(Emergence ZoneEmergence Zone | Art by Jonas de Ro)
Change of Season
Welcome to Too-Specific Top 10, where if there isn’t a category to rank our pet card at the top of, we’ll just make one up! (Did you know Knight of AutumnKnight of Autumn was the only Selesnya creature with an enter-the-battlefield ability to see significant Standard play?)
I'm not much for anniversaries, mostly because I'm terrible at remembering them. With that in mind, then, it snuck up on me a bit that Too-Specific Top 10 has been going for well over a year now, with the first list having come out in June of 2019. The only reason I'm remembering this anniversary months after the fact? I've actually been wanting to return to some of my lists I've done after the fact and see how they've aged, along with making some into annual editions now that I'm well into the flow of things. And there is not a more natural candidate for a return visit than the yearly Standard Rotation.
Top 10 Standard “Staples” of the 2019-2020 Season (in EDH)
For those that weren't around for last year's changing of the guard, the criteria and methodology was quite unique from the normal weekly routine we've established here on Too-Specific Top 10. Rather than pouring over Scryfall modifiers for just the right unique niche to make a top ten list out of, instead we pulled from the existing Standard Mythic Championships or Grand Prix Top 8 decklists. Why, you ask? Because speaking in rather broad fashion, those are the cards that end up being in high demand, and therefore end up with a higher price that may be ready to fall once those cards have rotated.
Only, there is one other thing to cover before we dive into the decklists to come up with our candidates for this year: which sets are rotating out of Standard, exactly?
Guilds of Ravnica
Ravnica Allegiance
War of the Spark
Core Set 2020
The third visit to Ravnica fades into the rearview mirror, along with last year's Core Set. While probably no one has strong feelings on Core Set 2020 outside of Field of the DeadField of the Dead and Golos, Tireless PilgrimGolos, Tireless Pilgrim, I know three sets straight out of one of the most popular planes in the multiverse and the end of the Bolas Arc made a bit of an impression on me, personally. So let's take a look at what cards did well in Standard that may now be coming down in price a bit as sets of four make their way to the marketplace, and see if any of them make an impression of their own! Let's take a look at the criteria:
Criteria: Rares and mythics that were featured in a Top 8 decklist from a World Championship, Grand Prix, Mythic Championship, or Players Tour in the last year, made a Top 8 decklist at at least five different events during that span, and are originally from sets rotating out of the Standard format that have not been banned in said format. As is tradition, all results are ordered by EDHREC score.
For those paying attention, the banned criteria is new this year, and is a necessary evil given the rapid advancement of banned cards in the Standard format as of late. Plus, we all knew that Field of the DeadField of the Dead was gonna be at the top of the list if we counted it, anyhow. Between that and the price already having dropped for those banned cards in all likelihood, there seemed little reason to include them this time around. The other big restriction this time around to avoid flash-in-the-pan cards like Finale of GloryFinale of Glory from entering contention despite not really having seen wide play is the five different events, which should keep our card pool restricted to just those cards that really were Standard "staples", at least for a little while.
On to the decklists that will make up our cardpool!
