<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CSmirtouille%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Smirtouille</a></em></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/msh"><em>Marvel Super Heroes</em></a> is right around the corner, and this set looks to be packed with a whole host of new possible commanders. As I watched the reveal stream, I was surprised at just how many of the legends caught my interest. This was especially true when they showed off the signpost uncommons from the set, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was front and center for the Azorius (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) color pair.</p>
<p>I knew I had to throw together a budget brew around this fan favorite character, and that's exactly what I did. So, join me, <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, as I go over an exciting deck that you can pick up for around $40 (based on <a href="https://partner.tcgplayer.com/c/4913290/1830156/21018?partnerpropertyid=5237567&amp;subId1=edhrec%2Ccardprice&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tcgplayer.com%2Fproduct%2F696319%2Fmagic-marvel-super-heroes-captain-america-living-legend">TCGPlayer</a> pricing). If you've been looking for a deck that leads to a lot of tricky tapping and untapping shenanigans, then this'll be perfect for you!</p>
<h2>What Does Captain America, Living Legend Bring to the Table?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain America, Living Legend"></div></div>
<p>Running in from a bygone era to lead this deck is none other than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This three drop commander has a very interesting textbox that got a lot of people's brewing minds working! Untapping your creatures the first time they become tapped on your turn is very powerful, and can lead to a whole lot of interesting plays throughout the game.</p>
<p>This legend is definitely designed for assisting with the new <em>teamwork</em> mechanic in the set: check out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Murdock&#039;s Crusade" href="#" target="_blank">Murdock&#039;s Crusade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as an example. While I didn't include any of those cards in the list today (due to this writing being during preview season), those singles will be good to keep an eye on as you open packs from the set, and make for fun inclusions if you're needing more options to fill out your own 99.</p>
<p>So, let's get right into this list by taking a look at a few of the creatures and mechanics that make this deck tick.</p>
<h2>These Creatures Love Being Tapped</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Compassionate Healer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scaretiller"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fallowsage"></div></div>
<p>This deck is filled with creatures that are looking to be turned sideways, whether from attacking, or paying for other effects. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Compassionate Healer" href="#" target="_blank">Compassionate Healer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scaretiller" href="#" target="_blank">Scaretiller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fallowsage" href="#" target="_blank">Fallowsage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all great examples of a few of the payoffs for tapping your team throughout the list. So, as we take a look at some of the pivotal cards in this article today, keep in mind that there's a lot of added value you'll be gaining as the game goes on because of creatures like these.</p>
<h2>Ways to Tap Your Creatures</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Omni-Changeling"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Waterbending is one of the newest ways we've gotten for tapping our creatures, and this version of Katara is perfect for the deck. It's a repeatable way to turning your team sideways, while eventually being a <em>game ender</em> when you tap your whole board, just for them to be untapped by your commander, and even stronger for combat.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omni-Changeling" href="#" target="_blank">Omni-Changeling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Several pivotal cards in this list have convoke, which offers some broad effects to the gameplan. This creature is a prime example of that, since it can be a clone of whatever you'd like, while also allowing you to tap down some of your team for value.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Pippin, Guard of the Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: There are several creatures filling out this 99 that have their own tapping abilities. Pippin is a great example of that, since you can tap him on your turn to help an attacker get through, while being able to hold up his activation for added protection from your opponents' plans.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lumen-Class Frigate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Regalia"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Guardian Sunmare"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lumen-Class Frigate" href="#" target="_blank">Lumen-Class Frigate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Stationing is another way to tap your creatures, and because your commander will untap your board, you could be getting these to full power in no time. Plus, buffing your team early on is great, and then eventually becoming a threat in the air can help you push through damage.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">The Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: One of the first things a lot of players thought of when they saw this version of Cap was to go towards a Vehicle build. You'll barely register their crew costs since your creatures will be untapped and ready to attack right alongside these wild rides.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guardian Sunmare" href="#" target="_blank">Guardian Sunmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: There are only a couple mounts in this list, but they still help push the deck towards some wins. In this case, tutoring up your strongest cheaper permanents straight into play can be a sure-fire way to secure your board presence in the mid to late game.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Card Advantage</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcanis the Omnipotent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rent Is Due"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spirit Water Revival"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcanis the Omnipotent" href="#" target="_blank">Arcanis the Omnipotent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This might be a bit of a wild inclusion for the deck, but this legend feels like such a throwback to the early days of Commander for me, and really works well in this list. When paired with the commander, it could ensure you're drawing six extra cards during a turn rotation.