Valentin, Dean of the Vein (Commander) - Lifegain

Background image for How to Build Golgari Without Being Golboring
Arnaud Gompertz
Sep 3, 2025
How to Build Golgari Without Being Golboring
Like to think outside the color box in Commander? This edition of Branching Out gives you some great ideas for unique Golgari builds.
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Moxfield
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MTGStocks
Dina, Essence Brewer
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
16%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Essence Warden
78%inclusion101 decks130 decks
71%synergy
Prosperous Innkeeper
68%inclusion88 decks130 decks
60%synergy
Mortality Spear
62%inclusion81 decks130 decks
57%synergy
Dina, Soul Steeper
61%inclusion79 decks130 decks
57%synergy
Gala Greeters
58%inclusion75 decks130 decks
52%synergy
Pest Infestation
58%inclusion75 decks130 decks
50%synergy
Radiant Fountain
50%inclusion65 decks130 decks
48%synergy
Kami of Whispered Hopes
53%inclusion69 decks130 decks
48%synergy
Inspiring Call
52%inclusion68 decks130 decks
48%synergy
Scavenging Ooze
51%inclusion66 decks130 decks
47%synergy
Top Cards
Cultivate
48%inclusion63 decks130 decks
9%synergy
Winding Constrictor
48%inclusion62 decks130 decks
42%synergy
Spike Feeder
47%inclusion61 decks130 decks
47%synergy
Hardened Scales
46%inclusion60 decks130 decks
38%synergy
Blood Artist
45%inclusion59 decks130 decks
26%synergy
Assassin's Trophy
44%inclusion57 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Blossoming Bogbeast
42%inclusion55 decks130 decks
41%synergy
Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose
42%inclusion55 decks130 decks
39%synergy
Beast Within
42%inclusion55 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Well of Lost Dreams
42%inclusion55 decks130 decks
41%synergy
Game Changers
Bolas's Citadel
24%inclusion31 decks130 decks
19%synergy
Demonic Tutor
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
-8%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Necropotence
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Creatures
Beledros Witherbloom
41%inclusion53 decks130 decks
33%synergy
Social Climber
41%inclusion53 decks130 decks
40%synergy
Veinwitch Coven
39%inclusion51 decks130 decks
37%synergy
Corpsejack Menace
38%inclusion50 decks130 decks
31%synergy
Haywire Mite
36%inclusion47 decks130 decks
19%synergy
Llanowar Elves
35%inclusion46 decks130 decks
1%synergy
Blood Researcher
35%inclusion46 decks130 decks
35%synergy
Marauding Blight-Priest
35%inclusion45 decks130 decks
32%synergy
Tenured Inkcaster
35%inclusion45 decks130 decks
34%synergy
Zulaport Cutthroat
34%inclusion44 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Witch of the Moors
34%inclusion44 decks130 decks
31%synergy
Evolution Witness
33%inclusion38 decks114 decks
30%synergy
Virulent Emissary
33%inclusion3 decks9 decks
24%synergy
Bloodthirsty Aerialist
32%inclusion42 decks130 decks
32%synergy
Kazandu Nectarpot
32%inclusion41 decks130 decks
30%synergy
Herd Baloth
31%inclusion40 decks130 decks
30%synergy
Deathrite Shaman
31%inclusion40 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Spectrum Sentinel
31%inclusion40 decks130 decks
30%synergy
Fetid Gargantua
30%inclusion33 decks109 decks
30%synergy
Basking Broodscale
30%inclusion35 decks116 decks
29%synergy
Creeping Bloodsucker
30%inclusion39 decks130 decks
28%synergy
Deathgreeter
30%inclusion39 decks130 decks
28%synergy
Courser of Kruphix
29%inclusion38 decks130 decks
27%synergy
Birds of Paradise
28%inclusion37 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Sakura-Tribe Elder
28%inclusion37 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Armorcraft Judge
27%inclusion35 decks130 decks
26%synergy
Prize Pig
26%inclusion34 decks130 decks
26%synergy
Elves of Deep Shadow
25%inclusion32 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Elvish Mystic
25%inclusion32 decks130 decks
-3%synergy
Devoted Druid
25%inclusion32 decks130 decks
20%synergy
Accomplished Alchemist
24%inclusion31 decks130 decks
23%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
23%inclusion30 decks130 decks
21%synergy
Incubation Druid
23%inclusion30 decks130 decks
20%synergy
Leyline Prowler
22%inclusion29 decks130 decks
20%synergy
Disciple of Freyalise
22%inclusion25 decks114 decks
13%synergy
Cursed Wombat
21%inclusion23 decks111 decks
19%synergy
Witherbloom Apprentice
20%inclusion26 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Dai Li Agents
20%inclusion2 decks10 decks
19%synergy
Fyndhorn Elves
19%inclusion25 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Jaddi Offshoot
18%inclusion23 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Fertilid
18%inclusion23 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Honor Troll
18%inclusion23 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Ayara, First of Locthwain
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Ezzaroot Channeler
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
16%synergy
Beast Whisperer
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Vampire Nighthawk
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
15%synergy
Gyre Sage
16%inclusion21 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Mosswood Dreadknight
15%inclusion20 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Champion of Lambholt
15%inclusion20 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Defiler of Vigor
15%inclusion20 decks130 decks
14%synergy
Instants
Tend the Pests
42%inclusion54 decks130 decks
38%synergy
Tamiyo's Safekeeping
38%inclusion50 decks130 decks
31%synergy
Putrefy
35%inclusion46 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Revitalizing Repast
27%inclusion31 decks113 decks
8%synergy
Heroic Intervention
26%inclusion34 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Infuse with Vitality
25%inclusion33 decks130 decks
23%synergy
Golgari Charm
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Tear Asunder
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Village Rites
18%inclusion23 decks130 decks
1%synergy
Nature's Claim
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Infernal Grasp
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Fortifying Draught
12%inclusion16 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Fell the Profane
11%inclusion13 decks114 decks
2%synergy
Deathsprout
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Inscription of Abundance
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
