benthic_druid 7 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Hello brewers,\n\nHappy New Year! Before we get to the first deckbuilding contest prompt of 2025, a brief introduction. My name is Ben, and I'll be helping Jeremy run the competition this year. I've been writing articles for "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://edhrec.com/articles/author/ben-doolittle"},"insert":"EDHREC"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://commandersherald.com/author/ben-doolittle/"},"insert":"Commander's Herald"},{"insert":" since 2019, with a focus on legendary creatures that come with a drawback. So it seems only fitting that this month's prompt should also highlight these tricky commanders. With great restriction (sometimes) comes great power. Details below.\n\nWhat’s the contest all about?"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Working within the parameters of the prompt provided below, construct a decklist with your own creative spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded store credit to cardsphere.com. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"For January's deckbuilding contest, brew a Commander-legal list helmed by a commander with a drawback that turns that drawback into a strength. The goal is not to mitigate your commander's drawback, but to work with it as much as possible. Lists will be evaluated on how effectively they turn the commander's drawback into an advantage. "},{"insert":"\n\nKeep in mind that this prompt isn't limited to \"bad\" commanders. In fact, it's much easier to build an interesting deck when the commander has a powerful effect, but requires you to work a little to achieve it. For example, what would a deck need to do to win the game with Inferno of Star Mounts' activated ability? Or could you build Lord of Tresserhorn like a Nekusar deck? Your chosen commander should have a powerful payoff with your deck's strategy.\n\nThis is also the perfect opportunity to combine themes and bend the color pie in unique ways. Can mono-white draw enough cards to make Kiyomaro, First to Stand a real threat? Or can you combine spell slinging with aristocrats in Dralnu, Lich Lord? What is a downside in one color can sometimes be an advantage in another, and with 30 years of cards to choose from chances are there's some way to take advantage of any effect. \n\nFinally, be sure your commander doesn't impose a restriction and then immediately solve it. Taigam, Sidisi's Hand may skip your draw step, but also draws a card and fills your graveyard in your upkeep. Compare that to Asmodeus the Archfiend, who stops you from drawing cards at all until you pay the price. The same applies to Companions most of the time. They're so powerful, and easy enough to build around, that they end up being all upside for little to no cost. If you include a companion in your submission, think carefully about how impactful it's restriction actually is for your deck.\n\nHere’s how to participate:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Brew an EDH/Commander legal deck on Archidekt that satisfies the prompt.\n\nAny unreleased cards spoiled during the contest’s duration are allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while cool, are not allowed. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are not allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Strictly one deck submitted per user."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nReply to this newspost, or the Discord submission post with a link to your deck before "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"9:00 pm EST"},{"insert":" (UTC -5, currently) on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 8, 2025"},{"insert":" (do not submit the same deck in multiple places). Only one submission per user! \n\nFrom the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spirit of the prompt. Deck descriptions are not required but certainly may provide valuable context!\n\nOn "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 15, 2025"},{"insert":", we’ll announce three finalists via Discord and a brief article on EDHREC highlighting each deck. Each finalist will be awarded credit on cardsphere.com. The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:\n\n1st Place Prize - $250"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"2nd Place Prize - $150"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"3rd Place Prize - $100"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFinalists will be contacted via email or Discord (depending on where they submitted) regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 22, 2025"},{"insert":". Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. It's quick and free-- "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.cardsphere.com/"},"insert":"register here"},{"insert":" if you don't have an account already!\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/contestRules"},"insert":"Official contest rules"},{"insert":".\n\nThank you!\n\nIf you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or join our "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36"},"insert":"public Discord server"},{"insert":". We look forward to seeing what you all come up with! \n\nThe Archidekt Team\n"}]}
Edited 1/1/2025, 4:28:23 PM
44
