Deckstats Forum
English-language Forums => Commander Discussion => Mensaje iniciado por: WWolfe en Febrero 14, 2018, 01:49:37 pm
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Saw this thread on another forum and thought it would make for an interesting discussion here...
What are some hidden gems you've found for your decks? This will probably center mostly around EDH, but if you've found a gem in another format, post that too!
Bitter Ordeal (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Bitter+Ordeal) - great combo with Armageddon (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Armageddon), or even after a board wipe against any creature heavy or token deck.
Submerge (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Submerge) - someone pointed this card out on another forum, I'd never heard of it. Clearly you'll have an Island (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Island) and most playgroups have a lot of green in them so usually it'll be cast for free.
Soul Exchange (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Soul+Exchange) - another decent reanimator spell, plus who doesn't love the rare +2/+2 counters!
Koskun Falls (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Koskun+Falls) - Propaganda (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Propaganda) in black.
Primal Growth (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Primal+Growth) - in reanimator decks it's essentially a free sac engine in addition to netting you two basics that come into play untapped.
Teferi's Veil (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Teferi%27s+Veil) - great for protecting creatures that would be targets on other players turns, especially since Phase has been errata'ed to allow tokens to be phased. A great way to 'cheat' the system and keep those angel (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Angel) tokens from Geist of Saint Traft (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Geist+of+Saint+Traft) as well.
Sudden Death (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sudden+Death) & Wipe Away (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Wipe+Away) - other split second cards that should probably see more play.
Cannibalize (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Cannibalize) - another good card in reanimator decks. Put one of your creatures in the graveyard and two +1/+1 counters on another...or do it to an opponents creature.
Credit to NoNeedtoBragoBoutit on MTG Salvation forums for a good deal of these.
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Voracious Cobra (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Voracious+Cobra)
Island of Wak-Wak (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Island+of+Wak-Wak)
Scorched Ruins (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Scorched+Ruins)
Riftsweeper (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Riftsweeper)
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Ad Nauseam (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Ad+Nauseam)? ;D
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All of mine are commander gems, that should definitely see more play.
Generator Servant (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Generator+Servant) and Bloodlust Inciter (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Bloodlust+Inciter): two really good haste enablers. Generator Servant (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Generator+Servant) also works as ramp, and Bloodlust Inciter (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Bloodlust+Inciter) can be used to help a teammate.
Mirrodin's Core (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mirrodin%27s+Core): an absolutely underated land. Enters untaped, and has the potential to be tapped for colored mana.
Sentinel Totem (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sentinel+Totem): instant speed grave-hate is much better than sorcery speed grave-hate (looking at you Bojuka Bog (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Bojuka+Bog)). And, this thing let's you scry... all for one generic mana.
Caustic Caterpillar (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Caustic+Caterpillar): It works at instant speed, and can be used a turn earlier than Reclamation Sage (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Reclamation+Sage).
Manglehorn (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Manglehorn): while we're talking about artifact destruction, this guy also works as a nice stax effect. Now your opponent's Winter Orb (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Winter+Orb) and Sol Ring (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sol+Ring) enter tapped.
Pain lands: They enter untaped, and you'll likely only use them for colored mana twice (at most). Price wise, they range from $0.70 (Battlefield Forge (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Battlefield+Forge)) to $5.50 (Brushland (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Brushland)).
Praetor's Grasp (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Praetor%27s+Grasp) and Extract (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Extract): We all know those people that use Paradox Engine (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Paradox+Engine), Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Kiki-Jiki%2C+Mirror+Breaker), or Laboratory Maniac (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Laboratory+Maniac) as their win-con. Show them who's boss.
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Oh man I have a bitter ordeal (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Bitter+Ordeal) deck that uses the heartless summoning (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Heartless+Summoning)/Myr Retriever (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Myr+Retriever) combo to... well... you get it.
Mana tithe (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mana+Tithe) is a hidden gem I love. Nobody plays it.
Also, one of my favorite cards, that I built my first pure (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Pure) homebrew deck around, is Warped Devotion (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Warped+Devotion). So fun
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LOVE Mana Tithe (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mana+Tithe)! Had it in my Azorius EDH when Daxos was the commander. Was set up around Isochron Scepter (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Isochron+Scepter) and counter spells to protect my board.
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Personal Sanctuary (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Personal+Sanctuary) and Manabarbs (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Manabarbs). It is an interesting pairing of enchantments used together.
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LOVE Mana Tithe (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mana+Tithe)! Had it in my Azorius EDH when Daxos was the commander. Was set up around Isochron Scepter (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Isochron+Scepter) and counter spells to protect my board.
I run it in every deck I have that runs white. It's the best "gotcha!" Card because I find that people always tap out, even when they know it's in your deck. My Boros deck has taken so many games with it. Actually, that reminds me of another one:
Deflecting Palm (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Deflecting+Palm).
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I remembered a few more Commander gems.
Rishkar's Expertise (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Rishkar%27s+Expertise): Draw lots of cards, and then cast one for free. Absolutely amazing.
Notion Thief (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Notion+Thief): It has flash (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Flash), so it really catches people by surprise.
Mental Misstep (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mental+Misstep): every one mana spell in commander is worth countering. Sol Ring (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sol+Ring), Mana Vault (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mana+Vault), Elvish Mystic (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Elvish+Mystic), Serra Ascendant (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Serra+Ascendant), all of them.
Siren Stormtamer (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Siren+Stormtamer): This card is a new favorite of Azami, Lady of Scrolls (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Azami%2C+Lady+of+Scrolls) and Edric, Spymaster of Trest (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Edric%2C+Spymaster+of+Trest). See also: Judge's Familiar (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Judge%27s+Familiar).
Gideon of the Trials (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Gideon+of+the+Trials): His emblem can be activated immediately, so he prevents game winning combos right away.
