Braids, Cabal Minion (Commander) - Optimized

Jonathan Zucchetti
Nov 20, 2025
The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
With 2025 drawing to a close, let's take a look back at this quarter century and pick out the best commanders from each year.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Decorum Dissertation
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Pox Plague
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Arnyn, Deathbloom Botanist
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Stensian Sanguinist
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
4%synergy
Rat King, Verminister
2.4%inclusion1 decks41 decks
-1%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Bitterblossom
76%inclusion150 decks198 decks
63%synergy
Ophiomancer
77%inclusion153 decks198 decks
61%synergy
Dreadhorde Invasion
69%inclusion136 decks198 decks
60%synergy
Smokestack
61%inclusion120 decks198 decks
59%synergy
Crucible of Worlds
58%inclusion115 decks198 decks
56%synergy
Bloodghast
68%inclusion135 decks198 decks
56%synergy
Contamination
59%inclusion116 decks198 decks
55%synergy
Braids, Arisen Nightmare
72%inclusion143 decks198 decks
53%synergy
Smallpox
57%inclusion112 decks198 decks
51%synergy
Reassembling Skeleton
68%inclusion135 decks198 decks
51%synergy
Top Cards
Dark Ritual
95%inclusion189 decks198 decks
29%synergy
Jet Medallion
75%inclusion148 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Cabal Ritual
65%inclusion129 decks198 decks
47%synergy
Jadar, Ghoulcaller of Nephalia
61%inclusion121 decks198 decks
51%synergy
Reanimate
59%inclusion117 decks198 decks
19%synergy
Toxic Deluge
58%inclusion114 decks198 decks
21%synergy
Black Market Connections
54%inclusion107 decks198 decks
30%synergy
Grave Pact
52%inclusion103 decks198 decks
33%synergy
Dauthi Voidwalker
50%inclusion99 decks198 decks
34%synergy
Gray Merchant of Asphodel
48%inclusion95 decks198 decks
-3%synergy
Game Changers
Tergrid, God of Fright
69%inclusion136 decks198 decks
61%synergy
Demonic Tutor
62%inclusion122 decks198 decks
34%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
53%inclusion105 decks198 decks
32%synergy
Orcish Bowmasters
49%inclusion97 decks198 decks
36%synergy
Ancient Tomb
47%inclusion93 decks198 decks
35%synergy
Opposition Agent
44%inclusion88 decks198 decks
35%synergy
Bolas's Citadel
44%inclusion87 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Necropotence
43%inclusion86 decks198 decks
29%synergy
Mana Vault
40%inclusion80 decks198 decks
34%synergy
Chrome Mox
38%inclusion76 decks198 decks
32%synergy
Creatures
Blood Artist
44%inclusion87 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Morbid Opportunist
40%inclusion79 decks198 decks
16%synergy
Pitiless Plunderer
39%inclusion78 decks198 decks
20%synergy
Accursed Marauder
35%inclusion69 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Crypt Ghast
35%inclusion69 decks198 decks
-13%synergy
Lord Skitter, Sewer King
34%inclusion67 decks198 decks
26%synergy
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
33%inclusion65 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Nether Traitor
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
23%synergy
Greedy Freebooter
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
26%synergy
Blood Pet
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
24%synergy
Zulaport Cutthroat
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
9%synergy
Gravecrawler
27%inclusion54 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Shambling Ghast
27%inclusion54 decks198 decks
22%synergy
Dark Confidant
26%inclusion52 decks198 decks
19%synergy
Ayara, First of Locthwain
26%inclusion51 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Sheoldred, Whispering One
25%inclusion50 decks198 decks
14%synergy
K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth
25%inclusion50 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Solemn Simulacrum
24%inclusion47 decks198 decks
2%synergy
Mindslicer
22%inclusion43 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Marionette Apprentice
21%inclusion41 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Bitterbloom Bearer
20%inclusion17 decks84 decks
14%synergy
Plaguecrafter
20%inclusion40 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
20%inclusion39 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Nine-Lives Familiar
20%inclusion39 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Boggart Trawler
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Gisa, Glorious Resurrector
17%inclusion34 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Warren Soultrader
17%inclusion33 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Syr Konrad, the Grim
16%inclusion32 decks198 decks
-4%synergy
Pawn of Ulamog
16%inclusion32 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
16%inclusion22 decks137 decks
11%synergy
Phyrexian Obliterator
14%inclusion28 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Liliana, Heretical Healer
14%inclusion27 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Vraan, Executioner Thane
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Rankle, Master of Pranks
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Mirkwood Bats
13%inclusion25 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Fleshbag Marauder