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rent Is Due" href="#" target="_blank">Rent Is Due</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I'm sure Steve Rogers had to deal with an angry landlord in his time, so this one drop makes for a thematic and synergistic inclusion if you ask me. Tapping down two creatures on your end step to draw a card isn't too much of a drawback, since your commander untaps them before you pass the turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spirit Water Revival" href="#" target="_blank">Spirit Water Revival</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a prime example of a card advantage spell that works great in the early and late game. Three mana to draw two cards isn't the worst, but a hand refill later on thanks to that waterbend ability can help you keep up with the rest of the table, without breaking a sweat.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Mana Ramp</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ornithopter of Paradise"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="PuPu UFO"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Relic of Legends"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ornithopter of Paradise" href="#" target="_blank">Ornithopter of Paradise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Mana dorks are incredible in this list, since they can be tapped twice in a single turn. I packed the deck with as many of these two drop creatures as I could, since they can come down the turn before Captain America, and be ready to add two mana for a follow up play once he's out.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="PuPu UFO" href="#" target="_blank">PuPu UFO</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I love this weird little card, and I'm always happy when I can throw it into a list. Having it in the early game could allow you to dump out most of the lands in your hand, especially when you can tap it twice during a turn rotation. Don't overlook the fact that this allows you to put untapped lands into play at instant speed, which could help you react to an opponent out of nowhere.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Relic of Legends" href="#" target="_blank">Relic of Legends</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's one of the more expensive cards in the list, but it's definitely worth it. Turning your legends into mana dorks is very powerful, plus this is a single that will always be useful to have in your collection, because it gets better and better as the years go on.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Synergistic Interaction</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Retraction Helix"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Artistic Refusal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Split Up"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Retraction Helix" href="#" target="_blank">Retraction Helix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a very tricky card hidden in this 99. Giving one of your creatures the ability to tap and return a nonland permanent to someone's hand is great, but since you can do it twice in a single turn, you'll be able to deal with two problematic threats for only one mana.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Artistic Refusal" href="#" target="_blank">Artistic Refusal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Commanders like Captain America, Living Legend are great, since they help lesser played cards make their way into the conversation. Six mana for these effects is way too high, however when you have a deck that's looking to flood the board with creatures eager to get tapped, this could be a <em>"</em>free<em>"</em> piece of interaction when you need it the most.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Split Up" href="#" target="_blank">Split Up</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This board wipe is very interesting in the list, since you have several ways to ensure that all your creatures are either tapped or untapped, depending on what you're looking to sweep away. Plus, three mana is cheap enough for this to be a follow up play to any of the other tricks this deck is looking to pull off.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A Few Fun Inclusions</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dazzling Theater // Prop Room"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arbiter of the Ideal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adept Watershaper"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dazzling Theater // Prop Room" href="#" target="_blank">Dazzling Theater // Prop Room</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Rooms tend to be overlooked when people are building decks, mainly because we have to turn our head sideways to read them, and let's be honest, it's not great for the neck. However, it's worth it for this one, since it not only helps with your creatures getting tapped, but it also untaps them on everyone else's turns.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arbiter of the Ideal" href="#" target="_blank">Arbiter of the Ideal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's another card that may seem a bit greedy due to its mana cost, however it'll make for some truly memorable plays. Plus, there are several reliable ways to sculpt the top of your library in this list, which means you could be stacking the deck in your favor.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adept Watershaper" href="#" target="_blank">Adept Watershaper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Keeping your board protected is important, which is exactly what this Merfolk does. Now, tapping your creatures to push your game plan forward can also be a way for you to keep key pieces safe as you pass the turn along.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Full Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Captain America - by Tyler &#039;Savesya&#039; Bucks" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Captain America, Living Legend
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Adept Watershaper
*1 Apprentice Wizard
*1 Arbiter of the Ideal
*1 Arcade Gannon
*1 Arcanis the Omnipotent
*1 Brightfield Glider
*1 Compassionate Healer
*1 Crashing Drawbridge
*1 Disruptor of Currents
*1 Fallowsage
*1 Gold Myr
*1 Guardian Sunmare
*1 Harmonized Trio // Brainstorm
*1 Hedron Crawler
*1 Ioreth of the Healing House
*1 Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope
*1 Kwain, Itinerant Meddler
*1 Loyal Warhound
