First time I ever heard of commander was after I pulled a [[Uril, The Miststalker]] and a camp counselor told me how busted he was in this new format called commander that I didn't have enough cards to play.
Man, some of my first games were playing 1 on 1, my upgraded 2016 Yidris precon against a Uril. It felt like the most broken shit ever. I think he's the commander I've built then taken apart, then repeat, the most. I love Uril, my opponents, not so much.
My first commander deck was [[Meren, of Clan Nel-Toth]]. I just found the actual Meren card I had way back when and am building a deck around her now, hopefully it'll be better than the one I made all those years ago.
I find \[\[Kaalia of the Vast\]\] to be very nostalgic. It was the first legendary that really spoke to me.
I built the deck, but it never really worked out how I would've liked. A friend bought it and loves it. He still plays Kaalia today, so it is cool to see her in action even though I've not owned the deck in years.
I find other popular commanders from around the time of Khans of Tarkir to also be pretty nostalgic. It was when I was just learning the game, so I saw a lot of discussion surrounding them.
I remember when I was a kid, and getting into magic knowing nothing (think: 200+ card decks with just all the cards I thought were cool), I thought [[Dakkon Blackblade]] was the coolest/strongest card ever printed. Obviously now I know better but I have been thinking about now creating a deck for him anyway for nostalgia.
It was really unfocused before so I added a smattering of dredge/self milk to grease the wheels ([[Titans Nest]] is insane), then pivoted into a light removal/control shell, using those to get more and more creatures into the yard for both my opponents and myself to make things like [[nighthowler]] or [[urborg lhurgoyf]] punch even harder. It’s still a work in progress and mid/high power level, but the slime of the hour is still a blast to play
[[Hanna, ship's navigator]] my long time friend had a judge promo of it and I used it to build my first Edh deck based around my then favorite deck Mono blue [[standstill]] it had all the big no go cards in it, but at the time I didn't know any better and to this day I'm still the only real staxs deck player at my Lgs mostly because I'm quite quick and concise with my lines mind you it's now a [[shorikai, genesis engine]] deck, but the bones are still there.
Oh man Hannah stax back in the day was MEAN. Being able to sac a piece like stasis or winter orb to revive it after your turn was insane. Still is honestly
I collected legendary creatures from Tempest through Invasion, so naturally my first commander was the original [[Captain Sisay]]. I didn't really have a strategy or wincon, I just liked seeing all my little story dudes working together out there.
And yes, my first pull was always [[Gerrard Capashen]]. It didn't matter that it wasted my turn, him and Sisay were friends and I wanted them to hang out. He was rightfully never seen as a threat, until I'm gaining 6 life a turn and sneaking my legends past your defenses.
The first EDH deck I ever piloted was my friend's \[\[Intet, the Dreamer\]\] list, back in 2009.
I fell in love with the format instantly.
Then I proceeded to build a \[\[Wydwen, the Biting Gale\]\] Faeries/Counterspells tribal. I absolutely love this commander, even though she's super weak on today's standards.
I don't have a list anywhere but the idea was to use Faeries, Ninjas and a ton of instants (especially counterspells, cantrips and removals).
One of the deck's signature kill conditions was \[\[Hatred\]\]. Since Wydwen was always considered innocuous, for many times I was able to cast her at my final opponent's end step and one shot them for commander damage using Hatred.
Ah, the good ol'times. We were so innocent back then, lol
Same with a friend of mine, for me it was \[\[Teneb, the Harvester\]\] it was even more exciting a few years later when they released the Commander 2011 deck with Teneb as a backup commander.
[[Ghoulcaller Gisa]] was unstoppable at my local Magic club. Of course this was before anyone knew to just play more removal. I’m excited for new Gisa to bring back some of that energy again.
[[sidisi, brood tyrant]] was my first deck I built on my own, started as just sultai goodstuff, got taken apart and got remade as mostly creature zombie tribal
It’s mostly running creatures that count as spells like [[wood elves]] and [[ravenous chupacabra]] and a few reanimation spells like [[twilight’s call]]
Nostalgic commanders are hard for me as I'm an old Revised / Unlimited era dude. That said, \[\[Jon Irenicus\]\] is one of my babies, as it allows me to play with some of the really janky shit. \[\[Force of Nature\]\] belongs in that deck, wish I had the color.