ForsakenWynd 6 days{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10713464/no_commander_no_problem"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10713464/no_commander_no_problem"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Etrata, the Silencer"}},{"insert":" is a peak \"Assassin\" card, especially for a commander. However, despite being unblockable and having built-in removal (she exiles a creature when she attacks), she has one significant weakness for a commander: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"After attacking, she removes herself from the battlefield"},{"insert":". This incurs an ever-increasing commander tax and prevents her from easily dealing 21 lethal commander damage to any one player, especially since she only has 3 power when unmodified. There are three ways to combat this inherent weakness built into this deck: Increasing the number of hit counters deployed to opponents, powerful commander buffs, and methods for copying Etrata, all of which is supported by potentially surprising levels of ramp for a Dimir deck.\n\nThe first of these strategies employs two other creatures: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mari, the Killing Quill"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Ravenloft Explorer"},{"insert":". Both of these creatures make it so that any creatures opponents control that would die are instead exiled with hit counters on them. Assuming that any other player loses two other creatures this way, a player would only need to successfully deploy and attack with Etrata one time to eliminate that player. This means that a player can potentially eliminate all their opponents with three uses of Etrata, rather than just one opponent. Additionally, "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Rames, Assassin Lord"},{"insert":" has been included as an alternative win-con that may allow a player to win after attacking with Etrata just once.\n\nWhile this strategy is powerful, it is also never a good idea to rely entirely on two creatures that are subject to countering or removal as your only path to victory. As such, this deck also incorporates numerous artifacts intended to allow Etrata to strike harder or repeatedly. These include "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Excalibur, Brass Knuckles, Sword of the Animist, and Blackblade Reforged"},{"insert":". Each of these are meant to significantly increase Etrata's lethality per strike.\n\nTo further combat Etrata's weakness, the deck includes a few ways to copy Etrata, thus circumventing her self-removal once more. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Helm of the Host"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mirror Box + Mirage Mirror/Glasspool Mimic/Phantasmal Image"},{"insert":" are the primary avenues for making an additional copy of Etrata who can land an extra hit and deploy another hit counter.\n\nAs if this were not enough, numerous powerful and distracting cards such as "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Shard of the Nightbringer"},{"insert":", variations on "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Jin-Gitaxias, Talion the Kindly Lord, Liliana Vess"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Painful Quandry"},{"insert":" have been included to ensure that the player remains competitive during the game while also providing alternative targets for focused removal from opponents. Additional win-cons in the form of "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Triskadekaphile "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Laboratory Maniac "},{"insert":"+"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":" Enter the Infinite"},{"insert":" have been included to further distract opponents. It should be noted that while these are not the focus of the deck, both of these win-cons remain viable pathways to victory if circumstances present themselves.\n\nAs a last fun twist for this deck, it has a highly functional alternative Commander built-in: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Basim Ibn Ishaq"},{"insert":". While he does not eliminate players in quite the same way as Etrata, the large selection of artifacts and legendary cards in this deck provide powerful support for his abilities.\n"}]}
Edited 1/3/2025, 6:06:51 AM
1
mitona 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Bounty counters are an amazing group hug mechanic and provide a nice subgame of headhunting creatures to gain life and draw cards. But what if this can be more hurtful than helpful. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10713173/mathas_is_life"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10713173/mathas_is_life"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mathas, Fiend Seeker"}},{"insert":" helms this "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tainted Remedy"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rain of Gore"}},{"insert":" style deck, giving your opponents life and proliferating Bounty counters until one creature's death can potentially one shot the table.\n\nWhat else proliferates well? \nThat's right this is also a poison counter deck because some games you won't find your drain pieces and your opponents gain too much life or the extra card draw gives your opponents too many answers. You'll need an extra way to secure the win and that is threatening to proliferate the few poison counters you can create.\n"}]}
1
CastleGoCrash 3 days{"ops":[{"insert":"I love the idea and the card choices! Unfortunately, I don't think it works the way you think it does, proliferating bounty counters doesn't also add new instances of “When this creature dies, each opponent draws a card and gains 2 life.”\n"}]}
0