Call to the Kindred (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Call+to+the+Kindred): tribal decks have always been popular, and this card fits right in.
Sudden Death (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sudden+Death), Sudden Spoiling (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sudden+Spoiling), Sudden Shock (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sudden+Shock), Trickbind (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Trickbind): I don't think people really understand how important split second is (most green decks use Krosan Grip (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Krosan+Grip), so that's good). You are stopping someone's combo, and they can't do anything in response.
Tragic Arrogance (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Tragic+Arrogance): you get to chose what stays and what goes. You leave your opponents with the worst stuff (like a goblin token) and you get to keep your best stuff.
Goblin Sharpshooter (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Goblin+Sharpshooter): This guy tears through the board. Deal one damage to Elvish Mystic (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Elvish+Mystic), it dies, Sharpshooter untaps, so you can do it again. You can destroy anything with one toughness at no consequence.
Defense of the Heart (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Defense+of+the+Heart): This card very obviously wins games, so why is it in so few decks?
Chancellor of the Annex (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Chancellor+of+the+Annex): there was a full cycle of Chancellors, and this is the only good one.
Spreading Plague (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Spreading+Plague): this will mess the whole board up, and force people to really think about what they're going to play.
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Rebuild (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Rebuild) - Nice little effect, there's other cards that do this but this one also has cycling. I love cards that have multiple uses.
Shivan Harvest (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Shivan+Harvest) - Free sac outlet that also nets you destroying that troublesome Maze of Ith (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Maze+of+Ith), Reliquary Tower (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Reliquary+Tower), etc.. Pretty good in a Rakdos deck that wants to sac permanents anyway.
Praetor's Grasp (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Praetor%27s+Grasp) - Another card with multiple functions...either take away a combo piece from an opponents deck just so they can't play it or take a card that you want to play such as a ramp piece (Sol Ring (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sol+Ring), Mana Crypt (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mana+Crypt), etc.)
Braid of Fire (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Braid+of+Fire) - while the mana can only be used during your upkeep, the right deck with good instants (Cyclonic Rift (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Cyclonic+Rift), etc.) love this.
Reap (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Reap) - Another good recursion spell, this time in green but that cares about black permanents.
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Braid of fire (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Braid+of+Fire) is good for paying other cumulative upkeep costs
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Reconnaissance (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Reconnaissance) - pretty nice ability that not many people even know exist.
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Reconnaissance (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Reconnaissance) - pretty nice ability that not many people even know exist.
Very nice, count me among those who were unaware. A lot of powerful abilities are triggered on attack, and often given to creatures 'not-exactly-built-for-combat'. A terrible example would be Tilonalli's Summoner (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Tilonalli%27s+Summoner), I'm sure there are more powerful examples. Exert is another way Wizards nerfs powerful standard abilities, and Reconnaissance (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Reconnaissance) gets around that as well; perfect for EDH or casual.
Thanks for the hidden gem!
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You're welcome! 8)
A few more....
Collective Restraint (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Collective+Restraint) - Really good in a three or more color deck.
Sage's Knowledge (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sage%27s+Knowledge) - Only gets sorceries but a good card...bring back Bitter Ordeal (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Bitter+Ordeal) or Exhume (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Exhume) for instance.
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Noxious Revival (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Noxious+Revival) - A recursion spell or way to postpone an opponents reanimation. For 2 life or one green.
Head Games (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Head+Games) - Can be quite funny. Wait for someone to tutor, cast this then replace his hand with x (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=X) lands or whatever screws them up.
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Noxious Revival (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Noxious+Revival) - A recursion spell or way to postpone an opponents reanimation. For 2 life or one green.
Head Games (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Head+Games) - Can be quite funny. Wait for someone to tutor, cast this then replace his hand with x (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=X) lands or whatever screws them up.
I ran, and still run, noxious revival (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Noxious+Revival) in my lantern deck. It lets you dig for stuff and put it back. It’s also amazing to screw with snapcaster players.
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Noxious Revival (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Noxious+Revival) - A recursion spell or way to postpone an opponents reanimation. For 2 life or one green.
Head Games (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Head+Games) - Can be quite funny. Wait for someone to tutor, cast this then replace his hand with x (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=X) lands or whatever screws them up.
I ran, and still run, noxious revival (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Noxious+Revival) in my lantern deck. It lets you dig for stuff and put it back. It’s also amazing to screw with snapcaster players.
It's an amazing card!
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I have a few for Standard :)
Herald of Anguish (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Herald+of+Anguish) - Still a great card that isn't seeing play despite some great improvise decks. I can potentially use treasure tokens/servos to pay for its cost.
Metallic Rebuke (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Metallic+Rebuke) - Another improvise card, like Mana Leak (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mana+Leak), can be as great when using 0 cost artefacts to tap.
Gleaming Barrier (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Gleaming+Barrier)/ Servo Schematic (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Servo+Schematic) - 0/4 for which creates a treasure on death is great with cards like Costly Plunder (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Costly+Plunder), same goes for Servo Schematic (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Servo+Schematic). The payback is there.
Perilous Voyage (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Perilous+Voyage) - 1U - return non-land permanent and scry 2 (if) spell =< 2 is a powerful card and underestimated card!
Liliana's Defeat (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Liliana%27s+Defeat) - a sideboard card to be sure but a 1 mana sorcery to destroy ANY black creature/planeswalker is an awesome utility card! (Not to mention if you are playing against Liliana, Death's Majesty (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Liliana%2C+Death%27s+Majesty))
Thrashing Brontodon (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Thrashing+Brontodon) - a 3 mana 3/4 which can be sacked to destroy an enchantment/artefact isn't something to disregard, especially in a sideboard. Better than a Felidar Cub (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Felidar+Cub), as it can easily snub an Abrade (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Abrade)/ Magma Spray (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Magma+Spray)
Wayward Swordtooth (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Wayward+Swordtooth) - As I've posted in my Top Rivals Cards, this was one of the ones I rated... 5/5 that can't attack for 3 mana but can still crew and act as Mina and Denn, Wildborn (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Mina+and+Denn%2C+Wildborn) for land ramp, is brilliant!
