244
3/22/2025
"She's a Killer QUEEEEN"
Deck Size: 100
Commander
Legal
Est deck cost: $445.12
Salt sum: 42.93
244
3/22/2025
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Commander

Qty: 1 Price: $2.49
Marchesa, the Black Rose

Dethrone (Whenever this creature attacks the player with the most life or tied for most life, put a +1/+1 counter on it.) Other creatures you control have dethrone. Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it dies, return that card to the battlefield under your control at the beginning of the next end step.

Creature
Marchesa, the Black Rose (2x2) 248

Commander

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Recursion

Qty: 4 Price: $25.26
Alesha, Who Laughs at Fate

First strike Whenever Alesha attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Raid — At the beginning of your end step, if you attacked this turn, return target creature card with mana value less than or equal to Alesha's power from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Creature
Alesha, Who Laughs at Fate (fdn) 343
Gisa, Glorious Resurrector

If a creature an opponent controls would die, exile it instead. At the beginning of your upkeep, put all creature cards exiled with Gisa onto the battlefield under your control. They gain decayed. (A creature with decayed can't block. When it attacks, sacrifice it at end of combat.)

Creature
Gisa, Glorious Resurrector (mid) 103
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed

Intimidate (This creature can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or creatures that share a color with it.) Whenever a Human deals damage to you, destroy it. Other non-Human creatures you control get +1/+1 and have undying. (When a creature with undying dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)

Creature
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed (cmm) 173
Victimize

Choose two target creature cards in your graveyard. Sacrifice a creature. If you do, return the chosen cards to the battlefield tapped.

Sorcery
Victimize (mh3) 278

Recursion

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Copy

Qty: 1 Price: $8.49
Spark Double

You may have this creature enter as a copy of a creature or planeswalker you control, except it enters with an additional +1/+1 counter on it if it's a creature, it enters with an additional loyalty counter on it if it's a planeswalker, and it isn't legendary.

Creature
Spark Double (cmm) 856

Copy

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Removal

Qty: 12 Price: $64.14
Arcane Denial

Counter target spell. Its controller may draw up to two cards at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep. You draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

Instant
Arcane Denial (cmr) 393
Blasphemous Act

This spell costs {1} less to cast for each creature on the battlefield. Blasphemous Act deals 13 damage to each creature.

Sorcery
Blasphemous Act (dsc) 160
Chaos Warp

The owner of target permanent shuffles it into their library, then reveals the top card of their library. If it's a permanent card, they put it onto the battlefield.

Instant
Chaos Warp (pip) 466
Counterspell

Counter target spell.

Instant
Counterspell (dmr) 45
Feed the Swarm

Destroy target creature or enchantment an opponent controls. You lose life equal to that permanent's mana value.

Sorcery
Feed the Swarm (plst) SCD-77
Flayer of the Hatebound

Undying (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.) Whenever this creature or another creature enters from your graveyard, that creature deals damage equal to its power to any target.

Creature
Flayer of the Hatebound (c19) 144
Glen Elendra Archmage

Flying {U}, Sacrifice this creature: Counter target noncreature spell. Persist (When this creature dies, if it had no -1/-1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a -1/-1 counter on it.)

Creature
Glen Elendra Archmage (woc) 94
Grave Pact

Whenever a creature you control dies, each other player sacrifices a creature of their choice.

Enchantment
Grave Pact (wot) 29
Juri, Master of the Revue

Whenever you sacrifice a permanent, put a +1/+1 counter on Juri. When Juri dies, it deals damage equal to its power to any target.

Creature
Juri, Master of the Revue (cmr) 282
Terminate

Destroy target creature. It can't be regenerated.

Instant
Terminate (m3c) 274
Toxic Deluge

As an additional cost to cast this spell, pay X life. All creatures get -X/-X until end of turn.

Sorcery
Toxic Deluge (mkc) 142
Vandalblast

Destroy target artifact you don't control. Overload {4}{R} (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")

Sorcery
Vandalblast (afc) 148

Removal

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Counters

Qty: 8 Price: $31.24
Andúril, Narsil Reforged

Ascend (If you control ten or more permanents, you get the city's blessing for the rest of the game.) Whenever equipped creature attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. If you have the city's blessing, put two +1/+1 counters on each creature you control instead. Equip {3}

Artifact
Andúril, Narsil Reforged (ltc) 491
Drana, Liberator of Malakir

Flying, first strike Whenever Drana deals combat damage to a player, put a +1/+1 counter on each attacking creature you control.

Creature
Drana, Liberator of Malakir (lcc) 193
Gev, Scaled Scorch

Ward—Pay 2 life. Other creatures you control enter with an additional +1/+1 counter on them for each opponent who lost life this turn. Whenever you cast a Lizard spell, Gev deals 1 damage to target opponent.

Creature
Gev, Scaled Scorch (blb) 214
Iron Apprentice

This creature enters with a +1/+1 counter on it. When this creature dies, if it had counters on it, put those counters on target creature you control.

Creature Artifact
Iron Apprentice (neo) 248
Thran Vigil

Whenever one or more artifact and/or creature cards leave your graveyard during your turn, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control.

Enchantment
Thran Vigil (bro) 114
Thundering Raiju

Haste Whenever this creature attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control. Then this creature deals X damage to each opponent, where X is the number of modified creatures you control other than this creature. (Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications.)

Creature
Thundering Raiju (neo) 166
Uncivil Unrest

Nontoken creatures you control have riot. (They enter with your choice of a +1/+1 counter or haste.) If a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage instead.

Enchantment
Uncivil Unrest (moc) 35
Unspeakable Symbol

Pay 3 life: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

Enchantment
Unspeakable Symbol (plst) SCG-79

Counters

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Sac Outlet

Qty: 5 Price: $21.95
Carrion Feeder

This creature can't block. Sacrifice a creature: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Creature
Carrion Feeder (mh1) 81
Goblin Bombardment

Sacrifice a creature: This enchantment deals 1 damage to any target.

Enchantment
Goblin Bombardment (mh2) 279
Viscera Seer

Sacrifice a creature: Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)

Creature
Viscera Seer (cmr) 158
Warren Soultrader

Pay 1 life, Sacrifice another creature: Create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

Creature
Warren Soultrader (mh3) 110
Yahenni, Undying Partisan

Haste Whenever a creature an opponent controls dies, put a +1/+1 counter on Yahenni. Sacrifice another creature: Yahenni gains indestructible until end of turn.

Creature
Yahenni, Undying Partisan (cmm) 201

Sac Outlet

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Drain

Qty: 2 Price: $4.48
Gray Merchant of Asphodel

When this creature enters, each opponent loses X life, where X is your devotion to black. You gain life equal to the life lost this way. (Each {B} in the mana costs of permanents you control counts toward your devotion to black.)

Creature
Gray Merchant of Asphodel (thb) 99
Marionette Apprentice

Fabricate 1 (When this creature enters, put a +1/+1 counter on it or create a 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature token.) Whenever another creature or artifact you control is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, each opponent loses 1 life.

Creature
Marionette Apprentice (mh3) 100

Drain

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Theft

Qty: 3 Price: $2.13
Mark of Mutiny

Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Put a +1/+1 counter on it and untap it. That creature gains haste until end of turn. (It can attack and {T} this turn.)

Sorcery
Mark of Mutiny (ima) 139
Sower of Temptation

Flying When this creature enters, gain control of target creature for as long as this creature remains on the battlefield.

Creature
Sower of Temptation (bbd) 131
Zealous Conscripts

Haste When this creature enters, gain control of target permanent until end of turn. Untap that permanent. It gains haste until end of turn.

Creature
Zealous Conscripts (inr) 183

Theft

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Draw

Qty: 13 Price: $54.79
Baleful Strix

Flying, deathtouch When this creature enters, draw a card.

Creature Artifact
Baleful Strix (mkc) 200
Bloodtracker

Flying {B}, Pay 2 life: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. When this creature leaves the battlefield, draw a card for each +1/+1 counter on it.

Creature
Bloodtracker (c21) 137
Braids, Arisen Nightmare

At the beginning of your end step, you may sacrifice an artifact, creature, enchantment, land, or planeswalker. If you do, each opponent may sacrifice a permanent of their choice that shares a card type with it. For each opponent who doesn't, that player loses 2 life and you draw a card.

Creature
Braids, Arisen Nightmare (dmu) 84
Danny Pink

Mentor (Whenever this creature attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target attacking creature with lesser power.) Creatures you control have "Whenever one or more counters are put on this creature for the first time each turn, draw a card."

Creature
Danny Pink (who) 39
Deadly Dispute

As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice an artifact or creature. Draw two cards and create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

Instant
Deadly Dispute (afr) 94
Grim Haruspex

Morph {B} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) Whenever another nontoken creature you control dies, draw a card.

Creature
Grim Haruspex (ktk) 73
Mulldrifter

Flying When this creature enters, draw two cards. Evoke {2}{U} (You may cast this spell for its evoke cost. If you do, it's sacrificed when it enters.)

Creature
Mulldrifter (mkc) 111
Sage of Fables

Each other Wizard creature you control enters with an additional +1/+1 counter on it. {2}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from a creature you control: Draw a card.

Creature
Sage of Fables (lcc) 169
Satoru, the Infiltrator

Menace Whenever Satoru and/or one or more other nontoken creatures you control enter, if none of them were cast or no mana was spent to cast them, draw a card.

Creature
Satoru, the Infiltrator (otj) 230
Scorn-Blade Berserker

Backup 1 (When this creature enters, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. If that's another creature, it gains the following ability until end of turn.) {1}, Sacrifice this creature: Draw a card.

Creature
Scorn-Blade Berserker (mom) 124
Skullclamp

Equipped creature gets +1/-1. Whenever equipped creature dies, draw two cards. Equip {1}

Artifact
Skullclamp (blc) 283
Village Rites

As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. Draw two cards.

Instant
Village Rites (inr) 137
Yawgmoth, Thran Physician

Protection from Humans Pay 1 life, Sacrifice another creature: Put a -1/-1 counter on up to one target creature and draw a card. {B}{B}, Discard a card: Proliferate. (Choose any number of permanents and/or players, then give each another counter of each kind already there.)

Creature
Yawgmoth, Thran Physician (dmr) 110

Draw

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Evasion

Qty: 1 Price: $3.99
Herald of Secret Streams

Creatures you control with +1/+1 counters on them can't be blocked.