*1 Manakin
*1 Mechan Navigator
*1 Merfolk Looter
*1 Mindspring Merfolk
*1 Omni-Changeling
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Page, Loose Leaf
*1 Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
*1 PuPu UFO
*1 Samite Herbalist
*1 Scaretiller
*1 Sea Scryer
*1 Silver Myr
*1 Sly Instigator
*1 Surgespanner
*1 Wanderbrine Trapper
*1 Yue, the Moon Spirit
*1 Zephyr Singer
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Artistic Refusal
*1 Meeting of Minds
*1 Negate
*1 Retraction Helix
*1 Transcendent Message
*1 Turnabout
*1 Unexpected Assistance
*1 Unsubstantiate
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Spirit Water Revival
*1 Split Up
*1 Suppression Ray // Orderly Plaza
*1 Waterbending Lesson
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Cultivator&#039;s Caravan
*1 Lumen-Class Frigate
*1 Parhelion II
*1 Pinnacle Kill-Ship
*1 Relic of Legends
*1 Rescue Skiff
*1 Smuggler&#039;s Copter
*1 Specimen Freighter
*1 Springleaf Drum
*1 The Indomitable
*1 The Regalia
*1 The Seriema
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Aang&#039;s Iceberg
*1 Dazzling Theater // Prop Room
*1 Rent Is Due
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Command Tower
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Irrigated Farmland
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Seachrome Coast
*1 Skycloud Expanse
*1 Temple of Enlightenment
*14 Island
*8 Plains
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>The Wrap Up on Captain America, Living Legend</h2>
<p>Well, there you have it, my list for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, that you can pick up for about $40. What did you think of this deck, were there any great cheap cards I missed? Let me know, in the comments below!</p>
<p>If you're looking for more budget content from me, you can find it right <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here on EDHREC</a> as well as on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUtnBZogc1TSttr8eLUK_w/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pillow Fort</a>, where I do everything I can to make <em>Magic</em> more accessible for everyone.</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ON-A-BUDGET-21.png

Captain America, Living Legend - Untap Your Board on a Budget

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kilo, Apogee Mind" href="#" target="_blank">Kilo, Apogee Mind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/duongct" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tuan Duong Chu</a></em></p>
<p>If you picked up the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/counter-intelligence-edge-of-eternities-precon-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Counter Intelligence</em> precon</a>, then I'm assuming you've already asked yourself an important question: "Which commander should I run at the helm of this deck?"</p>
<p>Well, if you chose <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kilo, Apogee Mind" href="#" target="_blank">Kilo, Apogee Mind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> then you probably got hit with another tough one, like "What cards should I add to the 99 to best support my new robotic friend?"</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kilo, Apogee Mind"></div></div>
<p>That's where I come in! My name is <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, and today I'm going over 14 cards for under $14 that you can pick up to get this deck more suited for Kilo in the command zone.</p>
<p>Be warned, because this new legend has already built up quite the reputation in the short time it's been on the scene, to avoid any unwarranted aggression that might come your way, here's an example for a Rule Zero speech you can give to the rest of the table before you start a new game.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Hello, I'm going to play my upgraded Counter Intelligence precon with Kilo in the command zone. It does not go infinite. It does not have infect. Please do not kill me first, I just want to play with a silly little Robot..."</em></p>
<p>I hope that helps! Now, without further ado, here is my list of budget cards to highlight Kilo's best qualities. Plus, at the end of the list, I'll give my recommendations for what cards to cut in order to make room for these new additions.</p>
<h2>Counters</h2>
<h3>Recon Craft Theta</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Recon Craft Theta"></div></div>
<p>Kicking off our list, we have a Vehicle that can help with tapping your commander, adds counters to the board, and even proliferates. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Recon Craft Theta" href="#" target="_blank">Recon Craft Theta</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is everything this upgraded deck is looking for and can come down perfectly on curve the turn after you cast Kilo.</p>
<h3>Reckoner Bankbuster</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reckoner Bankbuster"></div></div>
<p>Keeping with Vehicles, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckoner Bankbuster" href="#" target="_blank">Reckoner Bankbuster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This enters with three charge counters already on it and brings card draw, mana ramp, and creature tokens to the mix - all that as early as turn two.</p>
<h3>Voyager Glidecar</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Voyager Glidecar"></div></div>
<p>Turn one plays are always coveted in Commander, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Voyager Glidecar" href="#" target="_blank">Voyager Glidecar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an amazing one-drop in this upgraded deck. When it hits the board, you scry 1, which helps smooth out your second turn’s draw. Plus, it gets a counter with that tap ability, and we know Kilo loves to see that!</p>
<h3>Arcbound Shikari</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcbound Shikari"></div></div>
<p>Modular is a strong effect in this type of deck, which made <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcbound Shikari" href="#" target="_blank">Arcbound Shikari</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> feel like an absolute all-star for this list. Hitting the board and giving out counters to all your artifact creatures means that you'll have plenty of targets to proliferate moving forward.</p>
<h3>Jhoira, Ageless Innovator</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jhoira, Ageless Innovator"></div></div>
<p>If you're wondering how you're going to cast all these artifacts, well that’s where <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jhoira, Ageless Innovator" href="#" target="_blank">Jhoira, Ageless Innovator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> comes in. Tapping her once will get you those two counters, which you can then grow more and more as the game goes on, which can make for some explosive late game plays.</p>
