Is it worth using "Tuck" spells anymore?
Commander (EDH) forum
Posted on April 11, 2016, 1:38 a.m. by JonnySalami
All my decks used tuck spells, but after the newest ruling I have a lot of tuck spells that seem useless. Are tuck effects still worth using in Commander even if you cant tuck your opponent's commander or should i remove them and use other forms of removal spells?
Furthermore, it's not a question that can be answered in general, for EDH or other formats. Removal and tucking will mostly have the same effect on a Commander - it will go to the Command zone. Therefore, it's still more efficient removal against decks that utilize the graveyard or exile, less efficient against decks that tutor, and completely equal otherwise.
If you're looking for efficient EDH removal that won't put the Commander into the Command Zone - Song of the Dryads might be the strongest single card right now.
April 11, 2016 6:44 a.m.
Wow! Song of the Dryads is crazy powerful against certain commander!
My opinion on tuck spells...if you are using Spin into Myth or Vendilion Clique abilities to tuck, they work well with thing like Tunnel Vision. If you are using Spell Crumple types to tuck, it's worth it to tuck a combo piece or a spell you just can't deal with once it resolves. Ultimately, tuck is less good, but still a viable option as I see it. Don't overload on it, but things like Spell Crumple and Hinder still seem good to me.
April 11, 2016 7:52 a.m.
KillDatBUG says... #5
Really, the only tuck spells that got "bad" were the ones specifically used to deal with commanders. Hinder and Spell Crumple seem pretty bad now, because they're just glorified Cancels most of the time. On the other hand, cards like Terminus and Condemn are still playable, because they were played for reasons other than removing someone's Commander for good.
April 11, 2016 11 a.m.
KillDatBUG says... #7
I'd argue that there are more tutor effects played then Regrowth effects.
April 11, 2016 12:23 p.m.
KillDatBUG's right. Most decks will run 1 to 3 regrowth effects and some will use shuffle the yard type spells. On the other hand, it's not uncommon for decks to run well over 5 tutor effects.
"Tuck" spells like Song of the Dryads, Darksteel Mutation, etc. are still powerful. Still, it's worth noting that EDH becomes more and more spell-based as you go up in the level of competitiveness. Most decks don't run that many creatures. Things you'll want to merc are creatures like Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir or problematic commanders like Zur. The issue is that most decent tuck spells are either conditional or sorcery speed. Good luck dealing with that Hermit Druid... Again, this is only for the very highest levels of play.
April 11, 2016 12:36 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #9
To me, tuck is near the same level as sending something to the graveyard, as the difference is dependent on the deck you're facing.
However, exile is by far better than both. I only know of two cards that can retrieve cards from your exile, so exile is pretty powerful for non-commander permanents...
But as previously mentioned, we still have plenty of cards that are great substitutes for the function that tuck cards used to have. My favorite is Ixidron to be honest, because it turns off commanded while also acting as a board wipe, and it's mono blue too.
Here are all the cards to replace tuck function that I've found: MagicalHacker - List of All "Tuck" Cards
If I missed any, I'd love to know!
acbooster says... #2
This should actually be in the Commander/EDH forum, the Q&A is specifically about rules clarifications and interactions, not if a card or mechanic is viable in a format.
April 11, 2016 4:04 a.m.