Primo, the UnboundedPrimo, the Unbounded | Art by Aldo Dominguez

If you haven't heard a back-to-school joke about Secrets of Strixhaven by now, consider this your first. Stuff your backpacks, ring the bell, and get ready to get graded, because The Over/Under is now in session.

For the first years, this is the class where we predict how popular new commanders will become one year from their release. The line is 1,200 decks, so each commander gets an "Over" or "Under" that line. There's also one "Can't-Miss Pick," which is my surest selection of all.

Now that we've read the syllabus, it's time to begin our session. And if anyone falls asleep, I'm telling your parents!

Augusta, Order ReturnedAugusta, Order Returned

Not to be confused with the golf course, Augusta feels like a mono-white commander of a bygone era (which kind of fits since it's a ghost).

Doing your best work while attacking is a tough sell, and furthermore, this does nothing to address the lack of card draw and mana ramp inherent in mono-white.

My prediction: Under

Ennis, Debate ModeratorEnnis, Debate Moderator

Ennis, eh? Like former Syracuse men's basketball standout Tyler Ennis? Nobody has any idea what I'm talking about, so let's get back to Magic - more specifically, Draft.

Why Draft? Because that's where this is going to see most play. Blinking is often profitable and the +1/+1 counter is a welcome bonus, yet this has clearly been nerfed to function as an uncommon.

My prediction: Under

Jadzi, Steward of FateJadzi, Steward of Fate

Last time we saw Jadzi, she did indeed go Over. However, that was back when the line was 600 (talk about inflation), and even now, I don't get the impression she's a beloved character.

Furthermore, while she does a fine job demonstrating the new prepared mechanic, I think there are many more interesting treatments to come.

My prediction: Under

Orysa, Tide ChoreographerOrysa, Tide Choreographer

This one's another for the Limited players, not for us - unless you also happen to be a Limited player, in which case, draft it highly.

My prediction: Under

Arnyn, Deathbloom BotanistArnyn, Deathbloom Botanist

I really don't want to take a class with this professor. I also don't want to take two damage whenever a Pest dies, but it seems I have no choice.

That one-power-or-toughness thing reminds me of Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerShirei, Shizo's Caretaker, a commander that leads an impressive 7,086 decks as I write this. Not bad, but still probably not quite good enough, either.

My prediction: Under

Moseo, Vein's New DeanMoseo, Vein's New Dean

Reanimator is a popular theme. Lifegain is a popular theme. Slap them together and you've got an ambulatory Bird Skeleton, which is creepy - and probably popular. Imagine sacrificing your Gray Merchant of AsphodelGray Merchant of Asphodel to Reckoner's BargainReckoner's Bargain, then returning it for even more damage. In the words of the birds, caw-caw.

My prediction: Over

Mica, Reader of RuinsMica, Reader of Ruins

Kinda hard to target, kinda powerful, and kinda intriguing. But that's too many "kindas" for me.

My prediction: Under

Emil, Vastlands RoamerEmil, Vastlands Roamer

The whole Fractal thing never took off in Commander, and I doubt Emil here will change that. I like that static effect, but you can already get it (plus card draw) from cards like Garruk's UprisingGarruk's Uprising.

And the five mana activated ability? Too pricey.

My prediction: Under

Nev, the Practical DeanNev, the Practical Dean

This is like when Simon & Garfunkel split. Sadly, Nev's solo career is going more Garfunkel than Simon. I mean, he started by plagiarizing text from Emil, Vastlands RoamerEmil, Vastlands Roamer.

And although players dig X spells, this is a multicolored set, so monocolored commanders might appear boring by comparison. Darkness? Friend? Again?

My prediction: Under

Abigale, Poet LaureateAbigale, Poet Laureate

Alright, now we're into the cards we care most about in Strixhaven: the multicolored ones. You'll remember Abigale from her field trip to Lorwyn (P.S., that version's already gone Over). This time around she's a little less pushed, which makes sense, considering she's an uncommon.

I could even write a poem about it, but that would be embarrassing for all involved.

My prediction: Under

Killian, Decisive MentorKillian, Decisive Mentor

This one got spoiled long ago, so I suspect Killian's been Over for months. Understandable, since he's pretty much a fresh version of Orzhov's second most popular commander, Eriette of the Charmed AppleEriette of the Charmed Apple.

My prediction: A Decisive Over

Deck tech here.

