<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.olivierbernard-art.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Olivier Bernard</a></em></p>
<p>Now that <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sos" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em></a> has hit your local game stores, it's become apparent that the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ranking-every-elder-dragon-on-a-tier-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elder Dragons</a> have stolen the spotlight. While I know a lot of players out there would love to see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Witherbloom, the Balancer" href="#" target="_blank">Witherbloom, the Balancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> peeking out at the back of their booster pack, allow me to point a spotlight towards a different legend that people may be overlooking.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might have a high mana cost, but the effect they bring to the stage is worth it for creating some epic moments during a game.</p>
<p>So, join me <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, as I cover a budget deck that you can pick up for about $45 (using <a href="https://partner.tcgplayer.com/c/4913290/1830156/21018?partnerpropertyid=5237567&amp;subId1=edhrec%2Ccardprice&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tcgplayer.com%2Fproduct%2F688510%2Fmagic-secrets-of-strixhaven-zaffai-and-the-tempests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TCGPlayer</a> pricing) that'll be sure to bring the house down.</p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Bring to the Table?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zaffai and the Tempests"></div></div>
<p>This deck feels like a return to the early days of Commander, where big <em>splashy</em> spells ruled the format. These are exactly the kind of cards that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> loves to see. Once this ensemble resolves, they allow you to cast an instant or sorcery from your hand for free.</p>
<p>This is an incredibly powerful effect, but it does come at a steep cost. Since it costs seven mana to get this band to come on stage, we'll want to ensure they can put on the best show possible.</p>
<p>This deck's ideal performance is all centered around casting nine impactful spells. To pull that off, we're dedicating 35 slots to card draw and ramp. So, while we build up our mana advantage, we're also drawing through the deck in order to have a big spell in hand by the time the band's on stage.</p>
<p>With that being said, let's get this show on the road by looking at exactly what you'll need in order to blow the roof of your next game night.</p>
<h2>The Repertoire of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>We'll kick things off with the most important part of this deck: the big, showstopping spells.</p>
<h3>The Showstoppers</h3>
<p>These are the nine cards that everything else is building to. Turn after turn, you're picking up the tempo in order to hit the table with an impactful crescendo by the time <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come the stage.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Apex of Power"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soulfire Eruption"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hit the Mother Lode"></div></div>
<p>Here are some of the first cards I thought of when I read this commander. Casting a spell like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Apex of Power" href="#" target="_blank">Apex of Power</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soulfire Eruption" href="#" target="_blank">Soulfire Eruption</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> offers you a huge effect right when they resolve, helping you change the game.</p>
<p>I particularly like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hit the Mother Lode" href="#" target="_blank">Hit the Mother Lode</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for its ability to cast most of the other spells in the deck, ensuring that you'll make an impact whether you're cheating on cost, or filling the board with Treasures.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blatant Thievery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Subjugate the Hobbits"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clone Legion"></div></div>
<p>Another way to warp the game in your favor is by taking what your opponents have built, and utilizing it for yourself. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blatant Thievery" href="#" target="_blank">Blatant Thievery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Subjugate the Hobbits" href="#" target="_blank">Subjugate the Hobbits</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets you pull some permanents to your side of the board, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clone Legion" href="#" target="_blank">Clone Legion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets you make a copy of someone's entire team - basically, showing that whatever <em>you</em> can do, <em>I</em> can do better.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hunted by The Family"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Magma Opus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Beacon of Tomorrows"></div></div>
<p>Some additional ways to take over the game are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunted by The Family" href="#" target="_blank">Hunted by The Family</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can nullify some threats or offer you an additional way to copy your opponents' hard work. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magma Opus" href="#" target="_blank">Magma Opus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives you a whole lot of value on one card, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beacon of Tomorrows" href="#" target="_blank">Beacon of Tomorrows</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a budget friendly extra turn spell that shuffles itself into your library to be found all over again.</p>
<h3>Rockin' Mana Ramp</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Midnight Clock"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hedron Archive"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stormcatch Mentor"></div></div>