12%inclusion23 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Chainer, Dementia Master
12%inclusion23 decks198 decks
7%synergy
Viscera Seer
12%inclusion23 decks198 decks
-6%synergy
Yawgmoth, Thran Physician
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Cult Conscript
9.1%inclusion18 decks198 decks
7%synergy
Sheoldred
9.1%inclusion18 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Grim Haruspex
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Infestation Sage
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Magus of the Abyss
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
8%synergy
Massacre Wurm
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
-9%synergy
Butcher of Malakir
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Hoarding Broodlord
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Vengeful Bloodwitch
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
2%synergy
Persistent Specimen
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Maralen of the Mornsong
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Instants
Culling the Weak
47%inclusion94 decks198 decks
32%synergy
Deadly Rollick
45%inclusion89 decks198 decks
21%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
41%inclusion81 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Snuff Out
38%inclusion76 decks198 decks
25%synergy
Fell the Profane
35%inclusion70 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Sheoldred's Edict
33%inclusion65 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Imp's Mischief
31%inclusion61 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Entomb
27%inclusion53 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Dismember
27%inclusion53 decks198 decks
16%synergy
Withering Torment
26%inclusion51 decks198 decks
-6%synergy
Deadly Dispute
23%inclusion46 decks198 decks
-3%synergy
Not Dead After All
15%inclusion30 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Saw in Half
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Flare of Malice
13%inclusion25 decks198 decks
-1%synergy
Defile
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
-25%synergy
Undying Malice
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Infernal Grasp
10%inclusion20 decks198 decks
-15%synergy
Fake Your Own Death
10%inclusion20 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Go for the Throat
9.1%inclusion18 decks198 decks
-14%synergy
Force of Despair
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Supernatural Stamina
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Sacrifice
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Ad Nauseam
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Soul Shatter
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
-4%synergy
Village Rites
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
-18%synergy
Feign Death
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
-1%synergy
Fatal Push
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Archenemy's Charm
5.6%inclusion6 decks107 decks
-3%synergy
Liliana's Triumph
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Tragic Slip
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
-14%synergy
Sorceries
Feed the Swarm
41%inclusion81 decks198 decks
-10%synergy
Pox
39%inclusion77 decks198 decks
37%synergy
Diabolic Intent
35%inclusion70 decks198 decks
20%synergy
Damnation
34%inclusion68 decks198 decks
14%synergy
Sign in Blood
26%inclusion52 decks198 decks
-9%synergy
Night's Whisper
25%inclusion50 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Imperial Seal
25%inclusion49 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Chain of Smog
23%inclusion46 decks198 decks
19%synergy
Grim Tutor
22%inclusion44 decks198 decks
11%synergy
Torment of Hailfire
22%inclusion43 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Beseech the Mirror
22%inclusion43 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Yawgmoth's Will
21%inclusion42 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Innocent Blood
20%inclusion39 decks198 decks
14%synergy
Diabolic Tutor
19%inclusion38 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Victimize
18%inclusion36 decks198 decks
-9%synergy
Death Cloud
18%inclusion36 decks198 decks
16%synergy
Exsanguinate
17%inclusion34 decks198 decks
-7%synergy
Bubbling Muck
15%inclusion30 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Buried Alive
15%inclusion30 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Blasphemous Edict
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Rise of the Dark Realms
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
-2%synergy
Agadeem's Awakening
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Syphon Mind
10%inclusion20 decks198 decks
-2%synergy
Unearth
9.1%inclusion18 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Peer into the Abyss
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
-2%synergy
Praetor's Grasp
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Dread Return
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Mutilate
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
-10%synergy
Final Parting
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Read the Bones
6.6%inclusion13 decks198 decks
-10%synergy
Mire in Misery
6.1%inclusion12 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Dark Deal
6.1%inclusion12 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Sinkhole