Nita, Forum ConciliatorNita, Forum Conciliator

This is one of those opening sentences that makes you do a double take. However, even after Nita gives you the punchline of the joke, you're left wanting. I know Theft commanders tend to perform well, but this one requires a heck of a lot of setup, from getting instants and sorceries into opposing 'yards to finding fodder to sacrifice.

Entertaining for some, but too finicky for most.

My prediction: Under

Scriv, the ObligatorScriv, the Obligator

Forcing your opponents' creatures to literally sign a contract is about the most litigious nonsense I've ever read on a Magic card (and I've read Demonic AttorneyDemonic Attorney).

That said, it's undeniably funny, not to mention pretty annoying, especially if you stack several of them on a key attacker. I doubt it actually functions, but I appreciate the effort.

My prediction: Under

Silverquill, the DisputantSilverquill, the Disputant

The last time we saw casualty on a commander was Anhelo, the PainterAnhelo, the Painter, and he went way over the Over. (Let's pretend Ashad, the Lone CybermanAshad, the Lone Cyberman and Doctor Who never existed.)

Silverquill costs one more than Anhelo, but casualties for one less, not to mention his ability isn't capped at one per turn. Furthermore, he's in a color identity that probably makes better use of the mechanic, too.

If this doesn't go Over—and defeat Anhelo in the process—I vow to be very disappointed.

My prediction: I will not be disappointed (in other words, Over)

Budget deck tech here.

Muddle, the Ever-ChangingMuddle, the Ever-Changing

If the Commander community got an Elemental Otter in Lutri, the SpellchaserLutri, the Spellchaser semi-unbanned, then surely they'll play this thing. Right?

That was a rhetorical question, because the answer is "hell yeah." Seriously, Lutri wishes she was Muddle. Izzet is the best two-color combo for spellslinging, so this trigger will be trivially easy to engineer. And once you're attacking with a myriad Inferno TitanInferno Titan, the game will end faster than you can say "Legendary Creature — Elemental Otter Shapeshifter."

My prediction: Over

Prismari, the InspirationPrismari, the Inspiration

Seven mana is expensive for a non-green commander, especially when it doesn't have an enters the battlefield (ETB) effect. Furthermore, ward five life isn't much of a deterrent in a format where we all start at 40.

However, Prismari has the word "storm" on it, so none of those drawbacks matter.

My prediction: Over

Rootha, Mastering the MomentRootha, Mastering the Moment

Flying? Haste? Big mana? Crazy looking paint fish thingies? Rootha's a fairly novel spellslinger, which is remarkable, since we’ve gotten so many. And honestly? We’re only going to get more. Like our next one...

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here.

Sanar, Unfinished GeniusSanar, Unfinished Genius

Tapping to create a Treasure token seems nasty, even if you must cast an instant or sorcery first. Imagine combining it with Intruder AlarmIntruder Alarm, for instance, or everybody's favorite Aura, Freed from the RealFreed from the Real, for infinite artifact sacrifices.

And that's not even counting the Wild Idea bit, which lets you tutor for some X spell to dump all that Treasure into. Sanar might look like any old uncommon at first glance, but I think he's going to be a sleeper hit.

My prediction: Over

Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests

This feels like the name of some west coast indie band that only releases their songs on vinyl. It also happens to be one of the commanderest commanders in the set, because it specializes in casting InsurrectionInsurrection, ExpropriateExpropriate, and Rise of the EldraziRise of the Eldrazi.

Problem is, this band's booking fee is a whopping seven mana. And without ward or uncounterability or anything, there's no guarantee they'll play more than a song or two, if that.

My prediction: They'll break up within the year to pursue unfulfilling solo careers, always wondering what might've been (in other words, Under)

Blech, Loafing PestBlech, Loafing Pest

"Blech" is the exact sound I'd make if I encountered this thing in the wild. I'll also be making it every time my opponents gain life, because their vermin swarm will get out of hand fast.

My prediction: Over

Dina, Essence BrewerDina, Essence Brewer

Even limited to one card per turn, that first line of text is excellent. Just ask Korvold, Fae-Cursed KingKorvold, Fae-Cursed King. On second thought, better not—he's eating.

But Dina's not eating. Dina's dumping counters and gaining life and drawing cards, all in one convenient package. Her first incarnation was popular, and this one might perform even better.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here.

