Lets speculate on the confirmed Commander 18 themes
Spoilers, Rumors, and Speculation forum
Posted on July 13, 2018, 4:07 p.m. by RedUndead40
In case you missed it the decks are
-Izzet artificer
-Bant Enchanter
-Jund Lands Matter
-Esper "Top Deck Matters"
What could each of these decks bring to the table? What are some Izzet themes that can translate to this deck? How could it work? Who would the reprint commander be since this color isn't properly represented in artifact legends? Seems too early to reprint the only option I could think of, Jhoira, Weatherlight Captain.
Bant enchantress could be a pillow fort-y deck. Lot of directions they could go with this one.
Jund Lands Matter could obviously just be a landfall-y deck but I hope they make lands matter in a different way here. Perhaps some variation of The Gitrog Monster type effects since Jund is fond of sacrificing?
Esper top deck... this is the one I am most curious to see how it could work. Your top deck matters? Opponents top deck? Casting spells from top deck? Lantern control type shenanigans?
Let me know what you think!
Honestly, despite the obvious disappointing factors of the Jund deck and the decks so far, we're getting some really interesting commanders. Like they aren't the strongest commanders we've gotten but like they're still interesting and fun to play around with.
July 25, 2018 1:26 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #3
dbpunk, that's true. I'm just a bit sad because this is the first Commander set that has (so far) yet to impress me or inspire me to build around something. That could be because I already have an enchanter and artificer deck, and Jund was underwhelming. So here's hoping Esper really plays around with the top deck theme in an interesting way.
July 25, 2018 1:53 p.m.
RedUndead40: I hope you wanted to build Esper Zombies...
July 25, 2018 2:20 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #5
Phaetion Ha! I mean, that's not half bad. I would strongly consider running that one. Love me some zombies and have wished for an esper version.
Still not seeing how this deck cares about the top card of your library though...
July 25, 2018 2:26 p.m.
LittleBlueHero says... #6
Yeah shes pretty cool in a Zombie build for sure. Draws you into what you need and dumps zombies in the yard to come back later. I like it.
I really don't like esper colors usually but I like Zombies so I might give her a shot.
July 25, 2018 2:36 p.m.
LittleBlueHero says... #7
July 25, 2018 3:28 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #8
That's true but unless its in the command zone I don't think they can call this the "top deck matters" deck lol. Guess we have one more legend coming to hopefully fill that role in a cool way.
July 25, 2018 3:35 p.m.
LittleBlueHero says... #9
Well its not a strong argument but you COULD argue that since Varina does loot, knowing whats on top of you deck does matter a little.
Its not a big interaction, but its slightly more relevant that Lands matter to Gyrus because you want more lands to cast him...lol
July 25, 2018 3:41 p.m.
I’m fine with how they advertised the Esper deck if the last commander deals with the top of the library. Personally, I view Aminatou as an enabler with her +1, instead of the payoff (assuming they make some sweet stuff to back her up). Then again, I’m more interested in the random individual cards for this deck, rather than getting the deck to play.
July 25, 2018 5:35 p.m.
I think Dredge unironically got a new toy with Turntimber Sower. It's an excellent addition to Vintage Dredge, at least deserving a sideboard slot if it's not put in the main, because you can Dread Return. Then, you can get back your Bazaar of Baghdad that was either milled into your graveyard on your own accord or was hit by Strip Mine/Wasteland.
July 25, 2018 8:38 p.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #13
With Bruna, Light of Alabaster being reprinted in this set, I now really hope that Sigarda, Host of Herons will eventually be reprinted, as well.
The reprint of Dictate of Kruphix is nice, but it now has me worried that there will not be room in this set for a reprint of Rhystic Study, which has a much greater need for a reprint than does the dictate.
July 25, 2018 10:37 p.m.
Homura_Akemi says... #14
Agreed, Dictate of Kruphix is just so much weaker, enabling opponents to draw more cards. Rhystic Study is a clear winner.
I do think Bruna is better suited to an enchantress deck then Sigarda though.
July 25, 2018 10:45 p.m.
Pshah! Jund deck is only disappointing if you really cared that much about "land matters" which has been a boring theme any time I've seen it applied anyway. Honestly, instead of leaking themes, Wizards should just leak the colors & deck names and let the consumers make what they will of it. We don't know EVERYTHING any deck will contain yet. What I know is that causing discord & forcing combat/interaction amongst your opponents is an incredibly fun way to play & this set is providing a huge bump for that underused strategy.
July 26, 2018 8:14 a.m.