<h3>Four Knocks</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Four Knocks"></div></div>
<p>Keeping your hand full in a deck like this will be important, which is why <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Four Knocks" href="#" target="_blank">Four Knocks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be a sneakily good card in the 99. Usually, this enchantment will go away after only giving you a few draws, but when you can continually add time counters to it, you’ll be getting that extra draw at the start of your turn as long as you need.</p>
<h3>Lost in the Maze</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lost in the Maze"></div></div>
<p>Proliferating counters on your permanents is great, but what if you did it to your opponents' threats as well? <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lost in the Maze" href="#" target="_blank">Lost in the Maze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> comes down at flash speed and puts stun counters on your foes' best creatures. Plus, it also gives your tapped creatures hexproof, which your commander will be thankful for.</p>
<h2>Tapping &amp; Untapping</h2>
<p>Speaking of turning Kilo sideways, our next section is all about tapping and untapping your commander to ensure your main game plan is moving as smoothly as possible.</p>
<h3>Springleaf Drum</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Springleaf Drum"></div></div>
<p>One of the cleanest ways to get Kilo tapped is with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Springleaf Drum" href="#" target="_blank">Springleaf Drum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can come down early and add a bit more ramp to the deck. Tapping this and your commander to get a mana, and add counters to whatever you please, is the type of synergy that will keep this engine rolling.</p>
<h3>Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset"></div></div>
<p>Now, if you’re looking to untap your commander, then <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is what you need. His +1 ability is an absolute powerhouse for your game plan, untapping an artifact (like Kilo), another creature, and a land are all great. When you consider you can tap down your opponents' permanents as well, that's just added value.</p>
<h3>Survivors' Encampment</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Survivors&#039; Encampment"></div></div>
<p>Including a way to tap your commander in your mana base is a great way to ensure you'll always have that proliferate effect at your disposal. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Survivors&#039; Encampment" href="#" target="_blank">Survivors&#039; Encampment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> comes into play untapped and makes you a colorless mana, which isn’t too bad in this artifact-heavy deck.</p>
<p>The real highlight here is that you can tap Kilo to make a mana of any color; which helps this land pull double duty for you.</p>
<h3>Manifold Key</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Manifold Key"></div></div>
<p>Up next, we have the classic untapper, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manifold Key" href="#" target="_blank">Manifold Key</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Spending only one mana to get Kilo ready to tap all over again is a great rate. Plus, that ability to make a creature unblockable shouldn’t be overlooked, since you could use that in a pinch to push damage through.</p>
<h3>Belisarius Cawl</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Belisarius Cawl"></div></div>
<p>Coming to us from the <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/40k" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warhammer</a></em> universe, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Belisarius Cawl" href="#" target="_blank">Belisarius Cawl</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> adds some great additional effects when it taps your commander. First, you can make a creature token by tapping two artifacts, but it can also help draw you one of the best artifacts off the top of your library with its second ability.</p>
<h3>Weatherlight</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Weatherlight"></div></div>
<p>A similar effect as our last entry is the iconic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weatherlight" href="#" target="_blank">Weatherlight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Crew 3 means that Kilo is perfect for jumping behind this flying ship’s wheel. Then, when it hits one of your opponents, you can get a historic permanent into your hand.</p>
<p>This deck might have the possibility of spinning its wheels, so having a big flyer to punch through damage while fueling your engine is incredibly valuable.</p>
<h3>Unctus, Grand Metatect</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unctus, Grand Metatect"></div></div>
<p>Now, we’ve talked about a lot of ways to tap creatures in this deck, which means that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unctus, Grand Metatect" href="#" target="_blank">Unctus, Grand Metatect</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will end up accruing you a whole lot of value as the game goes on. Drawing and then discarding whenever you tap your commander helps you sculpt your hand into exactly what you need, while also giving your artifact creatures a little buff in the process.</p>
<h2>Cards That Didn't Make the Cut</h2>
<p>Now, with any precon upgrade, some cuts have to be made. As you look over these cards, feel free to agree or disagree with some of my choices, because at the end of the day, this is your deck, and you get to make the call.</p>
<p>If some of these cards still speak to you, then feel free to keep them in the deck. After all, Commander is about self-expression.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Cuts for Kilo, Apogee Mind Precon Upgrade" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Creatures]
*1 Angel of the Ruins
*1 Coretapper
*1 Depthshaker Titan
*1 Emry, Lurker of the Loch
*1 Thought Monitor
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Fumigate
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Darksteel Reactor
*1 Empowered Autogenerator
*1 Golem Foundry
*1 Soul-Guide Lantern
*1 Titan Forge
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Experimental Augury
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Lonely Sandbar
*1 Secluded Steppe
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>So, there you have it, 14 cards for under $14 that you can pick up for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kilo, Apogee Mind" href="#" target="_blank">Kilo, Apogee Mind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in this precon's command zone. Let me know your thoughts of my additions or cuts in the comments below!</p>