<p>The first phase for making this deck work is by adding more mana to your board. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Midnight Clock" href="#" target="_blank">Midnight Clock</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ramps you, and could even draw you back up to seven in order to find those big splashy cards. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hedron Archive" href="#" target="_blank">Hedron Archive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> offers mana advantage, as well as two cards when you need them, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stormcatch Mentor" href="#" target="_blank">Stormcatch Mentor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lowers the costs of the other supporting spells in this list.</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, there's so much ramp in this list that you could cast some of those high-priced spells for their full cost if it comes down to it.</p>
<h3>Crowd Pleasing Card Advantage</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Opt"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expressive Iteration"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archmage of Runes"></div></div>
<p>You're going to need to dig for your showstoppers, which is exactly what cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Opt" href="#" target="_blank">Opt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expressive Iteration" href="#" target="_blank">Expressive Iteration</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> do for you: digging deep into your deck, for a low cost.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archmage of Runes" href="#" target="_blank">Archmage of Runes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> draws you cards whenever you cast instants and sorceries, while lowering how much you pay for them, which ensures you're finding what you need faster than the table is ready for.</p>
<h3>Backstage Security</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Foil"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Miscast"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Supreme Will"></div></div>
<p>Protecting your game plan is an important part of keeping this deck as consistent as possible. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Foil" href="#" target="_blank">Foil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a budget way to counter a spell for free, which can save you if someone is looking to counter <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Miscast" href="#" target="_blank">Miscast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a cheap way to guard your commander, since all you need to do is hold up one mana before you try to resolve the leader of the deck. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Will" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another option for protection, or just a way to dig deeper into your library if you're searching for another one of your expensive payoffs.</p>
<h2>Zaffai and the Tempests Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Zaffai and the Tempests - by Tyler &#039;Savesya&#039; Bucks" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Zaffai and the Tempests
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bender&#039;s Waterskin
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Everflowing Chalice
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Izzet Signet
*1 Midnight Clock
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Creativity
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 Worn Powerstone
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Big Score
*1 Blur
*1 Consider
*1 Demand Answers
*1 Fact or Fiction
*1 Flare of Duplication
*1 Foil
*1 Frantic Search
*1 Impulse
*1 Izzet Charm
*1 Magma Opus
*1 Miscast
*1 Mystic Confluence
*1 Negate
*1 Opt
*1 Prismari Command
*1 Pull from Tomorrow
*1 Silundi Vision // Silundi Isle
*1 Spell Pierce
*1 Sublime Epiphany
*1 Supreme Will
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Archmage of Runes
*1 Blazing Firesinger // Seething Song
*1 Colorstorm Stallion
*1 Elemental Mascot
*1 Goblin Electromancer
*1 Molten-Core Maestro
*1 Muse Seeker
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Sanar, Unfinished Genius // Wild Idea
*1 Spectacular Skywhale
*1 Stormcatch Mentor
*1 Sword Coast Serpent // Capsizing Wave
*1 Thunderdrum Soloist
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Apex of Power
*1 Beacon of Tomorrows
*1 Blatant Thievery
*1 Clone Legion
*1 Expressive Iteration
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Finale of Revelation
*1 Flux
*1 Hit the Mother Lode
*1 Hunted by The Family
*1 Ponder
*1 Preordain
*1 Serum Visions
*1 Soulfire Eruption
*1 Subjugate the Hobbits
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Cascade Bluffs
*1 Command Tower
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Crystal Grotto
*1 Desolate Lighthouse
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Ferrous Lake
*1 Frostboil Snarl
*1 Geier Reach Sanitarium
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Night Market
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Restless Spire
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Shivan Reef
*1 Sulfur Falls
*1 Temple of Epiphany
*14 Island
*4 Mountain
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>My Final Thoughts on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zaffai and the Tempests" href="#" target="_blank">Zaffai and the Tempests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>This commander truly takes me back to those early days of the format, where you could play the biggest and splashiest spells that didn't fit in your Standard decks. While this list may feel like it's a little <em>all or nothing</em>, that just fits right in with the rock 'n roll mindset: go big or go home!</p>
<p>If you'd like to see more budget content from me, you check out my other articles here on <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EDHREC</a>. Which includes additional deck techs, as well as my recent edition of <em>Bulk Up</em>, where I cover the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-best-commons-and-uncommons-from-secrets-of-strixhaven" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best commons and uncommons from <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em></a>. Also, you can check out my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thepillowfort" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pillow Fort</a>, where I continue my mission to make <em>Magic</em> more accessible for everyone.</p>


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splashy

This Budget Zaffai and the Tempests Deck Rocks