Renegade Wheelsmith (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Renegade+Wheelsmith) - 3 mana and it works well with Mardu Vehicles and in my opinion is a vastly better card than Ahn Crop Crasher (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Ahn-Crop+Crasher). 3 mana and doesn't need to exert to utilise the same ability. The downside is that it doesn't have haste, but for a 3/2 that can crew, what's better?
Cultivator's Caravan (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Cultivator%27s+Caravan) - Another overlooked vehicle. Even though Abrade (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Abrade) is still a mainboard card, this card can be a real asset. 3 mana for a 5/5 that can be used as mana ramp, and can't be targeted by Essence Scatter (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Essence+Scatter).
Kinjalli's Sunwing (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Kinjalli%27s+Sunwing) - A Thalia, Heretic Cathar (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Thalia%2C+Heretic+Cathar) but more resilient and has evasion. While it can't tap down non-basic lands it is such a value card!
Finally
Lathnu Hellion (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Lathnu+Hellion) - A 4/4 with Haste for 3 mana? Why isn't this played, more often?!? I played it in a PPTQ and came 1st. You can even keep it alive (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Alive) by bouncing Greenbelt Rampager (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Greenbelt+Rampager). They have to respond to it immediately, not many creatures turn 3 can withstand (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Withstand) a 4/4, and the only removal that can effectively destroy it instant speed is Harnessed Lightning (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Harnessed+Lightning) +1 Energy on the same turn. Unlikely you'll have a revolt trigger for Fatal Push (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Fatal+Push), just saying!
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That's some pretty good ones.
Restoration Specialist (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Restoration+Specialist) & Salvage Scout (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Salvage+Scout) are pretty good recursion for cheap.
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Chain of Vapor (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Chain+of+Vapor) is a secret MVP for storm in EDH
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Beseech the Queen (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Beseech+the+Queen) - may be a little situational, but better than Diabolic Tutor (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Diabolic+Tutor) in almost every instance.
Chain Reaction (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Chain+Reaction) - basically a red board wipe.
Skullwinder (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Skullwinder) - essentially another Eternal Witness (http://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Eternal+Witness) but it also gives an opponent a card back from their GY as well. Makes for some really interesting politics if you're EDH group is big into that.
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vedalken orrery (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Vedalken+Orrery)
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Siren's Call (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Siren%27s+Call) - Force your opponent to attack with all creatures for U. All creatures that he hasn't played that turn and doesnt attack (e.g. tap creatures mana elves) get destroyed at end of turn
Maddening Imp (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Maddening+Imp) - does the same as sirens call (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Siren%27s+Call). BUT a) as tap effect, and b) he ignores summoning sickness. your opponent just played his commander and it doesn't has haste? Tap Maddening Imp (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Maddening+Imp) and its gone (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Gone) at the end of turn. ;)
Curtains' Call (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Curtains%27+Call) - a very great card. i usually play in a match with 4-5 players. that means i can destroy 2 creatures for just 2-3 mana.
Tragic Slip (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Tragic+Slip) - Especially in EDH you got alot of turns where a creature dies. Tragic Slip (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Tragic+Slip) allows you then to get rid of any single creature for B. Since its -/- you dont even have to care about indestructibility (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Indestructibility).
Tempting Licid (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Tempting+Licid) - on the first look nothing special, but he allows you to do nasty combat tricks. opponent A attacks opponent B. pay G to add the licid as aura on a (preferable fat) creature A controlls. all creatures B controlles have to block that creature. This way you can get rid of alot of untapped utility creatures. And if the A's creature would also die (oops) just pay another G to end the effect after blockers are declared to get your licid back.
Tajuru Preserver (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=de&card=Tajuru+Preserver) - protect your board from sacrifice effects for just 2 mana. and hes way cheaper then his big sister Sigarda.
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I had forgotten all about it until I saw it on Cmdr Vs yesterday....
Retribution of the Ancients (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Retribution+of+the+Ancients) - seriously does some work in +1/+1 counter decks. Since it gives -X/-X it gets around things that are indestructible (I'm looking at you Theros & Amonket gods) as well as effects that give creatures indestructible such as Avacyn, Angel of Hope (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Avacyn%2C+Angel+of+Hope) or Sliver Hivelord (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?lng=en&card=Sliver+Hivelord). It does target so it does nothing to hexproof or shroud.
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Thought I would resurrect this thread from the dead to try to find out what hidden gems people have discovered since the last posts over a year and a half ago.
One I recently discovered (just this morning, saw it on another site) would seem to be Ashes to Ashes (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ashes+to+Ashes). Same price as Murder (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Murder) with the additional cost of five life for exile (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Exile) of two creatures? Yes please. Definitely something I will be testing out.
I don't remember anyone mentioning Lapse of Certainty (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Lapse+of+Certainty) before either.
ETA- moved to Commander discussion forum since this is almost entirely an Commander discussion.