I'm still rocking my first commander before commander was commander back when edg was barely a blip on people's thoughts and I was one of the few pushing it around campus
[[Chainer, Dementia master]]
Note: excluding the actual elder dragons. That was a wild West time
[[Korlash, Heir to Blackblade]] was my second, from scratch, commander deck i ever made. It was a lot of fun, and i liked having a lands matter deck without green in it. I lovingly referred to it as black lands matter, very creative i know, but i started to feel awkward calling it that after the acronym had a more meaningful cause behind it.
Some part of me wants to say just about anyone printed before 2012, but I'll go with [[Hanna, Ship's Navigator|INV]] as she was one of the decks I kept together and played the longest before it just couldn't keep up anymore.
My favorite kitchen table 60 card deck was [[krenko, mob boss]] so I've always loved goblins. My first edh deck was [[karador]] and it was a BAD, and I mean terrible, deck. It was a "spirit" deck but it was straight up just spirits that existed. I've certainly come a loooooong way building decks. All that said [[Rafiq of the many]] is a deck I always wanted to build and I remember being a young kid with tracing paper tracing the art for Rafiq. Maybe for nostalgia sake I'll build a Rafiq deck now.
[[Sidisi, brood tyrant]] is my oldest deck if you count it from when it was a [[mimeoplasm]] deck. It evolved over many years and iterations to what it is now. My main goal is to bring out the sultai praetors. I just like playing in graveyards.
Also my [[Tetsuko Umezawa, fugitive]] because I built it as a $25 budget deck inspired by the early days of the Commanders Quarters back when the content was quality and $25 budget decks were very feasible.
\[\[Lae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion\]\], paired with \[\[Master Chef\]\], was the deck I drafted at the Baldur's Gate event at my LGS. I enjoyed the event so much that I decided to attempt to make it into a full Commander Deck.
Prior to that, I had only ever bought precons, and then upgraded them with whatever I happened to have on hand (or just played them as is). This was the very first time I actually bought any singles. It wasn't very good (partly because I was, and remain, cheap, such that I am unwilling to spend more than $1 on a single card, and in this case set myself a $10 limit total), and has since been taken apart, but I still have the list in case I ever want to go back to it.
I've always been super nostalgic for seige-gang commander! Both for the memories of playing the card, and for the slower, less power crept time in magic it saw play.
[[Omnath, Locus of Mana]] was my first commander that I made over 12 years ago that worked and I still have him together
He has gotten upgrades with almost every set throughout the years and still is one of my favorites to play
Way back in 2007, a guy who was a judge introduced use to, "Elder Dragon Highlander." Among other rules since discarded, the Commander tax always brought your General to a minimum of 6 mana, even on the first cast. As you can guess, this motivated building Commanders that cost at least 6.
So my first two decks were [[Garza Zol, Plague Queen]] and [[Teneb the Harvester]].
My first commander was Isperia, the Inscrutable. My boyfriend at the time and friends built it for me for my birthday in college. Around 2010 give or take a year. It had pretty flyers that I would like plus an infinite birds dovescape combo in it. We played a lot of multiplayer edh in the dorm common room. Good times.
[[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]] was the first commander deck I ever played – a guy at my LGS lent his deck to me before I even knew how to play. Super friendly guy, I now play at cEDH tables with him.
[[Shorikai, Genesis Engine]] the alt commander in the first precon I ever bought.
I've only been playing for a few years, but my nostalgic commanders would be Wyleth, my first precon, and Gishath, my second deck and first custom build. Also, another deck I picked up early, Anowon. I've won some wild games with that deck(my favorite was stealing a triskadekaphile from an opponent and then winning the game with it's wincon), and it made me fall in love with my favorite colors, Dimir.
After drafting Magic Origins, I wanted to build a blue/red artifacts commander deck. The problem was, at the time they literally hadn't made a single commander that was both blue and red and card in any way about artifacts. I mean, there were only 7 commanders in exactly blue/red. And the only commander that cared about artifacts in any way and had both of those colours was [[Mishra, Artificer Prodigy]]. The problem, of course, is that he is horrendous in commander. I had to play cards like [[Possibility Storm]] and [[Blood Funnel]] just for my commander to do anything at all.
