Absolute Virtue (Commander) - Upgraded

Background image for Commander Philosophy - How Does "Dies To Removal" Actually Work?
Alex Wicker
Jul 22, 2025
Commander Philosophy - How Does "Dies To Removal" Actually Work?
In this Commander Philosophy, let's talk about that old phrase "Dies to removal." What does it mean, and how does it affect Commander games?
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Restoration Magic
33% of 30 decks +26% synergy
Starwinder
20% of 5 decks +19% synergy
Genji Glove
17% of 29 decks +16% synergy
The Wind Crystal
13% of 31 decks -1% synergy
Summon: Bahamut
11% of 36 decks +11% synergy
High Synergy Cards
Vexilus Praetor
56% of 36 decks +55% synergy
Mithril Coat
53% of 36 decks +50% synergy
Mother of Runes
53% of 36 decks +49% synergy
Bastion Protector
47% of 36 decks +45% synergy
Crystal Barricade
47% of 36 decks +45% synergy
Mana Drain
56% of 36 decks +40% synergy
Avacyn, Angel of Hope
39% of 36 decks +37% synergy
Grand Abolisher
47% of 36 decks +37% synergy
Gift of Immortality
36% of 36 decks +35% synergy
Giver of Runes
36% of 36 decks +34% synergy
Top Cards
Swords to Plowshares
72% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Counterspell
69% of 36 decks +15% synergy
Supreme Verdict
61% of 36 decks +33% synergy
Dovin's Veto
61% of 36 decks +25% synergy
Ghostly Prison
53% of 36 decks +29% synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
50% of 36 decks +26% synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
50% of 36 decks +24% synergy
Path to Exile
50% of 36 decks -3% synergy
Propaganda
50% of 36 decks +27% synergy
Solemn Simulacrum
47% of 36 decks +21% synergy
Game Changers
Smothering Tithe
44% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Teferi's Protection
42% of 36 decks +24% synergy
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV
33% of 36 decks +23% synergy
Rhystic Study
31% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Fierce Guardianship
28% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Enlightened Tutor
22% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Drannith Magistrate
14% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Consecrated Sphinx
11% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Force of Will
11% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Narset, Parter of Veils
8% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Creatures
Esper Sentinel
44% of 36 decks +22% synergy
Windborn Muse
42% of 36 decks +31% synergy
Voice of Victory
36% of 36 decks +32% synergy
Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
33% of 36 decks +28% synergy
Herald of Eternal Dawn
28% of 36 decks +27% synergy
Thalia, Heretic Cathar
25% of 36 decks +21% synergy
Ornithopter of Paradise
25% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Azor's Elocutors
25% of 36 decks +22% synergy
Platinum Angel
22% of 36 decks +21% synergy
Witch Enchanter
19% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Archivist of Oghma
19% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Spelltithe Enforcer
19% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Silent Arbiter
19% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Fatespinner
19% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Puresteel Paladin
19% of 36 decks +18% synergy
Faerie Mastermind
19% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Mangara, the Diplomat
19% of 36 decks +15% synergy
Hullbreaker Horror
19% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Hushbringer
17% of 36 decks +13% synergy
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade
17% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Fog Bank
14% of 36 decks +12% synergy
The Council of Four
14% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Knight of the White Orchid
14% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Archon of Emeria
14% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Clarion Conqueror
14% of 36 decks +13% synergy
Stoneforge Mystic
11% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Linvala, Keeper of Silence
11% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Geode Golem
11% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Sun Titan
11% of 36 decks -1% synergy
Gold-Forged Thopteryx
11% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Aven Mindcensor
11% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant
11% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Virulent Silencer
9% of 11 decks +9% synergy
Claim Jumper
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
High Fae Trickster
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Snapcaster Mage
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
8% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Silver Myr
8% of 36 decks -1% synergy
Serra's Emissary
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Spark Double
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Magus of the Moat
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Torrential Gearhulk
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Archaeomancer
8% of 36 decks -2% synergy
Sephara, Sky's Blade
8% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Baral, Chief of Compliance
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Deep Gnome Terramancer
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Spellskite
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Tidal Barracuda
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Jill, Shiva's Dominant
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Venat, Heart of Hydaelyn
7% of 29 decks +6% synergy
Instants
Dawn's Truce
42% of 36 decks +33% synergy
Arcane Denial
42% of 36 decks +16% synergy
Generous Gift
42% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Flawless Maneuver
36% of 36 decks +30% synergy
Permission Denied
36% of 36 decks +30% synergy
Render Silent
33% of 36 decks +26% synergy
Swan Song
33% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Everybody Lives!