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Reckless Spite (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Reckless+Spite) is an instant speed counterpart to Ashes to Ashes (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ashes+to+Ashes)., but does not exile (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Exile). There is also Wicked Pact (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wicked+Pact) but it is just kind of worse version as well (but can kill artifacts!). In total, you can get 3 copies of this 2-for-1 into your deck
Llanowar Druid (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Llanowar+Druid) in mono green can be some nice ramp, not that you really need it in green lol. But it could be some sick pauper tech
Act of Treason (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Act+of+Treason), and most of it's variants, are great in Krenko, Mob Boss (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Krenko%2C+Mob+Boss) decks. I am personally fond of Wrangle (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wrangle) at 2 mana and Act of Aggression (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Act+of+Aggression) because it is 3 colorless mana at instant speed, which is a nice surprise. It's not an instant speed effect usually
Furystoke Giant (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Furystoke+Giant) is also a fun piece of tech in Krenko
I know there is an entire archetype based around it (Momir Hack Ball) but I just learned of it recently:
Glamerdye (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Glamerdye), Trait Doctoring (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Trait+Doctoring), etc on Momir Vig, Simic Visionary (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Momir+Vig%2C+Simic+Visionary) makes all of your green or blue creatures tutor for another creature. And then you can rinse and repeat to your hearts content.
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One I recently discovered (just this morning, saw it on another site) would seem to be Ashes to Ashes (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ashes+to+Ashes).
I love Ashes to Ashes (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ashes+to+Ashes), especially in Commander. 5 life is such a small price to pay for that effect. And I love Drew Tucker's art on it too.
A few that come to mind from me that I don't think have been covered here are:
Spawning Pit (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Spawning+Pit). Everyone knows instant speed sac outlets are good, but 2 mana, goes in any deck and can make you more dudes to sac is just wonderful.
Undead Gladiator (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Undead+Gladiator). I rate cycling probably much higher than I should, but this guy basically gives every card in your deck "Cycling 2BB", if a little slower. I play a LOT of black decks and decks that care about graveyards and this guy is a little engine all of his own.
Pain's Reward (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Pain%27s+Reward). This is my new favourite card. It's my favourite mini game to play in magic. The best part is, you always win.
Carnival of Souls (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Carnival+of+Souls). You have to be careful with it, but if your deck can handle it, it's amazing. Also has my favourite flavour text.
Faceless Butcher (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Faceless+Butcher). It's fiend hunter (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Fiend+Hunter) in black. It has the good wording where you can sac it in response and the thing will stay exiled, but it's in black so you're in the best colour to take advantage of all the sacrifice benefits.
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I looked out of curiosity (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Curiosity) and just found an Ashes to Ashes (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ashes+to+Ashes) in one of my boxes. Can't believe I had forgotten about the card since I apparently own one. :o
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Steely Resolve (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Steely+Resolve) - Fantastic in green based tribal decks. It's easy to run in 4-5 color tribal decks (Morophon, the Boundless (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Morophon%2C+the+Boundless) or dragons, for example) also because it only requires 1 green pip. Also, it's only 2 mana and an enchantment so it comes down early and is hard to remove on its own.
Kenrith's Transformation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Kenrith%27s+Transformation) - While it is a newer card, it definitely deserves a place in mono green decks. It replaces itself upon entering (fun little synergy with Yarok) and turns your opponent's big, threatening creature into a 3/3.
Dimir House Guard (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Dimir+House+Guard) - Nice little tutor, sac outlet, evasive, graveyard synergies. It's a Swiss Army Knife of a card.
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Last Laugh (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Last+Laugh) has been my go to lately. A machine gun type boardwipe life loss effect. Granted it hits you to but it is really easy to start firing with it by putting almost anything into the graveyard
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I'd say Leyline of Abundance (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Leyline+of+Abundance) is still pretty underrated. Tons of decks want to use mana dorks, and Leyline is potentially a free G tacked onto every dork activation. The fact that it can also be used as a mana sink to pump later in the game is a nice bonus, too. EDHrec says it's only in 1% of all decks on the site, but I feel that should be higher.
Also, Thousand-Year Elixir (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Thousand-Year+Elixir). While it doesn't ACTUALLY give haste, it does for everything other than attacking. The fact that it's an artifact and can work as another haste enabler can really help a lot of decks. Have Cryptolith Rite (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cryptolith+Rite)? Every creature you play basically works as a Command Tower (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Command+Tower) the first turn it's out. Desperately need something like Hermit Druid (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Hermit+Druid) or your commander (looking at you, Mayael the Anima (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Mayael+the+Anima)) to go off, but you know you'll never untap with it? The Elixir's got your back. On top of everything else, it gives you an untap once per turn, so mana dorks make more mana and important effects can go off twice on the first turn they're played. EDHrec has this card at 3%, but I think that should be higher given how many decks care about tap effects on creatures.
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Flowstone Slide (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flowstone+Slide). This expensive spell is two things for a fatties deck: a creature pump and a board wipe. Cannot recommend enough, has proven to be worth its mana cost. (I play Rosheen Meanderer (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Rosheen+Meanderer) so it's a little easier to cast but I suspect any Gruul deck wouldn't have trouble casting it anyway.)
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Words of Wilding (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Words+of+Wilding) is insane in a Korvold, Fae-Cursed King (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Korvold%2C+Fae-Cursed+King) deck and yet EDHRec says it appears in only 1.26% of his decks. The card basically turns any mana-generating sac outlet (Thermopod (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Thermopod), Ashnod’s Altar (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ashnod%27s+Altar), Phyrexian Altar (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Phyrexian+Altar)) into infinite +1/+1 counters on Korvold (Ashnod's also turn into infinite colorless mana). My usual playgroup no longer lets it land or stay for long...
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I started to use the triple-color clan-charms like Abzan Charm (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=de&card=Abzan+Charm) a lot in my (budged-) modern decks. They are moneywise cheap but nontheless flexible as hell.
My favorite one is Sultai Charm (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=de&card=Sultai+Charm). Its main reason is to remove creatures, but handles artifacts and entchantments too. And if there are no targets it just draws/loots some cards. So its never a dead card, but may save some slots in a Sideboard.
Another good example is Jund Charm (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=de&card=Jund+Charm), which is gy-hate, small massremoval and pump on one card.
