CEDH—Competitive Elder Dragon Highlander—is Magic: the Gathering’s most finely tuned format. In this high-powered realm of fast combos, efficient interaction, and explosive mana, every card counts. But so does every dollar. Building a top-tier CEDH deck from scratch can easily surpass $5,000.
What’s the solution for new players or budget-conscious veterans? CEDH proxy decks.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to test and play competitive Commander with high-quality proxies—like those in our CEDH Proxy Pack—and outline the format’s most essential staples like Gaea’s Cradle, Mana Crypt, and dual lands.
Whether you’re testing for a tournament or entering your first high-power pod, here’s how to do it without breaking the bank.
💥 What Is CEDH (and Why Is It So Expensive)?
CEDH is the high-powered variant of Commander where winning as fast and efficiently as possible is the goal. Expect infinite combos, stax pieces, and layers of interaction by turn 2 or 3.
Cards that define CEDH decks include:
- Fast mana like Jeweled Lotus, Mox Diamond, and Mana Crypt
- Powerful enablers like Gaea’s Cradle, Timetwister, and Dockside Extortionist
- Tutors and protection like Vampiric Tutor, Fierce Guardianship, and Silence
That’s where CEDH proxy decks come in—providing a practical, affordable way to learn and iterate before investing in official printings.
🔑 Key Staples Found in Our CEDH Proxy Pack
1. Gaea’s Cradle
- $900+ for an original copy
- Vital in green creature-based combo decks (Selvala, Marwyn, Najeela)
- Our proxy version replicates the look and feel of the original, including border options and old-school foil treatment.
🔗 Gaea’s Cradle on Scryfall
🔗 MTGGoldfish Price Tracker
2. Mana Crypt
- Iconic fast mana
- Enables turn 1 combo pieces and tutors
- Found in nearly every CEDH deck from Kinnan to Thrasios/Tymna
3. Timetwister
- $3,500+ for a real copy
- Legacy Power Nine draw spell used in wheels-based strategies and Hullbreacher combos
🛠️ Our proxy version is ideal for testing Thoracle, Kess, or Narset builds.
4. ABUR Dual Lands
- Legacy staples like Underground Sea, Volcanic Island, and Tropical Island
- Central to consistent mana bases in competitive EDH
✨ Pro tip: Use our Dual Land Proxies from the CEDH Proxy Pack for fetching, color fixing, and deck tuning.
🧪 Why Test With CEDH Proxy Decks?
CEDH is not a format you want to guess your way through. Proxies give you:
- 📊 Data-driven tuning – Run 20+ test games before locking in purchases
- 🧠 Pilot practice – Get reps in on high-skill decks like Kinnan, Rograkh/Silas, or Najeela
- 🏆 Tournament prep – Play against real metas using cards you’re still sourcing
🔍 How to Build a Budget Competitive MTG Deck with Proxies
- Choose a deck that fits your playstyle. Use sites like:
- Order a everything you need on our site.
Including high-quality replicas of:- Gaea’s Cradle
- Mana Crypt
- ABUR Duals
- Timetwister
- Chrome Mox
- Grim Monolith
- Print/playtest/sleeve up—All our proxies are designed for premium feel in sleeves, foil or non-foil options available.
🤝 Proxy Etiquette in Competitive Commander
While many tournaments follow strict no-proxy policies, proxy testing is widely accepted at:
- Practice pods
- Casual LGS play
- Webcam leagues (SpellTable)
- Playtesting sessions before big events
Just be upfront with your playgroup. Use high-quality proxies (not blurry printouts), and if you’re serious about a deck, consider slowly acquiring pieces over time.
🛒 Why Abyss Proxy Shop Is the Best Choice for Competitive MTG Proxies
We created the CEDH Proxy Pack to make top-tier competitive Commander accessible to everyone.
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🖨️ Premium cardstock and texture
- 🌈 Foil and non-foil options
- 🎯 Centered, high-resolution scans
- 💼 Hand-selected staples for tournament-level testing
Our proxies are playgroup-tested, tuned for deck box durability, and curated by CEDH players.
👉 Shop for CEDH Proxy cards to unlock elite-level decks at a fraction of the price.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Proxy Smart, Play Smart
CEDH is an amazing format—competitive, strategic, and explosive—but financially intimidating. With smart proxy usage, you can test, tune, and dominate without overextending your budget.
Try CEDH proxy decks before committing to $1,000+ investments. Trust in Abyss Proxy Shop to deliver tournament-quality proxies so you can play like the pros, without paying like one.