<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tribute Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Tribute Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.murphyillustration.com/">Scott Murphy</a></em></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/combos">Combos</a> are an easy and popular means of closing out Commander games. Three opponents with a collective 120 life points and 300 cards can often require more than just your average <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/aggro">aggro</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/midrange">midrange</a>, or <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/control">control</a> list to combat.</p>
<p>The simplest way to unilaterally combat three opponents simultaneously is to assemble a combo that can end the game with you on top, but how can we determine which combo to run? How do the <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets">Brackets</a> affect which lines to run?</p>
<p>We'll start by defining what we mean when we say "combo" and use this framework to discuss how combos differ from one another and why that matters. All of this will help determine which, if any, combos are best suited for which situation.</p>
<h2>Defining What Combos Are</h2>
<p>As <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/philosophy-combo-2017-08-04">Senior Game Designer Melissa DeTora once wrote</a>, "A combo refers to cards that interact with each other in a way that's significantly stronger than the sum of their parts. For example, a single <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pestermite" href="#" target="_blank">Pestermite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> by itself isn't very impactful. A single <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Splinter Twin" href="#" target="_blank">Splinter Twin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> by itself doesn't do anything. However, these two cards in combination create an infinite number of creatures. That interaction is significantly stronger than the two cards individually."</p>
<p>This is a good starting point since it's as brief as it is intuitive. You take one card, put it next to another, they build upon one another's presence, and now you've found a combo. Yet there's a clear difference between cards being synergistic and being combo pieces.</p>
<p>Perhaps what separates cards simply building off of each other and combos is the scale at which they build. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krenko, Mob Boss" href="#" target="_blank">Krenko, Mob Boss</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> synergizes well with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Moria Marauder" href="#" target="_blank">Moria Marauder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but combos very easily with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="General Kreat, the Boltbringer" href="#" target="_blank">General Kreat, the Boltbringer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Where synergy may describe a more generalized cohesion between cards, if not a whole deck, combos tend to seek specific conditions that, when met, end the game.</p>
<p>The average typal deck may seek to generate value through amassing card advantage, swinging hordes of bodies at its opponents, or gradually bleeding opponents dry by a thousand paper cuts. Such general concepts form a synergy often exemplified by a commander, hoping to form an endgame through more generalized techniques as previously mentioned.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elvish Archdruid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="General&#039;s Enforcer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Undead Augur"></div></div>
<p>A combo typal deck will often seek to end games in very specific manners with very specific cards. The deck <em>may</em> contain synergies like the average typal deck would, but it'll focus less on general ways of closing games and divert more attention towards assembling the combo.</p>
<p>Tutors can be a massive signpost when determining whether a deck is simply synergistic or intends to combo. If you ever need to determine whether a deck would like to combo or not, determine first what the two most optimal cards to tutor for would be.</p>
<p>If the deck is more synergistic, chances are that two free tutors would be used in more of a toolbox manner. Many synergy-focused decks, if given two tutors, would determine what they search for depending on their board state: Do they need to build more value? Should they find a way of protecting their board until the next turn? Can they find a finisher and try to end the game?</p>
<p>For a combo deck, odds are the two cards tutored for would be the same the majority of the time, regardless of board state. Even if the combo requires more pieces, the combo will more often than not be what's tutored for if given the opportunity.</p>
<p>But enough about what makes a combo. Despite the general umbrella term that is combo, not every combo is equal. Why are some combos different from others?</p>
<h2>Different Flavors of Comboing</h2>
<p>Many combos can be operated infinitely and end the game doing so, but that's not a requirement of being a combo. Some combos simply end the game upon completion or generate sufficient value as to effectively end the game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chandra, Awakened Inferno"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Worldfire"></div></div>
<p>Others intend to lock opponents out from playing the game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Narset, Parter of Veils"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi&#039;s Puzzle Box"></div></div>