I like this flexibility on those cards a lot, especially in formats with 60-card-decks (in commander/EDH they might be not that good though).
Not to mention that everything may happen on instant-speed.
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Thought this deserved some more discussion since it's been a while since we talked in it.
To restart the conversation I'll go with Gaea's Bounty (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Gaea%27s+Bounty). It's relatively cheap (a quarter or less) and can search for duals, shocks, or triomes.
ETA- would be nice if it gave you an extra land drop but the ability to mana fix on your normal land drops is nice.
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One card I've been jamming a lot recently and have fallen in love with is wing shards (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wing+Shards).
You would be amazed at how often people dump their hand pre combat and then swing.
It's devastating against tribal builds who want to play all their lord effects pre-combat.
Also, The owl on the art is delightful.
It's literally a card that will change peoples habits. My playgroup now plays around it. They're learning to play things second main unless there is a specific benefit. They don't want to get got by the owl.
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I love threads like this, as my favorite thing in Commander is building & refining deck and the satisfaction of finding underplayed cards that work beautifully in my decks.
Ravos, Soultender (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Ravos%2C+Soultender) (2%) feels so good even outside of the Command Zone. While he is pretty expensive to cast, he has great abilities. In flier-based decks, he adds to the boardstate, pumps the team, and gives some resilience to removal; in token-based decks, the anthem & recursion is useful; and in recursion-based decks, yet again his 3rd ability works beautifully. I run him in Alesha because he makes her more formidable in combat, can easily be cheated out by Alesha to circumvent his high mana cost (has flying so he doesn't get killed in combat), and provides extra free recursion.
Mistcaller (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Mistcaller) (1%) is probably the highest on my list. So. Many. Decks. Get hosed by this. Here's a small list of stuff this hits:
- Graveyard recursion. Unless you are actually casting the card from the graveyard, this card says no. Ex. Animate Dead (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Animate+Dead), Reanimate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Reanimate), Dread Return (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Dread+Return), Victimize (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Victimize), and more.
- Creatures that are tutored into play. Ex. Chord of Calling (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Chord+of+Calling), Finale of Devastation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Finale+of+Devastation), Green Sun's Zenith (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Green+Sun%27s+Zenith), Natural Order (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Natural+Order), Eldritch Evolution (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Eldritch+Evolution), etc
- Cheating creatures into play from hand. Ex. Braids, Conjurer Adept (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Braids%2C+Conjurer+Adept), Hypergenesis (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Hypergenesis).
It is specifically good in Merfolk decks (obvi), but is also really good in Muldrotha, the Gravetide (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Muldrotha%2C+the+Gravetide) because she actually casts her spells from the graveyard and can sac and replay it multiple times.
Cursecatcher (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cursecatcher) (1%) is hilarious when people forget (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Forget) about it. Many a time I have played it T1-2 and later in the game it's still sitting there, ignored by my opponents. One of them will either tap out for an expensive, bomby spell (I've countered an Expropriate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Expropriate) before 8) ) or will just leave a couple of mana up for an emergency removal spell and Cursecatcher (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cursecatcher) will, well, catch the curse.
Gift of Doom (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Gift+of+Doom) (1%) has overperformed in both of my black-based reanimator decks. Even if my opponents know about it, it's basically impossible to deal with while feeling good.
If they counter it, I have successfully baited out a counter in exchange for a protection piece designed to do just what it did.
If they try to kill it while it's a creature, I can flip it in response to fizzle the removal spell.
If they try to kill another creature while it's a morph, I can flip it to (likely) fizzle the removal spell.
If its attached to a creature, it makes the creature much more difficult to remove & also makes it painful to attack into/block its creature.
If its attached to a creature and they remove it (not the creature) then it has done its job.
It gets even better when you are playing with new people, too.
Blood Pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet) (1%) is crazy good in Meren in particular (shoutout to CleanBelwas, who suggested it to me) but is basically a 0 mana controllable LTB trigger, which a lot of decks love. It also can give you a little mana boost (ex. cast it T1 to be able to play a 3 drop on T2) and is just an awesome little work horse of a card that's great in any graveyard-based deck that wants to smooth out its curve.
Kenrith's Transformation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Kenrith%27s+Transformation) (3%) seems bad, but it's a lot better than people give it credit. Creature removal is almost nonexistent in green, and it does a solid job of it, even ignoring the card draw stapled to it. Once you include the card you get, it becomes really good in my eyes. Removal that immediately replace itself is a powerful thing. Even if someone removes it to get their creature back down the line, you aren't down anything. While it is more of a temporary answer to creatures, as it can easily be removed, it can give the rest of the table a turn or two of breathing room, which could be long enough for them to find their Swords to Plowshares (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Swords+to+Plowshares) & Assassin's Trophies (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Assassin%27s+Trophy) to finish the creature altogether.
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Blood Pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet) (1%) is crazy good in Meren in particular (shoutout to CleanBelwas, who suggested it to me) but is basically a 0 mana controllable LTB trigger, which a lot of decks love. It also can give you a little mana boost (ex. cast it T1 to be able to play a 3 drop on T2) and is just an awesome little work horse of a card that's great in any graveyard-based deck that wants to smooth out its curve.
This warms my mono black soul. I LOVE Blood Pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet). Such an innocuous little card but actually does so much work if your deck cares about sacrifice at all.
I've even killed people with it. Blood Pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet), Mortuary (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Mortuary) and anything that draws a card when a creature dies like Grim Haruspex (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Grim+Haruspex). Sac the pet to add a black, stack the triggers so blood pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet) goes back on top before you draw, draw blood pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet), recast it for the black it made. Infinite storm, infinite death triggers, infinite cards drawn if that's your thing (looking at you Psychosis Crawler (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Psychosis+Crawler)). And all with this dumb little frog. Love it.