28% of 36 decks +26% synergy
Negate
25% of 36 decks -4% synergy
Brainstorm
25% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Blacksmith's Skill
22% of 36 decks +20% synergy
Sink into Stupor
22% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Aetherize
19% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Silence
19% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Stroke of Midnight
19% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Cyclonic Rift
19% of 36 decks -5% synergy
Akroma's Will
19% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Pongify
17% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Hindering Light
17% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Force of Negation
17% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Pull from Tomorrow
17% of 36 decks +13% synergy
Frantic Search
14% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Rewind
14% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Sejiri Shelter
14% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Pact of Negation
14% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Sphinx's Revelation
11% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Reprieve
11% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Dig Through Time
11% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Muddle the Mixture
8% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Absorb
8% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Loran's Escape
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Three Steps Ahead
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Flare of Fortitude
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Final Showdown
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Disallow
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Brave the Elements
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Memory Deluge
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
No More Lies
8% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Rapid Hybridization
6% of 36 decks -0% synergy
Ephemerate
6% of 36 decks -9% synergy
Perch Protection
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Settle the Wreckage
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Flare of Denial
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Aetherspouts
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Gods Willing
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Sublime Epiphany
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Angel's Grace
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Nexus of Fate
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Bane's Contingency
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Sorceries
Farewell
47% of 36 decks +29% synergy
Approach of the Second Sun
39% of 36 decks +23% synergy
Ponder
25% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
25% of 36 decks +19% synergy
Windfall
17% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Austere Command
17% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Time Wipe
17% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Vanquish the Horde
17% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Promise of Loyalty
17% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Divine Reckoning
14% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Open the Armory
14% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Wrath of God
14% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Fabricate
14% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Single Combat
14% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Steelshaper's Gift
14% of 36 decks +13% synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
11% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Stock Up
11% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Treasure Cruise
11% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Fumigate
11% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Idyllic Tutor
8% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Cut a Deal
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Preordain
8% of 36 decks -1% synergy
Ondu Inversion
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Quantum Misalignment
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Emeria's Call
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Lórien Revealed
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Drawn from Dreams
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Hour of Revelation
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
White Sun's Twilight
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Irenicus's Vile Duplication
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Winds of Rath
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Ravenform
6% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Sunfall
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Utility Artifacts
Lightning Greaves
44% of 36 decks +25% synergy
Commander's Plate
33% of 36 decks +32% synergy
Pearl Medallion
28% of 36 decks +22% synergy
Darksteel Plate
28% of 36 decks +27% synergy
Caduceus, Staff of Hermes
25% of 36 decks +23% synergy
Sapphire Medallion
25% of 36 decks +19% synergy
Dragonfire Blade
19% of 36 decks +19% synergy
Robe of Stars
14% of 36 decks +13% synergy
Archaeomancer's Map
14% of 36 decks +7% synergy
God-Pharaoh's Statue
11% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Champion's Helm
11% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Buster Sword
10% of 31 decks +8% synergy
The Water Crystal
10% of 31 decks -2% synergy
Sword of Light and Shadow
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Sword of Once and Future
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Sword of Fire and Ice
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
8% of 36 decks -5% synergy
Sword of Truth and Justice
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Norn's Annex
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Darksteel Forge
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Excalibur, Sword of Eden
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Sword of War and Peace
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Sword of Forge and Frontier
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Sword of Sinew and Steel
8% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Sword of Feast and Famine
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Sword of the Animist
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Hammer of Nazahn
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
The Regalia
6% of 31 decks +4% synergy
Elixir of Immortality
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Tarrian's Soulcleaver
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
The One Ring
6% of 36 decks -3% synergy
Mirror Box
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Bitterthorn, Nissa's Animus
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Cursed Totem
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Palantír of Orthanc
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Shadowspear
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Sword of Hearth and Home
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Mask of Avacyn
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Neurok Stealthsuit
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Blackblade Reforged
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
6% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Grafted Exoskeleton
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Ring of Thune
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Sword of Body and Mind
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Enchantments
Authority of the Consuls
31% of 36 decks +24% synergy
Mystic Remora
28% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Timely Ward
28% of 36 decks +27% synergy
Land Tax
25% of 36 decks +16% synergy
Darksteel Mutation
14% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Imprisoned in the Moon
14% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Sphere of Safety
14% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Blind Obedience
11% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Steel of the Godhead
11% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Indestructibility
11% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Leyline of Anticipation
11% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Aqueous Form
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Rule of Law
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Amphibian Downpour
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Witness Protection
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Monologue Tax
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Restricted Office // Lecture Hall
8% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Ethereal Armor
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Aura of Silence
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Trouble in Pairs
8% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Staggering Insight
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Smuggler's Share
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Earnest Fellowship
6% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Dissipation Field
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Eldrazi Conscription
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Leyline of Sanctity
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Forge Anew
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Sigarda's Aid
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Omniscience
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Mantle of the Ancients
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Fresh Start
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Shielded by Faith
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Spirit Mantle
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
All That Glitters
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Court of Vantress
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Sage's Reverie
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Dovescape
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Solemnity
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Diplomatic Immunity
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Planeswalkers
Dovin, Hand of Control
8% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Teferi, Time Raveler
8% of 36 decks -2% synergy
Teferi, Hero of Dominaria
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
53% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Command Beacon
36% of 36 decks +33% synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
36% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Mistrise Village
33% of 36 decks +28% synergy
Rogue's Passage
31% of 36 decks +16% synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
22% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Academy Ruins
22% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Temple of the False God
22% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
17% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Hall of Heliod's Generosity
14% of 36 decks +8% synergy
Buried Ruin
14% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Castle Vantress
11% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Guildless Commons
11% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Ishgard, the Holy See
11% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Maze of Ith
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Urza's Saga
8% of 36 decks -3% synergy
War Room
8% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Celestial Colonnade
8% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Ancient Den
6% of 36 decks -8% synergy
Hall of Storm Giants
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Lotus Field
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
6% of 36 decks -2% synergy
Ancient Tomb
6% of 36 decks -3% synergy
Seat of the Synod
6% of 36 decks -9% synergy
Minas Tirith
6% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Cactus Preserve
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Inventors' Fair
6% of 36 decks -3% synergy
Fountainport
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Strip Mine
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Jidoor, Aristocratic Capital
6% of 36 decks -2% synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
89% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Arcane Signet
86% of 36 decks +1% synergy
Talisman of Progress
61% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Azorius Signet
44% of 36 decks -17% synergy
Thought Vessel
36% of 36 decks -7% synergy
Gilded Lotus
28% of 36 decks +22% synergy
Thran Dynamo
25% of 36 decks +17% synergy
Commander's Sphere
22% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Midnight Clock
19% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Mind Stone
19% of 36 decks -9% synergy
Fellwar Stone
17% of 36 decks -14% synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
14% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Sky Diamond
8% of 36 decks -2% synergy
Marble Diamond
8% of 36 decks -1% synergy
Strixhaven Stadium
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Hedron Archive
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy
The Aetherspark
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Vexing Puzzlebox
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Chromatic Orrery
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Worn Powerstone
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Mox Opal
6% of 36 decks -1% synergy
White Auracite
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Lands
Command Tower
97% of 36 decks +11% synergy
Island
97% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Plains
97% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Glacial Fortress
86% of 36 decks +27% synergy
Hallowed Fountain
78% of 36 decks +32% synergy
Prairie Stream
69% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Deserted Beach
67% of 36 decks +29% synergy
Sea of Clouds
61% of 36 decks +20% synergy
Flooded Strand
61% of 36 decks +31% synergy
Adarkar Wastes
56% of 36 decks +16% synergy
Azorius Chancery
44% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Meticulous Archive
42% of 36 decks +24% synergy
Nimbus Maze
42% of 36 decks +18% synergy
Mystic Gate
39% of 36 decks +18% synergy
Floodfarm Verge
39% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Port Town
31% of 36 decks -18% synergy
Myriad Landscape
28% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Exotic Orchard
28% of 36 decks +0% synergy
Irrigated Farmland
28% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
28% of 36 decks -12% synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
25% of 36 decks +19% synergy
Skycloud Expanse
25% of 36 decks -10% synergy
Tundra
22% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Evolving Wilds
22% of 36 decks +6% synergy
Sink into Stupor
22% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Polluted Delta
22% of 36 decks +14% synergy
Witch Enchanter
19% of 36 decks +7% synergy
Misty Rainforest
19% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Windswept Heath
19% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Hengegate Pathway
19% of 36 decks -2% synergy
Razortide Bridge
19% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Scalding Tarn
19% of 36 decks +12% synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
17% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Arid Mesa
17% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Seachrome Coast
14% of 36 decks +0% synergy
Sejiri Shelter
14% of 36 decks +10% synergy
Prismatic Vista
11% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Idyllic Beachfront
11% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Fabled Passage
11% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Plaza of Heroes
11% of 36 decks +9% synergy
Marsh Flats
11% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
8% of 36 decks +2% synergy
Glacial Floodplain
8% of 36 decks -1% synergy
Ondu Inversion
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Urza's Cave
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Mirrex
6% of 36 decks +5% synergy
Tranquil Cove
6% of 36 decks -13% synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
6% of 36 decks +3% synergy
Emeria's Call
6% of 36 decks +4% synergy
Reflecting Pool
6% of 36 decks +2% synergy