Poneface 6 days{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10711594/badcommander"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10711594/badcommander"},{"insert":"\n\nMorinfen has Cumulative upkeep - pay 1 life.\n\nDeck Summary: Get your life total low and swap your life with someone else's. Have enough lifelink/life gain/extort in order to not die while setting up win conditions. Card that do both like Dreadhorde Invasion are particularly good.\n\nSynergistic cards:\nVilis, Broker of Blood: draws cards when you lose life\nFont of Agonies: Gains counters when losing life that can be used for 2 mana removal\nVampire Scrivener: gets +1/+1 counters when gaining/losing life\n\nCards that swap your life with an opponent's:\nMagus of the Mirror\nMirror Universe\nProfane Transfusion\nSoul Conduit\nRepay in Kind - makes everyone have the lowest life\n\tCan be comboed with Triskaidekaphobia/Tree of Perdition\n\nTemporal Extortion: Can be used to take an extra turn or to cut your own life in half\n\nProtection:\nThe One Ring: Protection from a turn and provides draw + life loss to trigger other cards\nPact Weapon: Stay alive even with 0 life as long as there's a creature to attach it to\nStunning Reversal: Draw cards instead of losing the game\n\nLife total triggers:\nPhial of Galadriel\nArguel's Blood Fast\nCryptolith Fragment\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 7:40:26 PM
1
Aktarus006 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"We hunt them down, and we kill 'em."},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true,"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10278979/hunt_shoot_repeat"},"insert":"Decklist"},{"insert":"\n\nThis deck revolves around"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" Daryl, Hunter of Walkers"},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Hansk, Slayer Zealot"}},{"insert":"), a guy so cool he turns giving gifts (Walkers) into a devastating advantage. Every time Daryl hands out some undead tokens, he grabs his trusty crossbow, shoots them down, and says, “Thanks for the cards.” The more Walkers show up, the more fun we have—and by fun, we mean turning opponents’ creatures into chaos, cards, and carnage.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"1. (Nearly) Unlimited Ammo for Daryl"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nDaryl doesn’t just shoot once per turn—oh no, we’re getting our money’s worth. With untap effects like "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Seeker of Skybreak"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Quest for Renewal"}},{"insert":" , and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Seedborn Muse"}},{"insert":" , Daryl’s ready to lock, load, and fire again. Add "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nature's Chosen"}},{"insert":" or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Instill Energy"}},{"insert":" for even more action. By untapping him repeatedly, you can clear Walkers from the board, refill your hand, and keep the pressure on your opponents. When Daryl’s on duty, Walkers don’t last long—and neither do your enemies.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"2. Making Walkers Hurt (For Everyone Else)"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nGiving your opponents creatures doesn’t make you a bad person—it just makes you creative. With cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Repercussion"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Spiteful Banditry"}},{"insert":" , every time someone gets hit, their Walkers hit back… hard. When things get out of hand, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blasphemous Act"}},{"insert":" is your reset button, dealing massive damage to everything. But beware—with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Repercussion"}},{"insert":" , the Act can hit everyone’s life totals hard, including yours! Use it carefully, preferably when you have just a bunch of creatures on the battlefield or a clear path to close out the game. It’s not just a fireworks show—it’s a calculated explosion.\n\n---\n"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"3. Weaponizing the Walkers Presence"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe Walkers your opponents receive don’t just power Daryl’s ability—they create value for the entire deck. Cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Compost"}},{"insert":" turn their deaths into card draw, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reap"}},{"insert":" lets you recur key cards from the graveyard, and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pygmy Kavu"}},{"insert":" draws you even more cards when your opponents play black spells. With so many ways to benefit from the Walkers, you’ll find yourself drawing, recurring, and ramping far ahead of the competition.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"4. Shooting for Value (With or Without Walkers)"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nNo Walkers? No problem! Daryl is more than happy to start targeting your own "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Enrage"},{"insert":" creatures for extra value. Shoot your "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ripjaw Raptor"}},{"insert":" for a card, ping your "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Silverclad Ferocidons"}},{"insert":" to make opponents sacrifice permanents, or ramp up with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ranging Raptors"}},{"insert":" . And if you equip Daryl with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Basilisk Collar"}},{"insert":" , his crossbow becomes a lifegaining, deathtouch sniper. Pair this with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thornbite Staff"}},{"insert":" , and suddenly every kill untaps Daryl, letting him clear entire boards while you rack up insane value.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"5. Weaponizing Defense of the Heart"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThanks to Daryl’s ability, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Defense of the Heart"}},{"insert":" is almost guaranteed to trigger at the first upkeep it’s on the field. The constant presence of Walkers ensures you can cheat out powerful creatures early, like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker"}},{"insert":" with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hyrax Tower Scout"}},{"insert":" for infinite tokens, or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Godo, Bandit Warlord"}},{"insert":" with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Helm of the Host"}},{"insert":" to create endless combat phases. Whether it’s combos or powerful value engines, this card turns your opponents’ Walkers into game-winning plays for you.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"How We Win"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWe draw all the cards, burn all the creatures, and laugh maniacally as our board grows stronger. When the dust settles and the Walkers are all dead, the last one standing is—you guessed it—Daryl, sipping a beer and grinning.\nSo grab your crossbow, equip some gear, and let’s show those Walkers (and opponents) who’s boss!\n\n\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 6:41:53 PM