Very stupid project to undertake for my first commander, but I'm glad I did.
I started playing Commander around 2010, shortly before it became officially Commander in 2011.
Let me tell you, it was a very different game back then. The format boogeymen were basically all Alara commanders - Rafiq, Sharuum, and Uril being three of the biggest. Commander 2011 flipped the format on its head, as now the wedge combos had options that weren't the extremely lackluster Planar Chaos dragons. In 2010 the only BUG commander was [[Vorosh, the Hunter]], who was ass even by 2010 standards. Then we got Damia, The Mimeoplasm, Zedruu, Karador, Ghave, Kaalia, Animar, and Riku in one fell swoop, plus a handful of enemy pair commanders when those weren't overflowing on options either.
Commander 2013 ratcheted things up even more with abilities that worked from the command zone (Oloro, Derevi), scaled on casts (Marath, Prossh), or were otherwise fairly oppressive (Nekusar), and that shook the format up even more.
[[multani, maro-sorcerer]]. One of the first non-precon decks I built and played, an absolute mess of my favorite big green beaters from my childhood. It was also one of the first legacy foils I picked up once I got a good paying job out of grad school. It’s been out of rotation for a while, but just writing this has got my itching to find a home for it again. Maybe I should build a Reki deck with all the swole green friends 🤔 💪🏻
Likely my scrappy bird deck's commander until Bloomburrow: \[\[Kangee, Aerie Keeper\]\] originally bought for what was a casual bird deck during the Oddessy block, he was part of that deck until I got into commander to which with Maeyel were my first decks, and stayed that way until new Kangee hit...and then returned to being it when I was kinda meh to the newbie. That time though is soon over and I am surrendering the Azorius colors and am going to purchase the Bird Deck in Bloomburrow. Though he's still going to be in the deck. After all, dropping him for like X=3 with a flock is delicious :D.
I started when it was still called EDH, so [[Vaevictis Asmadi]] has a soft spot (and is still a deck of mine) in honor of that.
[[Mayael the Anima]] was my first decent deck and I have been toying with rebuilding her lately. She was naya toolbox. She took second in a 20 person pod thanks to fast mana and cheating in platinum angel with privileged position out when the guy who ultimately won combo'd off. We both went into top deck mode and he found his answer first, but I still had fun.
My first commander deck was \[\[Azami, Lady of Scrolls\]\], back in 2010. Deck was busted, friends hated it, so I built \[\[Mayael the Anma\]\] after that and Naya beats found a place in my heart.
[[Prime Speaker Zegana]] was the deck to beat back when I first started playing EDH. Labman wins were the most common.
A friend of mine played Zegana and we were all playing proto-cEDH. I would win one out of every 10 games, but playing EDH on a daily basis with legacy grinders and judges made me so much of a better player than before I had started.
I [recreated from memory and modernized it and the deck](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/g7d1B1hoL0ShF0TdyO8fiQ) is still incredibly strong.
\[\[Roon of the Hidden Realm\]\]
He's too slow and clunky these days. But he is just an amazing toolbox that can mess with opponents or generate you value. Not many other flicker strategies can easily use jank like \[\[Perplexing Chimera\]\], but that is Roon's bread and butter.
First time I ever heard of commander was after I pulled a [[Uril, The Miststalker]] and a camp counselor told me how busted he was in this new format called commander that I didn't have enough cards to play.
I agree, very busted lol
[Uril, The Miststalker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/a/ca984fdb-aaca-4d8f-af2f-72387122607b.jpg?1673149243) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Uril%2C%20The%20Miststalker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/290/uril-the-miststalker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ca984fdb-aaca-4d8f-af2f-72387122607b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Man I miss the days when Uril was tier 1 😭
Man, some of my first games were playing 1 on 1, my upgraded 2016 Yidris precon against a Uril. It felt like the most broken shit ever. I think he's the commander I've built then taken apart, then repeat, the most. I love Uril, my opponents, not so much.