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Vedalken Aethermage (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Vedalken+Aethermage) - a brilliant card in many ways. Regular casting is stupid but the things its cycling ability does are really flexible. It hits both Thassa's Oracle (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Thassa%27s+Oracle) and Laboratory Maniac (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Laboratory+Maniac). It's instant speed, costs pennies, can't be countered (only Stifle (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Stifle) hits it), is in monoblue that generally lacks creature tutors and finds you any wizard you can think of in addition to the two best ones I mentioned. Get Azami, Lady of Scrolls (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Azami%2C+Lady+of+Scrolls) to draw more, find Archaeomancer (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Archaeomancer) to pick up your favourite spell, do the Venser, Shaper Savant (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Venser%2C+Shaper+Savant) dance to bounce a spell or a combo piece. It just does stuff. In a pinch it is and extra Wizard if you really need that.
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I've even killed people with it. Blood Pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet), Mortuary (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Mortuary) and anything that draws a card when a creature dies like Grim Haruspex (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Grim+Haruspex). Sac the pet to add a black, stack the triggers so blood pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet) goes back on top before you draw, draw blood pet (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blood+Pet), recast it for the black it made. Infinite storm, infinite death triggers, infinite cards drawn if that's your thing (looking at you Psychosis Crawler (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Psychosis+Crawler)). And all with this dumb little frog. Love it.
Pog that combo is ridiculously cool! I now hope for a black+ commander in Commander Legends that has a Grim Haruspex-type effect attached to it. That would be super cool and I would be able to include this combo, easy. Fingers crossed.
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Mortuary (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Mortuary) is a nice little card in it's own right. I use to run a combo with it, Altar of Dementia (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Altar+of+Dementia), and Narcomoeba (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Narcomoeba) in my Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Sidisi%2C+Brood+Tyrant) deck but ended up taking it out because Narcomoeba (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Narcomoeba) just didn't do all that much on its own.
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Here's what I came up with looking for the best card in each of my EDh decks that I haven't seen played by anyone else:
Power Conduit (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Power+Conduit): I've used him with Arixmethis, Slumbering Isle to get him down two counters the turn I play him, and then another at the beginning of the following turn. I've used it with Decree of Silence (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Decree+of+Silence) to counter an extra spell. Devoted Druid (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Devoted+Druid) can tap for 3 every turn. Any time you find yourself needing counters removed, it's surprisingly good.
Shadow Rift (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Shadow+Rift): Making a creature unblockable for 1 mana is good, having it replace itself is even better, but having the flexibility to also make a creature unable to block instead is what really makes this card undervalued.
Instill Energy (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Instill+Energy): I don't know why this is so underplayed. Haste in green is nice, but the ability to untap each turn is awesome. Your mana dorks tap for double, basically paying for the spell the turn you cast it. If you've got a big boy that you want to attack with but need to hold up as a blocker, here's psuedo-vigilance. It's versatile and cheap.
Spectral Searchlight (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Spectral+Searchlight): This is okay-at-best ramp, but it's a great tool for politicking if you're into that. How many times has another player had an answer to a threat, but they didn't have the mana to play it. If you have something scary staring you down with no way to stop it, it's super easy to say, I'll give a mana of any color to anyone that can remove this threat before it hits me. The rest of the table will have the deal with the threat soon enough, so they're usually happy to step in if you help with the cost.
Soul Foundry (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Soul+Foundry): This can really fill a lot of roles. From making an essentially free Llanowar Elves (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Llanowar+Elves) every turn (since the one you made last turn pays for this turns activation), to finally getting triggers from Charmed Stray (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Charmed+Stray)'s ETB, there are endless ways to make this card interesting.
Dimir House Guard (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Dimir+House+Guard): Free sac outlet and a tutor. Why is this not played more?
Awe Strike (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Awe+Strike): One mana to turn any instance of damage into life gain. This can really wreck players. Aetherflux Reservior? I'll let you pay 50 life to have me gain 50, that seems fair. Going all in for a one shot kill with commander damage? I'll be happy to gain 21 life. Heartless Hidetsugu (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Heartless+Hidetsugu)? Yeah, I'll gain half my life total instead, hope that's okay.
Sisters of the Flame (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Sisters+of+the+Flame): A 2/2 mana dork for 3 isn't that exciting, unless you're in red. Red desperately needs ramp, and it loves getting a lot of little creatures on the board anyways. (She's played in less than 100 decks on EDHrec?)
Skybind (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Skybind): This is a fabulous way to recur ETB's and can even be used before a board wipe to protect a key creature or, with an enchantment with flash (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flash), can save a permanent any time. White loves enchantments and ETBs, so this would be a great fit in so many decks.
Rishadan Footpad (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Rishadan+Footpad): Having everyone sac a creature is good, putting it on a recurrable body is great. Yes, they can pay their way out of it and they choose the creature, but with a little patience or planning, that shouldn't matter.
Inviolability (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Inviolability): Most card like this prevent all damage that would be dealt by and dealt to enchanted creature, or just deals with combat damage, but this just prevents all damage dealt to the creature. This has plenty of ways to abuse. Maybe you have an attack trigger that doesn't matter if you get through or not, maybe you have a creature with infect, but it will die the first time it tries to swing in, maybe you have a Wall of Glare (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wall+of+Glare) or the like and just want to block everything, or maybe you're about to play Blasphemous Act (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blasphemous+Act). This is gold in every case. Even if you just put it on your biggest creature and swing every turn, that's still quite good.