<p>Others still may not win <em>or</em> lose and instead end the game due to a draw (whether unintentionally or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Divine Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">intentionally</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>).</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Marauding Raptor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Polyraptor"></div></div>
<p>Point is, there are plenty of different ways to form a combo. Some combos require a lot of setup or ask for a lot of deference from your opponents interacting with them while others are only touchable when on the stack and thus have few little prerequisites to complete.</p>
<p>While being able to recognize why some combos are more beneficial or stronger than others is handy, determining which combo is worth building into your Commander deck is an additional problem that requires a bit more caution.</p>
<h2>Ask Not if You Could, but if You Should</h2>
<p>At the end of the day, deciding whether a combo belongs in a Commander deck is up to its pilot. If you feel like it belongs and it creates a better experience for everyone involved, there isn't much more to discuss.</p>
<p>With that in mind, here I'll offer some variables to consider if you're on the fence or are otherwise interested in building/removing combos from your decks.</p>
<p>For lower Brackets, combos are typically limited to either being more than two cards or require assembly to occur after "the early game." Additionally, subcategories like Mass Land Denial (MLD) further restrict which combos are generally permissible.</p>
<p>For example, while more than two cards and is only accessible late-game when played fairly, the following combo can easily fall into MLD and can arguably fall into Chaining Extra Turns, thus excluding it from Brackets 1-2.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloud Key"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krark-Clan Ironworks"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sculpting Steel"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spine of Ish Sah"></div></div>
<div id="661-2146-3685-4659" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
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<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe><br />
I've been a big advocate for adding more removal when deckbuilding; one, because it's often the right deck building choice (eat those vegetables please and thank you) and two, because it reduces the competitiveness of a deck.</p>
<p>The more interactive the deck, the less focused it is on winning the game, and thus creates a more socially aware board state. The same can be said when evaluating combos in lower Brackets.</p>
<p>The more opportunities your opponents have of stopping your combo from ending the game, the more likely they'll be open to the idea of engaging with combos in lower Bracket experiences.</p>
<p>It may be best if your Bracket 3 combo, while just two cards, can be answered with more than just a strategic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>For higher Bracket experiences that are absent such restrictions, the determining factors are often found off the battlefield. Just because your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Y&#039;shtola, Night&#039;s Blessed" href="#" target="_blank">Y&#039;shtola, Night&#039;s Blessed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck <em>could</em> run an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Approach of the Second Sun" href="#" target="_blank">Approach of the Second Sun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> line and be stronger for it doesn't mean it <em>should</em>.</p>
<p>Even at a higher Bracket experience, your opponents' experiences are still valued (unless this is a cEDH deck, in which case go nuts). Commander being a socially inclined format suggests that accounting for your opponents expectations and desires should be a part of the deckbuilding experience.</p>
<p>Does the table benefit from a one-turn kill (OTK) combo being readily accessible at almost any point in the game? Would your opponents seek to play with this deck again after it's done its thing and its combos have ended the game?</p>
<p>It's easier for an established group to come to the agreement that, say, some OTKs are permissible while others aren't, but for a pod of random players, a thoughtful but brief discussion is what's prescribed.</p>
<p>Rule Zero is the best defense against "feel bads" occurring. Be open with what the deck expects of its opponents and how well equipped its opponents proclaim to be against it. We don't need to specifically target a combo deck when properly power-matched.</p>
<p>The easiest way to prevent someone feeling like they ran away with the game or never had a chance against said combo deck is to stay vigilant against power mismatching and speak up about what's expected in a Commander game.</p>
<p>Once you determine what your table is comfortable facing, then you can start tinkering with how interactable or fast your combo is, if you believe a combo's presence is needed at all.</p>
<p>But what do <em>you</em> think? How do you feel about building with combos? What are some of your favorite combos to run? Do you think there's more to be said about Brackets accounting for combos?</p>
<p>I hope this article was an interesting discussion about combos. Find me on Bluesky at <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ajwicker4.bsky.social?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ajwicker4.bsky.social</a>, I'd love to hear from you and what your thoughts are.</p>
<p>Tune in next time to continue this deep dive into the Bracket system and more <em>Commander Philosophy</em>!</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CSBweekALEX.png

