<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Protection|2x2|32" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Protection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.chasestoneart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chase Stone</a></em></p>
<p>Today we're trying to answer a rather difficult question: Which Commander precons were more impactful to the format, <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon#commander2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016</a> or <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon#commander2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017</a>?</p>
<p>To try and find a solution to this debate, I'll take a look at cards originally printed in these products to see what they brought to the game and how these cards fared the test of time.</p>
<p>Before diving into this topic and analyzing various aspects of this matter, I want to remind you that these are my personal opinions and they're all up for debate. There isn't any true answer to this question, nor is my objective to reach a truth set in stone. The point of this article is to start a conversation about two extremely important turning points in the history of Commander as a format.</p>
<p>So, if you don't agree with something I wrote, you're more than welcome to write it in the comment section to keep the discussion going!</p>
<p>With all of this out of the way, let's start our trip down memory lane.</p>
<h2>The Commanders</h2>
<p>Starting from the roster of available commanders, trying to put one of the years on top is pretty difficult.</p>
<p>Let's start from 2017; this year gave us one of the strongest (to some even unfairly so) keywords in history: eminence.</p>
<h3>2017 and Eminence</h3>
<p>For those of you that don't know it, bless your sweet innocent soul. For those of you that do know it, I'm sorry for you but we're in this together.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Edgar Markov"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Ur-Dragon"></div></div>
<p>Eminence refers to a static or triggered ability that is active both when the creature is on the battlefield <em>and</em> while it is in the command zone. To (in theory) balance it, it was only ever printed on typal commanders.</p>
<p>The true result was creating a group of powerhouse commanders that still terrorize casual tables to this day.</p>
<p>Out of the bunch, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arahbo, Roar of the World" href="#" target="_blank">Arahbo, Roar of the World</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is perhaps the least menacing of them. In fact, you need it one the battlefield to really get something meaningful out of it.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Edgar Markov" href="#" target="_blank">Edgar Markov</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ur-Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">The Ur-Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> quickly became the <em>de facto</em> commanders for their own typal strategy. Edgar provides so much pressure it's hard to ever keep up with it, whereas Ur-Dragon solves one of Dragons' biggest problems by reducing their mana cost.</p>
<p>Oh, and don't get me started on how good they are when they're on the battlefield.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arahbo, Roar of the World"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inalla, Archmage Ritualist"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inalla, Archmage Ritualist" href="#" target="_blank">Inalla, Archmage Ritualist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> falls somewhere in the middle of these two sub-groups. On one hand it's so powerful it was a good cEDH commander for a while (before it was power-crept out of the meta). On the other, it's hard to build a casual deck around it, because it'll most likely end up being either too powerful or too passive.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, any of these four commanders will have an advantage above many other competitors simply because of Eminence. Receiving a benefit simply because you chose to play a commander (that maybe you don't even ever cast) is so powerful you need to try it to fully understand it.</p>
<h3>2016 and Partners</h3>
<p>While everything described so far is nothing short of impressive, its competition is as fierce as it gets. If you thought eminence was a broken mechanic, allow me to introduce you to something even more game-warping: partner.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kraum, Ludevic&#039;s Opus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silas Renn, Seeker Adept"></div></div>
<p>The rules for this keyword are pretty simple: you may have two commanders in your command zone as long as they both have partner.</p>
<p>On the surface, it can be hard to understand how powerful this possibility is. In the end, you're simply reducing your deck size by one; how good could it be? This isn't even comparable to eminence, right?</p>
<p>Well, no. It's so much more than this.</p>
<p>In fact, what partner brings to the game is an outrageously high level of personalization. And what's even more outstanding is how this changes Commander as a game overall.</p>
<p>First, in casual settings, this opens up a huge number of possibilities for new and original decks. While it's true that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper" href="#" target="_blank">Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one singular card, each of the additional commanders you can pair it with will lead you in a different direction.</p>
<p>Then, if we go up in power level, the things change quit a bit. Because what's truly revolutionary about partner is that it opens up a lot more possibilities to build four-color Commander decks. And this means that, in a version of the format where you only want to play the strongest strategies possible, you can take your standard tri-color deck and splash a fourth color to play some specific pieces.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thrasios, Triton Hero"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tymna the Weaver"></div></div>
<p>I won't go too much in depth about what makes partner an over-powered mechanic. Still, just looking at the pair of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrasios, Triton Hero" href="#" target="_blank">Thrasios, Triton Hero</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tymna the Weaver" href="#" target="_blank">Tymna the Weaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give you a feeling of it.</p>
<p>Imagine you're playing only the best cards, with winning being your only goal. Being able to pair two exceptional draw engines while also having access to four out of five colors in the game makes it very easy to build a strong deck.</p>