1
Foolbert 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":{"card-link":"River Song"}},{"insert":" , no spoilers: "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/9463083/no_spoilers"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/9463083/no_spoilers"},{"insert":"\n\nWhen I read River's card, I knew I wanted to build around her but had no idea how to proceed. Drawing from the bottom part of the deck is a drawback, but also an opportunity. Most approaches seemed to focus on "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Opt"}},{"insert":"-like effects, but that wasn't enough to separate her from the \"generic Izzet spell-slinger\" category.\n\nEventually, I found my inspiration: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Reito Lantern"}},{"insert":" . With its effect, I could maintain bottom-deck manipulation and create some silly loops. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Spell Crumple"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Timestream Navigator"}},{"insert":" are good examples of the synergy.\n\nWith that, I had a direction, but it also introduced challenges. There are many Reito Lantern-like effects, but most are very overcosted, the Lantern itself is the best option. So, when we don’t have enough copies of a specific effect in our deck, what do we do? Draw. But then I thought \"what if "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"everyone"},{"insert":" drew, a lot?\". I always liked "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Howling Mine"}},{"insert":" effects, but let's go further let's punish these draws with another favorite card of mine, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ebony Owl Netsuke"}},{"insert":" and its many sisters. \n\nIf River and a Lantern effect are on the battlefield, whatever I play is essentially \"forever\" in my hand. Even if an opponent tries to interact with my graveyard, I can simply hide the needed cards at the bottom of the deck and draw them again.\n\nWith this foundation, the deck was born. It just needed some insurance to avoid dying prematurely. The deck has categories, but you'll notice they're fairly standard: how to survive the value I give my opponents and eventually defeat them. I’m very pleased with this one and like to think it maintains part of the character’s theme "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"no spoilers,"},{"insert":" if you draw all your cards, you’re left with none.\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 9:38:14 PM
1
TheDragonOfFlame 4 days{"ops":[{"insert":"I wouldn't exactly call drawing from the bottom a disadvantage...\n"}]}
6
duck123 4 days{"ops":[{"insert":"you should try adding \"minds aglow\", it's a join forces card that makes everybody draw cards equal to the amount paid.\n"}]}
1
Soupangel44 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/9611984/counter_i_hardly_know_er\n\nCaptain Xavier Sal requires you to remove counters from your permanents in order to populate, which is normally a downside as most of the time counters are a good thing, but this deck is full of cards that actively don't want their counters. Stuff like Unstoppable Slasher, the Duskmourn Overlords, Chronozoa, Devoted Druid, Arixmethes and Garruk Relentless, as well as several sagas and battles. Add to that a bunch of big tokens to populate, like those from Octomancer, Urza's Saga, Idol of Oblivion, or any number of clone spells, and you've got a winning formula.\n"}]}
Edited 1/4/2025, 12:33:03 AM
1
TZForever 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":{"card-link":"Kuon, Ogre Ascendant // Kuon's Essence"}},{"insert":" is a Commander that does nothing truly exciting while he is in his creature form; but once he is in his enchantment form, things get interesting. In order to flip Kuon, three creatures must be put into the graveyard from play in a single turn. Some may think this is rather easy to do; but believe me when I say that the amount of times only two creatures have died in a turn rather than three -thereby resetting the amount needed- is more common. Board-wipes don't help you as Kuon will die as well, and Mono Black doesn't have many offerings to keep Kuon from dying by means of a removal spell. \n\nOnce you reach that magical sweet spot however, Kuon flipping now means each player must sacrifice a creature at their upkeep. Including you. Luckily, Kuon doesn't count as a creature at this point, so he's safe; but maybe your Blood Artist or Massacre Wurm you used to get those creature kills has to bite the dust. Sure, Mono Back has plenty of graveyard recursion, but graveyard hate is very common in EDH.\n\nLuckily, we're in Mono Black, so let's turn our creatures dying into the ultimate benefit for us.