Trading Up With Kitsune, Dragon's Daughter in Commander

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp|c20|251" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://darylart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daniel Ljunggren</a></em></p>
<p>If you've played Commander before, you've likely seen a few copies of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. You may have even come across its older brother, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or their baby brother <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lavaspur Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Lavaspur Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Each of these artifacts is strong, but how do you maximize the power of the subtype they all share: Equipment?</p>
<p>One of the first "functional Equipment" was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zelyon Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Zelyon Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, all the way from <em>Fallen Empires</em>. While it may not have the subtype we're looking for in this guide, it was similar in function to modern-day Equipment. The cards have, thankfully, evolved a lot since then. A total of 572 Equipment are currently legal in Commander, from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="+2 Mace" href="#" target="_blank">+2 Mace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zephyr Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Zephyr Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="+2 Mace"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zephyr Boots"></div></div>
<p>Today, I'd like to talk about how we can make the most of these artifacts in Commander. In this guide, I'll discuss the best Equipment in Commander and the cards that support an Equipment-centric strategy, and then build an example Equipment deck.</p>


<p>We, of course, need Equipment in our 99. But we also need some powerful creatures to equip, payoffs for equipping those creatures, and enablers to make equipping even easier. Let's expand on each category's importance.</p>
<h3>1. Equipment</h3>
<p>These cards are what make the archetype work. They're the lifeblood of these decks. But, different decks want different kinds of Equipment. Some decks, like the one we'll be building, want cheaper Equipment that can be equipped easily.</p>
<p>This may entail the use of cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mask of Memory" href="#" target="_blank">Mask of Memory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mandibular Kite" href="#" target="_blank">Mandibular Kite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lavaspur Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Lavaspur Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mask of Memory"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mandibular Kite"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lavaspur Boots"></div></div>
<p>Other decks want individually powerful Equipment that they can reduce the equip cost of, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These decks are typically built around specific Equipment, rather than being content with a critical mass of lower-quality Equipment on the battlefield.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Colossus Hammer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunforger"></div></div>
<p>Neither of these paths is more correct than the other, they're just different ways to achieve a similar Equipment-based victory. You can take a peek at <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this list of the most popular Equipment</a> to get a feel for what you like!</p>
<h3>2. Creatures to Equip</h3>
<p>You can, technically, put Equipment on any creature. But it's often better to suit up a creature that will maximize the effectiveness of a piece of Equipment. That may mean the creature has evasion, like flying or trample, or it may mean the creature has double strike (literally doubling the power of an Equipment in some cases). <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=%28otag%3Aevasion+or+kw%3A%22double+strike%22%29+game%3Apaper+order%3Aedhrec+t%3Acreature&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A list of creatures that fit this category can be found here</a>.</p>
<p>There are other creatures that benefit specifically from Equipment: creatures that get larger when they have Equipment placed on them, and creatures that are easier to put Equipment on to.</p>
<p>As an example, let's look at <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Champion of the Flame" href="#" target="_blank">Champion of the Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fervent Champion" href="#" target="_blank">Fervent Champion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These are both prime targets for our equip abilities, and have fantastic artwork to boot.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Champion of the Flame"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fervent Champion"></div></div>
<h3>3. Payoffs</h3>
<p>Payoffs reward us for doing things with Equipment. This may take the form of ramp, like with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kodama of the West Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Kodama of the West Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, extra triggers, like with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and even extra life gain, like with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Envoy of the Ancestors" href="#" target="_blank">Envoy of the Ancestors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The payoffs are almost as diverse as Equipment themselves, and can be selected to fit both your preference and your deck's needs.</p>
<p><a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=otag%3Asynergy-equipment+order%3Aedhrec+game%3Apaper&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name">A list of Equipment synergies can be found at this link</a>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kodama of the West Tree"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Envoy of the Ancestors"></div></div>
<h3>4. Enablers</h3>
<p>Enablers let us enact our game plan in a more efficient way. This usually takes the form of cost reduction, letting us cast Equipment and activate their equip abilities for less mana.</p>
<p>To give an example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bureau Headmaster" href="#" target="_blank">Bureau Headmaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does both of these things! This sort of effect can even be found on Equipment, like with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bladehold War-Whip" href="#" target="_blank">Bladehold War-Whip</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=otag%3Asynergy-equipment+order%3Aedhrec+game%3Apaper&amp;unique=cards&amp;as=grid&amp;order=name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A list of equipment synergies can be found at this link</a>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bureau Headmaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bladehold War-Whip"></div></div>