Gorma, the GulletGorma, the Gullet

I love everything about this card: the name, the artwork, the creature types, the lifelink, the gullet. It's all super sweet, and that's not even counting the final line of text, which is sweetest of all. All you need are expendable tokens and a sac outlets to make this Frog hop.

And in these colors, that shouldn't be a problem.

My prediction: Over

cEDH deck tech here.

Lluwen, Exchange StudentLluwen, Exchange Student

Is there a direct flight between Strixhaven and Lorwyn? All these students hop from one plane to the other like they're two states over.

At any rate, like Sanar, this is another that might be flying under your radar. As long as you've got a creature in your graveyard, you can convert it into a Pest for one mana.

...Which is cute, but not quite cute enough. I would've liked this better if these were the old Pests, the ones that gained life when they died, because at least you'd still get value post board wipe. Lluwen's Pests need to attack to trigger, so they're often less useful.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here.

Witherbloom, the BalancerWitherbloom, the Balancer

Witherbloom is the most hyped commander in the set, so I probably can't tell you anything you haven't already heard. Our previous commander would work perfectly in the 99 of this one, as does anything with the words "creature token" on it. Sprout SwarmSprout Swarm is the card that really goes nuts with this, since once you have five creatures, you can create infinite Saprolings.

If all that isn't good enough for an Over, I don't know what is.

My prediction: Over

cEDH deck tech here.

Aziza, Mage Tower CaptainAziza, Mage Tower Captain

If this Mage Tower game is anything like Quidditch, they'll soon be playing it on my alma mater's campus quad (shoutout to all the Ithaca Bombers out there). Aziza should play out almost like a color-shifted Witherbloom, the BalancerWitherbloom, the Balancer, honestly, since she improves with token-producing spells.

Problem is, I've seen a lot less hype for Aziza than I have for Witherbloom—and for many other commanders in this set, for that matter. If we're still talking Quidditch, this one's closer to a Bludger than a Snitch.

My prediction: Under

Excava, the Risen PastExcava, the Risen Past

This reminds me of that freaky demon horse at the Denver Airport. It also reminds me of Zoraline, Cosmos CallerZoraline, Cosmos Caller, who turned out to be far better than I imagined. Excava can do some funky stuff, like reanimate your Ichor WellspringIchor Wellspring for another card, which you can then blink to remove the finality counter and draw more cards later.

A little finicky, I'll grant you, but this is one of the precon commanders, which always inflates the numbers. Inflate away, Excava. I'm rooting for you.

My prediction: Over

Kirol, History BuffKirol, History Buff

Dang, did Kirol get jacked over the summer or something? I do not remember him being this swole when we met him on Lorwyn.

At any rate, he should head back to the gym, because he's still not buff enough to make the team. We'll need a better payoff than two counters, trample, and a single mill.

My prediction: Under

Lorehold, the HistorianLorehold, the Historian

PSA: Keep your top-deck draws away from the rest of your hand so everyone can verify it’s actually the first card you drew. It’s an odd little dexterity check, and probably the reason they didn’t bring back miracle sooner.

However, now that it is back, everyone's pumped. Although difficult to design and even more difficult to implement, it is an undeniably sweet mechanic, especially on a Dragon who's also the dean of Magic's equivalent of an Ivy League school.

Better not be late for class.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here.

Quintorius, History ChaserQuintorius, History Chaser

Quintorius doesn't self-solve like most commanders these days, so you'll need to find creative ways to trim your graveyard. If you do, you’ll be rewarded; Spirits have a fair bit of typal support, in addition to that which Quin already grants.

Plus, he’s an elephant, and elephants have great memories, which is probably what makes him such a good historian. (I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t make that connection until just now.)

My prediction: Over

Berta, Wise ExtrapolatorBerta, Wise Extrapolator

Frogs are generally not known for their intellect (see Gorma, the GulletGorma, the Gullet). However, this one's a smart cookie. Not to mention a combo machine.

Just imagine Berta with The OozeThe Ooze or Mutagen Man, Living OozeMutagen Man, Living Ooze from everyone's favorite set, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—or better yet, the classic Inexorable TideInexorable Tide.

All in all, this Frog isn't just a genius—she's a combo machine. And the race for Best Frog of the Set just got heated.

My prediction: Over (Can't-Miss Pick)

Primo, the UnboundedPrimo, the Unbounded

This looks like one of the more random build-around conditions we've ever seen (and this is the same game that brought you Riku of Many PathsRiku of Many Paths). Sure, there's no shortage of cards that work with Primo, but none of those cards are exactly primo.