<p>Now, if this seems strong, just consider there are currently quite a few partner pairings that are considered stronger than this one. This should put into perspective how strong partners are as a whole.</p>
<h3>Four-Color Commanders of 2016</h3>
<p>While the partners open up a world of possibilities, especially when adding in the monocolored partner options from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/cmr#partners" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Commander Legends</em></a>, it's the face commanders of these precons that truly put 2016 on top.</p>
<p>Remember how having access to four colors is extremely powerful? How about being able to play them <em>without</em> partners?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Atraxa, Praetors&#039; Voice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Breya, Etherium Shaper"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Saskia the Unyielding"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kynaios and Tiro of Meletis"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yidris, Maelstrom Wielder"></div></div>
<p>Just look at them. All five of them are iconic cards that changed Commander forever, including one of the strongest <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/artifacts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artifact</a> commanders ever in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Breya, Etherium Shaper" href="#" target="_blank">Breya, Etherium Shaper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and a cornerstone in the history of <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/group-hug" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Group Hug decks</a> with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kynaios and Tiro of Meletis" href="#" target="_blank">Kynaios and Tiro of Meletis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>And all of this without even mentioning <em>the</em> four-color commander: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Atraxa, Praetors&#039; Voice" href="#" target="_blank">Atraxa, Praetors&#039; Voice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This legend redefined the format, opening up a new era of the game. A pretty generic effect that can be abused in many different ways; access to the vast majority of the legal cards; an immediate benefit that gets stronger and stronger as the game progresses.</p>
<p>All of this gathered to create the perfect storm: a commander so powerful many just refuse to play against it. Although, I swear, "It's not <em>that</em> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Atraxa, Praetors&#039; Voice" href="#" target="_blank">Atraxa, Praetors&#039; Voice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck."</p>
<h3>The Backup Legends of 2017</h3>
<p>On the flip side, 2017 is not weak by any means, but it's difficult to be on the same level as game-defining cards.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirri, Weatherlight Duelist" href="#" target="_blank">Mirri, Weatherlight Duelist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balan, Wandering Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Balan, Wandering Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both strong and beloved <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> commanders that are still more than playable today.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirri, Weatherlight Duelist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kess, Dissident Mage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ramos, Dragon Engine"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ramos, Dragon Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Ramos, Dragon Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="O-Kagachi, Vengeful Kami" href="#" target="_blank">O-Kagachi, Vengeful Kami</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> were some interesting five-colored commanders to mess around with, although they didn't really pass the test of time.</p>
<p>The one outstanding piece is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kess, Dissident Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Kess, Dissident Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Its design isn't complicated at all, but that's what makes it powerful. It was a cEDH commander for a while, but has fallen out of favor.</p>
<h2>The Cards for the 99</h2>
<p>You might think 2016 has this in the bag. But here's where the tables turn.</p>
<p>The 2016 precons gave us some good and iconic cards.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ash Barrens"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Conqueror&#039;s Flail"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deepglow Skate"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ash Barrens" href="#" target="_blank">Ash Barrens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a good budget option for consistency and color fixing, which is as cheap as it gets (in all senses). <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conqueror&#039;s Flail" href="#" target="_blank">Conqueror&#039;s Flail</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an interesting piece, somewhat cEDH playble, that protects Voltron decks from blowouts.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deepglow Skate" href="#" target="_blank">Deepglow Skate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the most powerful of the group, with an effect that's as powerful as it is exploitable.</p>
<p>But while 2016 was a good year for the 99, 2017 was something else.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Path of Ancestry"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi&#039;s Protection"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Herald&#039;s Horn"></div></div>
<p>First of all, I have to say that, being typal-centric decks, they had a bit of an easier time when we're talking about good cards for the 99.</p>
<p>Starting with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Path of Ancestry" href="#" target="_blank">Path of Ancestry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, one of the best budget lands for commander. Five colors and it occasionally provides a timely scry 1. Simple, to the point. and extremely effective.</p>
<p>Next, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Protection" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Protection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <em>The</em> protection card of the format, a generational card that still wins game almost 10 years after its release. Need I say more?</p>
<p>And then, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Herald&#039;s Horn" href="#" target="_blank">Herald&#039;s Horn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I can hardly mention any typal strategy that isn't interested in this card. And if they aren't, they're probably wrong.</p>