<p>Now let's talk about some specific cards to fill these roles. Most Equipment decks in Commander include <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, so I'll focus on cards from those colors (while also giving special shout-outs to standout includes from other colors).</p>
<h3>1. Equipment</h3>
<p>I'll focus first on some more generically strong Equipment. Cards that can go in most any deck centered around this card type.</p>
<p>First up is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Feast and Famine" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Feast and Famine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can let us essentially take a mini extra turn if the equipped creature connects with an opponent. Untapping all of our lands is ridiculously strong, and we can run away with the game after just a few combats with this Sword.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thran Power Suit" href="#" target="_blank">Thran Power Suit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great include in any deck that runs a critical mass of Equipment, and can turn any creature into a monster for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> once it's on board.</p>
<p>Finally, there's the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buster Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Buster Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is one of the strongest Equipment I've ever seen, and it's fitting that it's Cloud's weapon. This artifact is so generically strong, and gets even better in a deck built to equip it early.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thran Power Suit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Buster Sword"></div></div>
<p>There are also cards that work well in specific strategies. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the best sacrifice outlets available to Commander players, turning any X/1 creature into two cards at the cost of just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. <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 also great in competitive decks, locking opponents out of meaningfully interacting with our board during our turn.</p>
<p>And, as a final example, there are entire decks built around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I can't sing this card's praises enough; it's exactly the kind of unique design that I want to see more of.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skullclamp"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Conqueror&#039;s Flail"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunforger"></div></div>
<h3>2. Creatures to Equip</h3>
<p>Whether he's at the helm of his own deck, or simply in the 99 of another, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kellan, the Fae-Blooded" href="#" target="_blank">Kellan, the Fae-Blooded</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a fantastic card. He can search up our best Equipment for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, has double strike to maximize the effectiveness of our other cards, and even amplifies our whole board once he's suited up.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Godo, Bandit Warlord" href="#" target="_blank">Godo, Bandit Warlord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is <a href="https://edhrec.com/combos/mono-red/1692-4251" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strong as a combo piece with</a> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Helm of the Host" href="#" target="_blank">Helm of the Host</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but he also provides a tutor and extra combat step outside of that game-ending synergy.</p>
<p>And, for a slightly simpler card, I really like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bladegraft Aspirant" href="#" target="_blank">Bladegraft Aspirant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It's a cheap, evasive creature that saves us a lot of mana over the course of a long Commander game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kellan, the Fae-Blooded"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Godo, Bandit Warlord"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bladegraft Aspirant"></div></div>
<h3>3. Payoffs</h3>
<p>Among the simplest payoffs, but also among the most effective, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sram, Senior Edificer" href="#" target="_blank">Sram, Senior Edificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Making sure that each Equipment we cast replaces itself is stronger than it seems, especially on a creature that costs just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Golden-Tail Trainer" href="#" target="_blank">Golden-Tail Trainer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a fantastic payoff, providing a neat anthem to our board when it attacks. This Fox Samurai also enables our strategy, reducing the cost of our Equipment more and more as it gets stronger and stronger.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sram, Senior Edificer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Golden-Tail Trainer"></div></div>
<h3>4. Enablers</h3>
<p>The most common kind of enabler lets us equip creatures at a discount. <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> is a classic, equipping our creatures for free. That effect is relatively common, also appearing on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sigarda&#039;s Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Sigarda&#039;s Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example.</p>
<p>The other type of enabler lets us get our Equipment onto the battlefield at a lower cost. My favorite card in this group is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stoneforge Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Stoneforge Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, one of the best cards in <em>Magic</em> history. This Kor Artificer lets us cheat Equipment out for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, a rate that's pretty hard to beat.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hammer of Nazahn"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stoneforge Mystic"></div></div>