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Key Cards"},{"insert":"\nLiliana, Dreadhorde General"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Skullclamp"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nine-Lives Familiar"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jadar, Ghoulcaller of Nephalia"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ophiomancer (Mainly for the 1/1 Black Snake Creature Token)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Soul-Shatter"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Rise of the Dark Realms"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true,"bold":true},"insert":"The Deck:"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10459802/graveyard_shift"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10459802/graveyard_shift"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"(Cards Listed are My Personal Deck's Variants)"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Playing the Deck"},{"insert":"\nThe deck is admittedly a slow start, but what you truly want to have happen is get at least one card that either causes an opponent to sacrifice a creature or one that effects a creature's power and toughness; such as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mutilate"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Stab"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Massacre Wurm"},{"insert":". This will allow you to be able to get creatures brought in early on in the game to be snuffed out easily. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Consuming Corruption"},{"insert":" is another good card as for targeted creature removal in the early stages around rounds 3 and 4 as it relies on your Swamp count.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Liliana, Dreadhorde General"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Skullclamp"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Nine-Lives Familiar"},{"insert":" are going to be cards you want to get in the mid game in order to get exceedingly high card draw as you will be able to draw up to 28 cards if you use all instances of "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Nine-Lives Familiar"},{"insert":". If you want to get it back for later casting, use the second chapter of "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Braid's Frightful Return"},{"insert":" to bring it to your hand. If you have "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Vengeful Bloodwitch"},{"insert":" and; or, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Blood Artist"},{"insert":" out at this time, you will be pinging your opponents quite frequently. If you have "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Bloodthirsty Conqueror"},{"insert":" out as well, you'll be getting some juicy life gain. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"(Do note that there is no infinite in this deck as I do not think it is fun.)"},{"insert":"\n\nYour main goal is to fill up graveyards and cast "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rise of the Dark Realms"},{"insert":" or even have "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gisa, Glorious Resurrector"},{"insert":" bring them all back for them to only die again to overwhelm your opponents with their own creatures. If you cannot do that, you will have heavy hitters, some creatures with evasion, creatures with the ability to destroy any possible blockers, and keep us alive with lifelink from "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Whip of Erebos"},{"insert":".\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Possible Card Swap-Out Recommendations"},{"insert":"\nArmy of the Damned"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Accursed Marauder"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Defile"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Bitterblossom"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Grave Pact"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"}]}
1
brodycmorris@gmail.com 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/8392374/russian_roulette \n\nPHAGE! This card's drawback is plain in it's first line of text. It's also a game-loser, literally, if you don't have the proper board-state. My approach was to use one of the 4 or 5 combinations to get her out without dying and swing with her for lethal. Or, at least, some sort of shitty way of handing her directly to someone else to let her end them. Not my favorite or most flavorful build, but definitely tries to maximize on its unique drawback. \n"}]}
Edited 1/1/2025, 11:25:56 PM
1
Hayao 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Mortal Combat has never been easier! I make it nice and easy for you to put your legendary creatures on the board only for me to force them to fight mine. May the greatest fighter win!\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10702151/put_them_on_the_board_i_dare_you"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10702151/put_them_on_the_board_i_dare_you"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
1
kws 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"I'm having fun with my deck led by "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed"}},{"insert":" that presents a fun twist on graveyard recursion strategies. This is a pretty funky commander -- he has an awesome ability that returns any black card from your graveyard to your hand. However, the downsides are that he sacrifices himself to do it and you can only activate that ability at sorcery speed. \n\nFlipping this into our benefit -- we can make Xiahou Dun immortal using some clever death-flicker spells like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Feign Death"}},{"insert":", and there is a lot you can do with recurred ETB or death triggers! It's scammy, aristocraty, comboey, and just plain weird but it's a unique strategy you can take to a few different goal posts, i.e.:\nGravestorm with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Bitter Ordeal"}},{"insert":" , or"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Storm with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tendrils of Agony"}},{"insert":" , or"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Drain everyone's life with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Syr Konrad, the Grim"}},{"insert":" or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zulaport Cutthroat"}},{"insert":" effects, or"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Extra Turns (or probably the big time life drain instead) with repeated casts of "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Temporal Extortion"}},{"insert":" , or"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Zombie army with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rise of the Dread Marn"}},{"insert":" ,"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"and more!