October-November 2019
Mythic Championship V, Oct. 18-20
View on ArchidektBlue (1)
- 1 Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation
Black (3)
- 1 Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
Red (4)
- 1 Experimental FrenzyExperimental Frenzy
- 1 Legion WarbossLegion Warboss
- 1 Runaway Steam-kinRunaway Steam-kin
- 1 Skarrgan HellkiteSkarrgan Hellkite
Green (4)
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Pelt CollectorPelt Collector
- 1 Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops
- 1 Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra
Azorius (2)
- 1 Deputy of DetentionDeputy of Detention
- 1 Time WipeTime Wipe
Boros (1)
- 1 Chance for GloryChance for Glory
Gruul (1)
- 1 Gruul SpellbreakerGruul Spellbreaker
Selesnya (2)
- 1 Knight of AutumnKnight of Autumn
- 1 Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
5 Color (1)
- 1 Golos, Tireless PilgrimGolos, Tireless Pilgrim
Land (1)
- 1 Plaza of HarmonyPlaza of Harmony
Grand Prix Nagoya 2019, Nov 2-3
View on ArchidektWhite (1)
- 1 Finale of GloryFinale of Glory
Blue (2)
- 1 Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation
- 1 Tale's EndTale's End
Black (3)
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
Green (2)
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra
Azorius (2)
- 1 Deputy of DetentionDeputy of Detention
- 1 Time WipeTime Wipe
Golgari (3)
- 1 Assassin's TrophyAssassin's Trophy
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Selesnya (1)
- 1 Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves
Simic (2)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- 1 Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
Grand Prix Lyon 2019, Nov 2-3
View on ArchidektWhite (3)
- 1 Angel of GraceAngel of Grace
- 1 Dawn of HopeDawn of Hope
- 1 Finale of GloryFinale of Glory
Blue (1)
- 1 Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation
Black (7)
- 1 Cavalier of NightCavalier of Night
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- 1 Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
Green (2)
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra
Azorius (1)
- 1 Time WipeTime Wipe
Golgari (2)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Rakdos (1)
- 1 Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher
Simic (2)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- 1 Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
Grixis (1)
- 1 Nicol Bolas, Dragon-GodNicol Bolas, Dragon-God
Colorless (1)
- 1 Ugin, the IneffableUgin, the Ineffable
Grand Prix Richmond 2019, Nov 8-10
View on ArchidektBlue (2)
- 1 Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales
- 1 Drawn from DreamsDrawn from Dreams
Black (3)
- 1 Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
Red (1)
- 1 Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
Green (2)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
Boros (2)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
- 1 Solar BlazeSolar Blaze
Golgari (2)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Izzet (2)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
- 1 Niv-Mizzet, ParunNiv-Mizzet, Parun
Orzhov (1)
- 1 Ethereal AbsolutionEthereal Absolution
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Mythic Championship VI, Nov 8-10
View on ArchidektWhite (4)
- 1 Gideon BlackbladeGideon Blackblade
- 1 God-Eternal OketraGod-Eternal Oketra
- 1 Unbreakable FormationUnbreakable Formation
- 1 Venerated LoxodonVenerated Loxodon
Blue (1)
- 1 Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation
Black (4)
- 1 Cavalier of NightCavalier of Night
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
Green (2)
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra
Golgari (3)
- 1 Assassin's TrophyAssassin's Trophy
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Selesnya (2)
- 1 Knight of AutumnKnight of Autumn
- 1 March of the MultitudesMarch of the Multitudes
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Grand Prix Sao Paulo 2019, Nov 16-17
View on ArchidektBlue (1)
- 1 Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation
Black (10)
- 1 Cavalier of NightCavalier of Night
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- 1 Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
- 1 The ElderspellThe Elderspell
Red (1)
- 1 Chandra, Acolyte of FlameChandra, Acolyte of Flame
Green (2)
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra
Golgari (2)
- 1 [Rakdos][Rakdos]
- 1 Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Colorless (1)
- 1 Ugin, the IneffableUgin, the Ineffable
Cards That Already Made the Cut:
- Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation
- Legion's EndLegion's End
- Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra
- Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
- Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Cards That Didn't Make It:
- Deputy of DetentionDeputy of Detention (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship V & Grand Prix Nagoya 2019)
- Chance for GloryChance for Glory (One total inclusion, Mythic Championship V)
- Plaza of HarmonyPlaza of Harmony (One total inclusion, Mythic Championship V)
- Finale of GloryFinale of Glory (Two total inclusions, Grand Prix Nagoya 2019 & Grand Prix Lyon 2019)
- Assassin's TrophyAssassin's Trophy (Three total inclusions, Grand Prix Nagoya 2019, Mythic Championship VI, & Grand Prix Sao Paulo 2019)
- Angel of GraceAngel of Grace (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Lyon 2019)
- Dawn of HopeDawn of Hope (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Lyon 2019)
- Nicol Bolas, Dragon-GodNicol Bolas, Dragon-God (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Lyon 2019)