Love the artwork by Aldo Domínguez. The rest? Not so much.

My prediction: Under

Quandrix, the ProofQuandrix, the Proof

Quandrix: The proof that cascade is a busted mechanic. At least these cascade spells can't cascade into more cascades, but still, this is sweet.

It's about the Simicest of Simic commanders, since all you're doing is ramping, drawing, accumulating value, and supplying r/EDH with complaint equity.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here.

Tam, Observant SequencerTam, Observant Sequencer

Tam's first incarnation from Lorwyn Eclipsed looks like an Under, and this version looks little better. If you want this effect, you're probably already running the much more cost effective Tatyova, Benthic DruidTatyova, Benthic Druid.

My prediction: Under

Zimone, Infinite AnalystZimone, Infinite Analyst

Zimone cards make me do too much math, but at least this one doesn't reference prime numbers. Still, she'll require a lot of subtraction, especially if you accumulate counters from Hardened ScalesHardened Scales and proliferate.

Easy Over here, despite the flashbacks to algebra.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here.

Page, Loose LeafPage, Loose Leaf

Before Universes Beyond, a common legend would've been a novelty. Now, it's little more than a talking point for Pauper players and a pain point in Draft. Page at least addresses the latter problem with the grandeur ability, which incidentally does nothing in our format, since it's, you know, singleton.

Feel free to recycle this one.

My prediction: Under

The Dawning ArchaicThe Dawning Archaic

No offense, but this guy's an uggo. He's also difficult to build around since, by my count, there are only 26 instants and sorceries eligible for his deck, and one of them is EnergybendingEnergybending.

If you want to play cards like that, more power to you. The rest of the community will probably steer clear.

My prediction: Under

Recap

Over (17)

1. Moseo, Vein's New DeanMoseo, Vein's New Dean
2. Killian, Decisive MentorKillian, Decisive Mentor
3. Silverquill, the DisputantSilverquill, the Disputant
4. Muddle, the Ever-ChangingMuddle, the Ever-Changing
5. Prismari, the InspirationPrismari, the Inspiration
6. Rootha, Mastering the MomentRootha, Mastering the Moment
7. Sanar, Unfinished GeniusSanar, Unfinished Genius
8. Blech, Loafing PestBlech, Loafing Pest
9. Dina, Essence BrewerDina, Essence Brewer
10. Gorma, the GulletGorma, the Gullet
11. Witherbloom, the BalancerWitherbloom, the Balancer
12. Excava, the Risen PastExcava, the Risen Past
13. Lorehold, the HistorianLorehold, the Historian
14. Quintorius, History ChaserQuintorius, History Chaser
15. Berta, Wise ExtrapolatorBerta, Wise Extrapolator (Can't-Miss Pick)
16. Quandrix, the ProofQuandrix, the Proof
17. Zimone, Infinite AnalystZimone, Infinite Analyst

Under (19)

1. Augusta, Order ReturnedAugusta, Order Returned
2. Ennis, Debate ModeratorEnnis, Debate Moderator
3. Jadzi, Steward of FateJadzi, Steward of Fate
4. Orysa, Tide ChoreographerOrysa, Tide Choreographer
5. Arnyn, Deathbloom BotanistArnyn, Deathbloom Botanist
6. Mica, Reader of RuinsMica, Reader of Ruins
7. Emil, Vastlands RoamerEmil, Vastlands Roamer
8. Nev, the Practical DeanNev, the Practical Dean
9. Abigale, Poet LaureateAbigale, Poet Laureate
10. Nita, Forum ConciliatorNita, Forum Conciliator
11. Scriv, the ObligatorScriv, the Obligator
12. Zaffai and the TempestsZaffai and the Tempests
13. Lluwen, Exchange StudentLluwen, Exchange Student
14. Aziza, Mage Tower CaptainAziza, Mage Tower Captain
15. Kirol, History BuffKirol, History Buff
16. Primo, the UnboundedPrimo, the Unbounded
17. Tam, Observant SequencerTam, Observant Sequencer
18. Page, Loose LeafPage, Loose Leaf
19. The Dawning ArchaicThe Dawning Archaic

It's funny that a set with 36 commanders now feels like a light one, but here we are. Go out there and take them to school. And if you end up in class with Gorma, tell him Kyle said, "Ribbit." He'll know what it means.