Braids, Cabal Minion (Commander) - Optimized Stax

Background image for The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
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
Bitterbloom Bearer
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Bitterblossom
94%inclusion30 decks32 decks
81%synergy
Ophiomancer
88%inclusion28 decks32 decks
72%synergy
Dreadhorde Invasion
78%inclusion25 decks32 decks
70%synergy
Contamination
69%inclusion22 decks32 decks
65%synergy
Smokestack
66%inclusion21 decks32 decks
64%synergy
Jadar, Ghoulcaller of Nephalia
69%inclusion22 decks32 decks
58%synergy
Reassembling Skeleton
75%inclusion24 decks32 decks
58%synergy
Bloodghast
69%inclusion22 decks32 decks
58%synergy
Drownyard Temple
59%inclusion19 decks32 decks
58%synergy
Cabal Ritual
75%inclusion24 decks32 decks
57%synergy
Top Cards
Dark Ritual
100%inclusion32 decks32 decks
34%synergy
Jet Medallion
84%inclusion27 decks32 decks
24%synergy
Toxic Deluge
72%inclusion23 decks32 decks
35%synergy
Braids, Arisen Nightmare
72%inclusion23 decks32 decks
53%synergy
Culling the Weak
59%inclusion19 decks32 decks
45%synergy
Dauthi Voidwalker
59%inclusion19 decks32 decks
44%synergy
Crucible of Worlds
56%inclusion18 decks32 decks
54%synergy
Smallpox
56%inclusion18 decks32 decks
51%synergy
Reanimate
53%inclusion17 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Diabolic Intent
50%inclusion16 decks32 decks
36%synergy
Game Changers
Demonic Tutor
69%inclusion22 decks32 decks
41%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
69%inclusion22 decks32 decks
47%synergy
Tergrid, God of Fright
66%inclusion21 decks32 decks
58%synergy
Ancient Tomb
63%inclusion20 decks32 decks
51%synergy
Necropotence
59%inclusion19 decks32 decks
44%synergy
Orcish Bowmasters
56%inclusion18 decks32 decks
43%synergy
Chrome Mox
56%inclusion18 decks32 decks
50%synergy
Opposition Agent
53%inclusion17 decks32 decks
43%synergy
Mana Vault
53%inclusion17 decks32 decks
46%synergy
Bolas's Citadel
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
14%synergy
Creatures
Gray Merchant of Asphodel
50%inclusion16 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
42%synergy
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
26%synergy
Pitiless Plunderer
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
23%synergy
Nether Traitor
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
29%synergy
Marionette Apprentice
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
27%synergy
Lord Skitter, Sewer King
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
29%synergy
Blood Artist
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Blood Pet
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
26%synergy
Gravecrawler
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
18%synergy
Dark Confidant
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
24%synergy
Shambling Ghast
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
23%synergy
K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Greedy Freebooter
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
19%synergy
Accursed Marauder
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Morbid Opportunist
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Zulaport Cutthroat
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
-1%synergy
Mindslicer
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Warren Soultrader
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Nine-Lives Familiar
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
11%synergy
Crypt Ghast
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
-30%synergy
Liliana, Heretical Healer
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Gisa, Glorious Resurrector
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
13%synergy
Nether Spirit
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
16%synergy
Magus of the Abyss
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Boggart Trawler
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Vraan, Executioner Thane
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
12%synergy
Chainer, Dementia Master
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
10%synergy
Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
13%inclusion3 decks23 decks
8%synergy
Persistent Specimen
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
10%synergy
Sinkhole Surveyor
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
11%synergy
Carrion Feeder
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
1%synergy
Skirge Familiar
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Viscera Seer
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Mirkwood Bats
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Rottenmouth Viper
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Plaguecrafter
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-11%synergy
Burglar Rat
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Ayara, First of Locthwain
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-16%synergy
Phyrexian Obliterator
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Gutterbones
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Elderfang Disciple
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Sheoldred, Whispering One
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-3%synergy
Lodestone Golem
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Rankle, Master of Pranks
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Virus Beetle
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Tinybones, Trinket Thief
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Syr Konrad, the Grim
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-14%synergy
Hoarding Broodlord
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Grim Servant
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
1%synergy
Instants
Malakir Rebirth
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
21%synergy
Dismember
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
26%synergy
Deadly Rollick
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
11%synergy
Snuff Out
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
22%synergy
Imp's Mischief
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Entomb
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
16%synergy
Sheoldred's Edict
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
11%synergy
Withering Torment
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
-6%synergy
Fell the Profane
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Not Dead After All
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
11%synergy
Saw in Half
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
14%synergy
Fake Your Own Death
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Force of Despair
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Flare of Malice
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Supernatural Stamina
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Undying Malice
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Infernal Grasp
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-13%synergy
Ad Nauseam
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
10%synergy
Liliana's Triumph
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Sacrifice
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Go for the Throat
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-14%synergy