- Ugin, the IneffableUgin, the Ineffable (Two total inclusions, Grand Prix Lyon 2019 & Grand Prix Sao Paulo 2019)
- Ethereal AbsolutionEthereal Absolution (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Richmond 2019)
- Gideon BlackbladeGideon Blackblade (One total inclusion, Mythic Championship VI)
- God-Eternal OketraGod-Eternal Oketra (One total inclusion, Mythic Championship VI)
- Unbreakable FormationUnbreakable Formation (One total inclusion, Mythic Championship VI)
- March of the MultitudesMarch of the Multitudes (One total inclusion, Mythic Championship VI)
December 2019
Mythic Championship VII, Dec 6-8, 2019
View on ArchidektBlue (4)
- 1 Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales
- 1 Drawn from DreamsDrawn from Dreams
- 1 QuasiduplicateQuasiduplicate
- 1 Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight
Black (4)
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- 1 Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
Red (1)
- 1 Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
Green (7)
- 1 Cavalier of ThornsCavalier of Thorns
- 1 End-Raze ForerunnersEnd-Raze Forerunners
- 1 Finale of DevastationFinale of Devastation
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops
- 1 Vivien, Arkbow RangerVivien, Arkbow Ranger
Boros (1)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
Golgari (2)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Grand Prix Brisbane 2019, Dec 7-8
View on ArchidektWhite (2)
- 1 Tithe TakerTithe Taker
- 1 Venerated LoxodonVenerated Loxodon
Blue (4)
- 1 Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales
- 1 Drawn from DreamsDrawn from Dreams
- 1 QuasiduplicateQuasiduplicate
- 1 Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight
Black (2)
- 1 Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
Red (3)
- 1 Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
- 1 Chandra, Awakened InfernoChandra, Awakened Inferno
- 1 Legion WarbossLegion Warboss
Green (6)
- 1 Cavalier of ThornsCavalier of Thorns
- 1 End-Raze ForerunnersEnd-Raze Forerunners
- 1 Finale of DevastationFinale of Devastation
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops
Azorius (1)
- 1 Time WipeTime Wipe
Boros (2)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
- 1 Solar BlazeSolar Blaze
Golgari (1)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
Rakdos (1)
- 1 Judith, the Scourge DivaJudith, the Scourge Diva
Selesnya (1)
- 1 Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
5 Color (1)
- 1 Golos, Tireless PilgrimGolos, Tireless Pilgrim
Land (1)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
Grand Prix OKC 2019, Dec 14-15
View on ArchidektWhite (1)
- 1 Tithe TakerTithe Taker
Blue (2)
- 1 Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales
- 1 Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight
Black (7)
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- 1 Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
- 1 Spawn of MayhemSpawn of Mayhem
Red (4)
- 1 Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
- 1 Chandra, Awakened InfernoChandra, Awakened Inferno
- 1 Legion WarbossLegion Warboss
- 1 Skarrgan HellkiteSkarrgan Hellkite
Green (3)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops
Azorius (1)
- 1 Time WipeTime Wipe
Boros (2)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
- 1 Solar BlazeSolar Blaze
Golgari (2)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Gruul (1)
- 1 Gruul SpellbreakerGruul Spellbreaker
Izzet (1)
- 1 The Royal ScionsThe Royal Scions
Rakdos (2)
- 1 Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher
- 1 Theater of HorrorsTheater of Horrors
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Grand Prix Portland 2019, Dec 21-22
View on ArchidektWhite (1)
- 1 Tithe TakerTithe Taker
Blue (3)
- 1 Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
- 1 Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight
Black (8)
- 1 Cavalier of NightCavalier of Night
- 1 Finale of EternityFinale of Eternity
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- 1 Legion's EndLegion's End
- 1 Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
- 1 Spawn of MayhemSpawn of Mayhem
Red (3)
- 1 Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
- 1 Chandra, Awakened InfernoChandra, Awakened Inferno
- 1 Skarrgan HellkiteSkarrgan Hellkite
Green (7)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
- 1 Pelt CollectorPelt Collector
- 1 Planewide CelebrationPlanewide Celebration
- 1 Shared SummonsShared Summons
- 1 Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops
- 1 Vivien, Arkbow RangerVivien, Arkbow Ranger
Boros (1)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
Izzet (1)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
Golgari (3)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Find // FinalityFind // Finality
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Gruul (1)
- 1 Gruul SpellbreakerGruul Spellbreaker
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Cards That Already Made the Cut:
- Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
- Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops
- Time WipeTime Wipe
- Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales
- Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
- Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
Cards That Didn't Make It:
