Art by Dani PendergastPLEASE NOTE: Commanders are drafted SEPARATELY!
This cube uses custom commanders:
π¨βπ¨ Commander list π¨
*Updated to Tarkir Dragonstorm (03/30/25)
π Introduction π
This is a Bracket II commander cube that encourages players to build multicolor decks using a variety of custom made commanders. While there are some strong cards in the list, the overall power level approximates my ideal of a kitchen table commander game.
π² EDH/Commander Cube π²
Number of players: 4
Draft packs: 1x5 Commander pack (all custom) + 6x11 cube packs
Deck size: 60
Suggested starting life total: 30
Playtime: ~120-150 minutes
β How to play β
Players draft their 5 card Commander packs + their 6x11 card cube packs, one card at a time. Then, players select a Commander from their pool of 5 and build 60 card decks (in addition to the Commander), using any number of basic lands and any of the cards in their draft pool. ~23-26 total lands (basics + nonbasics) is recommended. A free-for-all multiplayer Commander game determines the winner.
βοΈ Main Archetypes βοΈ
Tokens
Blink
Reanimator
Spellslinger
Aristocrats
π Notes π
"Instant win" cards like Expropriate, Craterhoof Behemoth, Insurrection, and Torment of Hailfire were intentionally omitted in order to promote a more well-rounded gameplay experience. MDFC/double faced cards were also omitted to avoid card/sleeve damage and extra hassle. "Bookkeeping" cards like Cathars' Crusade and Rhystic Study were omitted for power level and time sink reasons. Utility lands were omitted to avoid "unkillable" threats or engines, since I did not want to dilute the list with Strip Mine effects. I am experimenting with omitting some staples and shuffle effects (Sol Ring, Cultivate, etc.) in order to reduce "auto picks" and high variance openers. Total game resets (Farewell, Cyclonic Rift) are also excluded for dragging out play time. Finally, any remaining Game Changers and banned cards were omitted to streamline player expectations.
I focused on improving aggro and spellslinger strategies with these changes.
Kuja, Genome Sorcerer comes in for Mayhem Devil. Even though the Devil can be very strong in the right deck, it is slightly less consistent than I would like. Kuja provides an additional aggro outlet to spellslinger decks.
Kefka, Dancing Mad comes in for Sauron, the Lidless Eye. Sauron is certainly a strong card, but I wanted to see how another haymaker would fair. Kefka provides a massive board presence and clock, which should be interesting.
Emet-Selch of the Third Seat comes in for a Obsessive Stitcher. Dimir already has a number of looters, and I wanted another angle on graveyard shenanigans. Emet-Selch basically gives cheaper Flashback, but with a timing restriction.
Papalymo Totolymo comes in for Ratadrabik of Urborg. I just think that Ratadrabik needs a very specific deck that this cube doesn't always support. Papalymo is yet another spellslinger payoff + Aristocrat + removal piece.
Lightning, Army of One comes in for Cadric, Soul Kindler, for the same reasons as Ratadrabik. Lightning presents a very fast clock for opponents, which should keep players from getting too greedy.
Zidane, Tantalus Thief comes in for Explosive Getaway. In this cube, Red/White would rather use opponents' creatures against them than wipe the board. Zidane is a powerful Zealous Conscripts effect that can create a big life swing.
Vivi Ornitier comes in for Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer. While there is a heavy tokens theme, Brudiclad also needs a specific setup to work efficiently. Vivi is one of the strongest Red/Blue cards ever printed, and should provide a huge boost to spellslinger decks.