Sokrates, Athenian Teacher (Commander) - Budget Upgraded

Background image for The Problem of Generic Commanders
Jonathan Zucchetti
Feb 12, 2026
The Problem of Generic Commanders
How do you build a commander that doesn't really give you an idea of how to build it? Is it worth it to build a generic commander?
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Baxter, Fly in the Ointment
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Buzz Bots
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Donatello, Turtle Techie
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Ray Fillet, Man Ray
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Utrom Scientists
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Body of Knowledge
48%inclusion14 decks29 decks
45%synergy
Psychosis Crawler
52%inclusion15 decks29 decks
45%synergy
Chasm Skulker
41%inclusion12 decks29 decks
37%synergy
Ioreth of the Healing House
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
36%synergy
Sting, the Glinting Dagger
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
33%synergy
Wizard Class
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
31%synergy
Laboratory Maniac
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
31%synergy
The Council of Four
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
31%synergy
Triskaidekaphile
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
30%synergy
Secret Rendezvous
31%inclusion9 decks29 decks
28%synergy
Top Cards
Counterspell
59%inclusion17 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Negate
45%inclusion13 decks29 decks
17%synergy
Propaganda
41%inclusion12 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Approach of the Second Sun
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Arcane Denial
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
12%synergy
Aetherize
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
24%synergy
Generous Gift
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
3%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Ominous Seas
31%inclusion9 decks29 decks
27%synergy
Vizier of Tumbling Sands
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
26%synergy
Game Changers
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
14%synergy
Narset, Parter of Veils
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
14%synergy
Farewell
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
-7%synergy
Thassa's Oracle
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Rhystic Study
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
-16%synergy
Creatures
Shabraz, the Skyshark
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
23%synergy
Loran of the Third Path
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
16%synergy
Mangara, the Diplomat
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Faramir, Prince of Ithilien
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Oneirophage
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
23%synergy
Kelpie Guide
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Alluring Siren
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
20%synergy
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Scrawling Crawler
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Reveille Squad
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
20%synergy
Prince Imrahil the Fair
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
17%synergy
The Second Doctor
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
14%synergy
Heliod, the Radiant Dawn
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Marvin, Murderous Mimic
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
16%synergy
Fog Bank
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Windborn Muse
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Clinquant Skymage
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
16%synergy
Eclipsed Merrow
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Azor's Elocutors
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Portal Mage
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Aphetto Alchemist
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Sturmgeist
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
14%synergy
Twenty-Toed Toad
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Emrakul's Messenger
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Alandra, Sky Dreamer
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Defiler of Dreams
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Forensic Researcher
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Absolute Virtue
12%inclusion3 decks25 decks
9%synergy
North Pole Patrol
12%inclusion2 decks17 decks
11%synergy
Kami of the Crescent Moon
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Mischievous Mystic
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Homunculus Horde
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Eidolon of Rhetoric
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Gwafa Hazid, Profiteer
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Flumph
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Scholarship Sponsor
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Crystal Barricade
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Kiyomaro, First to Stand
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Nadir Kraken
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Baird, Steward of Argive
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
The Watcher in the Water
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Lita, Little Orphan Amphibian
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Krang, the All-Powerful
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
8%synergy
Gravelgill Scoundrel
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Pestered Wellguard
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Merrow Skyswimmer
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Adept Watershaper
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Deepchannel Duelist
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Instants
Swords to Plowshares
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
-41%synergy
Dovin's Veto
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
-11%synergy
Path to Exile
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
-26%synergy
Frantic Search
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
12%synergy
Opt
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Octopus Form
19%inclusion3 decks16 decks
18%synergy
Words of Wisdom
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Dispel
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
14%synergy
Stroke of Midnight
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Render Silent
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Intellectual Offering
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Resculpt
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Thirst for Knowledge
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
12%synergy
No More Lies
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Long River's Pull
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Magic Damper
12%inclusion3 decks25 decks
11%synergy
Loran's Escape
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Brainsurge
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Dramatic Reversal
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Demystify
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Brainstorm
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
-8%synergy
Keep Safe
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Reality Shift
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Dawn Charm
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Reprieve
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Union of the Third Path
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Jwari Disruption
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Hindering Light
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Unwind
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Evacuation
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Kitsune's Technique
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
7%synergy
Scour for Scrap
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
5%synergy
Personify
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Mirrorform
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Comeuppance
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Syncopate
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Fact or Fiction
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Hubris
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Rewind
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Mana Leak
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Spell Pierce
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Ugin's Binding
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Don't Make a Sound
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Learn from the Past
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Ethereal Haze
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Acrobatic Leap
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Consign to Memory
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Orim's Chant
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Dawn's Truce
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
-1%synergy
Sorceries
Austere Command
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Minds Aglow
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
19%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Cut a Deal
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Windfall
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Starfall Invocation
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Time Wipe
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
-3%synergy
Council's Judgment
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Supreme Verdict
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
-17%synergy
Fell the Mighty
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Consuming Tide
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Self-Reflection
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Ultima
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
7%synergy
Silver Scrutiny
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Hour of Reckoning
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Commit // Memory
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Plea for Power
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Maddening Cacophony
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Promise of Loyalty
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Ponder
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
-4%synergy
Drain Power
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Divine Reckoning
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Split Up