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Living Death
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Skullclamp
39%inclusion77 decks198 decks
17%synergy
The One Ring
36%inclusion72 decks198 decks
27%synergy
Ichor Wellspring
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
30%synergy
Lightning Greaves
29%inclusion57 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Tangle Wire
26%inclusion51 decks198 decks
25%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
22%inclusion43 decks198 decks
14%synergy
Mycosynth Wellspring
20%inclusion40 decks198 decks
19%synergy
Phyrexian Altar
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Sphere of Resistance
18%inclusion36 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Winter Orb
18%inclusion36 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Trinisphere
18%inclusion36 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Wishclaw Talisman
18%inclusion35 decks198 decks
11%synergy
Cursed Totem
18%inclusion35 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Ensnaring Bridge
17%inclusion33 decks198 decks
16%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
16%inclusion31 decks198 decks
-4%synergy
Prized Statue
15%inclusion30 decks198 decks
14%synergy
Static Orb
14%inclusion28 decks198 decks
14%synergy
Winter Moon
14%inclusion28 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Thorn of Amethyst
14%inclusion27 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
14%inclusion27 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
14%inclusion27 decks198 decks
-18%synergy
Torpor Orb
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Expedition Map
13%inclusion25 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Vexing Bauble
12%inclusion24 decks198 decks
11%synergy
Mephitic Draught
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
10%synergy
The Darkness Crystal
10%inclusion14 decks137 decks
-10%synergy
Servo Schematic
10%inclusion20 decks198 decks
9%synergy
Bontu's Monument
10%inclusion19 decks198 decks
-19%synergy
Mindcrank
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
2%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
6.1%inclusion12 decks198 decks
-9%synergy
Nimblewright Schematic
6.1%inclusion12 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Tithing Blade
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Noble's Purse
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
5%synergy
God-Pharaoh's Statue
5.1%inclusion10 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Null Rod
5.1%inclusion10 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Defense Grid
5.1%inclusion10 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Enchantments
Phyrexian Arena
47%inclusion93 decks198 decks
7%synergy
Animate Dead
33%inclusion65 decks198 decks
16%synergy
Oppression
29%inclusion57 decks198 decks
21%synergy
Dictate of Erebos
20%inclusion39 decks198 decks
9%synergy
Black Market
19%inclusion38 decks198 decks
-2%synergy
Bloodchief Ascension
19%inclusion38 decks198 decks
10%synergy
The Meathook Massacre
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Bastion of Remembrance
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
2%synergy
Bottomless Pit
18%inclusion35 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Waste Not
16%inclusion32 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Necrogen Mists
16%inclusion32 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Nether Void
12%inclusion24 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Phyrexian Reclamation
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Exquisite Blood
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
-3%synergy
Necromancy
10%inclusion20 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Revel in Riches
10%inclusion20 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Obsessive Pursuit
9.4%inclusion6 decks64 decks
8%synergy
Ghoulish Procession
9.1%inclusion18 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Chains of Mephistopheles
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
8%synergy
Leyline of the Void
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
7%synergy
Dark Prophecy
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Necrodominance
8.6%inclusion17 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Scavenger's Talent
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
7%synergy
No Mercy
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Desolation
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
7%synergy
Painful Quandary
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
-3%synergy
Case of the Stashed Skeleton
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Dance of the Dead
6.6%inclusion13 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Kaya's Ghostform
6.6%inclusion13 decks198 decks
-3%synergy
Sanguine Bond
6.6%inclusion13 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
Oversold Cemetery
6.6%inclusion13 decks198 decks
1%synergy
The Abyss
5.1%inclusion10 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Planeswalkers
Liliana of the Veil
24%inclusion47 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Liliana, Dreadhorde General
23%inclusion45 decks198 decks
9%synergy
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
23%inclusion45 decks198 decks
