The 10 Most Underrated Combat Tricks for MTG Commander
Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format is renowned for its complexity, strategic depth, and the sheer fun of multiplayer politics. While powerful spells and legendary creatures often steal the spotlight, combat tricks can be just as game-changing. These often-overlooked cards can turn the tide of battle, swing a game in your favor, or even enable unexpected victories. Also see here. Here are ten of the most underrated combat tricks in Commander:
1. Acrobatic Maneuver
Set: Kaladesh
Mana Cost: 2W
Effect: Exile target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under its owner’s control. Draw a card.
Acrobatic Maneuver provides more than just a combat trick. It can save a key creature from removal, reset a creature with a powerful enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effect, and draw you a card in the process. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any deck that relies on creature synergies.
2. Bandage
Set: Odyssey
Mana Cost: W
Effect: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to any target this turn. Draw a card.
Bandage is often overlooked because of its seemingly minor effect. However, in Commander, every card draw counts, and Bandage can prevent crucial points of damage while replacing itself. Its low mana cost makes it easy to cast alongside other spells.
3. Batwing Brume
Set: Shadowmoor
Mana Cost: 1W/B
Effect: Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn if W was spent to cast Batwing Brume. Each player loses 1 life for each attacking creature they control if B was spent to cast Batwing Brume.
Batwing Brume is a fantastic defensive card that can also serve as a political tool. It can prevent all combat damage for a turn, potentially saving you from a lethal attack. Alternatively, it can punish opponents for overextending with a swarm of creatures.
4. Boros Charm
Set: Gatecrash
Mana Cost: RW
Effect: Choose one — Boros Charm deals 4 damage to target player; or permanents you control gain indestructible until end of turn; or target creature gains double strike until end of turn.
Boros Charm is often used for its damage and indestructibility effects, but the double strike mode is an excellent combat trick. It can turn any creature into a lethal threat, often catching opponents off guard.
5. Cobbled Wings
Set: Scars of Mirrodin
Mana Cost: 2
Effect: Equipped creature has flying. Equip 1.
Cobbled Wings is a simple but effective equipment card. Granting flying can be the difference between life and death in many situations, allowing your creatures to evade blockers or get over enemy defenses.
6. Emerge Unscathed
Set: Rise of the Eldrazi
Mana Cost: W
Effect: Target creature you control gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn. Rebound.
Emerge Unscathed offers protection and a delayed follow-up protection effect due to rebound. This can make your creature virtually untouchable for two turns, allowing it to swing without fear of blockers or targeted removal.
7. Faith’s Shield
Set: Dark Ascension
Mana Cost: W
Effect: Target permanent you control gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn. Fateful hour — If you have 5 or less life, instead you and each permanent you control gain protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.
Faith’s Shield is a powerful card that can protect a single permanent or, in dire situations, your entire board and yourself. It’s a great card for decks that run low on life or have a lot of crucial permanents.
8. Gods Willing
Set: Theros
Mana Cost: W
Effect: Target creature you control gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn. Scry 1.
Gods Willing not only protects a creature but also allows you to scry, setting up your next draw. This can be a game-changer in decks that rely on key creatures to win the game.
9. Mischief and Mayhem
Set: Commander 2015
Mana Cost: 4G
Effect: Up to two target creatures each get +4/+4 until end of turn.
Mischief and Mayhem is a great way to surprise opponents with a sudden boost in power. It can help win combat, push through extra damage, or even take out an opponent unexpectedly.
10. Reckless Charge
Set: Torment
Mana Cost: R
Effect: Target creature gets +3/+0 and gains haste until end of turn. Flashback 2R.
Reckless Charge is a classic card that can give any creature a significant power boost and haste. The flashback ability allows for a second use, providing flexibility and repeated value.
Conclusion
In Commander, where the unexpected can often determine the outcome of a game, having a few underrated combat tricks up your sleeve can be a huge advantage. These ten cards may not be the flashiest, but their strategic value is immense. By incorporating these tricks into your deck, you can gain the upper hand in combat, protect your key assets, and keep your opponents on their toes. So, the next time you’re refining your Commander deck, consider adding a few of these underrated gems to your arsenal. You might just find yourself pulling off some truly memorable victories.