Which Combo Should You Run?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/namesjames" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Ryman</a></em></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/why-are-these-cards-banned-in-commander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Last time</a> we talked about what the best reasons were for the current <a href="https://edhrec.com/banned" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander ban list</a> that the <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/introducing-the-commander-format-panel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander Format Panel</a> (CFP) has publicly talked about. In short, we discussed why some cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fastbond" href="#" target="_blank">Fastbond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> were said to be too strong for Commander while others like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balance" href="#" target="_blank">Balance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> were considered too unfun and not CFP approved.</p>
<p>I'd promised that we'd continue by discussing what the biggest weaknesses for the CFP's current ban list are and what cuts <em>could</em> be made. However, I don't plan on talking about each individual card like last time.</p>
<p>We're first going to start with why a small handful of cards can't be included in the latter portion of today's discussion before diving into the juicier talking points.</p>
<p>Additionally, for this discussion, let's not concern ourselves with what <i>may</i> happen regarding finances and very swift re-bans if changes were made. We're instead trying to find specifically the best reason these cards could be unbanned and <em>just</em> that.</p>
<h2>These Banned Cards Aren't Going Anywhere</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ancestral Recall" href="#" target="_blank">Ancestral Recall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Lotus" href="#" target="_blank">Black Lotus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Emerald" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Emerald</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Jet" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Jet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Pearl" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Pearl</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Ruby" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Ruby</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Sapphire" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Sapphire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Time Walk" href="#" target="_blank">Time Walk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Black Lotus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mox Pearl"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Time Walk"></div></div>
<p>I'm convinced there isn't a world in which eight pieces of the power nine are unbanned. As cool as it may be to play with these cards, they are the pinnacle for individual cards being too powerful for Commander. If the eight of the power nine aren't to be banned, then what <em>should</em> be banned for being too strong in Commander?</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chaos Orb" href="#" target="_blank">Chaos Orb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Falling Star" href="#" target="_blank">Falling Star</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chaos Orb"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Falling Star"></div></div>
<p>These two "dexterity checks" are banned because tossing or flipping cards isn't a playstyle the CFP wants to foster. Aside from the struggles in enforcing the loose legalities surrounding how distances should be measured or how board states should be treated before the ability is put onto the stack, the CFP would like Commander to be as accessible to as many players as possible.</p>
<p>Cards that ask players to perform a physical feat are intrinsically exclusionary towards anyone that would struggle steadily and accurately flipping cards for advantage in a multiplayer setting. Sure, Commander is socially inclined and other players could theoretically aid others with properly resolving a Falling Star, but that's an expectation that frankly shouldn't be depended on.</p>
<p><em>Magic</em> cards ought to be cards we can reasonably engage with physically and mentally. Categorically, I don't see why the CFP would ever unban these cards.</p>
<h2>The Rest of the Ban List</h2>
<p>We'll be focusing on <em>every</em> other banned card <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/why-are-these-cards-banned-in-commander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we talked about last time</a>.</p>
<p>We could stay here and discuss each and every individual card's best reason to be unbanned, citing shifts in meta and power creep and more, but the glaring weakness the rest of the ban list shares is simple: <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets#commander-brackets-what-are-commander-brackets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brackets</a> promote self governing playstyles. As such, the ban list should reflect what cannot be self governed in addition to uniquely powerful cards such as the "power eight of nine."</p>
<p>Now, I know this is the exact problem the Brackets were originally designed to resolve. Too many "my deck's a seven" incidents informed <em>WoTC</em> that <em>some</em> form of authority was required when balancing a pod's power levels.</p>
