Empress Galina (Commander) - Control

Background image for The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
Jonathan Zucchetti
Nov 20, 2025
The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
With 2025 drawing to a close, let's take a look back at this quarter century and pick out the best commanders from each year.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Leyline of Singularity
81%inclusion25 decks31 decks
80%synergy
Bribery
74%inclusion23 decks31 decks
70%synergy
Blatant Thievery
68%inclusion21 decks31 decks
65%synergy
Control Magic
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
63%synergy
Agent of Treachery
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
60%synergy
Treachery
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
57%synergy
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
55%synergy
Roil Elemental
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
53%synergy
Invoke the Winds
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
53%synergy
Corrupted Conscience
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
50%synergy
Top Cards
Counterspell
81%inclusion25 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Sapphire Medallion
77%inclusion24 decks31 decks
19%synergy
High Tide
68%inclusion21 decks31 decks
24%synergy
Mana Drain
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Lightning Greaves
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Propaganda
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
31%synergy
Clever Impersonator
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
49%synergy
Sower of Temptation
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
49%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
23%synergy
Vedalken Shackles
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
49%synergy
Game Changers
Cyclonic Rift
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
28%synergy
Rhystic Study
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Force of Will
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
22%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Mystical Tutor
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Consecrated Sphinx
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Grim Monolith
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Ancient Tomb
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Narset, Parter of Veils
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Mana Vault
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Creatures
Thada Adel, Acquisitor
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
47%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
23%synergy
Aphetto Alchemist
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
39%synergy
Thieving Skydiver
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Mind Flayer
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
37%synergy
Ioreth of the Healing House
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
35%synergy
Aura Thief
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Beguiler of Wills
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
35%synergy
Memnarch
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
33%synergy
Solemn Simulacrum
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Gilded Drake
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
30%synergy
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Callous Oppressor
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
32%synergy
Keiga, the Tide Star
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
28%synergy
Harbinger of the Seas
29%inclusion8 decks28 decks
20%synergy
Marvin, Murderous Mimic
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
24%synergy
Fatespinner
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
24%synergy
Arcanis the Omnipotent
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Thalakos Deceiver
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Omni-Changeling
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
23%synergy
Glasspool Mimic
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Fatestitcher
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Spark Double
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Defiler of Dreams
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Dominating Licid
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Burnished Hart
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Stunt Double
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Gogo, Master of Mimicry
13%inclusion2 decks15 decks
11%synergy
Tishana's Tidebinder
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Snapcaster Mage
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Mocking Doppelganger
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Sakashima the Impostor
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Faerie Mastermind
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Spellskite
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Clone
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Glen Elendra Archmage
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Willbreaker
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Master Thief
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Archaeomancer
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Baral, Chief of Compliance
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Hullbreaker Horror
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-15%synergy
Cryptoplasm
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Deadeye Navigator
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Starwinder
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
5%synergy
High Fae Trickster
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
2%synergy
Eluge, the Shoreless Sea
7.4%inclusion2 decks27 decks
-1%synergy
Volatile Stormdrake
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
4%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Instants
Brainstorm
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Desertion
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
43%synergy
Archmage's Charm
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
25%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Negate
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Arcane Denial
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Force of Negation
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Aetherize
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Pongify
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
-11%synergy
Swan Song
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Dramatic Reversal
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
-9%synergy
Polymorphist's Jest
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Opt
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
-9%synergy
Disallow
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Cryptic Command
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Commandeer
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-3%synergy
Frantic Search
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-18%synergy
Blue Sun's Zenith
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Reins of Power
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Rewind
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Sink into Stupor
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-11%synergy
Three Steps Ahead
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Fact or Fiction
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Aethersnatch
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Aetherspouts
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Dispel
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Dominate
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Flusterstorm
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Snap
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-9%synergy
Pull from Tomorrow
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Stifle
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Flow of Knowledge
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-6%synergy
Misdirection
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Mana Leak
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Fumble
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Annul
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Narset's Reversal
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-3%synergy
Gather Specimens
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Pact of Negation
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Scour for Scrap
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
1%synergy
Louisoix's Sacrifice
6.7%inclusion1 decks15 decks
6%synergy
See Double
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Reality Shift
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-21%synergy
Redirect
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Spelljack
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Capsize
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Overwhelming Intellect
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Insidious Will
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Sorceries
Blue Sun's Twilight
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
45%synergy
Ponder
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Mass Manipulation
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
27%synergy
Acquire
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
28%synergy
Rite of Replication
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
22%synergy
Expropriate
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Inevitable Betrayal
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Fabricate
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Subjugate the Hobbits
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Entrancing Melody