- Skarrgan HellkiteSkarrgan Hellkite (Three total inclusions, Mythic Championship V, Grand Prix OKC 2019, & Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Pelt CollectorPelt Collector (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship V & Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Gruul SpellbreakerGruul Spellbreaker (Three total inclusions, Mythic Championship V, Grand Prix OKC 2019, & Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Golos, Tireless PilgrimGolos, Tireless Pilgrim (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship V & Grand Prix Brisbane 2019)
- Cavalier of NightCavalier of Night (Four total inclusions, Grand Prix Lyon 2019, Mythic Championship VI, Grand Prix Sao Paulo 2019, & Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Drawn from DreamsDrawn from Dreams (Three total inclusions, Grand Prix Richmond 2019, Mythic Championship VII, & Grand Prix Brisbane 2019)
- Cavalier of ThornsCavalier of Thorns (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship VII & Grand Prix Brisbane 2019)
- End-Raze ForerunnersEnd-Raze Forerunners (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship VII & Grand Prix Brisbane 2019)
- Finale of DevastationFinale of Devastation (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship VII & Grand Prix Brisbane 2019)
- QuasiduplicateQuasiduplicate (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship VII & Grand Prix Brisbane 2019)
- Vivien, Arkbow RangerVivien, Arkbow Ranger (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship VII & Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Chandra, Awakened InfernoChandra, Awakened Inferno (Three total inclusions, Grand Prix Brisbane 2019, Grand Prix OKC 2019, & Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- The Royal ScionsThe Royal Scions (One total inclusion, Grand Prix OKC 2019)
- Theater of HorrorsTheater of Horrors (One total inclusion, Grand Prix OKC 2019)
- Finale of EternityFinale of Eternity (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Planewide CelebrationPlanewide Celebration (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- Shared SummonsShared Summons (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Portland 2019)
- FindFind // FinalityFinality (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Portland 2019)
Winter 2020
Magic World Championship XXVI, Feb 14-16
View on ArchidektWhite (1)
- 1 Tithe TakerTithe Taker
Blue (2)
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
- 1 Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight
Red (4)
- 1 Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame
- 1 Chandra, Acolyte of FlameChandra, Acolyte of Flame
- 1 Legion WarbossLegion Warboss
- 1 Runaway Steam-KinRunaway Steam-Kin
Green (1)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
Boros (1)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
Izzet (2)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
- 1 Niv-Mizzet, ParunNiv-Mizzet, Parun
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Grand Prix Lyon 2020, Mar 7-8
View on ArchidektBlack (5)
- 1 God-Eternal BontuGod-Eternal Bontu
- 1 Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- 1 Ritual of SootRitual of Soot
- 1 The ElderspellThe Elderspell
Red (3)
- 1 Chandra, Acolyte of FlameChandra, Acolyte of Flame
- 1 Experimental FrenzyExperimental Frenzy
- 1 Runaway Steam-KinRunaway Steam-Kin
Green (1)
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
Izzet (2)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
- 1 Niv-Mizzet, ParunNiv-Mizzet, Parun
Golgari (2)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Selesnya (1)
- 1 Knight of AutumnKnight of Autumn
Simic (2)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- 1 Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
Land (1)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
Cards That Already Made the Cut:
- Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight
Cards That Didn't Make It:
- Experimental FrenzyExperimental Frenzy (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship V & Grand Prix Lyon 2020)
- Runaway Steam-KinRunaway Steam-Kin (Three total inclusions, Mythic Championship V, Magic World Championship XXVI, & Grand Prix Lyon 2020)
- Niv-Mizzet, ParunNiv-Mizzet, Parun (Three total inclusions, Grand Prix Richmond 2019, Magic World Championship XXVI, & Grand Prix Lyon 2020)
- The ElderspellThe Elderspell (Two total inclusions, Mythic Championship VI & Grand Prix Lyon 2020)
- Chandra, Acolyte of FlameChandra, Acolyte of Flame (Three total inclusions, Mythic Championship VI, Magic World Championship XXVI, & Grand Prix Lyon 2020)
- Tithe TakerTithe Taker (Four total inclusions, Grand Prix Brisbane 2019, Grand Prix OKC 2019, Grand Prix Portland 2019, & Magic World Championship XXVI)
- God-Eternal BontuGod-Eternal Bontu (One total inclusion, Grand Prix Lyon 2020)
Summer 2020
Players Tour Online 1, Jun 13-14
View on ArchidektBlue (1)
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
Green (2)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
Izzet (2)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
- 1 IonizeIonize
Selesnya (1)
- 1 Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves
Simic (2)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- 1 Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
Land (1)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
Players Tour Online 2, Jun 13-14
View on ArchidektBlue (2)
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
- 1 Tale's EndTale's End
Black (6)
- 1 Bolas's CitadelBolas's Citadel
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- 1 Ritual of SootRitual of Soot
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
Green (2)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
Golgari (1)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
Gruul (1)
- 1 CindervinesCindervines
