For the next few articles I’ve decided to introduce what I consider to be the top five staples in Commander/EDH for each color. The candidates chosen are based on my experiences with utility in the format, and represent what I think every commander deck running the respective colors should not be caught without. For those that may disagree with some of my choices… awesome… that is what makes EDH a great format, your choices are unlimited and the format lends itself (and encourages) you to use those insanely niche or hard to understand cards that you might not find appropriate for other formats.(Yes, I’m talking about YOU, Omen Machine and Knowledge Pool.)
(in no particular order)
Path to Exile / Swords to Plowshares
Cost: W
Type: Instant
Purpose: Creature Spot removal
Quite possibly the best spot removal in the game, short of commanders, the removal is permanent, and we love permanent removal, no more Woodfall Primus ETB effects, say goodbye to your Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker (yes, I still hate that guy with a fiery passion) combos. The downsides of these two are the life given to an opponent from plowshares and the land given to them from Path… Prices I am more than willing to pay to rid myself of troublesome creatures.
Cost: W
Type: Creature – Human Monk
Purpose: Extremely cheap beater with lifelink
Disclaimer: Most often referred to as a “Jackass Move” If you choose to play this card on turn one, people will hate you…forever. That being said…
A one cost 6/6 with lifelink on turn one…
Cost: 4WW
Type: Sorcery
Purpose: Utility board wipe
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been able to use Austere Command’s abilities to turn the board state around. The utility of this card is absolutely amazing. There is nothing so great as hearing “*sigh* REALLY?” after wiping the field when one guy is clearly cruising to victory with a loaded board of artifacts and/or enchantments and/or beaters… pure bliss. This card is also great for politics, one guy has beaters and the other has artifacts? Who’s help will benefit you in the long run… smite Player B’s board in exchange for favors or Player A’s Board so Player B can attack in and deal the death blow to player A… OR Wipe both boards, making enemies of both while laughing hysterically and praying that your deck manages to muster answers for the wrath you’ve just brought down upon your own head. The potential is limitless!
Cost: W
Type: Instant
Purpose: Fetching utility artifacts when you need them most.
Who doesn’t like a good tutor? Any hands? Didn’t think so… Enlightened Tutor is amazing to fetch up staples like Sol Ring and Sensei’s Divining Top or combo pieces like Blasting Station, Lightning Greaves to protect your commander, or an equipment to lay waste to a foe.
Cost: 2WW
Type: Sorcery
Purpose: Board Wipe
Not much to say, one of the best wipes ever. Kill all creatures they can’t regen. It’s awesome.
Honorable Mentions:
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite, Prison Term, Oblivion Ring, Karmic Guide, Iona, Shield of Emeria
I hope this article has been helpful. If you wish to contact myself or any of the other VOB members you can do so at Visionsofbeyondpodcast@gmail.com
-Trey
Visions of Beyond 