<p>But... don't we fundamentally still have this problem? If I wanted to build a Bracket 3 deck, I'd expect the deck to run not run any two-card infinite combos, mass land denial (MLD), chaining extra turns, no more than three Game Changers, and to end the game no sooner than turn six.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coram, the Undertaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Protean Hulk"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER"></div></div>
<p>"Alright," I say to myself, "what defines a twoc-ard infinite? Does that <em>just</em> mean nothing that wins the game on the spot with only two cards? Does that include infinite loops that <em>don't</em> end the game?"</p>
<p>As our recent <a href="https://edhrec.com/combos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Combo Vote</a> has shown, many players answer these questions differently and thus govern their Bracket 3 experiences as such. The same can be extrapolated for MLD and extra turns.</p>
<p>"Where's the line between chaining extra turns and playing just enough on others' turns? I'd never engage with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strip Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Strip Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as much as my deck could, but does simply having the <em>potential</em> of MLD exclude my deck from lower Brackets?"</p>
<p>Our answers to these questions aren't currently dependent on a standard set by the CFP, rather the pods we surround ourselves with. Because of this, the Bracket solution has simply moved the goalpost; players start with the CFP's guidance, but inevitably fall back on self governance for creating their preferred game experience.</p>
<h2>A Ban List for Brackets</h2>
<p>Don't like playing against <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Upheaval" href="#" target="_blank">Upheaval</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Tired of your opponent's reoccurring <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundering Titan" href="#" target="_blank">Sundering Titan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or their <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iona, Shield of Emeria" href="#" target="_blank">Iona, Shield of Emeria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck? Well, the easiest solution is to stop playing against these kinds of opponents.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Balance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Erayo, Soratami Ascendant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shahrazad"></div></div>
<p>This defense is the logic behind strong commanders not being Game Changers due to opponents' abilities to self govern the kind of opposition they're comfortable playing against.</p>
<p>There's no need to make a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza, Lord High Artificer" href="#" target="_blank">Urza, Lord High Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> a Game Changer if players who don't want to play against that kind of deck preemptively seek games away from those kinds of decks.</p>
<p>The same can be said for just about any card. If you're not comfortable or don't vibe playing against a deck that play any given card, interaction, combo, or strategy, the best defense is to not play against that card, interaction, combo, or strategy.</p>
<p>By utilizing self governing in this manner for a casual format, there isn't a need for <em>WoTC</em> to jam its hand into every Commander game via the ban list and tell everyone how to play since everyone is already doing that for themselves.</p>
<p>The first counterargument that comes to mind sounds something like this: "The only time I can engage with Commander is against decks that run unfun/undesirable cards, strategies, etc. The ban list is my only hope to play Commander with this group."</p>
<p>Situations like this exist, I won't deny that. Our games absolutely are limited by the players closest to us, and there exists the chance that our opponents don't foster the Commander environment we'd be most comfortable playing in.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhystic Study"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tergrid, God of Fright"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger"></div></div>
<p>However, I'll argue that the <em>vast</em> majority of Commander players don't experience this problem. Perhaps those afflicted with poor pod-mates were the most vocal and thus the most represented, but there doesn't seem to be evidence of a large portion of Commander players struggling to fit into a pod as such.</p>
<p>Because of this, it doesn't make sense for this seemingly small percentage of Commander players to be the focus group the CFP cites for banning a card.</p>
<p>In fact, the CFP shouldn't be appealing to the most vocal players' opinions anyways. To ban a card, the CFP ought to demonstrate it's damaging the format and requires intervention that self governance hasn't already solved.</p>
<p>Is a card too boring/unfun? Categorically, the majority of players won't be playing it <em>because it's unfun to play</em>. Commander's too large and too socially inclined to allow unfun cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Upheaval" href="#" target="_blank">Upheaval</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to dominate the format. Hence why cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stasis" href="#" target="_blank">Stasis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> aren't prevalent in the <a href="https://edhrec.com/cards/stasis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">majority of Commander games</a>.</p>
<p>Why should unfun cards be banned anyways? Isn't this what the Game Changer status partially seeks to fix? As a soft ban list for lower Brackets, most "unfun" cards ought to be Game Changers <em>before</em> they're banned, anyways.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grand Arbiter Augustin IV"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Smothering Tithe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The One Ring"></div></div>