<h3>Artifact Synergies</h3>
<p>Equipment are, conveniently, artifacts! That opens up a whole world of synergies with some of <em>Magic</em>'s best cards. We can make large Constructs with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza&#039;s Saga" href="#" target="_blank">Urza&#039;s Saga</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, ping down our opponents' life totals with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckless Fireweaver" href="#" target="_blank">Reckless Fireweaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and maybe even win the game with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hellkite Tyrant" href="#" target="_blank">Hellkite Tyrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Urza&#039;s Saga"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reckless Fireweaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hellkite Tyrant"></div></div>
<p>Artifact synergies are primarily concentrated in <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. If you'd like to build an artifact deck that's focused more heavily on Equipment than other artifacts, that's absolutely possible! One of the best commanders available for such a list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dalakos, Crafter of Wonders" href="#" target="_blank">Dalakos, Crafter of Wonders</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3>Power Matters</h3>
<p>Many Equipment boost the power of the creature that they're equipped on (see: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and many, many others). That means cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sovereign Okinec Ahau" href="#" target="_blank">Sovereign Okinec Ahau</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> become super effective when paired with power-boosting Equipment.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sovereign Okinec Ahau"></div></div>
<p>But those cards aren't in the best color combination to lead an Equipment deck focused on augmenting creatures' power. Although he's slightly less powerful than some other commander options, I'd use <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baird, Argivian Recruiter" href="#" target="_blank">Baird, Argivian Recruiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to lead this deck. He's cheap (both in real money and mana cost), straightforward, and effective. He could be a great option for players looking to get into Pauper Commander!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baird, Argivian Recruiter"></div></div>


<p>I'd like to take this opportunity to boost one of my favorite commanders: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nahiri, Forged in Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Nahiri, Forged in Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. She's currently ranked #287 on EDHREC, but I think she deserves to be in the top 200.</p>
<p>For <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-4" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, Nahiri is a 5/4 creature that lets us cast Equipment off the top of our library for free. Whenever an equipped creature we control attacks, we exile the top card of our library. If it's an Equipment, we get to cast it for free (and we can cast it for its mana cost otherwise)!</p>
<p>Nahiri is a sneakily strong <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> creature that will provide us with the card draw we'll need to close out games in this aggressive archetype.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nahiri, Forged in Fury"></div></div>
<p>Although we won't be focusing on them today, I want to give a few other commander options for players looking to play in other color combinations. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valduk, Keeper of the Flame" href="#" target="_blank">Valduk, Keeper of the Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a fun <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> option. Decks led by him tend to be extremely aggressive, and can fizzle out in longer games. He's a fun option for those looking to play extremely aggressively.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Valduk, Keeper of the Flame"></div></div>
<p>I'm also partial to the recently released <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sokka and Suki" href="#" target="_blank">Sokka and Suki</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While I haven't fully explored all the crazy things this <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> card can do, automatically equipping all of our Equipment seems like a pretty sweet deal.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sokka and Suki"></div></div>


<p>I included a few of the cards that I spoke about in the "Getting Specific" section earlier, but here are a few extra special includes:</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cori-Steel Cutter" href="#" target="_blank">Cori-Steel Cutter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cori-Steel Cutter"></div></div>
<p>This Equipment does most everything we want. It's cheap, (meaning it hits the battlefield before Nahiri and can reduce her cost through affinity), it automatically puts itself on a creature (meaning we can attack with it to trigger Nahiri), and it gives combat-relevant abilities to the equipped creature (trample and haste are quite nice together).</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Genji Glove" href="#" target="_blank">Genji Glove</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Genji Glove"></div></div>
<p>This is a newer Equipment, and I'm very surprised that Wizards chose to put this effect on a colorless card. With Genji Glove, Commander decks of every color identity now have access to an extra-combat effect.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitterthorn, Nissa&#039;s Animus" href="#" target="_blank">Bitterthorn, Nissa&#039;s Animus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bitterthorn, Nissa&#039;s Animus"></div></div>
<p>A callback to the much-beloved <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of the Animist" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of the Animist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Bitterthorn provides a 0/0 body so we can trigger this Equipment right away. This is one of my personal favorite cards, and it just so happens to have the ability to trigger Nahiri all on its own.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akiri, Fearless Voyager" href="#" target="_blank">Akiri, Fearless Voyager</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Akiri, Fearless Voyager"></div></div>
<p>If we want to attack with a weaker equipped creature like a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Leonin Shikari" href="#" target="_blank">Leonin Shikari</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to trigger our commander, there's a chance that creature will die. Akiri helps protect those vulnerable attackers, and draws us a few extra cards for our troubles.</p>


