavor of the card, but deep down I know bulk common bears need more upside to dig in for the win in Commander.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Seven Dwarves"></div></div>
<p>Recently, <a href="https://cardgamer.com/author/stevenseiter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steven Seiter</a> of EDHREC sister site Card Gamer mentioned the card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spy Kit" href="#" target="_blank">Spy Kit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and I realized it's a pseudo-anthem for Seven Dwarves. Then I remembered <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Psychic Paper" href="#" target="_blank">Psychic Paper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from <em>Universes Beyond: Doctor Who</em> also manipulates card names. It all happened so fast; one moment I was casually conversing on Discord, and the next I was adding cards to my <a href="http://www.cardsphere.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cardsphere</a> wants. One thing led to anther and I sleeved up my playset of Seven Dwarves for a Bracketeering sideboard.</p>
<div id="attachment_149923" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-149923" class="wp-image-149923 size-large" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-1024x551.jpg" alt="A sleeved deck with Delina, Wild Mage in the Command Zone, and a Seven Dwarves sideboard displayed face up." width="1024" height="551" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-1024x551.jpg 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-300x161.jpg 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-768x413.jpg 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-1536x826.jpg 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250429_155256-2048x1102.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-149923" class="wp-caption-text">These bad boys will be looking for games on Spelltable soon.</p></div>
<p>I'm not ready to put down the shovel yet. If I'm going to sideboard for an Exhibition (1) game, I need to know what stays in the deck and what I'm siding out. The bracket guidelines call for few tutors in the lower brackets. In the Exhibition (1) bracket specifically, I believe tutors should narrowly support the theme of the deck. My <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gamble" href="#" target="_blank">Gamble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will stay in the sideboard, because it's a Game Changer and because it's too broad. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imperial Recruiter|MH2|281" href="#" target="_blank">Imperial Recruiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is in the main deck and it can stay there, because the power limitation narrowly includes my Seven Dwarves. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dwarven Recruiter|ODY|186" href="#" target="_blank">Dwarven Recruiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pattern Matcher" href="#" target="_blank">Pattern Matcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are siding in.</p>
<p>In total, I need to side out 11 cards from the main deck. Conveniently, I have seven creature cards in the main deck that produce creature tokens. Those seven will swap right out for the Seven Dwarves. Of the remaining four swaps, one of these should be <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krenko&#039;s Buzzcrusher|MKM|136" href="#" target="_blank">Krenko&#039;s Buzzcrusher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; it's not true Mass Land Denial, but it's MLD-adjacent. I'm also siding out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frenzied Fugue|C16|18" href="#" target="_blank">Frenzied Fugue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar|CMR|188" href="#" target="_blank">Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dire Fleet Daredevil|RIX|99" href="#" target="_blank">Dire Fleet Daredevil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>LFG</h2>
<p>This sideboard is only 18 cards. Eleven of them are specifically for the Exhibition (1) Seven Dwarves theme. There's only seven cards specifically included for Upgraded (3) games. Playtesting will tell if that's enough.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Bracketeering Delina Sideboard" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Creatures]
*1 Dwarven Recruiter
*1 Pattern Matcher
*1 Port Razer
*7 Seven Dwarves
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Brotherhood Regalia
*1 Prowler&#039;s Helm
*1 Psychic Paper
*1 Spy Kit
*1 Trailblazer&#039;s Boots
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Gamble
*1 Seize the Day
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Aggravated Assault
[/Enchantments]"></span></div>
<p>I'm more excited than ever to play this deck. There's room to grow, and I'm hoping to eventually fill the Sideboard out to 25 cards.</p>
<p><em>Bracketeering</em> will be back later this month with a sideboard for a recent precon. If you have suggestions for my Delina Sideboard, or a deck you'd like to see in this series, then tell us in the comments below.</p>


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