Creature
Herald of Secret Streams (lcc) 158

Evasion

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Land

Qty: 37 Price: $162.75
Command Tower

{T}: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity.

Land
Command Tower (mkc) 256
Crumbling Necropolis

This land enters tapped. {T}: Add {U}, {B}, or {R}.

Land
Crumbling Necropolis (dmc) 205
Dragonskull Summit

This land enters tapped unless you control a Swamp or a Mountain. {T}: Add {B} or {R}.

Land
Dragonskull Summit (dmc) 207
Drowned Catacomb

This land enters tapped unless you control an Island or a Swamp. {T}: Add {U} or {B}.

Land
Drowned Catacomb (who) 492
Exotic Orchard

{T}: Add one mana of any color that a land an opponent controls could produce.

Land
Exotic Orchard (blc) 131
Forge of Heroes

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Choose target commander that entered this turn. Put a +1/+1 counter on it if it's a creature and a loyalty counter on it if it's a planeswalker.

Land
Forge of Heroes (cmm) 995
Haunted Ridge

This land enters tapped unless you control two or more other lands. {T}: Add {B} or {R}.

Land
Haunted Ridge (mid) 263
High Market

{T}: Add {C}. {T}, Sacrifice a creature: You gain 1 life.

Land
High Market (c21) 293
Island

({T}: Add {U}.)

Land
Island (lci) 288
Luxury Suite

This land enters tapped unless you have two or more opponents. {T}: Add {B} or {R}.

Land
Luxury Suite (clb) 355
Morphic Pool

This land enters tapped unless you have two or more opponents. {T}: Add {U} or {B}.

Land
Morphic Pool (clb) 357
Mountain

({T}: Add {R}.)

Land
Mountain (lci) 290
Opal Palace

{T}: Add {C}. {1}, {T}: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. If you spend this mana to cast your commander, it enters with a number of additional +1/+1 counters on it equal to the number of times it's been cast from the command zone this game.

Land
Opal Palace (cmr) 352
Phyrexian Tower

{T}: Add {C}. {T}, Sacrifice a creature: Add {B}{B}.

Land
Phyrexian Tower (mh3) 303
Seething Landscape

{T}: Add {C}. {T}, Sacrifice this land: Search your library for a basic Island, Swamp, or Mountain card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. Cycling {U}{B}{R} ({U}{B}{R}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Land
Seething Landscape (mh3) 225
Shipwreck Marsh

This land enters tapped unless you control two or more other lands. {T}: Add {U} or {B}.

Land
Shipwreck Marsh (mid) 267
Shivan Reef

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {U} or {R}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Land
Shivan Reef (m3c) 375
Stormcarved Coast

This land enters tapped unless you control two or more other lands. {T}: Add {U} or {R}.

Land
Stormcarved Coast (who) 308
Sulfur Falls

This land enters tapped unless you control an Island or a Mountain. {T}: Add {U} or {R}.

Land
Sulfur Falls (dmr) 258
Sulfurous Springs

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {B} or {R}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Land
Sulfurous Springs (m3c) 381
Sunken Hollow

({T}: Add {U} or {B}.) This land enters tapped unless you control two or more basic lands.

Land
Sunken Hollow (mkc) 299
Swamp

({T}: Add {B}.)

Land
Swamp (lci) 289
Training Center

This land enters tapped unless you have two or more opponents. {T}: Add {U} or {R}.

Land
Training Center (cmr) 358
Underground River

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {U} or {B}. This land deals 1 damage to you.

Land
Underground River (dsc) 321
Xander's Lounge

({T}: Add {U}, {B}, or {R}.) This land enters tapped. Cycling {3} ({3}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Land
Xander's Lounge (snc) 260

Land

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Protection

Qty: 2 Price: $10.48
Lightning Greaves

Equipped creature has haste and shroud. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.) Equip {0}

Artifact
Lightning Greaves (2xm) 267
Swiftfoot Boots

Equipped creature has hexproof and haste. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control. It can attack and {T} no matter when it came under your control.) Equip {1} ({1}: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Artifact
Swiftfoot Boots (fdn) 258

Protection

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Ramp

Qty: 11 Price: $35.99
Arcane Signet

{T}: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity.

Artifact
Arcane Signet (mkc) 223
Ashnod's Altar

Sacrifice a creature: Add {C}{C}.

Artifact
Ashnod's Altar (brr) 67
Dimir Signet

{1}, {T}: Add {U}{B}.

Artifact
Dimir Signet (clu) 221
Mahadi, Emporium Master

At the beginning of your end step, create a Treasure token for each creature that died this turn. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

Creature
Mahadi, Emporium Master (clb) 282
Rakdos Signet

{1}, {T}: Add {B}{R}.

Artifact
Rakdos Signet (rvr) 265
Sneak Attack

{R}: You may put a creature card from your hand onto the battlefield. That creature gains haste. Sacrifice the creature at the beginning of the next end step.

Enchantment
Sneak Attack (dmr) 331
Sol Ring

{T}: Add {C}{C}.

Artifact
Sol Ring (mkc) 237
Solemn Simulacrum

When this creature enters, you may search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. When this creature dies, you may draw a card.

Creature Artifact
Solemn Simulacrum (fdn) 257
Talisman of Creativity

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {U} or {R}. This artifact deals 1 damage to you.

Artifact
Talisman of Creativity (mh1) 231
Talisman of Dominance

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {U} or {B}. This artifact deals 1 damage to you.

Artifact
Talisman of Dominance (mkc) 242
Talisman of Indulgence

{T}: Add {C}. {T}: Add {B} or {R}. This artifact deals 1 damage to you.

Artifact
Talisman of Indulgence (m3c) 312

Ramp

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Sideboard

Qty: 6 Price: $16.94
Mirri the Cursed

Flying, first strike, haste Whenever Mirri deals combat damage to a creature, put a +1/+1 counter on Mirri.

Creature
Mirri the Cursed (tsr) 125
Rakdos Charm

Choose one — • Exile target player's graveyard. • Destroy target artifact. • Each creature deals 1 damage to its controller.

Instant
Rakdos Charm (dsc) 229
Scourge of the Throne

Flying Dethrone (Whenever this creature attacks the player with the most life or tied for most life, put a +1/+1 counter on it.) Whenever this creature attacks for the first time each turn, if it's attacking the player with the most life or tied for most life, untap all attacking creatures. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase.

Creature
Scourge of the Throne (mkc) 160
Thraximundar

Haste Whenever Thraximundar attacks, defending player sacrifices a creature of their choice. Whenever a player sacrifices a creature, you may put a +1/+1 counter on Thraximundar.

Creature
Thraximundar (2x2) 287
Undead Sprinter

Trample, haste You may cast this card from your graveyard if a non-Zombie creature died this turn. If you do, this creature enters with a +1/+1 counter on it.

Creature
Undead Sprinter (dsk) 237
Wurmcoil Engine

Deathtouch, lifelink When this creature dies, create a 3/3 colorless Phyrexian Wurm artifact creature token with deathtouch and a 3/3 colorless Phyrexian Wurm artifact creature token with lifelink.

Creature Artifact
Wurmcoil Engine (2xm) 308

Sideboard

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Maybeboard

Qty: 30 Price: $296.43
Aether Channeler

When this creature enters, choose one — • Create a 1/1 white Bird creature token with flying. • Return another target nonland permanent to its owner's hand. • Draw a card.

Creature
Aether Channeler (blc) 160
Bearer of the Heavens

When this creature dies, destroy all permanents at the beginning of the next end step.

Creature
Bearer of the Heavens (jou) 89
Blood Crypt

({T}: Add {B} or {R}.) As this land enters, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters tapped.

Land
Blood Crypt (rvr) 273
Body Launderer

Deathtouch Whenever another nontoken creature you control dies, this creature connives. When this creature dies, return another target non-Rogue creature card with equal or lesser power from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Creature
Body Launderer (snc) 68
Cyclonic Rift

Return target nonland permanent you don't control to its owner's hand. Overload {6}{U} (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")

Instant
Cyclonic Rift (rvr) 40
Diabolic Intent

As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle.

Sorcery
Diabolic Intent (bro) 89
Dictate of Erebos

Flash Whenever a creature you control dies, each opponent sacrifices a creature of their choice.

Enchantment
Dictate of Erebos (jou) 65
Disciple of Bolas

When this creature enters, sacrifice another creature. You gain X life and draw X cards, where X is that creature's power.

Creature
Disciple of Bolas (ncc) 247
Fain, the Broker

{T}, Sacrifice a creature: Put two +1/+1 counters on target creature. {T}, Remove a counter from a creature you control: Create a Treasure token. {T}, Sacrifice an artifact: Create a 2/1 white and black Inkling creature token with flying. {3}{B}: Untap Fain.

Creature
Fain, the Broker (brc) 105
Falkenrath Aristocrat

Flying, haste Sacrifice a creature: This creature gains indestructible until end of turn. If the sacrificed creature was a Human, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Creature
Falkenrath Aristocrat (2xm) 195
Feign Death

Until end of turn, target creature gains "When this creature dies, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it."

Instant
Feign Death (afr) 103
First Day of Class

Whenever a creature you control enters this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on it and it gains haste until end of turn. Learn. (You may reveal a Lesson card you own from outside the game and put it into your hand, or discard a card to draw a card.)

Instant
First Day of Class (stx) 102
Imperial Recruiter

When this creature enters, search your library for a creature card with power 2 or less, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.

Creature
Imperial Recruiter (mh2) 281
Insurrection

Untap all creatures and gain control of them until end of turn. They gain haste until end of turn.

Sorcery
Insurrection (cmm) 236
Izzet Signet

{1}, {T}: Add {U}{R}.

Artifact
Izzet Signet (otc) 259
Marionette Master

Fabricate 3 (When this creature enters, put three +1/+1 counters on it or create three 1/1 colorless Servo artifact creature tokens.) Whenever an artifact you control is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, target opponent loses life equal to this creature's power.

Creature
Marionette Master (afc) 102
Midnight Reaper

Whenever a nontoken creature you control dies, this creature deals 1 damage to you and you draw a card.

Creature
Midnight Reaper (fdn) 609
Negate

Counter target noncreature spell.

Instant
Negate (fdn) 710
Phyrexian Altar

Sacrifice a creature: Add one mana of any color.