EDHREC Guide to Equipment in Commander

A New Way to Voltron, With Nikara and Yannik

Esior and Falthis Partner Commander Deck Tech

A Mono-White Voltron / Aikido Deck with Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://paoloparente.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paolo Parente</a></em></p>
<p>I need to say a few things about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. First, he's shredded like wheat. Second, the man is way too thirsty. I mean, he is down bad. I mean, it's such a known factor that he's named for it. I'll let you decide if that's good or bad, but acknowledging it does allow me to suggest to our editors we include this meme I just made:</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-46456 size-full" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9pvpaj.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" /></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adamaro, First to Desire"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro has only one printing, from <em>Saviors of Kamigawa</em> (2005). His ability reads: <em>"<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s power and toughness are each equal to the number of cards in the hand of the opponent with the most cards in hand."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Much like wine, Matthew McConaughey, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Maze&#039;s End" href="#" target="_blank">Maze&#039;s End</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Adamaro has gotten better with age. Thanks to the influx of card draw in Commander, he reliably hits the board as a 6+ power beater. This brew doubles down on his over-statted beef by being a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> strategy at heart, but with a twist that makes for a unique Commander deck. By encouraging opponents to draw cards, we fuel Adamaro, turning their advantage into our win condition.</span></p>
<h2>Strategy One: Voltron</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unquenchable Fury"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Reaver Cleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Spear of Leonidas"></div></div></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro can come down fast, and with haste enablers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, he can attack as soon as turn three. The <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> plan is supported with <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equipment</a> like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reaver Cleaver" href="#" target="_blank">The Reaver Cleaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to help our thirsty friend trample over blockers. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unquenchable Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Unquenchable Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, fittingly from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/neo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty</em></a>, is a recurrable Aura that ensures Adamaro is dishing out damage whenever he turns sideways. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And, it plays into our subtheme of punishing card draw.</span></p>
<h2>Strategy Two: Punish Card Draw</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Razorkin Needlehead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrawling Crawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Howling Mine"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of the joy in brewing a fun Commander deck is finding the little ways your commander supports multiple strategies. Since Adamaro already punishes opponents for having a lot of cards in hand, let's lean into that. It is, after all, the closest thing our man has to an identity (outside of floating decapitated heads and Dracula-levels of thirst). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anyway, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Razorkin Needlehead" href="#" target="_blank">Razorkin Needlehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrawling Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrawling Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> both punish our opponents drawing cards. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temple Bell" href="#" target="_blank">Temple Bell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> force our opponents to draw cards. Savvy?</span></p>
<h2>Mono Red Card Advantage; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Monarchy</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emberwilde Captain"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Court of Embereth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coveted Jewel"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adamaro and the <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/monarch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monarchy</a> are made for each other. If your opponent takes it from you, they're drawing more cards, fueling Adamaro and your other draw hate. Of course, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Embereth" href="#" target="_blank">Court of Embereth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Court of Ire" href="#" target="_blank">its sister court</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are here, but the real star is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emberwilde Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Emberwilde Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is doing everything our deck wants by introducing the monarchy </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">punishing our opponents' hand size. <em>Simpatico</em>! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here. </span></p>