Thundering Djinn (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Thundering+Djinn): There are lots of ways (especially in blue) to draw 10, 15, 20 cards in a turn. This turns that card draw into damage when it attacks. Even if it doesn't survive, it still gets that damage in, so it can always turn a bunch of draws into damage, but it does have evasion, so it will often get through as well. There are 17,000 decks on EDHrec playing Psychosis Crawler (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Psychosis+Crawler), and yet less than 300 running this guy. Obviously, this isn't as good, it only counts card draw on your turn before combat and it only hits one target instead of each opponent, but it can also direct that damage at a creature or planewalker, so it does have a little versatility that the crawler doesn't.
Well, there you go, a hidden gem from each of my decks. Not many of these should be auto-includes for any color or archetype, but they're all fairly cheap and off the beaten path options that can be really great in the right build.
Let me know if you end up using any of these guys.
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Awe Strike (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Awe+Strike): One mana to turn any instance of damage into life gain. This can really wreck players. Aetherflux Reservior? I'll let you pay 50 life to have me gain 50, that seems fair. Going all in for a one shot kill with commander damage? I'll be happy to gain 21 life. Heartless Hidetsugu (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Heartless+Hidetsugu)? Yeah, I'll gain half my life total instead, hope that's okay.
Awe Strike (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Awe+Strike) doesn't work on Aetherflux Reservoir (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Aetherflux+Reservoir). It only prevents damage from creatures so it wouldn't prevent the damage nor would you gain the life from it.
Edit- fix spelling
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Reviving this for a quick minute to talk about Flumph (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flumph). Is it just me or is this an underrated draw spell? First it has flying and high toughness, so it deters small attacks and chip damage. More importantly, it draws you cards when you do get attacked, and you can use this as a political tool. You can convince an opponent to attack you so you both get to draw. Or if someone attacks with multiple creatures you can have a different opponent draw a card out of spite. If you can convince everyone to throw small creatures at you they each get 1 card per turn cycle, but you'll get three. Nice.
I haven't had an opportunity (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Opportunity) to use it yet, but I've seen a friend use it and it performs well.
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Flumph (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flumph)
I remember thinking all that when the set came out. I haven't seen anyone run it at my LGS. I haven't put it into a deck yet myself. Although I'm about to build a flying-tribal deck, so Flumph (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flumph) will likely win a slot.
My LGS players don't dig deep into politics. I suspect Flumph (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flumph) will often become the target of some spot removal.
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Decisive Denial (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Decisive+Denial). Counters counters, noncreature combo pieces, removal, and rifts, and doubles as a removal spell. All on a 2-mana package? Way underplayed, especially considering it’s an easily-accessible uncommon worth basically nothing.
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Decisive Denial (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Decisive+Denial).
Thanks for that. I'm going to be rebuilding my Mimeoplasm deck soon. I'll keep this in mind as a great counter/removal option.
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Reviving this for a quick minute to talk about Flumph (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Flumph). Is it just me or is this an underrated draw spell? First it has flying and high toughness, so it deters small attacks and chip damage. More importantly, it draws you cards when you do get attacked, and you can use this as a political tool. You can convince an opponent to attack you so you both get to draw. Or if someone attacks with multiple creatures you can have a different opponent draw a card out of spite. If you can convince everyone to throw small creatures at you they each get 1 card per turn cycle, but you'll get three. Nice.
I haven't had an opportunity (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Opportunity) to use it yet, but I've seen a friend use it and it performs well.
It may be worth a try in mono W or Boros! Another card that I think is underplayed in these colors is Secret Rendezvous (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Secret+Rendezvous). The drawback is not as bad as it seems, as you can target someone who's behind, and you get the three cards immediately.
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In a similar vein, Soul Manipulation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Soul+Manipulation). It's a bit too situational but great card advantage when at its best (compare Bone to Ash (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Bone+to+Ash)).
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Blessing of Frost (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blessing+of+Frost) is fairly good in any deck that runs snow lands and needs card draw.
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I was recently thinking about the fact that Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) is underplayed in mono-G and GX decks.
If you look at its EDHREC page, it's mainly included in Enchantress decks (https://edhrec.com/cards/overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth)).
It sees play in 2% of decks which can play it. Compare this with Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate), for example, which sees play in 48%.
I think that Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) should see much more play and not only in Enchantress decks.
Why, do you ask? Well, there is basically no other 3 mana value card that can by itself give you access to 6 mana on turn 4.
Sure, enchantments can be removed more easily than lands, but they are pretty difficult to remove anyway, and is someone really wasting a removal spell on this with Rhystic Study (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Rhystic+Study) and Smothering Tithe (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Smothering+Tithe) popping around in most casual games?
Of course, this only applies to heavy-G decks, so mostly mono-G and GX decks. But I think this should definitely see more play!
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I play Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) quite a lot. It's essentially a three-mana rock but it "taps" for two, and two green in fact rather than two colourless. Honestly I think a lot of the land enchantment ramp is a bit underplayed.
On that note, I recently started considering Frontier Siege (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Frontier+Siege). Again, it's a big ramp but compare with something like Skyshroud Claim (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Skyshroud+Claim). The mana being split amongst phases it a bit annoying but costing 4 mana and giving 4 mana is still pretty great.
Many decks probably want fast mana more than "big" mana; these don't really replace the cheap stuff and, conversely, they don't work with most (any?) mana doublers, which might explain why they don't show up so much. I definitely prefer Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) to Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate), though.
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Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) better than Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) if you havent seen it. Not really an unknown card tho
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I don't see Wrap in Vigor (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wrap+in+Vigor) as much as I'd expect to. It's significantly cheaper, moneywise, than Heroic Intervention (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Heroic+Intervention) but accomplishes more or less (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=More+or+Less) the same thing in most situations where you'd want it.
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Tokens would be lost and stuff too unfortunately, and heatproof stops targeted exile (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Exile). I agree it's underrated but it's definitely less flexible. Interesting that regeneration (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Regeneration) and indestructible are functionally very similar, not something I've really thought about.