Izzet (1)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
Rakdos (1)
- 1 Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher
Simic (2)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- 1 Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
Land (1)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
Players Tour Online 3, Jun 19-20
View on ArchidektBlue (1)
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
Black (5)
- 1 Bolas's CitadelBolas's Citadel
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- 1 Ritual of SootRitual of Soot
- 1 Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur
Green (2)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
Dimir (1)
- 1 Enter the God-EternalsEnter the God-Eternals
Golgari (2)
- 1 Casualties of WarCasualties of War
- 1 Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
Gruul (1)
- 1 CindervinesCindervines
Izzet (1)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
Orzhov (3)
- 1 Kaya, Orzhov UsurperKaya, Orzhov Usurper
- 1 Kaya's WrathKaya's Wrath
- 1 Oath of KayaOath of Kaya
Rakdos (1)
- 1 Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher
Simic (2)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
- 1 Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
Land (1)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
Players Tour Online 4, Jun 20-21
View on ArchidektBlue (2)
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
- 1 Narset's ReversalNarset's Reversal
Green (3)
- 1 Awakening of Vitu-GhaziAwakening of Vitu-Ghazi
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
- 1 Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
Izzet (1)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
Selesnya (2)
- 1 Knight of AutumnKnight of Autumn
- 1 Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves
Simic (1)
- 1 Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis
Land (1)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
Players Tour Finals 2020, Jul 25-Aug 1
View on ArchidektWhite (1)
- 1 Venerated LoxodonVenerated Loxodon
Blue (2)
- 1 Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
- 1 Narset's ReversalNarset's Reversal
Black (5)
- 1 Bolas's CitadelBolas's Citadel
- 1 GutterbonesGutterbones
- 1 Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion
- 1 Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- 1 Spawn of MayhemSpawn of Mayhem
Red (1)
- 1 Legion WarbossLegion Warboss
Green (1)
- 1 Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher
Boros (3)
- 1 Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion
- 1 Tajic, Legion's EdgeTajic, Legion's Edge
- 1 Solar BlazeSolar Blaze
Gruul (1)
- 1 CindervinesCindervines
Izzet (1)
- 1 Expansion // ExplosionExpansion // Explosion
Rakdos (1)
- 1 Judith, the Scourge DivaJudith, the Scourge Diva
Land (2)
- 1 Blast ZoneBlast Zone
- 1 Mobilized DistrictMobilized District
Cards That (Finally) Made the Cut:
- Legion WarbossLegion Warboss
- Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves
- Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales
- GutterbonesGutterbones
- Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
- Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher
- ExpansionExpansion // ExplosionExplosion
- Blast ZoneBlast Zone
- Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame
Cards That Didn't Make It:
- Knight of AutumnKnight of Autumn (Four total inclusions, Mythic Championship V, Mythic Championship VI, Grand Prix Lyon 2020, & Player's Tour Online 4)
- Tale's EndTale's End (Two total inclusions, Grand Prix Nagoya 2019 & Player's Tour Online 2)
- Solar BlazeSolar Blaze (Four total inclusions, Grand Prix Richmond 2019, Grand Prix Brisbane 2019, Grand Prix OKC 2019, & Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Venerated LoxodonVenerated Loxodon (Three total inclusions, Mythic Championship VI, Grand Prix Brisbane 2019, Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Judith, the Scourge DivaJudith, the Scourge Diva (Two total inclusions, Grand Prix Brisbane 2019 & Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Spawn of MayhemSpawn of Mayhem (Three total inclusions, Grand Prix OKC 2019, Grand Prix Portland 2019, & Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Ritual of SootRitual of Soot (Three total inclusions, Grand Prix Lyon 2020, Player's Tour Online 2, & Player's Tour Online 3)
- IonizeIonize (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Online 1)
- Bolas's CitadelBolas's Citadel (Three total inclusions, Player's Tour Online 2, Player's Tour Online 3, & Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- CindervinesCindervines (Three total inclusions, Player's Tour Online 2, Player's Tour Online 3, & Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Enter the God-EternalsEnter the God-Eternals (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Online 3)
- Kaya, Orzhov UsurperKaya, Orzhov Usurper (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Online 3)
- Kaya's WrathKaya's Wrath (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Online 3)
- Oath of KayaOath of Kaya (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Online 3)
- Narset's ReversalNarset's Reversal (Two total inclusions, Player's Tour Online 4 & Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Awakening of Vitu-GhaziAwakening of Vitu-Ghazi (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Online 4)
- Tajic, Legion's EdgeTajic, Legion's Edge (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Finals 2020)
- Mobilized DistrictMobilized District (One total inclusion, Player's Tour Finals 2020)
And with that, we have a full card pool of 28 to choose from, so let's get to our top ten!
10. Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen
(5,393 Inclusions, 5% of 109,384 Decks)
There are quite a few cards that surprised me with where they ended up on this list, but none more than Vraska, Golgari QueenVraska, Golgari Queen. Her +2 ability giving two loyalty is worth quite a bit, as far as survivability, especially when combined with her SmotherSmother for nonland permanents on her second ability. That said, the +2 also requires you to sacrifice a permanent to draw a card, something I would never pay four mana for, the same of which is true of her other ability as well. With that in mind, I half expected to look Vraska up and find that the inclusions were mostly from Superfriends decks looking to take advantage of her ultimate pretty much immediately with a Deepglow SkateDeepglow Skate or Doubling SeasonDoubling Season, but that isn't the case. Looking at her page on EDHREC, it's really just a gathering of all the Golgari goodstuff that you can find, looking for a sac effect that can accrue value and provide removal. And what can I say? She does do that... but don't about forty other cards already do that too?
9. Massacre GirlMassacre Girl
(Helms 305 Decks, Rank #362; 5,907 Inclusions, 3% of 227,793)
There are actually very few creatures with Wrath of GodWrath of God-like board wipe effects stapled to them in black, so it's little surprise to see that one of the newest and best of them makes the cut here.
Five mana for a board wipe that won't necessarily wipe the entire board (although in practice, it pretty much always does) might seem a little steep at first, but there are a couple things to keep in mind when it comes to Massacre GirlMassacre Girl. Unlike the seven-mana Deathbringer RegentDeathbringer Regent, Massacre GirlMassacre Girl can get rid of indestructible creatures, and, more importantly for a lot of black decks, can be recurred from the graveyard to use her ability again (Protip: Try this with LifelineLifeline and a sac effect for a good time for the whole table). While Bane of the LivingBane of the Living is initially cheaper to cast, it's usually much more expensive to actually activate, especially if you need it the same turn you cast it for its Morph cost. Which just leaves Kagemaro, First to SufferKagemaro, First to Suffer, which costs the same to cast as Massacre GirlMassacre Girl, but costs extra mana to activate and requires you to have a full grip to wipe the board. And while those last two options can be scaled somewhat to perhaps keep some of your larger board presence, which can be very relevant in decks looking to recur large creatures from the graveyard, when they are used as an actual board wipe they leave you with an empty board, as opposed to Massacre GirlMassacre Girl's very relevant 4/4 body with menace.
8. ExpansionExpansion // ExplosionExplosion
(8,265 Inclusions, 8% of 107,890 Decks)
Back when I did a top ten list on cards in abnormal frames in the immediate aftermath of Throne of Eldraine's Adventure cards, it actually ended up eighth on the list as well. That is somewhat misleading, however, as ExpansionExpansion // ExplosionExplosion has gotten significantly more inclusions in the last year, and this list in general has more highly ranked cards on it as a whole. Those expanded play numbers don't come as much of a surprise, given the flexible and powerful nature of this split card. It's utilized in EDH the same way that it was used in Standard, to copy cheap removal and card advantage spells, and with the even higher top end in the late-game of the average Commander table, the ExplosionExplosion half of the card can be an absolute game-ender or just a large swing that takes out a player's commander while drawing you multiple cards. Either way, it's hard to be playing an Izzet deck and even think about leaving this staple on the sideline.
7. Casualties of WarCasualties of War
(8,346 Inclusions, 8% of 109,384 Decks)
Speaking of staples, Casualties of WarCasualties of War is rapidly becoming just that for Golgari decks. While it's more expensive than long-time Gruul staple DecimateDecimate, it also destroys even more permanents while not having the requirement having to have a target of each type to be on the battlefield that sometimes makes DecimateDecimate a dead card in your hand or even makes you blow up one of your own permanents to remove a crucial problem on the opposing side of the board. In short, if you can afford to the difficult-to-cast double green and black pips, then you should probably be playing this card.
6. Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods
(8,951 Inclusions, 4% of 227,793 Decks)
Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods is an absolute powerhouse of a sac effect in Aristocrats builds, despite its high cost of entry at two creatures to activate its ability and only being able to sacrifice said two creatures instead of your entire board as you would be able to do with an unlimited sacrifice effect like Phyrexian PlaguelordPhyrexian Plaguelord. This is thankfully made up for by the low mana cost to get this little Cleric out on the battlefield for only two mana, and the absolute bonkers-ness of its sacrifice ability's actual effect. Design just kept adding words to this thing in the same vein as cards like The Great HengeThe Great Henge, and it feels like that as you explain it to your opponents piece by piece, even before you get to the very possible death triggers you're probably playing alongside this thing. The only real question when looking at Priest of Forgotten GodsPriest of Forgotten Gods in a brewing session is whether you categorize it as ramp, sac outlet, card draw, or removal?
5. Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World
(9,374 Inclusions, 4% of 216,082 Decks)
In similar fashion to last year, the Cream of the CropCream of the Crop planeswalkers are making appearances all over this list, even with Teferi, Time RavelerTeferi, Time Raveler being cut out of contention. Nissa, Who Shakes the WorldNissa, Who Shakes the World is more than deserving of the number five spot even without the inherent planeswalker bump in popularity, however. Yet another mana-doubler available to mono-green decks, Nissa can also get you an extra two mana on top of that with her +1 ability, eventually stacking up enough +1/+1 counters on a given land that you can use it as a finisher as well. If the table is insane or powerless enough to let you continue doing that, or if you happen to have had a Doubling SeasonDoubling Season in play upon her resolution, then you can also ult her to search for every Forest in your deck and make all of your lands indestructible. All of which is to say, if you're building any sort of creature land deck with the new Ashaya, Soul of the WildAshaya, Soul of the Wild or Obuun, Mul Daya AncestorObuun, Mul Daya Ancestor, then this is obviously a slam dunk. But honestly, it's still plenty good enough for just general green decks or land strategies, as well, so I wouldn't be surprised to see these inclusion numbers keep climbing.
4. Blast ZoneBlast Zone
(9,972 Inclusions, 2% of 439,117 Decks)
If a card being a contender in just about any green deck leads to impressive numbers, then I wouldn't be surprised to see Blast ZoneBlast Zone's numbers have surpassed 10,000 by the time this article is actually published. Feel free to click on it and see, I'll wait.
...
To be fair, predicting that Blast ZoneBlast Zone's numbers will consistently go up is a pretty easy bet to make, given that it can fit into basically any deck with a spot for an extra utility land, not to mention the absolute auto-include that it is in any deck that cares about counters of any kind. Having removal on a land is just not a very common effect, and I can't think of even one example of it over the years that is even half as good as Blast ZoneBlast Zone is. I mean, in the days when I played Standard, we were harping on how good Barbarian RingBarbarian Ring was, and it usually did more damage to you than anything or anyone else. Blast ZoneBlast Zone can come down and almost immediately wipe out the 1/1s on the board, or get a bunch of counters added on at the end of an opponent's turn to remove their commander and a few other incidental threats out, all at the same time. That is a lot of possibilities for the low, low price of a single land slot.
3. Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper
(10,014 Inclusions, 4% of 227,793 Decks)
While Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper still has a long way to go to catch up with Grim HaruspexGrim Haruspex's 16,375 inclusions, it is closing the gap. If prices stay the way they are, however, it may never quite get there, as the extra card you get for it, itself, dying is easily offset by the extra damage you take with each card draw in most decks.
Still, of the three-mana options, Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper is probably still an easy number two, as it has an easier mana cost than Dark ProphecyDark Prophecy and is also a creature in a strategy that obviously cares about creatures. Speaking of which, it's also a Zombie, which doesn't hurt either when it comes to decks looking to constantly create and kill creatures.
2. Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General
(11,365 Inclusions, 5% of 227,793 Decks)
If you'd rather pay six mana, no life, and have a couple options to immediately make more creatures or draw a couple cards as soon as your threat hits the board, then Liliana, Dreadhorde GeneralLiliana, Dreadhorde General is there for you! Combine all that with the lack of the word "nontoken" on the card and an ult that outshines Torment of HailfireTorment of Hailfire when it comes to ending a game, and it's not hard to see why this Liliana is seeing more play despite costing double the mana of Midnight ReaperMidnight Reaper.