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Devastation Tide
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Power of Persuasion
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Counsel of the Soratami
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Dusk // Dawn
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Single Combat
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Tezzeret's Gambit
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
River's Rebuke
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Deep Analysis
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Slash the Ranks
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Folio of Fancies
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
24%synergy
Ivory Tower
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Howling Mine
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
19%synergy
Wedding Ring
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
18%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
-5%synergy
Spellbook
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
19%synergy
Archaeomancer's Map
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
14%synergy
Unbender Tine
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Lightning Greaves
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
-6%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
0%synergy
Haystack
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Ebony Owl Netsuke
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Marina Vendrell's Grimoire
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Crawlspace
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Empyrial Plate
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Bident of Thassa
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
0%synergy
The Seriema
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
7%synergy
Elixir of Immortality
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Argent Dais
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Venser's Journal
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Pearl Medallion
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
0%synergy
Illusionist's Bracers
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Enchantments
Teferi's Ageless Insight
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
21%synergy
Dazzling Theater // Prop Room
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
25%synergy
Freed from the Real
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Nerd Rage
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
23%synergy
Ghostly Prison
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
-7%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
14%inclusion4 decks28 decks
9%synergy
Staggering Insight
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Forced Fruition
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Monologue Tax
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Public Enemy
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Smuggler's Share
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Psychic Corrosion
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Duelist's Heritage
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Pemmin's Aura
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Court of Grace
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Darksteel Mutation
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Sphinx's Tutelage
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Well of Ideas
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Knowledge Is Power
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Leyline of Anticipation
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Dictate of Kruphix
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Restricted Office // Lecture Hall
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Teferi's Tutelage
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Curse of Verbosity
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Telepathy
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Fall of the First Civilization
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Retro-Mutation
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Aquitect's Defenses
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Lofty Dreams
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Noble Heritage
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Dissipation Field
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Psychic Impetus
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Cartouche of Knowledge
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Exchange of Words
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Insight
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Sphere of Reason
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Fall from Favor
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Tenuous Truce
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Hoofprints of the Stag
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Imprisoned in the Moon
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Rule of Law
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Persuasion
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Confiscate
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Oath of Scholars
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Cowed by Wisdom
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Mechanized Production
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Utter Insignificance
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Proft's Eidetic Memory
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Airbender Ascension
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
2%synergy
Planeswalkers
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
17%synergy
Jace, Architect of Thought
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
The Wanderer
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Mordenkainen
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
72%inclusion21 decks29 decks
24%synergy
Rogue's Passage
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Temple of the False God
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
13%synergy
Scavenger Grounds
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Lonely Sandbar
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Secluded Steppe
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
8%synergy
Northampton Farm
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
8%synergy
Memorial to Genius
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Celestial Colonnade
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Hall of Heliod's Generosity
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
1%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Mikokoro, Center of the Sea
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Cephalid Coliseum
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
4%synergy
The Surgical Bay
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
76%inclusion22 decks29 decks
-11%synergy
Arcane Signet
66%inclusion19 decks29 decks
-18%synergy
Thought Vessel
66%inclusion19 decks29 decks
23%synergy
Azorius Signet
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
-19%synergy
Mind Stone
38%inclusion11 decks29 decks
12%synergy
Talisman of Progress
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
-16%synergy
Patriar's Seal
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
22%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Fellwar Stone
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
-8%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Midnight Clock
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Bender's Waterskin
12%inclusion3 decks25 decks
6%synergy
Misleading Signpost
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Omni-Cheese Pizza
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
9%synergy
Thran Dynamo
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
-1%synergy
Gilded Lotus
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
1%synergy
Spectral Searchlight
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Basalt Monolith
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Lands
Island
100%inclusion29 decks29 decks
4%synergy
Plains
100%inclusion29 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Command Tower
76%inclusion22 decks29 decks
-10%synergy
Temple of Enlightenment
66%inclusion19 decks29 decks
28%synergy
Prairie Stream
59%inclusion17 decks29 decks
-7%synergy
Glacial Fortress
48%inclusion14 decks29 decks
-14%synergy
Tranquil Cove
48%inclusion14 decks29 decks
29%synergy
Port Town
45%inclusion13 decks29 decks
-2%synergy
Skycloud Expanse
41%inclusion12 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Azorius Chancery
41%inclusion12 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Path of Ancestry
34%inclusion10 decks29 decks
20%synergy
Irrigated Farmland
31%inclusion9 decks29 decks
10%synergy
Exotic Orchard
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
0%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
28%inclusion8 decks29 decks
-16%synergy
Seachrome Coast
24%inclusion7 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Deserted Beach
21%inclusion6 decks29 decks
-19%synergy
Thriving Isle
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
15%synergy
Azorius Guildgate
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Idyllic Beachfront
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
6%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Skybridge Towers
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Evolving Wilds
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
-2%synergy
Myriad Landscape
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
-2%synergy
Razorgrass Ambush
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Demolition Field
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
11%synergy
Thriving Heath
14%inclusion4 decks29 decks
12%synergy
Sejiri Refuge
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Meandering River
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Ash Barrens
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
7%synergy
Jwari Disruption
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Mystic Gate
10%inclusion3 decks29 decks
-13%synergy
Vibrant Cityscape
8.7%inclusion2 decks23 decks
8%synergy
University Campus
8.7%inclusion2 decks23 decks
7%synergy
Sharlayan, Nation of Scholars
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
6%synergy
Razortide Bridge
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
-7%synergy
Coastal Tower
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
5%synergy
Lonely Arroyo
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
3%synergy
Flooded Strand
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
-25%synergy
North Pole Gates
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
4%synergy