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Windfall
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-9%synergy
Tempted by the Oriq
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Preordain
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-11%synergy
Flow of Ideas
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Solve the Equation
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Sakashima's Will
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Curse of the Swine
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Wash Out
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Finale of Revelation
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Stolen Goods
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Time Spiral
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Ravenform
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Time Warp
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Isochron Scepter
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Illusionist's Bracers
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Thousand-Year Elixir
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
22%synergy
Rings of Brighthearth
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Glaring Spotlight
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Sting, the Glinting Dagger
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Waterbending Scroll
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
8%synergy
Mirage Mirror
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Magewright's Stone
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Mindslaver
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Staff of Eden, Vault's Key
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
10%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Mirror Box
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Neurok Stealthsuit
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Lunatic Pandora
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
7%synergy
The Water Crystal
6.7%inclusion1 decks15 decks
-4%synergy
Unwinding Clock
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
The One Ring
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-6%synergy
Helm of Possession
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Helm of the Host
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Gilded Pinions
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Proteus Staff
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Whispersilk Cloak
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Staff of Domination
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Bident of Thassa
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Enchantments
Mystic Remora
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Confiscate
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
28%synergy
Back to Basics
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Imprisoned in the Moon
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Mind Control
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
25%synergy
Unstoppable Plan
24%inclusion5 decks21 decks
16%synergy
Steal Enchantment
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Leyline of Anticipation
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Pemmin's Aura
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Steal Artifact
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Mirrormade
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Kitnap
15%inclusion4 decks27 decks
14%synergy
Freed from the Real
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Legacy's Allure
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
13%synergy
In Bolas's Clutches
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Dissipation Field
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Copy Artifact
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Telepathy
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Diplomatic Immunity
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Omniscience
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Curse of Unbinding
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Mind's Dilation
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Take Possession
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Wizard Class
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-11%synergy
Mechanized Production
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Annex
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Followed Footsteps
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Kiora Bests the Sea God
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Copy Enchantment
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Coastal Piracy
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Exchange of Words
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Kasmina's Transmutation
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
As Foretold
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Grafted Identity
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Planeswalkers
Jace, Ingenious Mind-Mage
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
74%inclusion23 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
68%inclusion21 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
46%synergy
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
39%synergy
Arcane Lighthouse
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
40%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Detection Tower
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
28%synergy
Academy Ruins
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Tolaria West
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Temple of the False God
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Halimar Depths
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
6%synergy
War Room
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Castle Vantress
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Rivendell
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Maze of Ith
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Rogue's Passage
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Hall of Storm Giants
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Coral Atoll
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Urza's Saga
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-7%synergy
Scavenger Grounds
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Command Beacon
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Strip Mine
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Field of Ruin
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Archway of Innovation
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-4%synergy
Wasteland
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Tyrite Sanctum
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Blighted Cataract
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Lonely Sandbar
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-7%synergy
Skyline Cascade
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Volatile Fault
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Terrain Generator
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Jidoor, Aristocratic Capital
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
2%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
90%inclusion28 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Arcane Signet
71%inclusion22 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Thought Vessel
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Patriar's Seal
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
43%synergy
Throne of Eldraine
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Fellwar Stone
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Gilded Lotus
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Caged Sun
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Sky Diamond
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Basalt Monolith
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Thran Dynamo
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Nyx Lotus
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Extraplanar Lens
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Mind Stone
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
-23%synergy
Sceptre of Eternal Glory
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Mox Opal
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Misleading Signpost
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Bender's Waterskin
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
1%synergy
Commander's Sphere
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Gauntlet of Power
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Lotus Petal
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Mox Amber
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Eye of Ramos
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
All-Fates Scroll
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
8%synergy
Ring of the Lucii
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
7%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Worn Powerstone
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Midnight Clock
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-14%synergy
Lands
Island
81%inclusion25 decks31 decks
-13%synergy
Myriad Landscape
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Glasspool Mimic
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Snow-Covered Island
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Sink into Stupor
11%inclusion3 decks28 decks
-11%synergy
Demolition Field
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
7.1%inclusion2 decks28 decks
-7%synergy
Command Tower
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Jwari Disruption
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
0%synergy