<h2>Goad to Hell</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bothersome Quasit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vengeful Ancestor"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is where I had a big-brain moment. If <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Mine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are drawing opponents extra cards, they're likely playing creatures to the board. And, Adamaro is already incentivizing our opponents to dump their hands, so we can anticipate the board might get clogged pretty quickly. Now, if we also want to play to the board, what is the perfect mechanic to keep us alive without having to wipe our own creatures? </span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-46462 aligncenter" src="https://commandersherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-212152-300x217.png" alt="" width="300" height="217" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enter: goad. <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/goad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goad</a> is the perfect mechanic to clear messy boards, damage our opponents, and strengthen our own position. Using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer" href="#" target="_blank">Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vengeful Ancestor" href="#" target="_blank">Vengeful Ancestor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can force our opponents to attack each other instead of us. It also ensures our opponents' creatures are tapped and unable to block the Spirit of Bodybuilders Past. This means that in many board states, goading is better than wiping the board. Trust me, I did the math on this. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Sound of Drums"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, I found this hidden gem: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Sound of Drums" href="#" target="_blank">The Sound of Drums</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. From the <em>Doctor Who</em> set, this is the perfect card for Adamaro. It can goad an opponent's creature, or we can suit up our commander to double its damage! </span></p>
<h2>Ramping in Style in Mono-Red</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curse of Opulence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Laser Screwdriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Irencrag"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, we're running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But I'll also highlight some flavorful, on-theme ramp picks.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curse of Opulence" href="#" target="_blank">Curse of Opulence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> supports our primary crash-out plan and incentivizes our opponents to hit each other. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laser Screwdriver" href="#" target="_blank">Laser Screwdriver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can goad creatures, which ties in to our defense strategy. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Irencrag" href="#" target="_blank">The Irencrag</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a mana rock in the early game that can turn into an Adamaro-pumping Equipment when you no longer need the ramp. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns all our artifact removal into permanent removal. </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Oddities and Hidden Gems</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Woah there! I see you side-eyeing the deck list. I know it looks a little weird. Let me explain some of the hidden tech in this Commander deck tech. </span></p>
<h3>Breaking Symmetry</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expedited Inheritance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Share the Spoils"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curse of Hospitality"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These three odd-ball enchantments come from my love of breaking symmetrical effects. The idea here is that we can encourage our opponents to keep cards in their hand by tempting them with impulse draw. And of course, we can get some card advantage from them as well. I don't know if it's the most effective way to spend these slots, but I've been looking for a home for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expedited Inheritance" href="#" target="_blank">Expedited Inheritance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> since it was printed. </span></p>
<h3>Land Destruction? How Did You Get In Here?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Volcanic Offering"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ruination"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hey! Woah! Hey! Who put land destruction in this list? That's weird. But now that it's here, a little land hate would slow down the rate at which our opponents could play cards, meaning their hands might be more full for Adamaro. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On that note, any artifact hate like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shattering Spree" href="#" target="_blank">Shattering Spree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balor" href="#" target="_blank">Balor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could be used to target mana rocks, similarly slowing down our opponents. Hmm... </span></p>
<h3>Hater Blockers</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deflecting Swat"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Untimely Malfunction"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commander&#039;s Plate"></div></div> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>It's dangerous to Adamaro alone! Take these.</em> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When optimizing decks for the Commander format, I like protection pieces that have utility. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Untimely Malfunction" href="#" target="_blank">Untimely Malfunction</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the perfect example of a card that can protect our commander, but also remove troublesome blockers for a turn, or destroy an artifact. Incidental artifact hate like this is a great argument for making <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> a must-run in any red deck. </span></p>
<h3>Pillow Fort, But Mono-Red</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brash Taunter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kazuul, Tyrant of the Cliffs"></div></div></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm not sure if you can tell, but I don't like to die. Voltron decks draw a lot of heat, and Adamaro isn't killing folks so quickly that we don't have a need to play defense. Thankfully, if anyone likes playing D, it's probably the guy named Adamaro.</span></p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adamaro, First to Desire" href="#" target="_blank">Adamaro, First to Desire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: a Surprisingly Threatening Voltron Commander</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck requires a little bit of politicking and strategizing to make it to the end game, but it's a lot of fun fitting all the pieces together. With a mix of Voltron pieces, draw punishment, and goad effects, Adamaro becomes a surprisingly consistent and threatening Voltron option.</span></p>


voltron commander

Trading Up With Kitsune, Dragon's Daughter in Commander

EDHREC Guide to Equipment in Commander

A New Way to Voltron, With Nikara and Yannik

Esior and Falthis Partner Commander Deck Tech

A Mono-White Voltron / Aikido Deck with Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer

Is Adamaro, First to Desire a Voltron Hidden Gem?