Deadly Dispute
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-14%synergy
Feign Death
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
1%synergy
Plunge into Darkness
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Shred Memory
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Defile
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-32%synergy
Insidious Dreams
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Soul Shatter
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-6%synergy
Withering Boon
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Rain of Filth
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Blood Pact
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Tragic Slip
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-14%synergy
Sorceries
Pox
50%inclusion16 decks32 decks
48%synergy
Chain of Smog
47%inclusion15 decks32 decks
42%synergy
Yawgmoth's Will
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
37%synergy
Feed the Swarm
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
-14%synergy
Beseech the Mirror
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
31%synergy
Imperial Seal
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
27%synergy
Sign in Blood
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Torment of Hailfire
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Damnation
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
10%synergy
Death Cloud
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
26%synergy
Night's Whisper
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Grim Tutor
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
13%synergy
Diabolic Tutor
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Innocent Blood
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
13%synergy
Dark Deal
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Peer into the Abyss
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Buried Alive
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Final Parting
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
11%synergy
Syphon Mind
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Bubbling Muck
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-3%synergy
Victimize
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-16%synergy
Vicious Rumors
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Read the Bones
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-9%synergy
Exsanguinate
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-15%synergy
Increasing Ambition
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Razaketh's Rite
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Sinkhole
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Mutilate
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-13%synergy
Praetor's Grasp
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Doomsday
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Delirium Skeins
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Ambition's Cost
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Gruesome Realization
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Curse of the Cabal
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Beseech the Queen
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Mire in Misery
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Thoughtseize
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
1%synergy
Plague of Vermin
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Utility Artifacts
The One Ring
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
34%synergy
Skullclamp
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
20%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
29%synergy
Ichor Wellspring
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
32%synergy
Tangle Wire
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
34%synergy
Sphere of Resistance
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
31%synergy
Thorn of Amethyst
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
31%synergy
Lightning Greaves
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Ensnaring Bridge
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
30%synergy
Vexing Bauble
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
27%synergy
Prized Statue
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
27%synergy
Trinisphere
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
28%synergy
Wishclaw Talisman
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
18%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
12%synergy
Mycosynth Wellspring
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
20%synergy
Static Orb
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
19%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
-1%synergy
Cursed Totem
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
18%synergy
Phyrexian Altar
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Torpor Orb
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Winter Moon
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Mephitic Draught
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Winter Orb
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Nimblewright Schematic
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Servo Schematic
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Helm of Obedience
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
12%synergy
God-Pharaoh's Statue
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
12%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Expedition Map
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-19%synergy
Elixir of Immortality
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Chalice of the Void
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Tithing Blade
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Pithing Needle
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Defense Grid
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Moonsilver Key
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Nim Deathmantle
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Bontu's Monument
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-22%synergy
Retrofitter Foundry
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Sorcerous Spyglass
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Memory Jar
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Damping Sphere
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Enchantments
Black Market Connections
50%inclusion16 decks32 decks
27%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Oppression
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
27%synergy
Waste Not
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Bottomless Pit
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
19%synergy
Animate Dead
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Grave Pact
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Painful Quandary
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Bloodchief Ascension
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
6%synergy
The Meathook Massacre
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-5%synergy
Nether Void
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
12%synergy
Necrodominance
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