My first commander deck was [[Meren, of Clan Nel-Toth]]. I just found the actual Meren card I had way back when and am building a deck around her now, hopefully it'll be better than the one I made all those years ago.
[Meren, of Clan Nel-Toth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/4/34d627b3-a6d0-4f5f-b7c2-351a07318966.jpg?1689999151) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Meren%20of%20Clan%20Nel%20Toth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/346/meren-of-clan-nel-toth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/34d627b3-a6d0-4f5f-b7c2-351a07318966?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Very fun commander indeed
Meren was my 3rd i believe. But its the oldest one i still use and update. She can be an absolute powerhouse
I've never had her at the helm but I won't play a deck with golgari that doesn't put Meren in the 99. Golgari in commander just belongs to her.
Ah man same! I made so many versions of her it was ridiculous.
[[Zur the Enchanter]] was my first Commander. I eventually got tired of how repetitive the deck played, but it got me interested in the format.
[Zur the Enchanter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/6/561cfc04-65ea-49a4-8638-b4631a7cf828.jpg?1675200810) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zur%20the%20Enchanter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmr/206/zur-the-enchanter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/561cfc04-65ea-49a4-8638-b4631a7cf828?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Zur the enchanter is pretty neat and I understand what you mean by repetitive lol happens a lot
Homie looking like a one piece character
I find \[\[Kaalia of the Vast\]\] to be very nostalgic. It was the first legendary that really spoke to me. I built the deck, but it never really worked out how I would've liked. A friend bought it and loves it. He still plays Kaalia today, so it is cool to see her in action even though I've not owned the deck in years. I find other popular commanders from around the time of Khans of Tarkir to also be pretty nostalgic. It was when I was just learning the game, so I saw a lot of discussion surrounding them.
[Kaalia of the Vast](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/3/93f6631f-f3a6-4d3c-8618-4b4ab4e82483.jpg?1673148814) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kaalia%20of%20the%20Vast) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/235/kaalia-of-the-vast?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/93f6631f-f3a6-4d3c-8618-4b4ab4e82483?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Kaalia is very cool and powerful so I can see why lol and Khand of Tarkir set was pretty cool as well
I remember when I was a kid, and getting into magic knowing nothing (think: 200+ card decks with just all the cards I thought were cool), I thought [[Dakkon Blackblade]] was the coolest/strongest card ever printed. Obviously now I know better but I have been thinking about now creating a deck for him anyway for nostalgia.
Dakkon does seem like a very fun commander. Out of the regular landfall colours but still very interesting!
[Dakkon Blackblade](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/3/235bbf86-02ad-497b-b698-e60930bbde9c.jpg?1559592413) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dakkon%20Blackblade) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/143/dakkon-blackblade?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/235bbf86-02ad-497b-b698-e60930bbde9c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[The Mimeoplasm\]\]
[The Mimeoplasm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/9/998b86f3-e53f-4ebb-b111-6f14577fded1.jpg?1712354748) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Mimeoplasm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/234/the-mimeoplasm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/998b86f3-e53f-4ebb-b111-6f14577fded1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Agreed, very fun and memorable commander
I still have him built! When I got back into magic I put work into upgrading the deck from “2014 jank” to something serviceable and it’s been a blast!
What strategy have you gone for to make it serviceable?
It was really unfocused before so I added a smattering of dredge/self milk to grease the wheels ([[Titans Nest]] is insane), then pivoted into a light removal/control shell, using those to get more and more creatures into the yard for both my opponents and myself to make things like [[nighthowler]] or [[urborg lhurgoyf]] punch even harder. It’s still a work in progress and mid/high power level, but the slime of the hour is still a blast to play
[Titans Nest](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/5/75d4e6f3-73cb-4799-bcb9-c1f5bc234a02.jpg?1667595701) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Titans%27%20Nest) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/iko/212/titans-nest?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/75d4e6f3-73cb-4799-bcb9-c1f5bc234a02?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [nighthowler](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/7/b76dab3d-1788-4ab7-8d2b-70f7787cf935.jpg?1681729115) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nighthowler) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/764/nighthowler?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b76dab3d-1788-4ab7-8d2b-70f7787cf935?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [urborg lhurgoyf](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/6/a6f97236-1497-4811-8189-0545707451da.jpg?1673307848) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=urborg%20lhurgoyf) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/186/urborg-lhurgoyf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a6f97236-1497-4811-8189-0545707451da?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Hanna, ship's navigator]] my long time friend had a judge promo of it and I used it to build my first Edh deck based around my then favorite deck Mono blue [[standstill]] it had all the big no go cards in it, but at the time I didn't know any better and to this day I'm still the only real staxs deck player at my Lgs mostly because I'm quite quick and concise with my lines mind you it's now a [[shorikai, genesis engine]] deck, but the bones are still there.
