What Types of Players is Wizards Designing for in Commander?

Kristen GregoryCommander

Strixhaven features some of the best Commander designs we’ve seen in an official Magic product. But who are Wizards designing for? Today, I attempt to dig into Strixhaven and Commander 2021 to find the answers. Let’s Talk About the Precons Before we get into the nitty gritty of card design, it’s probably best to take a moment to savor the …

Commander 2021 Upgrade Guide: Prismari Performance

Scott CullenCommander

In my opinion, Commander 2021 is one of the most impressive Commander products ever released. And that’s saying a lot, considering recency bias could have easily kept Commander Legends above all else. The five preconstructed decks are all home runs in terms of flavor: they’re based around the five colleges of Strixhaven, and they highlight the strengths and unique aspects …

Commander 2021 Upgrade Guide: Lorehold Legacies

Kristen GregoryCommander

Boros Reanimator has been around for a while now as something of a cult archetype. Lorehold Legacies sees that archetype realized by Wizards — so how is the precon? And how can we upgrade it? Osgir, the Reconstructor First up, let’s have a look at the commander. Osgir has some relevant creature types, a decent-sized body, and two very relevant …

Commander 2021 Has Some Seriously Cool Cards

Kristen GregoryCommander

Earlier this week, we looked at the best cards from Strixhaven, the latest Magic expansion releasing on April 23. Well, the fun doesn’t stop there. Commander 2021 also releases that weekend, and it’s packed full of powerful and fun new cards to brew around. Let’s take a look at some of them, shall we? Alternate Pre-Con Commanders I love everything …

The Best Budget Commanders in Strixhaven

Scott CullenCommander

Pay attention, class! Strixhaven’s release is almost upon us, and you must be sure you’re ready for it. There are 22 new legendary creatures in the set, and that’s not even counting the ones in Commander 2021. If you’re looking for a new commander but don’t know where to start, fear not: you can borrow my notes! These are my …

The Best Strixhaven Cards for Commander

Kristen GregoryCommander

Strixhaven is almost here, and we’re all itching to brew with the new cards. But what cards are the best Strixhaven card for Commander? Which are good in the 99? And what are my own personal picks? Grab your quill — school’s about to start.  The Best Commanders from Strixhaven Let’s kick things off with my picks for the best …

Strixhaven’s Secret Sauce is Red Mana

Kristen GregoryCommander, Design

Strixhaven looks to have a smorgasbord of powerful and exciting Magic cards. It seems to Kristen, though, that red is currently Magic’s Golden Child.  Looking through the previews for Strixhaven, it’s occurred to me that all of the most exciting designs involve red mana. It’s no secret that red has been the second-most maligned color from the players’ perspective in …

What’s Banned in Commander (And Why)

Kristen GregoryCommander

If you’ve found yourself on this page, chances are you’d like to know exactly what cards are banned in Commander. Below we have a rundown of what cards are banned in Commander, followed up by some explanations of why we think they’re banned. Latest Update, 9/23/24: Mana Crypt, Jeweled Lotus, Dockside Extortionist, and Nadu, Winged Wisdom Banned Cards Legal in …

Hidden Gems from Strixhaven Previews

Scott CullenCommander

Spellslingers rejoice: a storm is coming! Strixhaven is nearly upon us, and we’re right in the thick of the preview season. It’s sure to change the flow of Standard, and it might even rustle a few leaves in Commander. While many people are focused on Rowan and Will Kenrith, Liliana Professor Onyx, and the deans of each school, I’ve been …