<p>If something is too unfun to play, it won't be played. If something unfun becomes too powerful and thus <em>is</em> played, then the CFP can make it a Game Changer <em>and then</em> ban it if needed citing the card's demonstrably overpowering effect on games and/or flooding Commander's overall meta.</p>
<p>Is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Recurring Nightmare" href="#" target="_blank">Recurring Nightmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> too strong of a reanimator piece? Is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emrakul, the Aeons Torn" href="#" target="_blank">Emrakul, the Aeons Torn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> too powerful for Brackets 3-5? Will <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tinker" href="#" target="_blank">Tinker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> dominate the Commander meta?</p>
<p>The CFP <em>must</em> prove these claims instead of adopting both the previous committee's ban list <em>and</em> their antiquated explanations. It isn't enough to appeal to the loudest of players and claim equal representation for Commander players' opinions.</p>
<p>A ban list for the Bracket system ought to uphold the strengths of Brackets by granting Commander players the opportunity to decide for themselves what kind of game they'd like to create <em>before </em>the CFP determines what a healthy Commander game looks like.</p>
<p>But what do <em>you</em> think? How do you feel about greatly reducing the current ban list? What are your thoughts on self policing? Do you think the CFP should outline specifically what it takes to make a ban?</p>
<p>I hope this article was informative with exploring where the CFP hopes to direct the format. Find me on BlueSky at <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ajwicker4.bsky.social?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ajwicker4.bsky.social</a>, I'd love to hear from you and what your thoughts are.</p>
<p>Tune in next time to continue this deep dive in the Bracket system and more <em>Commander Philosophy!</em></p>


Can the Commander Ban List Be Dramatically Downsized?

Why Are These Cards Banned in Commander?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forest Bear" href="#" target="_blank">Forest Bear</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CWang+Yuqun%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Wang Yuqun</a></em></p>
<p>Come, help me help you with a <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bracket 3</a> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duskana, the Rage Mother" href="#" target="_blank">Duskana, the Rage Mother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck tech! I've recently been brewing hard on a list that finds the balance between flooding the board with 2/2's and ensuring what creatures are played are worthwhile on their own. While I have a list that I'm happy calling a finished first list, I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!</p>
<p>I'm also going to say that this is a Bracket 3 experience, but I'm challenging myself to do so without combos or <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>. Both because it's a neat deckbuilding experience and because I don't have the cards on hand.</p>
<p>We don't want a list of just <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grizzly Bears" href="#" target="_blank">literal bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we cannot rely on running just <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aeve, Progenitor Ooze" href="#" target="_blank">generically good 2/2&#039;s</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Our goal is to ensure we can draw at least two to three cards upon Duskana's arrival and then grow our board until we've punched our way into victory lane.</p>
<p>Let's start with looking at Duskana herself.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Duskana, the Rage Mother"></div></div>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duskana, the Rage Mother" href="#" target="_blank">Duskana, the Rage Mother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<p>When Duskana enters, we'll draw cards equal to the number of 2/2's on our board. Not creatures with power or toughness two, specifically creatures that have 2/2 printed as their power and toughness. Additionally, whenever one of these 2/2's attacks, Duskana gives it +2/+2 until end of turn.</p>
<p>We can't really get around using cards unless the print on the card states they have base power and toughness 2/2. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kudo, King Among Bears" href="#" target="_blank">Kudo, King Among Bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the only effect in the deck that would allow us to run non-2/2 creatures, but that's a weird hoop to make ourselves jump through. This is why every creature we're running will be a 2/2 on its own.</p>
<p>Duskana's approach to aggro is a bit more specific compared to other Naya (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) commanders. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jetmir, Nexus of Revels" href="#" target="_blank">Jetmir, Nexus of Revels</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an objectively stronger choice for an aggro Naya list, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baylen, the Haymaker" href="#" target="_blank">Baylen, the Haymaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the most popular choice for Naya tokens.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pantlaza, Sun-Favored"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Voja, Jaws of the Conclave"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rocco, Cabaretti Caterer"></div></div>