Artifact
Phyrexian Altar (2x2) 311
Pitiless Plunderer

Whenever another creature you control dies, create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with "{T}, Sacrifice this token: Add one mana of any color.")

Creature
Pitiless Plunderer (lcc) 208
Puppeteer Clique

Flying When this creature enters, put target creature card from an opponent's graveyard onto the battlefield under your control. It gains haste. At the beginning of your next end step, exile it. Persist (When this creature dies, if it had no -1/-1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a -1/-1 counter on it.)

Creature
Puppeteer Clique (clb) 769
River Kelpie

Whenever this creature or another permanent enters from a graveyard, draw a card. Whenever a player casts a spell from a graveyard, draw a card. Persist (When this creature dies, if it had no -1/-1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a -1/-1 counter on it.)

Creature
River Kelpie (c19) 93
Shore Up

Target creature you control gets +1/+1 and gains hexproof until end of turn. Untap it. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)

Instant
Shore Up (dmu) 64
Slip Out the Back

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. It phases out. (Treat it and anything attached to it as though they don't exist until its controller's next turn.)

Instant
Slip Out the Back (clu) 99
Steam Vents

({T}: Add {U} or {R}.) As this land enters, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters tapped.

Land
Steam Vents (rvr) 288
The Ozolith

Whenever a creature you control leaves the battlefield, if it had counters on it, put those counters on The Ozolith. At the beginning of combat on your turn, if The Ozolith has counters on it, you may move all counters from The Ozolith onto target creature.

Artifact
The Ozolith (iko) 237
Undying Malice

Until end of turn, target creature gains "When this creature dies, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it."

Instant
Undying Malice (fdn) 528
Voidmage Prodigy

{U}{U}, Sacrifice a Wizard: Counter target spell. Morph {U} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.)

Creature
Voidmage Prodigy (tsb) 34
Voldaren Thrillseeker

Backup 2 (When this creature enters, put two +1/+1 counters on target creature. If that's another creature, it gains the following ability until end of turn.) {1}, Sacrifice this creature: It deals damage equal to its power to any target.

Creature
Voldaren Thrillseeker (mom) 171
Watery Grave

({T}: Add {U} or {B}.) As this land enters, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters tapped.

Land
Watery Grave (rvr) 291

Maybeboard

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Deck Info

Deck stats

0 pips - 0 cards
0 mana - 7 cards
14 pips - 12 cards
25 mana - 25 cards
40 pips - 30 cards
31 mana - 30 cards
17 pips - 16 cards
24 mana - 24 cards
0 pips - 0 cards
0 mana - 7 cards
0 pips - 0 cards
15 mana - 13 cards
CategoriesQtyOdds
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Deck extras (0)