9%synergy
Snakeskin Veil
10%inclusion13 decks130 decks
1%synergy
Return of the Wildspeaker
10%inclusion13 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Zuko's Conviction
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
10%synergy
Abrupt Decay
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
Weather the Storm
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
9%synergy
Deadly Dispute
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-11%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Plumb the Forbidden
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
1%synergy
Dark Ritual
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
-9%synergy
Pulse of Murasa
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Go for the Throat
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Pillar Launch
6.7%inclusion1 decks15 decks
7%synergy
Atomize
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
1%synergy
Krosan Grip
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Sorceries
Rampant Growth
38%inclusion49 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Nature's Lore
33%inclusion43 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Shamanic Revelation
31%inclusion40 decks130 decks
20%synergy
Toxic Deluge
30%inclusion39 decks130 decks
9%synergy
Kodama's Reach
28%inclusion36 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Culling Ritual
26%inclusion34 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Farseek
22%inclusion29 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Night's Whisper
22%inclusion29 decks130 decks
14%synergy
Sign in Blood
22%inclusion29 decks130 decks
15%synergy
Feed the Swarm
20%inclusion26 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Essence Pulse
20%inclusion26 decks130 decks
19%synergy
Three Visits
20%inclusion26 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Read the Bones
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Dig Up
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Tend the Sprigs
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
10%synergy
Scale the Heights
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Healing Technique
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Rishkar's Expertise
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Reanimate
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
-9%synergy
Deadly Brew
10%inclusion13 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Deadly Precision
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
9%synergy
Gaze of Granite
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Exsanguinate
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Bridgeworks Battle
8.8%inclusion10 decks113 decks
4%synergy
Pest Summoning
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Devouring Tendrils
7.7%inclusion10 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Urborg Repossession
7.7%inclusion10 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Witherbloom Command
7.7%inclusion10 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Harmonize
7.7%inclusion10 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Casualties of War
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Deadly Tempest
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Ezuri's Predation
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Damnation
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Embrace Oblivion
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
6%synergy
Containment Breach
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Find // Finality
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Victimize
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
-14%synergy
Rise of the Witch-king
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
In Garruk's Wake
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Tablet of the Guilds
32%inclusion42 decks130 decks
31%synergy
Fountain of Renewal
27%inclusion35 decks130 decks
26%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
20%inclusion26 decks130 decks
19%synergy
The Great Henge
19%inclusion25 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Ozolith, the Shattered Spire
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Lightning Greaves
17%inclusion22 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Skullclamp
16%inclusion21 decks130 decks
-15%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Wurm's Tooth
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
14%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
-11%synergy
Whip of Erebos
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Alhammarret's Archive
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Cosmos Elixir
12%inclusion16 decks130 decks
12%synergy
The Ozolith
12%inclusion15 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Bontu's Monument
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Sun Droplet
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Bow of Nylea
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Pestilent Cauldron
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Demon's Horn
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Elixir of Immortality
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Staff of the Wild Magus
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Prism Ring
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Excalibur II
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
5%synergy
Enchantments
Moldervine Reclamation
37%inclusion48 decks130 decks
14%synergy
Blight Mound
28%inclusion37 decks130 decks
26%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
27%inclusion35 decks130 decks
13%synergy
Trudge Garden
25%inclusion33 decks130 decks
24%synergy
Bastion of Remembrance
24%inclusion31 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Druid Class
23%inclusion30 decks130 decks
21%synergy
Sanguine Bond
21%inclusion27 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Retreat to Kazandu
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
17%synergy
Branching Evolution
16%inclusion21 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Exquisite Blood
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
11%synergy
Sylvan Library
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Revenge of Ravens
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Loading Zone
13%inclusion2 decks16 decks
11%synergy
Lifegift
12%inclusion16 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Greed