20%synergy
Professor Onyx
21%inclusion42 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Liliana of the Dark Realms
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
-8%synergy
Utility Lands
Cabal Coffers
68%inclusion134 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
65%inclusion129 decks198 decks
28%synergy
Phyrexian Tower
52%inclusion103 decks198 decks
27%synergy
Bojuka Bog
52%inclusion102 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Drownyard Temple
38%inclusion75 decks198 decks
37%synergy
Strip Mine
37%inclusion73 decks198 decks
34%synergy
Castle Locthwain
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Gods' Eye, Gate to the Reikai
32%inclusion63 decks198 decks
32%synergy
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
30%inclusion59 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Wasteland
29%inclusion58 decks198 decks
28%synergy
Peat Bog
28%inclusion55 decks198 decks
26%synergy
Eumidian Hatchery
26%inclusion28 decks107 decks
26%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
26%inclusion51 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Crystal Vein
25%inclusion49 decks198 decks
22%synergy
Urza's Saga
23%inclusion46 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Lake of the Dead
23%inclusion45 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Dunes of the Dead
23%inclusion45 decks198 decks
22%synergy
Cabal Stronghold
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
-16%synergy
Witch's Cottage
18%inclusion35 decks198 decks
-7%synergy
Volrath's Stronghold
17%inclusion33 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Barad-dûr
16%inclusion32 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Command Beacon
15%inclusion30 decks198 decks
7%synergy
War Room
15%inclusion29 decks198 decks
-1%synergy
City of Traitors
15%inclusion29 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Spymaster's Vault
14%inclusion28 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Cabal Pit
14%inclusion27 decks198 decks
13%synergy
Vault of Whispers
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
8%synergy
Dakmor Salvage
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
11%synergy
Ebon Stronghold
13%inclusion25 decks198 decks
11%synergy
Reliquary Tower
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
-19%synergy
Fountainport
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Barren Moor
10%inclusion19 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Crypt of Agadeem
9.1%inclusion18 decks198 decks
-2%synergy
Mortuary Mire
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
-5%synergy
The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale
8.1%inclusion16 decks198 decks
8%synergy
Midgar, City of Mako
7.9%inclusion10 decks126 decks
-3%synergy
Shizo, Death's Storehouse
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
-3%synergy
Maze of Ith
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
6.6%inclusion13 decks198 decks
-4%synergy
Buried Ruin
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
0%synergy
Leechridden Swamp
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Deserted Temple
5.1%inclusion10 decks198 decks
1%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
97%inclusion193 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Arcane Signet
73%inclusion144 decks198 decks
11%synergy
Lotus Petal
51%inclusion100 decks198 decks
43%synergy
Mind Stone
33%inclusion65 decks198 decks
4%synergy
Fellwar Stone
31%inclusion61 decks198 decks
17%synergy
The Soul Stone
25%inclusion25 decks101 decks
10%synergy
Mox Diamond
25%inclusion49 decks198 decks
21%synergy
Grim Monolith
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
16%synergy
Mox Opal
18%inclusion36 decks198 decks
15%synergy
Mox Amber
17%inclusion33 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Charcoal Diamond
14%inclusion28 decks198 decks
-8%synergy
Jeweled Amulet
13%inclusion25 decks198 decks
12%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
5%synergy
Thought Vessel
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
-15%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Springleaf Drum
7.6%inclusion15 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Liquimetal Torque
5.1%inclusion10 decks198 decks
2%synergy
Lands
Swamp
93%inclusion184 decks198 decks
-2%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
41%inclusion81 decks198 decks
18%synergy
Fell the Profane
35%inclusion70 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
26%inclusion52 decks198 decks
22%synergy
Marsh Flats
22%inclusion44 decks198 decks
19%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
21%inclusion41 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
21%inclusion41 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Polluted Delta
20%inclusion40 decks198 decks
17%synergy
Boggart Trawler
19%inclusion37 decks198 decks
10%synergy
Cavern of Souls
15%inclusion30 decks198 decks
8%synergy
Snow-Covered Swamp
13%inclusion26 decks198 decks
7%synergy
Myriad Landscape
12%inclusion24 decks198 decks
-14%synergy
Prismatic Vista
11%inclusion22 decks198 decks
9%synergy
Agadeem's Awakening
11%inclusion21 decks198 decks
3%synergy
Urza's Cave
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
-1%synergy
Mirrex
7.1%inclusion14 decks198 decks
6%synergy
Command Tower
5.6%inclusion11 decks198 decks
0%synergy