<p>Also, if you already have too much <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/eoe" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Edge of Eternities</em></a> bulk on your hands, check out the recent editions of my series <em>Bulk Up</em>, where I cover the best commons &amp; uncommons from the set (click here for <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/great-cards-hidden-in-edge-of-eternities-bulk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Part 1</a>, and here for <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/steller-commons-uncommons-from-edge-of-eternities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Part 2</a>).</p>


Budget Precon Upgrade Cards for Counter Intelligence

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sharae of Numbing Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Sharae of Numbing Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://evynfong.square.site" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evyn Fong</a></em></p>
<p>Welcome back to <em>Archtypes of Imagination</em>, a series where we bring Commander archetypes found via <a style="cursor: pointer !important; user-select: none !important;" href="https://tagger.scryfall.com/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Scryfall's tagging system</a> and<a href="https://edhrec.com/tags?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> EDHREC's Tag pages</a> to life. This time around, I'm taking on tapping your opponents' stuff.</p>
<p>Here's the <a href="https://tagger.scryfall.com/tags/card/tapper">Scryfall tag page</a> for the theme. Pretty big list, but, we can narrow it down in a few ways.</p>
<p>First off, you can bring the tag into Scryfall's main search with the little box next to the tag's name. From there, I used the string "<a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=otag%3Atapper+t%3Alegendary+game%3Apaper&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">otag:tapper t:legendary game:paper</a>" to find a potential commander. EDHREC also has a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/tap-untap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"tap/untap"</a> tag page which will help as well.</p>
<p>It looks like Azorius, Simic and Bant are the three popular color combinations for this archetype. Going back to Scryfall, I wanted to see how much material I have to work with in each color. Using the string "oracle:"<a href="https://scryfall.com/search?as=checklist&amp;order=color&amp;q=oracle%3A%22tap+target%22+%28game%3Apaper%29+otag%3Atapper+game%3Apaper&amp;unique=cards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tap target game:paper otag:tapper </a>," using the checklist view and sorting by color, I can see the vast majority of cards I'd want to play are white and blue.</p>
<p>Stun counters are also a nice new addition to a strategy like this, so "game:paper otag:tapper o:stun" is a string I used to see what options I had with those as well.</p>
<p>My commander decision really came down to two creatures: the very popular <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hylda of the Icy Crown" href="#" target="_blank">Hylda of the Icy Crown</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and her <em>Wilds of Eldraine</em> counterpart, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sharae of Numbing Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Sharae of Numbing Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hylda of the Icy Crown"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sharae of Numbing Depths"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>This strategy got a lot better with Wilds of Eldraine!</em></p>
<p>And honestly, I think Sharae might actually be the better choice.</p>
<h2>Why Sharae Over Hylda?</h2>
<p>So before you accuse me of being a contrarian for the sake of it, hear me out. Hylda has a lot going for her. She's a very powerful payoff for a tapping strategy and offers a lot of value. She also lets you run less payoffs and more ways to tap stuff.</p>
<p>But Sharae does a few things better. First, Sharae is a payoff <em>and</em> an enabler. Basically, she gives you something for tapping things down, and also taps things herself!</p>
<p>Second, she provides a few additional deckbuilding avenues, like using blink effects on her. Her ability also wants us to be tapping things each turn, which gives some deckbuilding direction.</p>
<p>Sharae also does something upon entering and doesn't cost any additional mana each turn like Hylda does. So while in raw power Hylda is an obvious choice, Sharae gives us more efficiency, options, and guaranteed benefit. I think she's the right call! And hey, we can (and will) still play Hylda in the 99.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Tips for Building and Playing Sharae of Numbing Depths</h2>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a very flexible deck as it can be built to suit almost any budget, or any level of competitiveness. Such is the nature of playing blue-white sometimes. What’s important to get right is having enough ways to tap things and not </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">just</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> payoffs for tapping things. Sharae can’t control an entire table by herself. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remember: Sharae triggers once every turn. If you can find ways to maximize your tapping on other turns, you’ll be drawing a lot of cards. That’s a great place for this deck to be. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Generally speaking, it’s best to save your counterspells and removal like [[Generous Gift]] for noncreature permanents. This deck has plenty of options for taking care of bothersome creatures. The exception to this is token producers like [[Avenger of Zendikar]] or something, as this deck can struggle playing defense against go-wide strategies.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The biggest trick for </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">playing</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Sharae is not getting under the skin of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">everyone </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">at the table. If you’re constantly tapping down everything all the time, people will catch on that you’re a problem quite quickly. Likely the best way to be strategic with your tapping is to set up advantageous attacking situations for others by getting blockers out of the way.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">That said, it’s easy to appear somewhat innocent as this deck doesn’t run many individually-scary creatures (6/6 flyers are about as big as this gets). While Sharae won’t finish a game in a hurry, this is a great deck for outlasting the table as life totals slowly whittle away.</span></li>