<p>If we wanted a more optimized Naya aggro experience, we have options. But that's not the challenge we're tackling today. We're trying to build Duskana to be the best Bracket 3 experience she can be. We're looking for a list that is strong enough to punch our enemies out of the game while not leaning too hard into what better Naya aggro Commanders can achieve far more easily.</p>
<p>Our goal should begin with generating at least two or three 2/2 bodies before Duskana hits the field in order to maximize her enters the battlefield (ETB) effect. After that, we should continue growing our 2/2 forces and swinging at our opponents when able, ticking their life totals closer and closer to zero.</p>
<p>Additionally, to protect our commander from targeted removal as well as generating card advantage, we'll run a variety of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects in both instant and creature form.</p>
<h2>Important Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duskana, the Rage Mother" href="#" target="_blank">Duskana, the Rage Mother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>We've got plenty of access to ramp via running a green commander, plus this list will include a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Collector Ouphe" href="#" target="_blank">Collector Ouphe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to slow our opponents down while our forces grow. Aside from the occasional <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">mana rock</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the bulk of our 2/2 generation will come from either the creatures themselves, some tactical enchantments, and instants/sorceries to ambush our opponents.</p>
<p>Our early plays preceding Duskana will most likely include spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Twitching Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Twitching Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taurean Mauler" href="#" target="_blank">Taurean Mauler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felidar Retreat" href="#" target="_blank">Felidar Retreat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Early cards that set up either mana production, an early threat, or generate additional 2/2 bodies.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Atalan Jackal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deep Gnome Terramancer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Anarchomancer"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another excellent card for this purpose. There aren't that many effects like it, nearly guaranteeing three fresh 2/2's before our next turn every rotation. Duskana buffs healthily on her own, so we won't feel bad missing out on Howling Moon's first line of text.</p>
<p>Squad spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ultramarines Honour Guard" href="#" target="_blank">Ultramarines Honour Guard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are very tempting for both an early beneficial 2/2 or as a mass pump spell that generates even more 2/2's for Duskana to see. X spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Finale of Glory" href="#" target="_blank">Finale of Glory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are similar to this.</p>
<p>Since we specifically want only 2/2's, there's less of an opportunity cost when we resolve an early Finale where X equals, say, two or three. We want to consistently generate 2/2's on every turn, so there's not too much lost when resolving what are traditionally game ending spells for early to mid game value. Both are tactical sources for either reliable 2/2 generation or overrun effects.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forth Eorlingas!"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Release the Gremlins"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sylvan Awakening"></div></div>
<p>Duskana is both our primary draw source and end-game threat, which puts a pretty sizable target on her back. Now, we could run everyone's favorite <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and similar effects, but a much more valuable means of protection <em>and</em> card draw is found with the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects.</p>
<p>We'll run creatures that can <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Duskana which will serve as primarily card draw sources, but our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudshift" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudshift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will be more flexible as sources of protection and/or card draw, depending on the situation.</p>
<h2>How Does This Duskana Deck Win?</h2>
<p>We've got a minimum of 120 points worth of life totals to bring down to zero. Duskana helps get us there, but she can't do everything on her own. She'll need swaths of 2/2's in order to turn a simple +3/+3 buff into lethal.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Akroma&#039;s Will"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Beastmaster Ascension"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skyhunter Strike Force"></div></div>
<p>As mentioned before, we'll run a variety of X spells that can serve as either early 2/2 generation sources or, hopefully, as finishers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="White Sun&#039;s Zenith" href="#" target="_blank">White Sun&#039;s Zenith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the only card in the deck with three pips of a single color, but for good reason. While two pips of a single color of mana in a three-color deck is my personal limit, we can certainly get away with at least one monocolor-heavy spell, and Zenith is a prime selection.</p>