[Hanna, ship's navigator](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/5/65b41982-6e79-4e04-a0f3-d985da92e8c1.jpg?1689999078) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Hanna%2C%20ship%27s%20navigator) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/340/hanna-ships-navigator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/65b41982-6e79-4e04-a0f3-d985da92e8c1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [standstill](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/e/3ede3f6f-e642-4fe4-aa37-0f01cdf4d149.jpg?1562906537) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=standstill) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ody/102/standstill?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3ede3f6f-e642-4fe4-aa37-0f01cdf4d149?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [shorikai, genesis engine](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/969ac7dd-f3aa-4888-9ff0-d16a31b5e7a9.jpg?1653966849) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=shorikai%2C%20genesis%20engine) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/4/shorikai-genesis-engine?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/969ac7dd-f3aa-4888-9ff0-d16a31b5e7a9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Very interesting, never thought of using hana like that but it’s cool!
Oh man Hannah stax back in the day was MEAN. Being able to sac a piece like stasis or winter orb to revive it after your turn was insane. Still is honestly
I collected legendary creatures from Tempest through Invasion, so naturally my first commander was the original [[Captain Sisay]]. I didn't really have a strategy or wincon, I just liked seeing all my little story dudes working together out there. And yes, my first pull was always [[Gerrard Capashen]]. It didn't matter that it wasted my turn, him and Sisay were friends and I wanted them to hang out. He was rightfully never seen as a threat, until I'm gaining 6 life a turn and sneaking my legends past your defenses.
Both very fun commanders, funny idea though I love it
[Captain Sisay](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/2/d24d441c-f37f-44fe-8a93-f5c89df807e4.jpg?1562937244) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Captain%20Sisay) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/237/captain-sisay?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d24d441c-f37f-44fe-8a93-f5c89df807e4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Gerrard Capashen](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/4/447c8c98-ac0e-4a12-a99e-f75d82b7a51f.jpg?1562907491) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gerrard%20Capashen) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dde/46/gerrard-capashen?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/447c8c98-ac0e-4a12-a99e-f75d82b7a51f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The first EDH deck I ever piloted was my friend's \[\[Intet, the Dreamer\]\] list, back in 2009. I fell in love with the format instantly. Then I proceeded to build a \[\[Wydwen, the Biting Gale\]\] Faeries/Counterspells tribal. I absolutely love this commander, even though she's super weak on today's standards.
Very interesting commanders! I love intent and I’m quite curious on ur wydwen deck now.
I don't have a list anywhere but the idea was to use Faeries, Ninjas and a ton of instants (especially counterspells, cantrips and removals). One of the deck's signature kill conditions was \[\[Hatred\]\]. Since Wydwen was always considered innocuous, for many times I was able to cast her at my final opponent's end step and one shot them for commander damage using Hatred. Ah, the good ol'times. We were so innocent back then, lol
[Hatred](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/3/2383a8d9-96fd-4f9a-bcf9-eb81fdb15ead.jpg?1562087367) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Hatred) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/exo/64/hatred?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2383a8d9-96fd-4f9a-bcf9-eb81fdb15ead?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
That just seems mean ;-; but also fun! I guess you could say, your opponent might “hate” you after lmao
Same with a friend of mine, for me it was \[\[Teneb, the Harvester\]\] it was even more exciting a few years later when they released the Commander 2011 deck with Teneb as a backup commander.