<p>But this is just the tip of the iceberg.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kindred Discovery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hammer of Nazahn"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kindred Dominance"></div></div>
<p>There's the cycle of "Kindred" cards, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindred Discovery" href="#" target="_blank">Kindred Discovery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindred Dominance" href="#" target="_blank">Kindred Dominance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> leading the way. There are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hammer of Nazahn" href="#" target="_blank">Hammer of Nazahn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodforged Battle-Axe" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodforged Battle-Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for Voltron strategies.</p>
<p>And then there are typal payoffs of any kind, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Patron of the Vein" href="#" target="_blank">Patron of the Vein</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for Vampires, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodline Necromancer" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodline Necromancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for Wizards (and Vampires), and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scalelord Reckoner" href="#" target="_blank">Scalelord Reckoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for Dragons.</p>
<p>The pool of cards is simply as deep as it gets, truly functioning as a turning point in the format and the power level of decks.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>It's extremely difficult to get to a proper conclusion, but I've made my decision. I've looked at both pools of cards for quite a long time and I'm quite happy with my choice.</p>
<p>In my opinion, 2016 takes the crown.</p>
<p>That's because, considering how both precon sets introduced huge cornerstones for the format, it's <em>Commander 2016</em> who truly revolutionized the game. The access to four colors in the command zone and partner redefined what a Commander game looks like. The possibility of having two playable legends in the command zone alongside 98 cards pulled from four different colors is inexplicably better than playing a placeholder five-colored card.</p>
<p>Eminence had a similar impact on the format, but it ended up being correctly limited by its design. While it's true this mechanic made Dragons, Cats, Wizards and Vampires extremely powerful by default, it only affected these specific creature types.</p>
<p>The true divider was the longevity of their impact on the game. In a sense, <em>Commander 2016</em> set the scene for everything that came after. It opened the game to possibilities that weren't even conceivable before it was published. In a sense, the eminence commanders are the spiritual successors of this shift, demonstrating that it was possible to bend the borders of the format even more.</p>
<p>But it's impossible to deny the cardinal importance of the double innovation introduced by 2016. Every powerful or unfair card printed after these decks was sure to find a home <em>because</em> there will always be a four-colored deck ready to host them.</p>
<p>The cards for the 99 nearly pushed the argument in favor of 2017, because they're simply miles better than the 2016 ones. But there's a reason why the format is called Commander.</p>
<p>Now it's on to you! Agree or disagree, let me know what you think in the comments below!</p>


Which Commander Precons Were More Impactful, 2016 or 2017?

The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir" href="#" target="_blank">Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/simondominic">Simon Dominic</a>)</span></h6>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hello friends, and welcome back to EDHREC for another Precon Primer from your friends in the Scrap Trawlers. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">March of the Machine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is bringing the Phyrexian storyline to its climax, and with it comes five Commander decks covering many different strategies and playstyles, while also giving us plenty of new tasty nuggets to chew on. And what’s more, the decks are bringing back Planechase! Let’s prepare for battle with today’s deck, Cavalry Charge, the white/blue/black deck led by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir" href="#" target="_blank">Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</span></p>
<h2><b>Bringing Eminence Back</b></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If overwhelming your opponents with charging battalions of Knights that just won’t stay dead sounds like a good time, then this is definitely the deck for you. Cavalry Charge is led by Sidar Jabari, a 4/3 Human Knight with flying and first strike for four mana. And when he deals combat damage to a player, you can return a Knight from your graveyard to the battlefield.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oh, you want more? How about freaking Eminence? That’s right, this commander is bringing the divisive mechanic back, with style. The Eminence ability lets you loot (draw then discard) a card whenever you attack with one or more Knights, whether your commander is on the field <em>or</em> in the zone. So you’re getting some incredible card advantage, and potentially filling your grave with Knights for Sidar to bring back.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elenda and Azor"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The backup commander for this deck is the teamup of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elenda and Azor" href="#" target="_blank">Elenda and Azor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a six mana 6/6 Vampire Knight Sphinx with flying and ward 2. Whenever they attack, you can pay XWUB to draw X cards. And then at your end step you can pay four life to create a number of 1/1 Vampire Knight tokens equal to the number of cards you drew that turn.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s the full list for Cavalry Charge:</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Cavalry Charge Precon" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Sidar Jabari of Zhalfir
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Acclaimed Contender
*1 Adeline, Resplendent Cathar
*1 Arvad the Cursed
*1 Aryel, Knight of Windgrace
*1 Corpse Knight
*1 Elenda and Azor
*1 Ethersworn Adjudicator
*1 Exsanguinator Cavalry
*1 Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight
*1 Haakon, Stromgald Scourge
*1 Herald of Hoofbeats
*1 Hero of Bladehold
*1 Josu Vess, Lich Knight
*1 Knight Exemplar
*1 Knight of the Last Breath
*1 Knight of the White Orchid
*1 Knights of the Black Rose