12%inclusion15 decks130 decks
10%synergy
Vampiric Rites
12%inclusion15 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Black Market Connections
12%inclusion15 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Hollowmurk Siege
11%inclusion3 decks27 decks
6%synergy
Retreat to Hagra
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Leyline of Vitality
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
9%synergy
Tribute to the World Tree
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Doubling Season
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
-8%synergy
Primeval Bounty
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Guardian Project
7.7%inclusion10 decks130 decks
0%synergy
The Meathook Massacre
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Binding the Old Gods
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Wild Growth
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Glorious Sunrise
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Stocking the Pantry
6.7%inclusion6 decks90 decks
5%synergy
Sanctum of Stone Fangs
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Colossal Majesty
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Terrasymbiosis
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
1%synergy
Deathreap Ritual
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
-6%synergy
Sothera, the Supervoid
5.3%inclusion1 decks19 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Vraska, Golgari Queen
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Utility Lands
Sapseep Forest
45%inclusion59 decks130 decks
44%synergy
Bojuka Bog
33%inclusion43 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
High Market
30%inclusion39 decks130 decks
21%synergy
Reliquary Tower
19%inclusion25 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Rogue's Passage
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
18%inclusion23 decks130 decks
-10%synergy
Restless Cottage
16%inclusion21 decks130 decks
7%synergy
The Shire
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Karn's Bastion
12%inclusion16 decks130 decks
6%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood
11%inclusion14 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Grim Backwoods
10%inclusion13 decks130 decks
-3%synergy
Castle Locthwain
10%inclusion13 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Mosswort Bridge
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Gingerbread Cabin
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Witch's Clinic
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Temple of the False God
6.9%inclusion9 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Seraph Sanctuary
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Phyrexian Tower
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
-9%synergy
Hissing Quagmire
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Westvale Abbey
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
73%inclusion95 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
Pristine Talisman
58%inclusion76 decks130 decks
57%synergy
Arcane Signet
51%inclusion66 decks130 decks
-11%synergy
Golgari Signet
26%inclusion34 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Talisman of Resilience
26%inclusion34 decks130 decks
2%synergy
Paradise Plume
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
9%synergy
Lands
Forest
97%inclusion126 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Swamp
95%inclusion123 decks130 decks
-3%synergy
Command Tower
81%inclusion105 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Jungle Hollow
64%inclusion83 decks130 decks
40%synergy
Woodland Cemetery
62%inclusion80 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Llanowar Wastes
58%inclusion75 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Tainted Wood
45%inclusion59 decks130 decks
1%synergy
Golgari Rot Farm
44%inclusion57 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Necroblossom Snarl
41%inclusion53 decks130 decks
5%synergy
Temple of Malady
33%inclusion43 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Undergrowth Stadium
32%inclusion41 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
Overgrown Tomb
32%inclusion41 decks130 decks
-15%synergy
Riveteers Overlook
30%inclusion39 decks130 decks
26%synergy
Revitalizing Repast
27%inclusion31 decks113 decks
8%synergy
Exotic Orchard
25%inclusion33 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Deathcap Glade
25%inclusion32 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Twilight Mire
24%inclusion31 decks130 decks
-13%synergy
Disciple of Freyalise
22%inclusion25 decks114 decks
13%synergy
Evolving Wilds
21%inclusion27 decks130 decks
-6%synergy
Viridescent Bog
19%inclusion25 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Nurturing Peatland
19%inclusion25 decks130 decks
7%synergy
Myriad Landscape
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
3%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
18%inclusion24 decks130 decks
-11%synergy
Wastewood Verge
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
-2%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
15%inclusion20 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Witherbloom Campus
15%inclusion20 decks130 decks
12%synergy
Darkbore Pathway
15%inclusion20 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Haunted Mire
15%inclusion19 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Path of Ancestry
15%inclusion19 decks130 decks
-9%synergy
Woodland Chasm
15%inclusion19 decks130 decks
8%synergy
Underground Mortuary
14%inclusion18 decks130 decks
-7%synergy
Blooming Marsh
13%inclusion17 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Fell the Profane
11%inclusion13 decks114 decks
2%synergy
Fabled Passage
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
9.2%inclusion12 decks130 decks
-2%synergy
Bridgeworks Battle
8.8%inclusion10 decks113 decks
4%synergy
Blighted Woodland
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
4%synergy
Golgari Guildgate
8.5%inclusion11 decks130 decks
-1%synergy
Bayou
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
-5%synergy
Darkmoss Bridge
6.2%inclusion8 decks130 decks
-4%synergy
Vernal Fen
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
-9%synergy
Festering Thicket
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
-1%synergy
Prismatic Vista
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
0%synergy
Snow-Covered Swamp
5.4%inclusion7 decks130 decks
1%synergy