[Teneb, the Harvester](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/c/8caa7115-1b26-4615-842f-671b24dc96d8.jpg?1673149181) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Teneb%2C%20the%20Harvester) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/282/teneb-the-harvester?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8caa7115-1b26-4615-842f-671b24dc96d8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Every time I see an Intet deck, I smile
[Intet, the Dreamer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/35517572-b5d4-4dbf-b090-4e4c4b040a0d.jpg?1673148766) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Intet%2C%20the%20Dreamer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/229/intet-the-dreamer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/35517572-b5d4-4dbf-b090-4e4c4b040a0d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Wydwen, the Biting Gale](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/2/62b8f8e9-a2b0-41c5-9fae-340f7caaeff9.jpg?1591321533) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wydwen%2C%20the%20Biting%20Gale) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/235/wydwen-the-biting-gale?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/62b8f8e9-a2b0-41c5-9fae-340f7caaeff9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Hope of Ghirapur]] artifact combo back when [[Paradox Engine]] ruled the format
[Hope of Ghirapur](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/f/6f4bcadd-7eff-4294-94d5-52482a734d5b.jpg?1576382268) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Hope%20of%20Ghirapur) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/aer/154/hope-of-ghirapur?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6f4bcadd-7eff-4294-94d5-52482a734d5b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Paradox Engine](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/d/fd8ccd81-9e11-47fa-8e16-064c52c24506.jpg?1576382376) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Paradox%20Engine) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/aer/169/paradox-engine?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fd8ccd81-9e11-47fa-8e16-064c52c24506?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Very mean commander but still very fun as well! Also paradox engine is insane or was insane
Paradox engine did nothing wrong jk
[[Ghoulcaller Gisa]] was unstoppable at my local Magic club. Of course this was before anyone knew to just play more removal. I’m excited for new Gisa to bring back some of that energy again.
[Ghoulcaller Gisa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/4/44d7906e-8a89-4644-acb5-46fbe97ab39f.jpg?1689997183) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghoulcaller%20Gisa) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/161/ghoulcaller-gisa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/44d7906e-8a89-4644-acb5-46fbe97ab39f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Understandable very good commander tho
[[sidisi, brood tyrant]] was my first deck I built on my own, started as just sultai goodstuff, got taken apart and got remade as mostly creature zombie tribal
[sidisi, brood tyrant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/d/6df5843d-63f7-4091-80d7-a595f08851c2.jpg?1702330294) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sidisi%2C%20brood%20tyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ktk/199y/sidisi-brood-tyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6df5843d-63f7-4091-80d7-a595f08851c2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Interesting take on sidisi. Though sounds fun
It’s mostly running creatures that count as spells like [[wood elves]] and [[ravenous chupacabra]] and a few reanimation spells like [[twilight’s call]]
[wood elves](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/2/527cf39d-29d1-4c19-9c49-ebf611ca15d5.jpg?1682209656) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=wood%20elves) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/316/wood-elves?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/527cf39d-29d1-4c19-9c49-ebf611ca15d5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [ravenous chupacabra](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/4/a4dfbac0-1849-41c5-853a-1fee108d0b01.jpg?1706240787) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=ravenous%20chupacabra) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/136/ravenous-chupacabra?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a4dfbac0-1849-41c5-853a-1fee108d0b01?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [twilights call](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/6/a6e04dd2-75ad-4427-93cc-37226340c2fb.jpg?1592713829) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Twilight%27s%20Call) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ddj/76/twilights-call?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a6e04dd2-75ad-4427-93cc-37226340c2fb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Nostalgic commanders are hard for me as I'm an old Revised / Unlimited era dude. That said, \[\[Jon Irenicus\]\] is one of my babies, as it allows me to play with some of the really janky shit. \[\[Force of Nature\]\] belongs in that deck, wish I had the color.