10%synergy
Bastion of Remembrance
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Necrogen Mists
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Case of the Stashed Skeleton
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Necromancy
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Exquisite Blood
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Kaya's Ghostform
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-1%synergy
Black Market
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-15%synergy
Ghoulish Procession
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Hopeless Nightmare
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Phyrexian Reclamation
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Court of Ambition
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Mortuary
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Carnival of Souls
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
The Abyss
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
No Mercy
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-1%synergy
Revel in Riches
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
1%synergy
Pestilence
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Oversold Cemetery
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
1%synergy
Leyline of the Void
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Sothera, the Supervoid
5.6%inclusion1 decks18 decks
2%synergy
Planeswalkers
Professor Onyx
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
35%synergy
Liliana of the Veil
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
18%synergy
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
19%synergy
Liliana, Dreadhorde General
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Karn, the Great Creator
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Ugin, Eye of the Storms
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Liliana, Waker of the Dead
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
5.6%inclusion1 decks18 decks
4%synergy
Utility Lands
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
63%inclusion20 decks32 decks
25%synergy
Phyrexian Tower
53%inclusion17 decks32 decks
29%synergy
Cabal Coffers
53%inclusion17 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
47%inclusion15 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Bojuka Bog
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
-3%synergy
Crystal Vein
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
41%synergy
Wasteland
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
36%synergy
Gods' Eye, Gate to the Reikai
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
37%synergy
Strip Mine
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
34%synergy
Eumidian Hatchery
38%inclusion6 decks16 decks
37%synergy
Peat Bog
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
33%synergy
Castle Locthwain
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Urza's Saga
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
23%synergy
Cabal Pit
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
30%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Lake of the Dead
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
20%synergy
Dunes of the Dead
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
25%synergy
City of Traitors
25%inclusion8 decks32 decks
23%synergy
Vault of Whispers
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
16%synergy
Barad-dûr
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
18%synergy
Cabal Stronghold
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
-17%synergy
War Room
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
2%synergy
Dakmor Salvage
19%inclusion6 decks32 decks
17%synergy
Midgar, City of Mako
16%inclusion3 decks19 decks
3%synergy
Spymaster's Vault
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Volrath's Stronghold
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
12%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Command Beacon
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
7%synergy
The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
12%synergy
Ebon Stronghold
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Darksteel Citadel
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Reliquary Tower
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
-22%synergy
Lotus Field
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Mortuary Mire
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-7%synergy
Barren Moor
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Maze of Ith
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
The Black Gate
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Crypt of Agadeem
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Witch's Cottage
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-18%synergy
Scorched Ruins
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
6%synergy
Emergence Zone
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Inventors' Fair
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Fountainport
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
100%inclusion32 decks32 decks
14%synergy
Arcane Signet
78%inclusion25 decks32 decks
16%synergy
Lotus Petal
72%inclusion23 decks32 decks
64%synergy
Fellwar Stone
41%inclusion13 decks32 decks
26%synergy
Jeweled Amulet
38%inclusion12 decks32 decks
37%synergy
Mind Stone
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Mox Opal
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
31%synergy
Mox Diamond
34%inclusion11 decks32 decks
31%synergy
Grim Monolith
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
28%synergy
The Soul Stone
29%inclusion4 decks14 decks
16%synergy
Mox Amber
28%inclusion9 decks32 decks
24%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Charcoal Diamond
13%inclusion4 decks32 decks
-11%synergy
Springleaf Drum
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Thought Vessel
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-21%synergy
Thran Dynamo
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
0%synergy
Prismatic Lens
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Lands
Swamp
91%inclusion29 decks32 decks
-4%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
21%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
44%inclusion14 decks32 decks
39%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
28%synergy
Marsh Flats
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
28%synergy
Polluted Delta
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
28%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
31%inclusion10 decks32 decks
28%synergy
Fell the Profane
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
3%synergy
Snow-Covered Swamp
22%inclusion7 decks32 decks
15%synergy
Prismatic Vista
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
13%synergy
Boggart Trawler
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
7%synergy
Cavern of Souls
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Command Tower
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
4%synergy
Mirrex
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
9%synergy
Myriad Landscape
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-21%synergy
Urza's Cave
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Talon Gates of Madara
6.3%inclusion2 decks32 decks
4%synergy