RedUndead40 says... #16
Wow, I did not have high hopes for the remaining two legends from the esper deck but this is awesome!
July 26, 2018 10:24 a.m.
Hi_diddly_ho_neighbor says... #17
My Sygg, River Cutthroat deck says: "Gimme, gimme, gimme!"
July 26, 2018 10:35 a.m.
preemptively buys a Sakashima's Student before the buyouts happen
But seriously, this is awesome.
July 26, 2018 10:50 a.m.
RedUndead40 says... #19
My favorite part is that it doesn't say "one or more"... finally I have a good use for my Arcane Adaptation!
July 26, 2018 11 a.m.
Hi_diddly_ho_neighbor says... #20
July 26, 2018 11:05 a.m.
RedUndead40 says... #22
Yes! Unless the last Esper general is really cool I think Yuriko will be my build for this set.
July 26, 2018 11:23 a.m.
I don't have high hopes, but I got an Izzet build going (I need the decklist first), and I'm already putting a lot of time into my Windgrace list.
July 26, 2018 11:27 a.m.
RedUndead40 says... #24
So basically Ninjutsu overrides commander tax, right? Since you are not casting her?
July 26, 2018 11:34 a.m.
Ok, so I'll shut up about the Esper deck being crappy. This is perfect for the theme. I'll build this soon.
July 26, 2018 12:07 p.m.
Homura_Akemi says... #28
Subjective Reality is now my favorite!
My LGS has a multiplayer tournament with the release of commander products. Everyone buys a deck to enter and plays right out of the box.
Although I’m waiting to see the decklists, I think I’ll go with this one.
July 26, 2018 12:13 p.m.
Hi_diddly_ho_neighbor says... #29
So are full deck-lists released tomorrow?
July 26, 2018 12:14 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #30
Finally one that cares about the top card. Also seems cool to build an "all odds" deck. Hmm, this is making me wonder whether I prefer Yuriko or Yennett... glad the last two generals were better than I expected
July 26, 2018 12:18 p.m.
LittleBlueHero says... #31
All three of the commanders and the ninja Legend care about the top of deck to an extent.
Sphinx and Walker are obvious. Lich queen will know what its drawing into and the ninja will drain more or less life depending on the top of the deck.
Im super excited to play this deck right out of the box, and then experiment with the different commanders. Never thought esper would have been my favorite but it definitely is.
July 26, 2018 12:33 p.m.
My Etali deck loves all this topdeck matters stuff to filch off of
July 26, 2018 12:35 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #33
Anybody have good ideas on a direction to run Yennett? Obviously top deck manipulation into big splashy spells seems decent but curious to see if anyone has any interesting / unique ideas that work well with her.
July 26, 2018 1:54 p.m.
Strionic Resonator for obvious reasons.
Yennet asks for a unique curve where you want Odd spells, so you can't Even (It had to be said).
A control shell could work with her. Sphinx tribal is another option if that's your thing. Miracle spells work, and running the likes of Sensei's Divining Top and Scroll Rack would do wonders as well. It's a control shell with an emphasis on miracles/top-card manipulation.
July 26, 2018 2:12 p.m.
theemptyquiver says... #35
Run equipment or auras that make her hexproof or indestructible and then also run Reconnaissance so she attacks for trigger but can pull her back.
It's janky but that's my style.
July 26, 2018 2:13 p.m.
seshiro_of_the_orochi says... #36
So after seeing yuriko, can we hope for ninja cards in the deck?
July 26, 2018 2:25 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #37
seshiro_of_the_orochi I bet we will see at least one or two reprints. Too bad they haven't shown any new ninjas to go with her though.
Phaetion I figure a handful of even spells would be fine, particularly counterspells since you don't want to cast those on her trigger anyway, but can instead just put them right into hand.
July 26, 2018 3:17 p.m.
I will fight anyone who builds a Yennet deck that does not include Void Winnower.
July 26, 2018 3:28 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #39
Man, having a really hard time deciding between Yennett or Yuriko.
Yennett is obviously strong but leans more into the "goodstuff" category, which I am not too fond of. I like to have a bit of flavor in my decks.
Yuriko definitely has flavor but there just aren't enough Ninjas to make her work consistently. Although in the few test hands I did her life drain ability can actually smack people pretty hard.
Help me decide! D:
July 26, 2018 4:46 p.m.
theemptyquiver says... #40
If they print more ninjas in the deck, I'd say she seems like the more aggressive and more uniquely flavorful build.
But for sheer shenanigans and EDH value I like the Sphinx!