</ol>
<hr />
<h2>Important Cards for Sharae of Numbing Depths</h2>
<h3>Tap Effects</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Summon: Valefor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Citadel Siege"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dreamshackle Geist"></div></div></span></p>
<p>We have no shortage of ways to tap things, so I can't list them all here. But hey, we're going to be a menace, right? Might as well own it.</p>
<p>I'm opting for effects that can tap repeatedly or on ETB (enters the battlefield) to take advantage of blink effects, rather than one-shot instants or sorceries. I'm also leaning more towards effects that place stun counters, as that gives us some options for controlling the board through proliferate effects.</p>
<h3>Blink Effects</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ephemerate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kykar, Zephyr Awakener"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gossip&#039;s Talent"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since creatures' ETB effects continue to get better, blink spells are a welcome addition to many decks - this one in particular. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a classic, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Displacer Kitten" href="#" target="_blank">Displacer Kitten</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the blink MVP, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kykar, Zephyr Awakener" href="#" target="_blank">Kykar, Zephyr Awakener</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does the kitty one better (which I guess makes it the MVP now). It's nice to have some redundancy on such an awesome creature, in any case. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gossip&#039;s Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Gossip&#039;s Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is quite good here, providing card selection, evasion, and eventually some repeatable blink as well.</span></p>
<h3>Tapping Payoffs</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hylda of the Icy Crown"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fear of Sleep Paralysis"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Verity Circle"></div></div></span></p>
<p>Tapping is cool and all, but let's up the value a bit. As mentioned earlier, we can't leave Hylda of the Icy Crown out! Fear of Sleep Paralysis does it all, but its big payoff is keeping stunned creatures stunned. Being a 6/6 flyer doesn't hurt, either.</p>
<p>Verity Circle is going to draw a <em>lot</em> of cards as well, which never hurts in Commander.</p>
<h3>Interaction</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Runic Shot"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lulu, Stern Guardian"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunfall"></div></div></span></p>
<p>Tapping things means we can play interaction that deals with tapped creatures, which can often be pretty efficient and budget-friendly.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Runic Shot" href="#" target="_blank">Runic Shot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is worth pointing out as it probably doesn't have a home in too many other decks. It's great here, though. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lulu, Stern Guardian" href="#" target="_blank">Lulu, Stern Guardian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a brand new addition that doesn't necessarily tap anything, but she will place stun counters if something manages to attack us. More likely than not, she'll cause people to leave us alone which is even better. Oh, she proliferates too.</p>
<p>And if the board ends up flooded with creatures with triggered abilities that we can't handle, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunfall" href="#" target="_blank">Sunfall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is about as good of a reset as anything. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud&#039;s Limit Break" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud&#039;s Limit Break</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also a solid piece of removal, and hey, its fun trying out new cards.</p>
<h3>Card Draw</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mulldrifter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Borrowing 100,000 Arrows"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azor, the Lawbringer"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I already mentioned some card draw in the Payoffs section, but it's worth noting a few other pieces. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mulldrifter" href="#" target="_blank">Mulldrifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a classic blink target (I'm choosing to run it over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudblazer" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudblazer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the cost flexibility as we have a lot of five-drops). <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Borrowing 100,000 Arrows" href="#" target="_blank">Borrowing 100,000 Arrows</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is our burst draw effect of choice. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azor, the Lawbringer" href="#" target="_blank">Azor, the Lawbringer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be that too, if pricey, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sphinx&#039;s Revelation" href="#" target="_blank">Sphinx&#039;s Revelation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on a 6/6 flying body seems at least trying.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Compliment these with some strong planeswalkers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tamiyo, the Moon Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Tamiyo, the Moon Sage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Eternal Wanderer" href="#" target="_blank">The Eternal Wanderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, some mana rocks, counterspells, and an affordable mana base, and folks, we have ourselves a menace of a deck for less than $100!</span></p>
<hr />
<h2>Sharae of Numbing Depths Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Tap-dancin&#039; with Sharae" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
Sharae of Numbing Depths
[/Commander]
[Planeswalkers]
1 Tamiyo, the Moon Sage
1 The Eternal Wanderer
[/Planeswalkers]
[Creatures]
1 Gideon&#039;s Lawkeeper
1 Goldmeadow Harrier
1 Knight of the White Orchid
1 Abuelo, Ancestral Echo