Description

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Welcome, potential cutthroat aristocrat, to the comprehensive Marchesa the Black Rose primer! Before we begin, let's find out if Marchesa is a good commander for you."},{"insert":"\nYou will likely enjoy playing Marchesa if:"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You enjoy resilient, creature-based strategies"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You enjoy mechanically complex decks that are challenging to pilot"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You prefer longer, more grindy games"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You're comfortable being the archenemy"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You should consider another commander if:"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You prefer more simple, easily-built/piloted decks"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You prefer big, splashy plays over small, efficient plays"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You prefer playing a lot of instants and sorceries"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You want to play competitive edh (cEDH) exclusively"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If you're still interested, we encourage you to read the primer below, which will outline all aspects of building and playing Marchesa, the Black Rose. We also have a dedicated Marchesa "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://discord.gg/CDadd4fN6v"},"insert":"Discord"},{"insert":", where you are welcome to discuss and debate more intricate card choices and deckbuilding decisions. Now, let's get to it.\nMarchesa 101\nThis is the section to start with if you're unfamiliar with Marchesa or unsure what kind of deck to build with her."},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa Breakdown\nUnderstanding Our Queen"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Let's break Marchesa down, rose by rose.\n"},{"insert":{"image":"https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/large/front/c/a/ca6cf5ba-0bad-4f7d-83b9-c092c2586131.jpg?1562623376"}},{"insert":"\nMarchesa is:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Four Mana"},{"insert":": which toes the line between cheap and expensive. Casting her once or twice is easy enough, but Marchesa will become prohibitively expensive if removed more than that. It is highly recommended that you "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"wait to play her until you have at least one way to protect her from removal"},{"insert":", as your gameplan will likely revolve around her abilities. Her cost also includes each color in Grixis , which means "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Mana_fixing#:~:text=Mana%20fixing%20refers%20to%20the,used%20to%20play%20the%20birds"},"insert":"mana fixing"},{"insert":" is essential in casting her on earlier turns."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"A 3/3 creature"},{"insert":": which means her stats are suboptimal for her casting cost. Wins through commander damage are certainly possible in some builds, but Marchesa is a sub-optimal "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Voltron"},"insert":"Voltron"},{"insert":" commander due to her lack of evasive "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Keyword_ability"},"insert":"keywords"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"A Human Wizard"},{"insert":": There are a handful of powerful "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Tribal_(theme)"},"insert":"typal"},{"insert":" payoffs most Marchesa builds can utilize, so keep these types in mind when deckbuilding."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Her abilities read:\n\""},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Dethrone"},{"insert":"\" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"Other creatures you control have dethrone.\""},{"insert":": The "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Dethrone"},"insert":"Dethrone"},{"insert":" ability can be utilized as a powerful "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.google.com/search?q=MTG+Anthem+term&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS980US980&biw=1536&bih=746&sxsrf=APq-WBsbiiNnUnNHMVZa_KBrJh10RV43Cw%3A1647930135007&ei=F2s5YvUQ7pzQ8Q_t6Iz4Aw&ved=0ahUKEwi1-L6Sitn2AhVuDjQIHW00Az8Q4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=MTG+Anthem+term&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQghEKABMgUIIRCgATIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKABOgcIABBHELADOgQIIxAnOgYIABAWEB46BQgAEIAESgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUI4BWPwTYI8VaAJwAHgAgAFuiAHmCJIBAzkuM5gBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz"},"insert":"anthem"},{"insert":" effect, provided we swing our creatures at the opponent with the most life. This is why you will see many Marchesa builds with cards that allow us to control our life total (usually by lowering it). Dethrone is the bread-and-butter of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Aggro_deck"},"insert":"aggressive"},{"insert":" (aggro) builds, but it has applications in almost every Marchesa build. It's worth noting that a creature with multiple instances of Dethrone (one that the creature has innately and the one provided by Marchesa) will have them both trigger separately, yielding two +1/+1 counters instead of just one."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"Whenever a creature you control\""},{"insert":": Take note that her ability reads \"control\" and not \"own.\" This means her abilities apply to creatures we have "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=129767&type=card"},"insert":"stolen"},{"insert":" from our opponents."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"with a +1/+1 counter on it\""},{"insert":": This line of text is what keeps Marchesa's powerful ability in check. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"This is the biggest hurdle Marchesa players will face when trying to utilize this second ability."},{"insert":" The Dethrone ability provides +1/+1 counters, which means we will always have access to at least one source of +1/+1 counters."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"dies,\""},{"insert":": This is when Marchesa's ability generates a "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://blogs.magicjudges.org/rulestips/2011/09/delayed-triggered-abilities/"},"insert":"delayed trigger"},{"insert":" which will resolve at the beginning of the next end step. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Marchesa will generate a separate trigger for each of your creatures that she sees die."},{"insert":" Almost every Marchesa build will want cards that allow precise control over when our creatures die. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The delayed trigger will no longer work if the creature leaves the graveyard after Marchesa sees it die."},{"insert":" This means the easiest way to disrupt her ability is to remove creatures from our graveyard before they return to play."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"return that card\""},{"insert":": \"Card\" is an important distinction in this line of text. This means if a creature we controlled with a +1/+1 counter on it is no longer a creature after it enters the graveyard, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Marchesa will still generate a delayed trigger that returns it to play."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"to the battlefield under your control\""},{"insert":": Marchesa's delayed trigger allows us to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"permanently"},{"insert":" gain control of creatures we have stolen from our opponents. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Even if we used a spell/ability that gave us control over them "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/large/front/a/b/ab5c7400-6307-4c51-88b8-9c0232110714.jpg?1576381839"},"insert":"temporarily"},{"insert":". This aspect of her ability is used and abused in "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/serious-fun/power-theft-2008-03-18-0"},"insert":"Theft"},{"insert":" builds."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"at the beginning of the next end step.\""},{"insert":": This is when Marchesa's triggered ability enters "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Stack"},"insert":"the stack"},{"insert":" and can be "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=382377&type=card"},"insert":"stifled"},{"insert":". A key detail to note on this part of the ability is the \""},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"next"},{"insert":" end step\". This means you can return creatures to the battlefield on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"every player's turn, not just your own."},{"insert":" This scales very well in Commander and allows us to gain substantial value in a single turn cycle."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The Engine\nUsing Marchesa to Maximize Value"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa allows us to return creatures from graveyards back to play (recursion) on every player's turn. This is powerful, provided we have a board set up to do so. Below, we will outline the types of cards you need to have in play to gain maximum value from Marchesa's abilities.\n+1/+1 Counters\nUnfortunately, most of Magic's +1/+1 counter cards are in White  and Green . Marchesa is limited to Grixis (), which means our counter sources are limited in comparison. Marchesa provides counters through Dethrone but that ability is limited exclusviely to our turn and can't be triggered reliably. Utilizing Marchesa's ability on every player's turn requires a seperate source of +1/+1 counters. Higher-power Marchesa builds will likely want to use "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Tutor"},"insert":"tutors"},{"insert":" to grab one of the staple +1/+1 counter cards we have available. Common sources include:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Creatures that enter the battlefield (etb) with counters on them innately"},{"insert":": If a creature has counters on it by default that removes a lot of the difficulty in recurring them with Marchesa's ability. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Modular"},"insert":"Modular"},{"insert":" creatures are among the most commonly played. They synergize well with Marchesa's abilities but are generally used in their dedicated build. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Riot#:~:text=Riot%20is%20a%20keyword%20ability,the%20Gruul%20Clans%20of%20Ravnica."},"insert":"Riot"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Backup"},"insert":"Backup"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Connive"},"insert":"Connive"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Unleash"},"insert":"Unleash"},{"insert":" are other keywords keywords that provide creatures with free counters."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Creatures that Share Counters"},{"insert":": The most common example is found with creatures that have "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Graft"},"insert":"Graft"},{"insert":". Creatures with Graft are excellent includes as they have +1/+1 counters innately and can share them with other creatures. Three more outstanding examples are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Metallic Mimic"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sage of Fables"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Oona's Blackguard"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Noncreature Cards that Generate Counters"},{"insert":": Generally, we want permanents (artifacts and enchantments) that allow us to place an unlimited number of +1/+1 counters on our creatures. Instants and Sorceries are harder to reuse, limiting the value we can gain from them. However, some builds may still want to run outstanding cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"First Day of Class"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Agatha's Soul Cauldron"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Lethal Scheme"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sac Outlets\nFor Marchesa to return creatures to play, they have to die first. Cards that allow us to sacrifice creatures (sac outlets) make this trivial. While Marchesa may struggle with quality sources of +1/+1 counters, we have no shortage of excellent sac outlets. Quality examples include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Carrion Feeder"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Phyrexian Altar"},{"insert":". The important distinction to make lies within the rules text. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cards that say \"Sacrifice a creature:\" are the best and should generally be the only ones you include."},{"insert":" Like with +1/+1 counters, permanents are better than instants or sorceries (which can't be easily reused). When picking sac outlets, you should look for:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sacrificing a creature to be part of the cost of"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Activated_ability#:~:text=602.1a%20The%20activation%20cost,permanent%20that%20has%20the%20ability."},"insert":"activating an ability"},{"insert":" at "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Instant"},"insert":"instant speed"},{"insert":": This allows you to force your creatures to die on your opponent's turns, in addition to your own."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sacrificing a creature to be the only part of the cost"},{"insert":": The difference between the number of sacrifices you can make with "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Makeshift Munitions"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":" on a given turn is, literally, infinite. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"You don't want to pay mana to sacrifice your creatures unless you're getting a lot of extra value for doing so."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Additional value when sacrificing creatures"},{"insert":": The best sac outlets do something helpful beyond killing your creatures. Outlets like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Viscera Seer"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Warren Soultrader"},{"insert":" (which generate additional value) are better than outlets like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dross Hopper"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Corpse Blockade"},{"insert":". Even though weaker outlets are playable, we want to squeeze maximum value from our engine."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\"Value\"\nWith a reliable source of +1/+1 counters and a sac outlet, you have a functional engine. You can sacrifice creatures and have them return to the battlefield at the beginning of each end step. This allows your creatures to \"dodge\" undesirable forms of removal like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Bounce#:~:text=A%20bounce%20effect%20or%20spell,card%20Waterfront%20Bouncer%20by%20years."},"insert":"bounce"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Exile"},"insert":"exile"},{"insert":" by sacrificing them in response to your opponent's spells or abilities. The next step is to use our engine to generate \"value.\" Value includes (but isn't limited to):\nDrawing Extra Cards"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Generating Extra Mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tutoring for Specific Cards"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Interacting with our Opponents (usually with some form of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Removal#:~:text=Removal%20is%20a%20spell%20or,the%20blocking%20of%20attacking%20creatures."},"insert":"removal"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"With a functional engine, we can get value through many card interactions. These include (but aren't limited to):\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Repeated ETBs"},{"insert":": Many creatures have a powerful ability that triggers when they enter the battlefield (ETB). Using Marchesa's ability, we can cause this ability to trigger repeatedly, once per every player's turn. Some great examples of creatures with powerful ETBs are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Imperial Recruiter"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Solemn Simulacrum"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ravenous Chupacabra"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Flayer of the Hatebound"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Repeated \"Dies\" Triggers"},{"insert":": Many Creatures have a powerful ability that triggers when they, or another creature, die. With Marchesa and a functional engine we can have a multitude of creatures die on every player's turn. Some great examples of cards with good \"Dies\" triggers are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Grim Haruspex"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Zulaport Cutthroat"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Skullclamp"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Thought Sponge"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Repeated Use of Activated Ablilities"},{"insert":": Some creatures have powerful abilities that can be activated by sacrificing them. Marchesa allows us to get those creatures back, and reuse their abilities. Great examples include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dauthi Voidwalker"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malevolent Hermit"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Myr Scrapling"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Siren Stormtamer"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"It's worth noting that none of these sources of value are mutually exclusive. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"We can generate value from multiple sources at once, so it's in our best interest to diversify where our value comes from."},{"insert":" With enough \"value\" on board, we can utilize our engine to secure a win. The win will usually come through combat damage, effect damage, or an \"infinite "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Combo_deck#:~:text=Combo%20deck%20is%20a%20term,the%20name%20%22combo%22"},"insert":"combo"},{"insert":".\"\nDeckbuilding Basics\nWhat Cards Should Make the Cut?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Despite Commander being a 100-card, singleton format, many of us struggle to decide what cards should make it into our (ultimately) limited deck slots. Below we'll go over the basics of building a Marchesa commander deck. Consider the following qualities when choosing cards for your deck.