But I'm much more into playing for fun and crazy games then to dominate everyone kind of playing so take that with a grain of salt.
Plus I'm a secret Esper fanboy.
July 26, 2018 5:45 p.m.
RedUndead40 says... #41
Unfortunately I don't expect that we will see any other new ninjas. We have seen 59 new cards so far and that's usually about how many new cards come in commander product. I will keep my fingers crossed though because I don't want to resort to using all the bad changelings haha
July 26, 2018 6:34 p.m.
I saw on MagicSpoiler that Silent-Blade Oni is getting a reprint so there's that at least.
July 26, 2018 6:52 p.m.
There's one more card to be spoiled, but it's a land. Source being from MTGS.
However, I will eat a sock if they reprint Sakashima's Student as I literally just ordered one before someone bought them out.
So, with all 12 options spoiled, I must say they're all quite good. I know people rain trash on them, but I might try my hand at Gyrus and Thantis. Something about them is calling to me, especially Gyrus.
July 26, 2018 7:42 p.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #44
Yuriko is very awesome, as there is now finally a legendary black/blue ninja, although the total number of ninjas in the game is still very low, so I am not certain of how feasible a ninja EDH deck is at the present time.
Skull storm is very awesome, but is far too expensive to ever be practical; it really should have cost 2 or even 3 mana less, and it would not have been too powerful.
The reprints of Sol Ring and Command Tower are not at all unexpected, but I feel that WotC should have used those card slots for Chromatic Lantern and Reflecting Pool, as those latter two cards are much more expensive than are the former cards, or they could have had the lantern in place of Commander's Sphere.
Loyal guardian would be great for the Atraxa deck that I am building, except that that deck already contains numerous cards that I believe are superior to it.
With magus of the balance, there is one additional card in the cycle of magi inspired by famous instants/sorceries; now, all that remains is a green magus, and I wonder what card shall be used for that?
July 26, 2018 9:23 p.m.
Hi_diddly_ho_neighbor says... #45
Those reprints would be nice, but Chromatic Lantern got its reprint in 2016's commander product so it never really stood a chance. However, I am actually pretty stoked to see Rocky Tar Pit and Mountain Valley reprinted as they can be hard to find sometimes.
The whole set looks interesting, but I don't think I'll be purchasing any complete decks. Unless it turns out that some crazy reprints slipped through the cracks, I'll likely just pick up a few singles.
Also, there are already three green magi: Magus of the Candelabra, Magus of the Library, and Magus of the Vineyard. I think the distribution is 4 , 4 , 5 , 3 , and 4. So green is still behind, but it has a few.
July 26, 2018 11:32 p.m.
Each of the colors have three magi from the cycles, one based on an enchantment for each color Magus of the Moat, Magus of the Future, Magus of the Abyss, Magus of the Moon and Magus of the Vineyard) one based on an artifact for each color (Magus of the Disk, Magus of the Jar, Magus of the Mirror, Magus of the Scroll and Magus of the Candelabra), one based on a land for each color (Magus of the Tabernacle, Magus of the Bazaar, Magus of the Coffers, Magus of the Arena and Magus of the Library) and one based on an sorcery for (the new Magus of Balance, Magus of the Mind, Magus of the Will and Magus of the Wheel). There is a fifth blue card called Magus of the Unseen, but that's not part of any cycle since it doesn't reference any single famous card. Probably next set they'll have a green Magus based on a sorcery.
Also, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Sower of Discord on here.
July 27, 2018 12:04 a.m.
I had thought that with the success of Bastion Protector, the cycle was continued with Bloodsworn Steward and had planned to be continued 1 per product going forward. Maybe the uncommon Lieutenant cycle has replaced the idea, shame.
Quite liking the set overall, I'm drawn to picking up the UR deck and may get a few singles from the other ones. The decklists today will be very interesting...
July 27, 2018 1:11 a.m.
Prepares for the ensuing train of salt from throughout the interwebs
July 27, 2018 10:46 a.m.
I probably have all the nonbasic duel lands that will be in the UR Commander deck.
They will probably show the lists soon!
Hi_diddly_ho_neighbor says... #1
Whoah, big big fan of Arixmethes. I think he/she/it(?) will be a sleeper powerhouse.
Excellently costed? check
Provides a massive mana boost? check
Can't really be dealt with while in land form? check
Says "may" so you can turn it into a creature when it best suites you? check
Downright ends games? check
Plus it adds green to a tribe the could really use access to green's ramping ability. I am totally on board the Arixmethes train.
Man, most of these 1-less-color commanders are home runs!
July 25, 2018 12:09 p.m.