*1 Liliana&#039;s Standard Bearer
*1 Locthwain Lancer
*1 Midnight Reaper
*1 Murderous Rider // Swift End
*1 Order of Midnight // Alter Fate
*1 Silverwing Squadron
*1 Smitten Swordmaster // Curry Favor
*1 Syr Elenora, the Discerning
*1 Syr Konrad, the Grim
*1 Valiant Knight
*1 Vodalian Wave-Knight
*1 Vona, Butcher of Magan
*1 Wintermoor Commander
*1 Worthy Knight
*1 Xerex Strobe-Knight
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Conjurer&#039;s Mantle
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Fractured Powerstone
*1 Herald&#039;s Horn
*1 Ichor Elixir
*1 Maul of the Skyclaves
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Orzhov Signet
*1 Sigiled Sword of Valeron
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Vanquisher&#039;s Banner
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Chivalric Alliance
*1 Knights&#039; Charge
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Despark
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Pull from Tomorrow
*1 Return to Dust
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Unbreakable Formation
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Distant Melody
*1 Fell the Mighty
*1 Painful Truths
*1 Path of the Enigma
*1 Promise of Loyalty
*1 Read the Bones
*1 Time Wipe
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Arcane Sanctum
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Choked Estuary
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*6 Island
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Path of Ancestry
*8 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Sunken Hollow
*5 Swamp
*1 Temple of Deceit
*1 Temple of Enlightenment
*1 Temple of Silence
*1 Temple of the False God
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Thriving Heath
*1 Thriving Isle
*1 Thriving Moor
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<h2><b>Knightmare</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So what does this deck do? It punches and kicks, and never lets up. The average mana value of the deck sits at a nice 3.34, and you really feel the energy in the early game. Not to mention, the Eminence is in effect as soon as you can start attacking. So if you can get a turn one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Foulmire Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Foulmire Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or even a turn two <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wintermoor Commander" href="#" target="_blank">Wintermoor Commander</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, you’re off to a fantastic start with a significant card advantage engine from Sidar’s Eminence.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Haakon, Stromgald Scourge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hero of Bladehold"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Syr Konrad, the Grim"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now usually an all-out aggro deck in Commander falls apart very easily with a board wipe or two. But Sidar comes in clutch there as well with his damage trigger, not to mention other recursion cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Haakon, Stromgald Scourge" href="#" target="_blank">Haakon, Stromgald Scourge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Knights’ Charge" href="#" target="_blank">Knights’ Charge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite having 32 creatures in the deck, and some powerful recursion tools, the deck still wants to supply you with ample ammunition in the form of tokens. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adeline, Resplendent Cathar" href="#" target="_blank">Adeline, Resplendent Cathar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Xerex Strobe-Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Xerex Strobe-Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aryel, Knight of Windgrace" href="#" target="_blank">Aryel, Knight of Windgrace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hero of Bladehold" href="#" target="_blank">Hero of Bladehold</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and more are all here to give you a burgeoning, unstoppable army.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before you go thinking aggro is all this deck does, let me tell you about the other ways we’re hurting our opponents. How about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Syr Konrad, the Grim" href="#" target="_blank">Syr Konrad, the Grim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, one of the best uncommon legends ever printed? Old Konnie hits your opponents whenever a creature card goes to your graveyard, which is exactly what’s gonna happen with Sidar’s looting ability. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Corpse Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Corpse Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> hits them whenever a creature enters our battlefield, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Knights’ Charge" href="#" target="_blank">Knights’ Charge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> brings the hurt whenever we attack. </span></p>
<h2><b>Knights’ Dawn</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time for the best part of precons: new cards! And we’re starting off by looking at the coolest throwback in the history of throwbacks (throwbacks, as everyone knows, were invented in 1997). It’s <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Herald of Hoofbeats" href="#" target="_blank">Herald of Hoofbeats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives your Knights none other than Horsemanship. We haven’t seen this keyword, outside of reprints and Un-sets, since </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Portal Three Kingdoms</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> almost 25 years ago. And what a welcome return it is. This card is fantastic not only for Knight decks, but also for those decks running around that like anthem effects for all creature types.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Herald of Hoofbeats"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vodalian Wave-Knight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Locthwain Lancer"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vodalian Wave-Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Vodalian Wave-Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be popular in those very same decks. It’ll certainly be an auto-include in white/blue Merfolk decks (with apologies to all you <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca" href="#" target="_blank">Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> players). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve got a couple of new black Knights in this list as well, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Locthwain Lancer" href="#" target="_blank">Locthwain Lancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Exsanguinator Cavalry" href="#" target="_blank">Exsanguinator Cavalry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both are getting through for beats with that menace, and providing, albeit in a roundabout way, some card advantage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A couple of duds in the deck, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Path of the Enigma" href="#" target="_blank">Path of the Enigma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ichor Elixir" href="#" target="_blank">Ichor Elixir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both are really only playable if you’re running Planechase.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Conjurer’s Mantle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chivalric Alliance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Path of the Enigma"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conjurer’s Mantle" href="#" target="_blank">Conjurer’s Mantle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a new all-star for creature-type decks, especially in white, which, after a long drought, is finally seeing powerful card advantage effects regularly. Speaking of which, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chivalric Alliance" href="#" target="_blank">Chivalric Alliance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is going to be every go-wide white deck’s best friend for the foreseeable future. Card is <em>very</em> good.</span></p>
<h2><b>Planechase</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But those aren’t the only new cards! Each of the precons from </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">March of the Machine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> features 10 Planechase cards, five of which are brand new planes. So let’s take a gander at those.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inys Haen" href="#" target="_blank">Inys Haen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, from the Cridhe plane (??) works really well with our reanimator theme, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Littjara" href="#" target="_blank">Littjara</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> nestles in nicely with all the tokens we’re making.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inys Haen"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Paliano"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Caldaia"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paliano" href="#" target="_blank">Paliano</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> loves that our commander is looking to connect with opponents’ faces. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unyaro" href="#" target="_blank">Unyaro</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes Knights tokens when chaos ensues.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And last is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Caldaia" href="#" target="_blank">The Caldaia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives our creatures Blitz, allowing them to get sacrificed at the end step. And that’s just fine with Sidar.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dang, it’s almost like these planes were designed specifically for this deck.</span></p>
<h2><b>Knights’ Charge</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So how does the deck play?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fast and smooth. I tested the deck multiple times and each time I had an engine going by turn three, four at the latest. The low average mana value really works in the deck’s favor, as you can just chip away at life totals immediately. And Sidar is a phenomenal commander in this deck. The card advantage, while also filling the grave with Knights you can recur later, is flawless.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because of how efficient the deck is, you barely feel the typical slowness caused by the precon manabase. In fact, the lands package might be my only complaint about this deck. 12 out of the 39 lands won’t give you mana on the turn they come in. But like I said, this is typical of a precon, and I’m just nitpicking at this point.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Honestly, the deck is strong enough that it makes a case for why they abandoned Eminence for so long. Not having to have your commander on the field to get its abilities at times feels like playing on easy mode. So, if you’re looking to slow the deck down a tad to play with more casual friends, swap the commander for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elenda and Azor" href="#" target="_blank">Elenda and Azor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While this commander is no slouch, it’s going to be a </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">much</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> slower time due to its higher cost and more finicky abilities. Granted, free tokens at every end step is great, but I think you’d have to build more of a card-draw deck to really get a lot of benefit.</span></p>
<h2><b>Conclusion</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m so on board with this deck.</span></p>
<p><b>Verdict: Buy it</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is an emphatic “Yes” for me. And not just because of how well the deck functions. The reprint value is phenomenal as well. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adeline, Resplendent Cathar" href="#" target="_blank">Adeline, Resplendent Cathar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Knight Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Knight Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hero of Bladehold" href="#" target="_blank">Hero of Bladehold</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Herald’s Horn" href="#" target="_blank">Herald’s Horn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanquisher’s Banner" href="#" target="_blank">Vanquisher’s Banner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all serious money reprints. And they make the deck an easy Buy.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adeline, Resplendent Cathar["></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Knight Exemplar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vanquisher’s Banner"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s it for the primer! So what am I gonna do to improve this already strong deck? I’d honestly start with the lands, but that would make for a very boring upgrade article. I’m sure we’ll find a few tasty things to add for just a few dollars. So stay tuned for that!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Until next time, remember to budget…before you buy it.</span></p>


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