1 Claim Jumper
1 Dreamshackle Geist
1 Faramir, Steward of Gondor
1 Flux Channeler
1 Lulu, Stern Guardian
1 Displacer Kitten
1 Hylda of the Icy Crown
1 Kykar, Zephyr Awakener
1 Niblis of Frost
1 Thassa, Deep-Dwelling
1 Mulldrifter
1 Summon: Valefor
1 Timin, Youthful Geist
1 Azor, the Lawbringer
1 Deadeye Navigator
1 Fear of Sleep Paralysis
1 Frost Titan
1 Grappling Kraken
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
1 Ghost Vacuum
1 Sol Ring
1 Arcane Signet
1 Azorius Signet
1 Greatsword of Tyr
1 Lodestone Needle // Guidestone Compass
1 Talisman of Progress
1 Hylda&#039;s Crown of Winter
1 Unstable Glyphbridge // Sandswirl Wanderglyph
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
1 Gossip&#039;s Talent
1 Lost in the Maze
1 Curse of Inertia
1 Imprisoned in the Moon
1 Retreat to Coralhelm
1 Solitary Sanctuary
1 Verity Circle
1 Citadel Siege
1 Control Magic
1 Court of Grace
1 Spirit Away
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
1 Blustersquall
1 Ephemerate
1 Cloud&#039;s Limit Break
1 Counterspell
1 Disdainful Stroke
1 Negate
1 Cut Short
1 Generous Gift
1 Stroke of Midnight
1 Trap the Trespassers
1 Wizard&#039;s Retort
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
1 Ponder
1 Runic Shot
1 Swallow Whole
1 Borrowing 100,000 Arrows
1 Split Up
1 Sunfall
1 Suppression Ray // Orderly Plaza
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
1 Adarkar Wastes
1 Celestial Colonnade
1 Command Tower
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Glacial Fortress
1 Irrigated Farmland
10 Island
1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
1 Lonely Sandbar
1 Mystic Gate
9 Plains
1 Port Town
1 Prairie Stream
1 Restless Anchorage
1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
1 Secluded Steppe
1 Skycloud Expanse
1 Temple of Enlightenment
1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<p>Sharae is a powerful and fun budget commander that's a great leader for a tapper deck. She's flexible and offers a controlling game plan that is just oppressive enough without being boring to play. Hopefully your friends understand 🙂</p>
<p>Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more deck archetypes to come.</p>
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Build a "Tapper" Deck with Sharae of Numbing Depths

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baylen, the Haymaker" href="#" target="_blank">Baylen, the Haymaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>|Art by <a href="https://www.ryanpancoast.com/">Ryan Pancoast</a>)</h6>
<p>Friendly greetings and welcome to <em>Bracketeering</em>, the series about sideboarding for Commander Brackets. I'm John Sherwood, here to make hay while the sun shines.</p>
<p>This month, I'm Bracketeering an average deck from one of the top 100 commanders on EDHREC: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baylen, the Haymaker" href="#" target="_blank">Baylen, the Haymaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baylen, the Haymaker"></div></div>
<h2>The Contender</h2>
<p>Baylen is the most popular commander from <em>Bloomburrow</em> by a margin of about 1,400 decks over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This beast mode bunny is punching above its weight class, with power ahead of curve and a text box that reads like a fight movie training montage.</p>
<p>From the first line, it keeps getting better, with mana acceleration, card draw, and a knock-down blow. The token-tapping costs of Baylen's abilities are easily payable in Naya colors. <a href="http://www.archidekt.com">Archidekt</a> estimates the bracket for Baylen's average deck is an Upgraded (3) because of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smothering Tithe" href="#" target="_blank">Smothering Tithe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Taking a strict view of the brackets, one game changer is the difference between Core (2) and Upgraded (3). Undoubtedly, Baylen's ability to use Treasures without sacrificing them is game-changing. Looking at the rest of Baylen's average deck, I think Upgraded (3) is a fair bracket estimate.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Baylen Average 4/4/25" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Baylen, the Haymaker
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Academy Manufactor
*1 Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon
*1 Arasta of the Endless Web
*1 Birds of Paradise
*1 Burrowguard Mentor
*1 Cadira, Caller of the Small
*1 Charismatic Conqueror
*1 Drumbellower
*1 Enduring Vitality
*1 Farmer Cotton
*1 Finneas, Ace Archer
*1 Gilded Goose
*1 Hare Apparent
*1 Jacked Rabbit
*1 Jaheira, Friend of the Forest
*1 Jetmir, Nexus of Revels
*1 Mondrak, Glory Dominus
*1 Ocelot Pride
*1 Ojer Taq, Deepest Foundation // Temple of Civilization
*1 Peregrin Took
*1 Queen Allenal of Ruadach
*1 Rhys the Redeemed
*1 Rosie Cotton of South Lane
*1 Scute Swarm
*1 Seedborn Muse
*1 Tendershoot Dryad
*1 Tireless Provisioner
*1 Warren Warleader
*1 Wildfire Awakener
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Anointed Procession
*1 Caretaker&#039;s Talent
*1 Dazzling Theater // Prop Room
*1 Doubling Season
*1 Felidar Retreat
*1 Impact Tremors
*1 Parallel Lives
*1 Smothering Tithe
*1 Warleader&#039;s Call
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Halo Fountain
*1 Idol of Oblivion
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Arid Mesa
*1 Bountiful Promenade
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Clifftop Retreat
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*8 Forest
*1 Jetmir&#039;s Garden
*1 Jungle Shrine
*1 Mountain
*10 Plains
*1 Sacred Foundry
*1 Stomping Ground
*1 Temple Garden
*1 Windswept Heath
*1 Wooded Foothills
[/Lands]
[Instants]
*1 Artifact Mutation
*1 Aura Mutation
*1 Beast Within
*1 Dawn&#039;s Truce
*1 Grand Crescendo
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 March of the Multitudes
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Second Harvest
*1 Secure the Wastes
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Elspeth, Sun&#039;s Champion
[/Planeswalkers]
[Sorceries]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Farseek
*1 For the Common Good
*1 Hop to It
*1 Hour of Reckoning
*1 Nature&#039;s Lore
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Season of the Burrow
*1 Three Visits
[/Sorceries]"></span></div>
<p>It's important to note some issues in the deck, stemming from the fact that EDHREC average decks are aggregated from data, not built by a single player. Unfortunately, Baylen's average mana base is malnourished, with a scant thirty-three lands.</p>
<p>Please, if you're one of the Baylen players skewing that average: play more lands. There's also a single copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hare Apparent" href="#" target="_blank">Hare Apparent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in Baylen's average deck. I'm challenging that inclusion as a product of dedicated Hare Apparent decks in the data pool.</p>