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Synergy"},{"insert":": Marchesa is, at her core, a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"creature-based deck"},{"insert":", that is looking to utilize the abilities of your "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"creatures"},{"insert":". So when you're looking for a card to fill a certain role in your deck, it's in your best interest to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"use a creature to fill that role whenever feasible"},{"insert":". If you're choosing a non-creature card to fill a role, it should be powerful enough to warrant forgoing the potential synergies with Marchesa and the rest of your deck."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mana Efficiency"},{"insert":": It's generally best to pay as little mana as possible for the spells you want to play, especially when you're not in green ."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Filling Multiple Roles"},{"insert":": Cards that can fill multiple roles in your deck independently should be included whenever feasible. Example: "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Solemn Simulacrum"},{"insert":" doubles as both mana advantage (on ETB) and card draw (on death). Generally, these multifunctional cards will come at the cost of mana efficiency, so finding a good balance is key."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"We encourage you to join us on the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://discord.gg/rFyNgevw"},"insert":"Marchesa Discord"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" to discuss new cards that may be viable inclusions."},{"insert":"\nMana Advantage\nWhat is Mana Advantage?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mana advantage, (also known as mana "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Ramp"},"insert":"ramp"},{"insert":"/acceleration), allows us to make more and better plays earlier than usual. Most Marchesa builds are mana-intensive, trying to advance their board state (usually by playing permanents) while simultaneously holding mana open for interaction (usually counterspells or activated abilities). With this in mind, having a lot of mana at our disposal is almost always advantageous. Outside of green  and white , options for mana ramp are generally limited. Listed below are the most common ways Marchesa decks will gain mana advantage.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Artifacts:"},{"insert":" Artifacts that tap for mana, also known as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Mana_stone#:~:text=A%20mana%20stone%2C%20also%20called,an%20artifact%20that%20produces%20mana."},"insert":"mana rocks"},{"insert":", are the most commonly played form of ramp outside of green and white. Mana rocks "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Mana_fixing#:~:text=Mana%20fixing%20refers%20to%20the,used%20to%20play%20the%20birds"},"insert":"fix your colors"},{"insert":" and give you more mana to use on later turns. Generally, you want to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"prioritize mana rocks that can be played for as little mana as possible"},{"insert":". The earlier you ramp up, the more mana you will have access to throughout the rest of the game. Additionally, you want to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"avoid using mana rocks that tap for less than half the amount paid unless they provide other worthwhile bonuses"},{"insert":". Mana rocks come with an inherent weakness in their overall fragility. Artifacts are not hard for our opponents to destroy, especially with board-wiping effects like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Vandalblast"},{"insert":". Additionally, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"rocks that cost a lot of mana will likely be targeted by opponents"},{"insert":", so it's generally best to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"prioritize mana rocks that cost two mana or less"},{"insert":". Some examples of quality mana rocks include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sol Ring"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Arcane Signet"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Talisman of Creativity"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Midnight Clock"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sac Outlets:"},{"insert":" There are only a handful of cards that can give us mana advantage through sacrificing creatures. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cards that can simultaneously synergize with our game plan while accelerating our mana are worth considering for most Marchesa builds."},{"insert":" Examples include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Phyrexian Altar"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Thermopod"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Warren Soultrader"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Treasure Tokens:"},{"insert":" In Grixis , we have access to creatures that create "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"treasure"},{"insert":" in a variety of ways. Marchesa is distinct in her ability to benefit from creatures repeatedly creating treasure when entering the battlefield or dying. In black , we have a handful of powerful cards that can create "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Eldrazi Spawn"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Eldrazi Scion"},{"insert":" tokens that provide a similar, albeit purely colorless , supply of extra mana. Outstanding cards in the token category include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dockside Extortionist"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Pitiless Plunderer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Pawn of Ulamog"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Greedy Freebooter"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cost Reduction:"},{"insert":" This is a more limited form of mana advantage that allows us to cast spells at a reduced cost. Marchesa doesn't have a lot of options in this category, but one or two dedicated slots in a deck may be worth considering. Generally, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"cost reduction becomes a more worthwhile form of mana advantage when the average"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Mana_cost0"},"insert":"mana cost"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"of your deck is low"},{"insert":". Let's use "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sapphire Medallion"},{"insert":" as an example. When you cast one blue spell in a turn, it has effectively given you "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"one additional mana"},{"insert":". When you cast three blue spells in a turn, it has effectively given you "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"three additional mana"},{"insert":". In short, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"cost reduction gives you greater value as more spells can be cast in a given turn, or turn cycle"},{"insert":". Some examples of cost reduction are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Nightscape Familiar"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Stonybrook Banneret"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ruby Medallion"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card Advantage\nWhat is Card Advantage?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Card_advantage0"},"insert":"Card advantage"},{"insert":" is a general term for the influx of cards you can access. This can include:\nCards in hand"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards in the graveyard"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards that can be played from exile"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards put into play straight from another zone that isn't your hand"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card advantage can also refer to card draw, card "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Card_filtering"},"insert":"filtering"},{"insert":", or card selection. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Card selection can function as card advantage when you avoid drawing undesired cards"},{"insert":". Common forms of card filtering and selection include:\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Scry"},"insert":"Scrying"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Looting#:~:text=Looting%20is%20a%20R%26D%20slang,always%20goes%20to%20the%20graveyard."},"insert":"Looting or Rummaging"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Surveil"},"insert":"Surveilling"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"In almost all cases, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"your hand is the best place for your cards, so you should prioritize card advantage that keeps your hand full"},{"insert":". Card filter/draw is generally better than card selection, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"with the exception of"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Tutor"},"insert":"tutoring"},{"insert":". In almost all games and formats in magic, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"it is to your advantage to have more available cards than your opponents do"},{"insert":". While Grixis  may struggle with mana ramp, we have plenty of high-quality choices for card draw/selection. With an almost overwhelming amount of choice, we must discern what cards make it into our decks. It's worth repeating: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Marchesa is a creature-based deck"},{"insert":", so it's in our best interest to ensure that "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"most of our card advantage comes from creatures"},{"insert":". However, we can (and should) diversify our card draw when possible.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"ETB Triggers:"},{"insert":" Many creatures (usually in blue ) have triggered abilities when they enter the battlefield that can provide card advantage. The unfortunate tradeoff is "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"these effects usually cost more mana per card drawn/seen than their non-permanent counterparts."},{"insert":" It's important to try and gain extra value from these creatures by reusing their ETBs. Additionally, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"it will almost always cost more mana to filter/draw than it will to scry. Tutoring will usually be even more mana-intensive than drawing."},{"insert":" The creatures you should consider for use in Marchesa can vary in cost, from one-drops like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Faerie Seer"},{"insert":" to four-drops like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Disciple of Bolas"},{"insert":". Generally, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"when it comes to card draw, you get what you pay for."},{"insert":" A few examples of creatures that grant card advantage via ETB are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Imperial Recruiter"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Satoru, the Infiltrator"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Baleful Strix"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tribute Mage"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"Dies\" Triggers:"},{"insert":" Many creatures (usually in black ) have abilities that trigger when they, or another one of your creatures, dies. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The exchange rate of mana spent to cards drawn is generally very good on creatures with \"dies\" triggers."},{"insert":" Creatures with these abilities are more generously costed as having your creatures die is usually a downside. However, Marchesa can gain tons of card advantage (usually in the form of card draw) from repeated \"dies\" triggers. A few examples of creatures with powerful \"dies\" triggers are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Grim Haruspex"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Thought Sponge"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Midnight Reaper"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Body Launderer"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Non-Creature Card Advantage\nBlue  and black  have no shortage of powerful card-draw options. Staple cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Necropotence"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Rhystic Study"},{"insert":" may still be worth considering as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"they can provide card advantage with no regard to our "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Board#:~:text=The%20board%20state%20is%20the,you%20can%20ignore%20the%20board."},"insert":"board state"},{"insert":". There's little value in explaining why these staples are popular options. Instead, we will highlight common pitfalls many new Marchesa players fall into.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"One-shot instants and sorceries:"},{"insert":" Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sign in Blood"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Fact or Fiction"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Braingeyser"},{"insert":" have little value in most Marchesa builds when compared to creatures that can gain value innumerable times throughout a game. While they're not bad cards in their own right, Marchesa's deck space is generally too limited to fit suboptimal cards like these. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The notable exception to this rule is tutors"},{"insert":". Powerful tutors like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Demonic Tutor"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Diabolic Intent"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Gamble"},{"insert":" are unmatched in power by their creature counterparts."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Single-use Sacrifice:"},{"insert":" Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Village Rites"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bankrupt in Blood"},{"insert":", or their far-stronger counterpart "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Plumb the Forbidden"},{"insert":", have a similar lack of value in Marchesa builds. The synergy they have as single-use sac outlets makes them seem desirable at first glance, but they lose out to stronger, permanent-based options in the long run."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Interaction\nWhat is Interaction?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Interaction is a term for any sort of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Removal"},"insert":"removal"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Counter"},"insert":"counterspell"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Discard"},"insert":"discard"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Board_wipe"},"insert":"boardwipe"},{"insert":" that disrupts your opponents. Grixis  has plenty of powerful interaction, and Marchesa has plenty of powerful options. As usual, we want our interaction to be "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"creature-based"},{"insert":" through ETBs, activated abilities, or \"dies\" triggers. Having effects on creatures usually comes with a higher mana cost, which we can compensate for by reusing this interaction multiple times. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Counterspells and sorcery board wipes are still worth considering, as they are cheap, flexible, and often more powerful than their creature-based alternatives"},{"insert":". Skilled players will recognize the potential threat of a counterspell through an opponent simply keeping blue  mana open and may play accordingly. Additionally, counterspells can "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Answer#:~:text=An%20answer%20is%20the%20opposite,artifacts%20are%20also%20purely%20answers."},"insert":"answer"},{"insert":" almost any "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Threat#:~:text=A%20threat%20is%20something%20that,deck%20is%20designed%20to%20execute."},"insert":"threat"},{"insert":", which is valuable in a deck with limited slots, like Marchesa.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Targeted Removal:"},{"insert":" Marchesa can easily deal with most non-enchantment permanents. This is most easily done through ETBs, but quality removal can come from other creature sources. A few examples of quality targeted removal include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Amphin Mutineer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Fulminator Mage"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hostage Taker"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Stronghold Assassin"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Legate Lanius, Caesar's Ace"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Theft"},{"insert":" can also fill the role of targeted removal, as the threat has been effectively dealt with while improving your own board. Creatures like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Zealous Conscripts"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sower of Temptation"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Molten Primordial"},{"insert":" can be used with Marchesa to steal your opponents' threats permanently."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Discard:"},{"insert":" Discard is generally considered weaker than other forms of interaction, as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"your opponents usually have control over what goes into their graveyards."},{"insert":" Some decks can even use forced discard to further their own strategies. However, Marchesa has a few powerful discard options, should you find them appealing. Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Burglar Rat"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Elderfang Disciple"},{"insert":" can quickly empty the cards out of your opponent's hands. Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mindslicer"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sire of Insanity"},{"insert":" can be made into resilient threats that leave the table with no answers. The later options should only be deployed when you are the player with the dominant board state."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Counterspells:"},{"insert":" In addition to instants, Marchesa can take advantage of creatures with activated abilities that counter spells or abilities. Many creatures sacrifice themselves to disrupt or outright counter an "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Stack"},"insert":"on-stack"},{"insert":" spell. Creatures like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Siren Stormtamer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malevolent Hermit"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Goblin Flectomancer"},{"insert":" can be used over and over to disrupt your opponent's plays. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Additionally, your opponents may not even cast their spells when you have an obvious "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.coolstuffinc.com/a/abesargent-071712-the-rattlesnake-effect"},"insert":"rattlesnake"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" on board."},{"insert":" Counterspells are also one of the few ways we have to answer enchantments in Grixis ."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Board Wipes:"},{"insert":" Sometimes, dealing with every threat simultaneously is best. Marchesa decks are highly resilient to board wipes and have little difficulty recovering from them once your engine is online. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Many staple board wipes are sorceries, which are generally much stronger than their creature counterparts."},{"insert":" The best board wipes in our colors are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Blasphemous Act"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/q4ey5-toxic-deluge"},"insert":"Toxic Deluge"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Last One Standing"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Vandalblast"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Cyclonic Rift"},{"insert":". All these board wipes can be deployed with four mana or less (except for Cyclonic Rift), which is ideal. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Generally, you want your board wipes to be as cheap as possible, as this allows you to rebuild immediately or hold up mana for more interaction."},{"insert":" A handful of creatures can clear the board and, with Marchesa's ability, do so repeatedly. A few examples of creature-based board wipes are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bearer of the Heavens"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Magmasaur"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Profaner of the Dead"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Massacre Girl"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Now, you know how to serve our queen."},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You should now have a solid understanding of how Marchesa works. If you have questions about anything listed above, or if you want to bask in the queen's greatness with her other subjects, feel free to reach out to everyone on the Marchesa, the Black Rose "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://discord.gg/PXhjf5WhYg"},"insert":"Discord"},{"insert":". We have an active community and will be happy to answer your questions. Below, we will cover Marchesa builds, gameplay strategies, and deckbuilding tips.\nMarchesa 102\nThis section will outline the most common Marchesa builds."},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa has plenty of staple cards that will likely see play in most, if not all builds. There is still a fair bit of build diversity, but all builds are still creature-based.\nAristocrats:\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.thegamer.com/magic-the-gathering-what-is-an-aristocrats-deck/"},"insert":"Aristocrats"},{"insert":" is generally the most common Marchesa build. Her powerful recursion ability can eliminate the need for creature token generators, allowing us to repeatedly sacrifice nontoken creatures for continual value. This build is the gold standard for most Marchesa players and will serve as a baseline for discussion when evaluating the other builds listed below. An aristocrats build will generally assemble the engine, and use the value it generates to assemble a win through \"critical mass\" (having enough powerful effects on board to end the game) or through an infinite combo. Most aristocrat builds end games through damaging ETBs found on cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Flayer of the Hatebound"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Gray Merchant of Asphodel"},{"insert":", or other similar cards.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Pros:"},{"insert":"\nMost resilient build"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Can easily win without combat damage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Has the most available deck slots for interaction/removal"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cons:"},{"insert":"\nSlowest build; thrives on long, grindy games"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Highly dependant on having a functional engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Combo\nCombo builds are among the most powerful builds in commander. A dedicated combo build will try to assemble a game-ending combo as quickly as possible. Key differences between combo builds and other builds are:\nLess removal/interaction"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Less card advantage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Higher density of tutors"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa can run many different combos, but we will highlight a few of them below.\nPersist"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Any deck running +1/+1 counter support can utilize persist creatures to go infinite. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Marchesa decks favor persist combos, as the combo pieces are already utilized in most builds"},{"insert":". The most popular persist creatures are "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"River Kelpie"},{"insert":" (which has great synergy with Marchesa's ability), "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Murderous Red-Cap"},{"insert":" (which can serve as both a combo enabler and combo payoff), and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glen Elendra Archmage"},{"insert":" (which provides a nearly limitless source of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Negate"},{"insert":"s for ) Persist combos are executed by:\nHaving an unlimited source of +1/+1 counters. These sources are found in "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Metallic Mimic"},{"insert":" (naming a relevant creature type), "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sage of Fables"},{"insert":" (which can only combo with Glen Elendra Archmage and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Puppeteer Clique"},{"insert":"), and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"First Day of Class"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Having an unlimited-use sac outlet. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Any card with the coveted \"sacrifice a creature:\" text will suffice."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Having a payoff for creatures dying or entering the battlefield. Examples of this include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Zulaport Cutthroat"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Impact Tremors"},{"insert":", or other common finishers like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Flayer of the Hatebound"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"With the pieces listed above on board, the combo is executed by sacrificing a creature with persist infinitely. The persist creature dies, and then immediately returns with a -1/-1 counter. This counter is then canceled out by the +1/+1 counter the creature will also enter with. Note that the removal of counters occurs as a state-based action, meaning no player will have priority before the creature is ready to be sacrificed again."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The combo can be executed with even fewer than four pieces if one of the pieces can also serve as a payoff"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Altar of Dementia"},{"insert":" can serve as both a sac outlet and a payoff, providing infinite damage and mill, respectively. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Murderous Redcap"},{"insert":" can serve as both a persist creature and an infinte damage payoff through its ETB.\nIt's worth noting that Marchesa herself is not needed to execute a persist combo, but she can help keep your important pieces in play until the combo can be executed.\nInfinite Turns"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This combo is less resilient and requires more pieces to execute. The combo requires:\nA non-exiling/shuffling extra turn spell, like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Time Warp"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Temporal Manipulation"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A creature that can return an instant/sorcery from your graveyard to hand on ETB. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Archaeomancer"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ardent Elementalist"},{"insert":" are the cheapest creatures with this effect."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A fully-assembled Marchesa engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The easiest way to execute this combo is by having one of the creatures on board (preferably when you untap) "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"before"},{"insert":" you cast your extra turn spell. This makes it easier to hold up mana for counterspell interaction. If the extra turn spell still fails to resolve, it can be recovered by cycling your Archaeomancer through the engine to return the spell to your hand, allowing you to reattempt the combo on your following turn. If your extra turn spell resolves, you can return it to hand, and continue to cast it on each of your following turns until you assemble a winning board state.\nThere is one additional way to create infinite turns that fits well in a Marchesa deck, and that is "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Time Sieve"},{"insert":". This combo fits best into modular builds (which are discussed in more detail later in this primer). This combo requires:\nMarchesa on the battlefield"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Time Sieve on the battlefield"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Five artifact creatures on the battlefield"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A way to reliably give those artifact creatures a +1/+1 counter every turn (this is where modular comes in)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The combo is simple. Activate Time Sieve, sacrificing the five artifact creatures. Marchesa will bring them back on your end step. Proceed to your next turn and do it again once the creatures have counters.\nThOracle"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Combos with "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Thassa's Oracle"},{"insert":" are well-known within the Commander community. The combo is executed by casting Thassa's Oracle and resolving its ETB. If it resolves, you can hold "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Timing_and_priority"},"insert":"priority"},{"insert":" and cast another spell to empty your library before its ETB resolves. The most common spell is "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Demonic Consultation"},{"insert":", but "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tainted Pact"},{"insert":" can also complete the combo in lists that have "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"no more than one of each basic land"},{"insert":" (including snow lands). If the second spell resolves, your library will be empty when Oracle's ETB resolves, immediately winning you the game. Thassa's Oracle can be cycled through Marchesa's engine, serving as a source of card selection while being protected from most removal sources until the combo's second card is found. Note that this particular combo is often relegated to cEDH and may be discouraged in more \"casual\" play groups.\nAggro\nAggro builds differ from other builds in their priorities; They lean more heavily on Marchesa's Dethrone ability, as opposed to her other abilities. Dedicated aggro builds will also want a wider selection of cards that allow them to avoid having the highest life total. Aggro builds will still benefit from the Marchesa engine, but it comes as a second priority to swinging strong, evasive creatures at the opponent with the highest life total.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Pros:"},{"insert":"\nLow reliance on the Marchesa engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Avoids the common weaknesses of other aggro builds in commander"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Can be built effectively on a budget"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cons"},{"insert":"\nStruggles with combat-hate cards (specifically enchantments)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Higher average mana curve than other builds"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Aggro builds will have different priorities in their creature selection. Low mana cost is less of a concern than evasive keywords or aggressive stats. Creatures that can supply their own counters are also a higher priority, as aggro builds are less interested in weak creatures that serve no purpose beyond sharing +1/+1 counters. Sac outlets like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Falkenrath Aristocrat"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Immersturm Predator"},{"insert":" can provide themselves counters while pressuring life totals by flying in for damage. Cards that grant creatures evasion like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Herald of Secret Streams"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Helium Squirter"},{"insert":" are worth considering as well. Cards that can lower your life total are also more important. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Unspeakable Symbol"},{"insert":" is an all-star card in aggro builds, but other sources of life-loss include cards like: "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Spellskite"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Yawgmoth, Thran Physician"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Souldrinker"},{"insert":".\nModular\nOne look at a "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Modular"},"insert":"modular"},{"insert":" creature will clue you into why Marchesa makes for a powerful (if not the outright best) modular commander. Having our creatures enter with their own counters and share them with other creatures as they die is nothing short of excellent. Modular builds will generally play like aristocrat builds, but with more diverse and varied lines of play.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Pros:"},{"insert":"\n+1/+1 counters are abundant"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Artifacts can be cast without regard for color pips ()"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Artifacts give us access to a wider array of finishers and combos"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional synergies make the artifacts most Marchesa builds run even better"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cons:"},{"insert":"\nWeaker against artifact hate ("},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Stony Silence"},{"insert":" for example)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Difficult to build while finding room for common Marchesa staples"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Highest average mana cost of all common builds"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa is not an artifact"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The biggest challenge modular builds struggle with is finding a balance between powerful artifact support and cards that protect non-artifact creatures (including Marchesa). Artifact staples like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Goblin Welder"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mystic Forge"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ugin, the Ineffable"},{"insert":" may not fit into modular builds that want cards that provide counters for non-artifact creatures. Additionally, most modular creatures are very low-impact, relying on other cards to impact the board beyond stacking +1/+1 counters onto a big creature.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Excellent Modular Support Includes"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Extruder"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Time Sieve"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Inkmoth Nexus"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Marionette Master"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sphinx Summoner"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Kuldotha Forgemaster"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Cranial Plating"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Liquimetal Torque"},{"insert":", and many more.\nAnother issue modular decks face is higher average mana cost. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Creature ETBs are more mana-intensive on artifact creatures (that can be run in any deck) than on creatures that are restricted by color"},{"insert":". For example, a modular list could run "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Duplicant"},{"insert":" as a way to exile creatures on ETB, while another Marchesa list would get comparable use out of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Amphin Mutineer"},{"insert":" for two less mana (and a negligible downside).\nTheft\nTheft builds take advantage of the wording on Marchesa's recursive ability, which allows us to turn fleeting control (usually until the end of a turn) into permanent control. Most builds employ some amount of theft effects due to their inherent power. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"A stolen creature simultaneously puts your opponent down a card, while putting you up a card."},{"insert":" Two-for-one removal, like theft, goes much farther in commander than one-for-one removal (like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Doom Blade"},{"insert":"). A dedicated theft build will employ a greater number of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Threaten"},{"insert":" effects, both in creature and instant/sorcery effects. Some quality examples of theft cards include:\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Act of Aggression"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sower of Temptation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mob Rule"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Insurrection"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Molten Primordial"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Kari Zev's Expertise"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Theft builds are still reliant on the Marchesa engine, but less so than a standard aristocrat build. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The mileage you will get from a theft build will depend almost entirely on the opponents you're playing with, as you will likely rely on their creatures to close out the game"},{"insert":". Theft builds may still want to run creatures that provide card advantage, as that is still the best way to draw cards when playing Marchesa.\nTypal\nTypal builds are widely popular, and given that Marchesa lends herself to creature-based strategies, many players will consider a typal approach to building her. Many Marchesa builds keep some level of typal solidarity in mind when deckbuilding, as this allows us to use "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Pyre of Heroes"},{"insert":": a powerful tutoring option. We'll outline the most popular and viable types below:\nWizards"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa was reprinted in the 2017 commander deck \"Arcane Wizardry\" even though she has no inherent synergies with her type. Despite this, wizard typal is a powerful angle to consider when building Marchesa, as it allows you to use "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sage of Fables"},{"insert":" as a second "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Metallic Mimic"},{"insert":". Additional wizard synergies include:\nMore benefit out of our wizard ETBs with "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Naban, Dean of Iteration"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Harmonic Prodigy"},{"insert":", and other typal "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Panharmonicon"},{"insert":"s"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Two typal tutors in the wizard"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Cycling"},"insert":"cycling"},{"insert":" abilities of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Vedalken Aethermage"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Step Through"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bloodline Necromancer"},{"insert":": a typal version of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Phyrexian Delver"},{"insert":" with no downside"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional creature-based counterspells in "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Patron Wizard"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Voidmage Prodigy"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Riptide Laboratory"},{"insert":": a typal utility land"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Many Marchesa all-stars are already wizards, and given how they share her creature type, this makes wizard the most powerful choice for a typal Marchesa deck.\nPirates"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Pirates have become a well-established type over the past few years, after the release of Ixalan in 2017 and the inclusion of a Pirate typal theme in Commander Legends. Priate creatures are exclusively in Grixis  colors, and many of them have powerful ETBs or other static abilities. Additional pirate synergies include:\nSubstantial mana advantage with treasures from ETBs like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sailor of Means"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Wily Goblin"},{"insert":", and the red powerhouse, "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dockside Extortionist"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional sources of treasure, including "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Pitiless Plunderer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Impulsive Pilferer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Powerful removal options in "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hostage Taker"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Amphin Mutineer"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Merchant Raiders"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most theft support of any type, with powerful options including "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Zara, Renegade Recruiter"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Coercive Recruiter"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Captivating Crew"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Monarch support, including "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Emberwilde Captain"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Crimson Fleet Commodore"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Azure Fleet Admiral"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A powerful creature-based tutor: "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Forerunner of the Coalition"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Most Marchesa lists will likely run at least one or two pirates (most likely Dockside, as its ETB is one of the most powerful in the game). "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Siren Stormtamer"},{"insert":" is another commonly run Pirate, as the activated ability can protect your board repeatedly if you have a functional engine. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Port Razer"},{"insert":" is an attractive option for aggro builds as extra combats can be devastating.\nVampires"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Vampires are a widely popular type in Magic, made all the more so after the wave of support introduced in the Innistrad sets released at the end of 2021. Vampires are an appealing type for Marchesa, as they have powerful theft effects and strong ETBs. What makes them a standout type for Marchesa is their "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"typal +1/+1 counter support"},{"insert":", which provides an abundance of counters. Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Cordial Vampire"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Indulgent Aristocrat"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Vampire Socialite"},{"insert":" are excellent, as they give your entire board counters while synergizing with the standard Marchesa gameplan. Additional vampire synergies include:\nAn additional benefit for running sac-outlet staples like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Viscera Seer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bloodflow Connoisseur"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Yahenni, Undying Partisan"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Typal interaction with "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dominating Vampire"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Patron of the Vein"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Midnight Arsonist"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Markov Enforcer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional card/mana advantage with "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Scion of Opulence"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Champion of Dusk"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Crossway Troublemakers"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Unfortunately, Marchesa isn't a vampire. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Olivia, Mobilized for War"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mephidross Vampire"},{"insert":" are synergistic solutions to this problem, but most builds will want to include a suite of cards to protect Marchesa.\nMarchesa 103\nThis section will cover gameplay strategies and deckbuilding tips"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa is not only mechanically complex but also requires skilled gameplay to pilot effectively. Additonally, there are many intricate synergies to consider when deckbuilding. We will cover all of this below.\nGameplay\nOpening Hand"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ideally, you will want to open with at least two lands, preferably with some form of ramp. Mana bases that lower your life total are optimal, as they can ensure early dethrone triggers. Additionally, you will want to have at least one key part of your engine in your opening hand. Tutors can make up for any deficiencies. Having creatures that ETB to generate card advantage/tutoring is great in the early game, as they can provide the velocity needed to assemble your engine.\nFirst Turns"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is where many new Marchesa players will make game-ending mistakes. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"It's in your best interest to keep your threat level as low as possible early in the game."},{"insert":" The more removal your opponents use on each other, the less they have to throw your way. You should begin each game by playing ramp, cheap tutors, and creatures that ETB to provide value. Most creatures that provide card advantage/tutoring aren't threatening enough to warrant removal, so they can sit on the board as you assemble your engine around them. Depending on your build, you may want to damage yourself enough (with your mana base or otherwise) to enable dethrone, as that's the easiest way to get counters on creatures that are already on board. Sac outlets should also be played early, as this allows us to sac creatures in response to exile or shuffle effects. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"It's not ideal to let creatures die without Marchesa's protection, but it's often necessary to give us the card velocity needed to assemble the engine"},{"insert":". Unless you're playing Modular, your source of +1/+1 counters should be the next thing to hit the board. Most builds have a very limited number of cards that provide substantial counters, so they should be deployed with great care, and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"never before you have a sac outlet"},{"insert":". Marchesa should be the last part of the engine you deploy, as she will likely draw removal from more experienced players. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Do not let Marchesa hit the board without a +1/+1 counter, unless absolutely necessary."},{"insert":" It is also unwise to deploy her on a board that can't generate additional value with her engine in the same turn.\nMid-Game"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Once you have your engine assembled, your threat level will grow exponentially. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Depending on your board-state, you will likely become the archenemy."},{"insert":" At this point, you should loop your creatures through the engine to interact and gain as much card advantage as possible. Interaction can slow down your opponents while you search for your win-condition. Having redundant pieces can give your engine additional resilience, but keeping some pieces in hand can be the smarter play. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Counterspells should be used with great thrift, usually on your opponents' combo pieces or hate pieces that shut down our engine"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Rest in Peace"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Scavenging Ooze"},{"insert":" are two examples of graveyard hate that should be "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"killed/countered on sight"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Angel of Jubilation"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Yasharn, Implacable Earth"},{"insert":" are two examples of sacrifice-hate that should "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"be killed/countered on sight"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hushbringer"},{"insert":" (and to a lesser extent) "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Torpor Orb"},{"insert":" are examples of ETB (and death) hate that should "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"also be killed/countered on sight"},{"insert":". Beyond niche hate cards (and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Farewell"},{"insert":"), our board should be effectively immune to most forms of interaction and removal. Depending on your build, "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Trample"},"insert":"trample"},{"insert":" can be a problem as well, so prioritize your removal accordingly. Creatures that provide graveyard recursion can let you recover cards that were spent/lost earlier in the game.\nEndgame"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Eventually, the value you gain with the engine will allow you to finish the game. Each build will likely employ a different finisher. Combo builds will likely finish a game more quickly, as it takes the fewest cards on board to end the game. Theft, Aristocrat, and Modular builds will likely play a longer, more grindy game that ends when they loop a critical mass of creatures through their engine. Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Insurrection"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Flayer of the Hatebound"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Marionette Master"},{"insert":" can close out games quickly on the right board.\nDeckbuilding Tips\nBelow, we'll offer some quick tips for card choice and general deckbuilding"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mana Base:"},{"insert":"\nAs with all decks in (almost) all formats in Magic, the more power you put into your mana base, the better. The Onslaught and Mirage "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Fetch_land"},"insert":"fetchlands"},{"insert":" are some of the most powerful cards in commander. Marchesa gains additional benefit from paying life to sacrifice them, as it can keep your life total low enough to trigger dethrone. They are generally used to tutor "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Shock_land"},"insert":"shocklands"},{"insert":" into play, which provides powerful and consistent mana fixing. When playing Marchesa, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"you may want to consider playing shocklands untapped, even if you don't need the mana that turn."},{"insert":" Again, this is to help keep dethrone online. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Pain_land"},"insert":"Painlands"},{"insert":" are another powerful series of lands that can help keep our life total down. Aggro builds may want to consider the less-powerful painlands from Tempest and Odyssey for additional life management. Generally, Marchesa builds find their limited "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Utility_land"},"insert":"utility land"},{"insert":" slots filled with additional sources of +1/+1 counters, as these are in desperately short supply for many builds. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Forge of Heroes"},{"insert":" can ensure Marchesa enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter once per turn-cycle. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Opal Palace"},{"insert":" provides suboptimal fixing but allows Marchesa to enter with a +1/+1 counter when cast. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Guildmages' Forum"},{"insert":" provides the same luxury to all of the multicolored creatures in your deck. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tyrite Sanctum"},{"insert":" can provide a counter for Marchesa (and other legendary creatures) at instant speed for three mana. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hall of Oracles"},{"insert":" can provide a +1/+1 counter to any creature at sorcery speed, provided you have cast an instant or sorcery in the same turn. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Urza's Saga"},{"insert":" is a powerhouse land that can provide Marchesa with several sources of +1/+1 counters (among other powerful cards). Lands that can serve as sac outlets will be desirable as well. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Phyrexian Tower"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Lazotep Sanctuary"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"High Market"},{"insert":" are outstanding, as they can be activated for free, albeit once per turn cycle. Artifact lands, such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Great Furnace"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Drossforge Bridge"},{"insert":" may be worth considering in builds running "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Trinket Mage"},{"insert":". Many of the "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Double-faced_card"},"insert":"MDFC"},{"insert":" lands are worth considering. The opportunity cost of running MDFC lands is very low, as they use a slot in your deck that would otherwise be designated for a land. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sea Gate Restoration"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Shatterskull Smashing"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Agadeem's Awakening"},{"insert":" are the three best we can run in Grixis. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hagra Mauling"},{"insert":" can provide additional removal, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/k92JR-malakir-rebirth-malakir-mire"},"insert":"Malakir Rebirth"},{"insert":" can provide protection or an additional ETB while lowering our life total. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glasspool Mimic"},{"insert":" can copy our value creatures, or help spread additional +1/+1 counters when necessary. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Song-Mad Treachery"},{"insert":" can serve as another theft effect, albeit an overcosted one. MDFC's can help prevent "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Mana_flood#:~:text=Mana%20flood%20refers%20to%20the,a%20combination%20of%20the%20two."},"insert":"mana flooding"},{"insert":", but too many can lead to a slower mana base as most of them enter tapped. The legendary lands from 'Kamigawa, Neon Dynasty' can provide less powerful utility without slowing down your mana base. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Takenuma, Abandoned Mire"},{"insert":" can recover a lost creature, or help you dig for a new one by milling. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance"},{"insert":" can create tokens at instant speed. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Otawara, Soaring City"},{"insert":" can bounce a problem permanent (including enchantments) at instant speed. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tolaria West"},{"insert":" can be transmuted for any other land (including "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Urza's Saga"},{"insert":") functioning as a tutor for a sac outlet, or source of +1/+1 counters. Additionally, Tolaria can transmute for cards with suspend, such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Profane Tutor"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Inevitable Betrayal"},{"insert":", in addition to "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mana Crypt"},{"insert":".\nPlayers running "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Solemn Simulacrum"},{"insert":" may want to limit the number of utility lands in their decks, running additional basic lands instead. Color fixing should take priority over utility, but having a combination of both is optimal."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Players running "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tainted Pact"},{"insert":" will want only one, if any, of each basic land. Utility lands can fill out a mana base without running more than one of any given land."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ramp:"},{"insert":"\nEven the most highly-tuned, low-to-the-ground Marchesa builds will be mana-hungry. Most Marchesa strategies require establishing a board presence while (optimally) holding up mana for interaction. The obvious choices for ramp are the tried-and-true mana rocks that most other non-green decks run. Top tier \"fast mana\" rocks, such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sol Ring"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mana Crypt"},{"insert":" are some of the strongest cards in commander, and should be run to match the power level of your meta. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mana Vault"},{"insert":" may also enable quick early-game plays while leaving it tapped can help steadily lower your life total for Dethrone. After "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Arcane Signet"},{"insert":", the three "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5Btalisman%5D+%5Bof%5D"},"insert":"talismans"},{"insert":" we can run should be your next priority. They provide ramp and easy fixing while lowering life total as you see fit. The guild "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/decks/ME8KWzqe5UCIgj2EJvfwfw/(https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=+%5Bsignet%5D"},"insert":"signets"},{"insert":" should be the next mana rocks you include. They provide ramp and fixing, but less optimally than the talismans. Most decks running three or more colors will avoid mana rocks that only tap for , and Marchesa is no exception. However: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Grixis decks, in general, should consider "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Liquimetal Torque"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", as it can turn problematic enchantments into artifacts, which are much easier to interact with in our colors."},{"insert":" Modular builds, in particular, should run the card as it allows modular creatures to share their counters with Marchesa. There are a handful of 3-mana mana rocks that may be worth considering. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Midnight Clock"},{"insert":" can provide immediate ramp which eventually turns into card-draw when it reaches 12 counters (though be wary of timing when it gets close to triggering). "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/Wa8qb-cursed-mirror"},"insert":"Cursed Mirror"},{"insert":" can clone any creature on board, (repeatedly if sacrificed before the end step) before providing continual ramp. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Crowded Crypt"},{"insert":" can stack counters very quickly while providing ramp and, eventually, a powerful mana-sink. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Solemn Simulacrum"},{"insert":" can provide both a steady stream of ramp (on ETB) and card draw (on death). "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dreamscape Artist"},{"insert":" can provide expensive ramp and fixing but is suboptimal outside of dedicated graveyard builds. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Scroll of Fate"},{"insert":" can manifest face-down lands for Marchesa to recur face-up when sacrificed. Creatures that create "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Treasure"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Eldrazi Spawn"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Eldrazi Scion"},{"insert":" tokens on ETB/death can also provide ramp, but only repeatedly when the engine is online. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Phyrexian Altar"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ashnod's Altar"},{"insert":" provide ramp and a sac-outlet at the same time, making them solid Marchesa includes.\nOne-shot ramp (such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dark Ritual"},{"insert":") are generally considered suboptimal in most Marchesa builds. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Priest of Gix"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Cathodion"},{"insert":" are notable exceptions."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Card Draw:"},{"insert":"\nIn addition to creature-based card draw (through both ETBs and \"Dies\" triggers), some lists may still want to run card-draw staples in our colors. With blue  and black  we have access to card draw that is generally more desirable than the \"impulse draw\" that red offers. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Jeska's Will"},{"insert":" may still be worth considering in modular lists (that aren't as color-intensive) or lists with a higher density of red costs. Blue staples like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mystic Remora"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Rhystic Study"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Consecrated Sphinx"},{"insert":" are still worth considering as they can provide powerful card advantage with little downside. Blue also offers card draw in the form of enchantments that draw cards when our creatures deal combat damage. Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bident of Thassa"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Reconnaissance Mission"},{"insert":" are worth considering in aggro builds, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Thopter Spy Network"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Research Thief"},{"insert":" are worth considering in modular lists. Black has a few less-optimal staples in "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Phyrexian Arena"},{"insert":" (which is slow) and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Necropotence"},{"insert":" (which is hard to cast). However, both enchantments offer synergy by lowering our life total. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ad Nauseam"},{"insert":" is worth considering in highly optimized lists with very low mana curves. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Danny Pink"},{"insert":" provides a more unusual avenue for card draw by giving us cards when our creatures get +1/+1 counters. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dark Confidant"},{"insert":" is another synergistic choice as a Human Wizard, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Keen Duelist"},{"insert":" is a more budget-friendly version. Given the powerful options we have available, "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Wheel_effect#:~:text=A%20Wheel%20effect%20(also%20Wheeling,new%20one%2C%20usually%20seven%20cards."},"insert":"wheels"},{"insert":" are generally considered suboptimal for card advantage in most Marchesa lists. Builds running a lot of "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Reanimation"},"insert":"reanimation"},{"insert":" may consider self-wheels, such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Change of Fortune"},{"insert":", but will still likely avoid cards that can provide card advantage to opponents.\nCard draw is especially important for builds that thrive on longer games; non-combo Marchesa builds are no exception"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card draw becomes a higher priority in builds lacking powerful tutors. If a crucial engine piece can't be found easily with a tutor, then additional (and preferably unconditional) card draw can help dig for needed cards."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Removal"},{"insert":"\nGrixis has no shortage of targeted removal, hitting permanents from every zone (including your opponent's libraries).\nCreature removal is plentiful in both ETB and other triggers. It may be worth considering a slot or two for instant/sorcery-based creature removal if cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hushbringer"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hushwing Gryff"},{"insert":" are prevalent in your meta. Modal cards, such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Abrade"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Resculpt"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Kolaghan's Command"},{"insert":", can solve problem creatures while having additional utility. Grixis has a handful of powerful wipes, including "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Blasphemous Act"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Toxic Deluge"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Cyclonic Rift"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Massacre Girl"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Profaner of the Dead"},{"insert":" (arguably) have the best ETB board wipes, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Magmasaur"},{"insert":" can repeatedly wipe the board after a turn cycle to set up."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"While there aren't as many ETBs that destroy artifacts outside of Green , red has plenty of targeted removal for artifacts. Most builds should include "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Vandalblast"},{"insert":" in artifact-heavy metas. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Meltdown"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"By Force"},{"insert":" can handle multiple artifacts while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Prismari Command"},{"insert":" can provide additional value. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Plundering Barbarian"},{"insert":" serves as a red "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Reclamation Sage"},{"insert":" with the added upside of ramp. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dack Fayden"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Thieving Skydiver"},{"insert":" can steal artifacts permanently, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Hostage Taker"},{"insert":" can steal artifacts repeatedly (provided you can pay to cast them)."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Enchantments are the hardest card type to answer in Grixis. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Withering Torment"},{"insert":" is the most reliable option for removing problem enchantments. Beyond that, we have "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Feed the Swarm"},{"insert":" and inefficient colorless answers in "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Introduction to Annihilation"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Scour from Existence"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Spine of Ish Sah"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Creature builds have little difficulty beating down planeswalkers, and Marchesa is no exception. Given how poorly they usually scale into Commander, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"it's generally not worth running removal specifically for Planeswalkers."},{"insert":" Unless your meta is dominated by "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://edhrec.com/themes/planeswalkers"},"insert":"superfriends"},{"insert":", targeted removal from cards such as "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Ertai Resurrected"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sedraxis Alchemist"},{"insert":" should be sufficient."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Red has many creature-based options for destroying one or more lands. Despite the general opinion that \"destroying lands isn't fun\", it may be worth slotting an option to handle non-basic lands if powerhouse cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Cabal Coffers"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Gaea's Cradle"},{"insert":" are common in your meta. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Avalanche Riders"},{"insert":" can hit any land on ETB, while its echo cost can ensure it dies every turn. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Fulminator Mage"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Obsidian Charmaw"},{"insert":" offer targeted removal for many nonbasic lands, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Keldon Firebombers"},{"insert":" can force every player to have no more than three lands in play."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Hand destruction is common in Rakods , and plenty of creatures can shred opponents' hands on ETB/death. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Burglar Rat"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Elderfang Disciple"},{"insert":" are cheap options to force opponents to discard on each turn, while "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sire of Insanity"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mindslicer"},{"insert":" can keep the entire table "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Hellbent#:~:text=Hellbent%20is%20an%20ability%20word,no%20cards%20in%20their%20hand"},"insert":"empty-handed"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mind Slash"},{"insert":" can snipe problem cards, and "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sadistic Hypnotist"},{"insert":" can quickly empty your opponents' hands."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Despite Marchesa's innate weakness to it, graveyard hate is something most builds will want to consider. While cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Leyline of the Void"},{"insert":" can fill the desired role, they aren't synergistic options. Black has plenty of synergistic creatures that can disrupt opponents' graveyards. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Dauthi Voidwalker"},{"insert":" is a powerful include that most Marchesa builds should consider. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Callous Bloodmage"},{"insert":" has three relevant modes, including graveyard hate. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bojuka Bog"},{"insert":" provides a similar effect at the cost of a tapped land. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Author of Shadows"},{"insert":" clears every opponent's yard while allowing you to steal a card of your choice."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Black has a handful of cards that can take cards straight out of your opponents' libraries. In metas where graveyard hate is more common, it may be worth sniping difficult enchantments (like "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Rest in Peace"},{"insert":") before they become a difficult permanent to answer. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Lost Legacy"},{"insert":" is the weakest three-mana version, but has the added benefit of searching the opponent's hand as well. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Bitter Ordeal"},{"insert":" can hit multiple cards from more than one opponent if needed. "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Praetor's Grasp"},{"insert":" is the only version that allows the stolen card to be cast, which allows it to serve as a powerful tutor in metas that have recurring decks/builds."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Marchesa 104\nAt this point, the primer has nothing more to teach you: you should know the ins and outs of Marchesa, the Black Rose. If you have any unanswered questions or wish to discuss any other facets of playing Marchesa in Commander, we encourage you to join us on the "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://discord.gg/YPXWwnqDXQ"},"insert":"Marchesa, the Black Rose Discord"},{"insert":". Our active community will be happy to answer your questions.\n"},{"insert":{"image":"https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/29/b4/9a29b4e04457a9b6ab1349f0650752ed.jpg"}},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Long May She Reign!"},{"insert":"\n\nBack to Top\nWizards of the Coast, Magic: The Gathering, and their logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the United States and other countries. © 1993-2025 Wizards. All Rights Reserved.\nMoxfield LLC is not affiliated with, endorsed, sponsored, or specifically approved by Wizards of the Coast LLC. Moxfield LLC may use the trademarks and other intellectual property of Wizards of the Coast LLC, which is permitted under Wizards' Fan Site Policy. MAGIC: THE GATHERING® is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast. For more information about Wizards of the Coast or any of Wizards' trademarks or other intellectual property, please visit their website at https://company.wizards.com/.\nSome card prices and other card data are provided by "},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.scryfall.com/"},"insert":"Scryfall"},{"insert":". Scryfall makes no guarantee about its price information and recommends you see stores for final prices and details.\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://discord.gg/moxfield"},"insert":"Discord"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.facebook.com/Moxfield/"},"insert":"Facebook"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.instagram.com/moxfieldmtg/"},"insert":"Instagram"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.threads.net/@moxfieldmtg"},"insert":"Threads"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://bsky.app/profile/moxfield.com"},"insert":"Bluesky"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.reddit.com/r/Moxfield/"},"insert":"Reddit"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://www.patreon.com/moxfield/#top"},"insert":"Patreon"},{"insert":"\n© 2025 Moxfield LLC·"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/help/terms"},"insert":"Terms of Service"},{"insert":"·"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/help/privacy"},"insert":"Privacy Policy"},{"insert":"·"},{"attributes":{"color":"var(--bs-primary)","link":"https://moxfield.com/help/disclosures"},"insert":"Affiliate Disclosures"},{"insert":"·Version 2025.03.08.5\n"}]}
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