1. Time WipeTime Wipe
(11,931 Inclusions, 11% of 108,729 Decks)
While I've always been a bigger fan of Flood of TearsFlood of Tears, the player-base as a whole seems to much prefer Time WipeTime Wipe, as it's seeing 3,000 more inclusions despite requiring an additional color. While it will probably never catch up to the most popular Azorius board wipe in the format, Supreme VerdictSupreme Verdict, it is halfway there as far as inclusions, and there is a lot to be said for being able to save your most powerful or crucial creature when you wipe the board. Indeed, it could even be looked at as a means of replacing itself, which is nothing to sneeze at. I know I, for one, would play a Wrath of GodWrath of God that cost an extra mana and had "draw a card" stapled to it, after all.
Honorable Mentions
To a lot of folks, myself included, it's just as fun to see what's at the bottom of a given list as it is to see what's at the top (I really need to do more "Top Ten Worst" lists, actually...), so since I've compiled the whole 28, here you go!
11. Tamiyo, Collector of TalesTamiyo, Collector of Tales (4947 Inclusions, 4% of 116679 Decks)
12. Legion WarbossLegion Warboss (4819 Inclusions, 2% of 211425 Decks)
13. Voracious HydraVoracious Hydra (4588 Inclusions, 2% 216082 Decks)
14. Hydroid KrasisHydroid Krasis (4222 Inclusions, 4% of 116679 Decks)
15. Mass ManipulationMass Manipulation (3425 Inclusions, 1% of 232052 Decks)
16. Cavalier of FlameCavalier of Flame (3195 Inclusions, 2% of 211425 Decks)
17. Knight of the Ebon LegionKnight of the Ebon Legion (3030 Inclusions, 1% of 227793 Decks)
18. Cavalier of GalesCavalier of Gales (1992 Inclusions, 1% of 232052 Decks)
19. GutterbonesGutterbones (1709 Inclusions, 1% of 227793 Decks)
20. Deafening ClarionDeafening Clarion (1707 Inclusions, 2% of 102295 Decks)
21. Shifting CeratopsShifting Ceratops (1417 Inclusions, 1% 217399 Decks)
22. Sphinx of ForesightSphinx of Foresight (1366 Inclusions, 1% of 232052 Decks)
23. Tolsimir, Friend to WolvesTolsimir, Friend to Wolves (Helms 557 Decks, Rank #239; 702 Inclusions, 1% of 101718 Decks)
24. Commence the EndgameCommence the Endgame (1243 Inclusions, 1% of 232052 Decks)
25. Dreadhorde ButcherDreadhorde Butcher (1164 Inclusions, 1% of 106877 Decks)
26. Rotting RegisaurRotting Regisaur (1032 Inclusions, 0% of 227793 Decks)
27. Nightpack AmbusherNightpack Ambusher (895 Inclusions, 0% of 216082 Decks)
28. Legion’s EndLegion’s End (69 Inclusions, 0% of 227793 Decks)
Nuts and Bolts
There always seems to be a bit of interest in how these lists are made (this seems like a good time to stress once again that they are based on EDHREC score, NOT my personal opinion…), and people are often surprised that I’m not using any special data or .json from EDHREC, but rather just muddling my way through with some Scryfall knowledge! This week, however, was pretty much all manual leg-work and very little Scryfall, so with that in mind, instead enjoy the full list of what cards rotating out of Standard are seeing the most (and least) play currently!
What Do You Think?
While it seems like more and more recent cards are making their way into EDH all the time these days, of the Top 100 cards in EDH over the last month, only 23 were actually printed in the last five years. That's still definitely skewed towards newer cards, given that Magic has been around 27 years now. There is also some known staying power of old (and therefore well-known) staples, but overall the problem of strictly better and/or more powerful cards making their way into EDH isn't as bad as it is commonly thought to be, at least not among the most popular cards. That does not mean, however, that it isn't accelerating and may become a bigger issue as more and more cards are printed with Commander in mind. So...
Take Our PollAnd finally, what are your favorite cards currently rotating out of Standard? Are there any diamonds in the rough that you feel aren't getting the love they deserve?
Let us know in the comments, and we'll see you at the table that's finally getting freed up now that the Standard tournament is over.
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