<h2>Sparring Partners</h2>
<p>First, we're going to sideboard for more speed and power. This rascally rabbit is going to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Our existing list includes 28 cards that make tokens. I prefer a deck's main theme to be around 30 cards, which means this sideboard needs a few more token-producers.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Call the Coppercoats" href="#" target="_blank">Call the Coppercoats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Song of Totentanz" href="#" target="_blank">Song of Totentanz</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Springheart Nantuko" href="#" target="_blank">Springheart Nantuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arachnogenesis" href="#" target="_blank">Arachnogenesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>Baylen wants to tap all those tokens for value. Untapping effects will be a force multiplier in this deck. It already has repeatable untapping from cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but I think we can improve this with more instant untapping.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="To Arms!" href="#" target="_blank">To Arms!</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vitalize" href="#" target="_blank">Vitalize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Benefactor&#039;s Draught" href="#" target="_blank">Benefactor&#039;s Draught</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Great Train Heist" href="#" target="_blank">Great Train Heist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Savage Beating" href="#" target="_blank">Savage Beating</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>As a combat deck that wants to tap things for reasons other than attacking, a little vigilance will go a long way. There's a lot of creatures in this deck that would love to get in for damage and tap to pump Baylen. Beylen itself is itching to swing, and every attack is better if you can leave up blockers. To that end, I'm sideboarding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brave the Sands" href="#" target="_blank">Brave the Sands</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brave the Sands"></div></div>
<h2>Hitting the Heavy Bag</h2>
<p>Siding in some more Game Changers and tutors will give this deck a strong boost toward Optimized (4). <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enlightened Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Enlightened Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an extra copy of many of this deck's force multipliers, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doubling Season" href="#" target="_blank">Doubling Season</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Worldly Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Worldly Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can find the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drumbellower" href="#" target="_blank">Drumbellower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and increase opportunities for Baylen's activated abilities.</p>
<h2>The Training Diet</h2>
<p>Technically, this deck becomes Core (2) by taking out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smothering Tithe" href="#" target="_blank">Smothering Tithe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we want to honor the spirit of the bracket system, not just the letter of it. A Core (2) version of Baylen should be less bare knuckle and more padded sparring.</p>
<p>Replacement effects that increase token creation are great for Upgraded (3) and Optimized (4) games. However, Core (2) is precon level, so we should side out some of those pushed cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointed Procession" href="#" target="_blank">Anointed Procession</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The question, then, is what to sideboard in?</p>
<p>While Baylen itself has strong synergy with Food tokens, Foods are the least threatening of the many token options. Food tokens are also thematic for a commander with an agricultural pun its name.</p>
<p>There're only six Food cards in Baylen's average deck, leaving lots of Food options we can side-in for a tasty subtheme. My vegan friends might not approve, but I couldn't resist the irony of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stew the Coneys" href="#" target="_blank">Stew the Coneys</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit" href="#" target="_blank">Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stew the Coneys"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"></div></div>
<p>With about a dozen more Food-producers in the lineup, we're ready to play this deck for fun at Core (2) or rumble in an Optimized (4) pod. Check out this sideboard:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Bracketeering Baylen Sideboard" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Instants]
*1 Arachnogenesis
*1 Benefactor&#039;s Draught
*1 Call the Coppercoats
*1 Enlightened Tutor
*1 Great Train Heist
*1 Pawpatch Formation
*1 Savage Beating
*1 Stew the Coneys
*1 To Arms!
*1 Vitalize
*1 Worldly Tutor
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Apothecary White
*1 Sam, Loyal Attendant
*1 Springheart Nantuko
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Giant Opportunity
*1 Late to Dinner
*1 Revive the Shire
*1 Song of Totentanz
*1 Spider Food
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Brave the Sands
*1 Killer Service
*1 Night of the Sweets&#039; Revenge
*1 Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
*1 Welcome to Sweettooth
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 The Shire
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Betting on a Second Round Knock-Out</h2>
<p>I hope you enjoyed the Commander Brackets Beta as much as I did. For me, the first round of Commander Brackets injected some interesting deck brewing considerations. My bracket-centric interactions with other members of the community were mostly positive, and it really helped my game selections on Spelltable.</p>
<p>I'm personally excited for the Bracket action to heat up in Round Two, and curious to see how potential changes will affect this series. I'm planning to Bracketeer one of my personal decks next month, so stay tuned. In the mean time, tell us about your bracket experiences in the comments, especially if you're experimenting with sideboards for Commander.</p>


tapping

Captain America, Living Legend - Untap Your Board on a Budget

Budget Precon Upgrade Cards for Counter Intelligence

Build a "Tapper" Deck with Sharae of Numbing Depths

Bracketeering - Baylen, the Haymaker

Brew For Your Buck - Baylen on a Budget