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Tokens would be lost and stuff too unfortunately, and heatproof stops targeted exile (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Exile). I agree it's underrated but it's definitely less flexible. Interesting that regeneration (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Regeneration) and indestructible are functionally very similar, not something I've really thought about.
Why would tokens be lost? Wrap in Vigor (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wrap+in+Vigor) is less useful because Swords to Plowshares (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Swords+to+Plowshares) still goes through, but I think it's mostly just a card people haven't seen much.
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Tokens cease existing when they change zones. Also counters like +1/+1 and stuff would also go away.
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Tokens cease existing when they change zones. Also counters like +1/+1 and stuff would also go away.
There is no changing of zones with regeneration (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Regeneration) though.
I agree that Wrap in Vigor (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wrap+in+Vigor) is an excellent budget replacement for Heroic Intervention (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Heroic+Intervention). Another great one if you're in Golgari colors is Golgari Charm (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Golgari+Charm).
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Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) better than Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) if you havent seen it. Not really an unknown card tho
Sure, but Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) is in 11% of decks according to EDHREC.
Utopia Sprawl (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Utopia+Sprawl) is in 7% (probably also because it's significantly more expensive money-wise).
The one that is severely underplayed (imho) is Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth). A bit slower, sure, but very powerful. If you play it later than turn 3, contrary to Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate) / Kodama's Reach (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Kodama%27s+Reach), it immediately refunds you 2/3 of its cost.
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Tokens cease existing when they change zones. Also counters like +1/+1 and stuff would also go away.
There is no changing of zones with regeneration (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Regeneration) though.
I agree that Wrap in Vigor (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wrap+in+Vigor) is an excellent budget replacement for Heroic Intervention (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Heroic+Intervention). Another great one if you're in Golgari colors is Golgari Charm (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Golgari+Charm).
Ah ur right MB. Hiatus hurt more than I thought.
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Ah ur right MB. Hiatus hurt more than I thought.
No worries :)
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Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) ... Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth)
In this vein, to get some color fixing too, I like Utopia Sprawl (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Utopia+Sprawl).
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Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) ... Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth)
In this vein, to get some color fixing too, I like Utopia Sprawl (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Utopia+Sprawl).
That's also a great one and probably a bit underplayed (although the fact that it costed 8$ for a long time probably played a role in that!)
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Sprawl specifically enchants forests.. makes it harder to run than Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) in multicolored decks unfortunately
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Sprawl specifically enchants forests.. makes it harder to run than Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) in multicolored decks unfortunately
They don't have to be basics, Cinder Glade (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cinder+Glade) for example is a valid target, and the slight increase in difficulty to use is easily offset by the fact that it'll provide any color you need after that.
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Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) is definitely underplayed, too. It makes sense that it's in more decks than Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth), perhaps, but not Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate)! It's the same as a Llanowar Elves (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Llanowar+Elves) if played T1 (except as an enchantment, much less likely to get wiped), and better if played later (notwithstanding synergies; green decks are liable to have Beast Whisperer (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Beast+Whisperer) type effects or want to win with a Craterhoof, etc). But in pure ramp terms (certainly for maybe two-colour decks not looking to win through creature stomping) it beats dorks, and its certainly faster/better than three-mana ramp.
Overgrowth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Overgrowth) I prefer to Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate) too, except maybe in decks of many colours. It ramps you more, and if played once you have 3 mana + land, it can be tapped immediately to give you back two of its casting cost. However Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate) fixes your colours way better... but then so does Chromatic Lantern (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Chromatic+Lantern), and most people are shunning that now as not good enough any more. I think that Cultivate (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Cultivate)'s stats are probably inflated however because it's well-known and has been reprinted a lot, so it's not really a fair comparison. It's not that great and outclassed by a lot of options now, but still shows up a lot.
Utopia Sprawl (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Utopia+Sprawl) is good but the decks that want its fixing the most are less likely to have many forests. No problem running it as a kind of Wild Growth (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Wild+Growth) in two-colour, in fact it's probably even a bit better there (you can choose green after all), but I wouldn't really want to risk it in 4-5 colours unless maybe it's a very green-heavy deck that just wants to splash for the odd other thing.
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With how common +1/+1 counters are, I submit Spike Cannibal (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Spike+Cannibal)
Blightbeetle (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Blightbeetle) is another great commander card for the same reason, although it was as recent as M20 so I don't know how "hidden" it is
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With how common +1/+1 counters are, I submit Spike Cannibal (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Spike+Cannibal)
Thief of Blood (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Thief+of+Blood) will take ALL the counters from everything. Not just +1/+1 counters. Kills ALL the planeswalkers. Takes ALL the ability counters.
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Thief of Blood (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Thief+of+Blood) will take ALL the counters from everything. Not just +1/+1 counters. Kills ALL the planeswalkers. Takes ALL the ability counters.
Noooo my luck counter! (Gemstone Caverns (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Gemstone+Caverns))
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Solve the Equation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Solve+the+Equation) - ok, it's not a 1 blue mana instant, but it puts the sorcery or instant you tutored for in your hand. Almost nobody plays this but it's insanely good.
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Solve the Equation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Solve+the+Equation) - ok, it's not a 1 blue mana instant, but it puts the sorcery or instant you tutored for in your hand. Almost nobody plays this but it's insanely good.
Good card, but... It's in 29 thousand decks according to EDH, which is 8% of the decks that can include it (https://edhrec.com/cards/solve-the-equation).
Not exactly a card nobody plays...
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Well, fair, but many of the other cards mentioned are also fairly frequently played. Or at least I see them all the time with people I play with. Yet I never see anyone with Solve the Equation (https://cards.deckstats.net/magiccard.php?utf8=1&lng=en&card=Solve+the+Equation). So, personal experience talking here, that's all :)