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nDecklist: "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8796745/immortal_oneeye"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8796745/immortal_oneeye"},{"insert":" (More info in deckpage's description section!)\n\nThere are certainly routes to take this deck in a very aggressive or mean direction (like adding Dictate of Erebos) but I don't think this deck needs it to work, so I'd rather not. Also, while the deck can definitely go infinite, depending on your strategy or the game state it really doesn't need to.\n\nAs a bonus, many people will never have heard of or seen this commander before, which is fun for people who like janky old cards!\n\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 12:38:35 AM
1
CamoYuki 6 days{"ops":[{"insert":"I had a hard time finding a commander with a downside, lol, but I built around the first one I found and I think it ended up being pretty cool. \n\nhttps://www.archidekt.com/decks/10699735/i_want_the_bad_counters\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10699735/i_want_the_bad_counters"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10699735/i_want_the_bad_counters"},{"insert":"\n\nThe description for the deck is with the list through the link\n"}]}
Edited 1/3/2025, 3:11:43 AM
1
Randomhitter 43 mins{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10797550\n\nI've been wanting to make an aristocrats deck that stands out from the typical play pattern of nickel and diming opponents to death and this challenge is the perfect excuse for me to break out a Yukora build. \n\nSure, sacrificing your whole board could be seen as a downside, but really this means we only have to sac 1 creature to get our whole board into the graveyard and triggering our on death effects.\n\nThis frees up slots that usually are auto-includes like Yahenni and the altars for more Village Rite effects. It also allows us to work in 2 redundancies for our commander with some under appreciated Black cards: God-Eternal Bontu and Pitiless carnage. \n\nIn addition, we can use other effects that take advantage of clearing our whole board at once . Thrilling Encore and Rise of the Dread Marn really shine in this type of Aristocrats build and we even get to focus on Season of Loss's 2 + 3 paw ability to great effect. \n\nThe deck isn't without downsides though. It's less resilient than standard builds, and you need to focus on amassing your bomb big enough and with 1-2 big recursion spells or a big token generator to end the whole table at once. \n"}]}
0
Gheen 60 mins{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10715180/graaz_unstoppable_juggernaut_janurary_2025_deckbuilding_contest\n\nGraaz, Unstoppable Juggernaut is the commander, their drawback is that all your creatures turn into 5/3s and have to attack each combat. Another drawback is the deck has to be completely colorless. The deck focuses on having as many Modular and small creatures to make them getting turned into 5/3s as efficient as possible. Go wide and turn everything sideways!\n"}]}
Edited 1/8/2025, 8:24:43 PM
0
Montusker 2 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7597787/the_beat_down\n\nThe Second Doctor gives quite the advantage to my opponents! Luckily Leela helps me punish them for taking the card draw, while I focus on getting effects to abuse \"second draw per turn\" engines. \n\nThere's also this version which more directly punish's peoples handsizes and overdrawing!\nhttps://www.archidekt.com/decks/10655715/suffocating_knowledge\n"}]}
0
marshalltk 3 hrs{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10718795/chisei"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10718795/chisei"},{"insert":"\n\nThe approach for making this list is to remove counters from cards that don’t want their counters. There are twenty-one cards that care about their counters being removed. Imagine no longer\ntaking damage from the One Ring’s burden counters, or get a\nKarnstruct every turn with Urza’s Saga!\n\nThe commander and a few other cards remove counters. Chisei triggers on the upkeep, so there are a few cards that give extra\nupkeeps, and many cards that give extra turns (hence more upkeeps).\n\nClones and copy effects allow the deck to turbo counters off the cards, especially when combined with extra upkeeps. Marit Lage will come out faster than you can say “Remove ten ice counters.”\n\nThe average mana value is a bit high due to copious amount of\n extra turn cards, so the deck list also has a myriad of ramp cards. It’s almost like playing a green deck!\n\n How does the deck win? Putting big and/or evasive creatures into play with a very interactive deck that also takes extra turns. The value accrued by the commander, and the other cards that contribute to removing counters help fuel the win cons.\n\nSo that’s it! I hope this description gleans insight to the deck list and that you enjoyed reading about this spectacular deck! Ciao.\n"}]}
0