<p>Another handy finisher is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sylvan Awakening" href="#" target="_blank">Sylvan Awakening</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Since we're in green and therefore ramping more than most, Awakening is a great way to ambush what was once not lethal without dedicating too many resources ripe for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Naturally, the deck is weak to board wipes, and our opponents will probably be okay with resolving more than a few against Duskana. We'll run the versatile <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akroma&#039;s Will" href="#" target="_blank">Akroma&#039;s Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and our handy <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we'll also run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage" href="#" target="_blank">Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caller of the Claw" href="#" target="_blank">Caller of the Claw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as poignant anti-board wipe techs.</p>
<p>Sure, they won't see our tokens, but it's a handy means of rebuilding what would've been a complete reset for us.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Defenders of Humanity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Perch Protection"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="White Sun&#039;s Zenith"></div></div>
<p>Another piece like these is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spawning Pit" href="#" target="_blank">Spawning Pit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which <em>will</em> see our tokens. Again, not a one-to-one solution against our board being wiped, but a very handy alternative to an empty board. We should just make sure our Collector Ouphe doesn't prevent us from doing so.</p>
<h2>Duskana, the Rage Mother Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Duskana, the Rage Mother" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Duskana, the Rage Mother
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*1 Adipose Offspring
*1 Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage
*1 Archivist of Oghma
*1 Atalan Jackal
*1 Biogenic Ooze
*1 Bramble Familiar // Fetch Quest
*1 Caller of the Claw
*1 Charming Prince
*1 Collector Ouphe
*1 Deep Gnome Terramancer
*1 Goblin Anarchomancer
*1 Grand Abolisher
*1 Kudo, King Among Bears
*1 Laelia, the Blade Reforged
*1 Llanowar Visionary
*1 Mentor of the Meek
*1 Oracle of Mul Daya
*1 Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd
*1 Rhys, the Evermore
*1 Scavenging Ooze
*1 Skyhunter Strike Force
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Taurean Mauler
*1 Tender Wildguide
*1 Twitching Doll
*1 Ultramarines Honour Guard
*1 Wandertale Mentor
*1 Wilson, Refined Grizzly
[/Creature]
[Instant]
*1 Akroma&#039;s Will
*1 Beast Within
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Cloudshift
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Perch Protection
*1 Roiling Regrowth
*1 White Sun&#039;s Zenith
[/Instant]
[Artifact]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Spawning Pit
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifact]
[Enchantment]
*1 Bearscape
*1 Beastmaster Ascension
*1 Defenders of Humanity
*1 Felidar Retreat
*1 Growing Rites of Itlimoc // Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun
*1 Howling Moon
*1 Mirari&#039;s Wake
*1 Rhythm of the Wild
*1 Rising of the Day
[/Enchantment]
[Sorcery]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Dusk // Dawn
*1 Farseek
*1 Finale of Glory
*1 Forth Eorlingas!
*1 Kodama&#039;s Reach
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Release the Gremlins
*1 Sylvan Awakening
[/Sorcery]
[Planeswalker]
*1 Xenagos, the Reveler
[/Planeswalker]
[Lands]
*1 Arid Mesa
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Fabled Passage
*10 Forest
*5 Mountain
*1 Mutavault
*11 Plains
*1 Scattered Groves
*1 Sheltered Thicket
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Wooded Foothills
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>I've yet to actually play this list because I wanted to hear others' thoughts before buying and sleeveing the deck's official first draft. I'm confident in this list being an enjoyable Bracket 3 experience void of Game Changers, but there's always something missing or overlooked.</p>
<p>The mana base is just what I've got at the ready and by no means what I'd like the final mana base to look like. I've also not included some more expensive cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deflecting Swat" href="#" target="_blank">Deflecting Swat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Great Henge" href="#" target="_blank">The Great Henge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for similar reasons.</p>
<p>Additionally, I've left out a considerable amount of point removal/interaction simply because player removal should be this list's priority. That just leaves more room for improvement others can share!</p>
<p>But what do <em>you</em> think? How does this Duskana list compare to what you have/would've built? Is there something that's obviously missing?</p>
<p>I hope this deck tech has been helpful. Find me on BlueSky at <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ajwicker4.bsky.social?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ajwicker4.bsky.social</a>, I'd love to hear from you and what your thoughts are.</p>
<p>Tune in next time as we discuss the Bracket system and more <em>Commander Philosophy!</em></p>


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Why Are These Cards Banned in Commander?

All Your 2/2's Are Belong to Duskana, the Rage Mother