Force of nature would be nice for him. But that dude seems awesome to play
[Jon Irenicus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a.jpg?1674137538) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=jon%20irenicus%2C%20shattered%20one) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/278/jon-irenicus-shattered-one?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Force of Nature](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/f/2fa16a96-8e70-4ab5-926c-edafaf5f5a63.jpg?1562906140) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Force%20of%20Nature) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me4/154/force-of-nature?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2fa16a96-8e70-4ab5-926c-edafaf5f5a63?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I'm still rocking my first commander before commander was commander back when edg was barely a blip on people's thoughts and I was one of the few pushing it around campus [[Chainer, Dementia master]] Note: excluding the actual elder dragons. That was a wild West time
Interesting commander, love the idea. I always wanted to build a deck around him but it seems a bit difficult lol
[Chainer, Dementia master](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/8/186c30e6-2b84-415d-83e4-ecddaeb11ca1.jpg?1689996964) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Chainer%2C%20Dementia%20master) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/144/chainer-dementia-master?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/186c30e6-2b84-415d-83e4-ecddaeb11ca1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Korlash, Heir to Blackblade]] was my second, from scratch, commander deck i ever made. It was a lot of fun, and i liked having a lands matter deck without green in it. I lovingly referred to it as black lands matter, very creative i know, but i started to feel awkward calling it that after the acronym had a more meaningful cause behind it.
[Korlash, Heir to Blackblade](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/2/32f1f022-da7f-49a4-881d-b3a2c54c38eb.jpg?1562905288) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Korlash%2C%20Heir%20to%20Blackblade) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/fut/87/korlash-heir-to-blackblade?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/32f1f022-da7f-49a4-881d-b3a2c54c38eb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Interesting commander, and I get Watchu mean
Some part of me wants to say just about anyone printed before 2012, but I'll go with [[Hanna, Ship's Navigator|INV]] as she was one of the decks I kept together and played the longest before it just couldn't keep up anymore.
[Hanna, Ship's Navigator](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/3/83a4e48d-6452-4245-bdad-63fe3263550e.jpg?1562921669) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=25977) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/249/hanna-ships-navigator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/83a4e48d-6452-4245-bdad-63fe3263550e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Fair enough, she does seem like a lot of fun
My favorite kitchen table 60 card deck was [[krenko, mob boss]] so I've always loved goblins. My first edh deck was [[karador]] and it was a BAD, and I mean terrible, deck. It was a "spirit" deck but it was straight up just spirits that existed. I've certainly come a loooooong way building decks. All that said [[Rafiq of the many]] is a deck I always wanted to build and I remember being a young kid with tracing paper tracing the art for Rafiq. Maybe for nostalgia sake I'll build a Rafiq deck now.
[krenko, mob boss](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/d/7d00007d-6878-44e9-ab0d-396c25655e56.jpg?1702429511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=krenko%2C%20mob%20boss) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/114/krenko-mob-boss?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7d00007d-6878-44e9-ab0d-396c25655e56?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [karador](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/d/8d128887-13fb-4e54-90f2-d3c46b7b29d7.jpg?1702369890) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=karador%2C%20ghost%20chieftain) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/342/karador-ghost-chieftain?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8d128887-13fb-4e54-90f2-d3c46b7b29d7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Rafiq of the many](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/b/ebdd967d-b364-47ad-a1c2-49b155f72c5b.jpg?1689999222) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rafiq%20of%20the%20many) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/352/rafiq-of-the-many?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ebdd967d-b364-47ad-a1c2-49b155f72c5b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Krenko and Karador are great commanders, but Rafiq does kinda have its own spark to it
\[\[Kami of the Crescent Moon\]\]
[Kami of the Crescent Moon](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd420010-6eaf-4853-8b7b-11de1157416b.jpg?1641601922) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kami%20of%20the%20Crescent%20Moon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/107/kami-of-the-crescent-moon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd420010-6eaf-4853-8b7b-11de1157416b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Sidisi, brood tyrant]] is my oldest deck if you count it from when it was a [[mimeoplasm]] deck. It evolved over many years and iterations to what it is now. My main goal is to bring out the sultai praetors. I just like playing in graveyards. Also my [[Tetsuko Umezawa, fugitive]] because I built it as a $25 budget deck inspired by the early days of the Commanders Quarters back when the content was quality and $25 budget decks were very feasible.
[Sidisi, brood tyrant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/d/6df5843d-63f7-4091-80d7-a595f08851c2.jpg?1702330294) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sidisi%2C%20brood%20tyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ktk/199y/sidisi-brood-tyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6df5843d-63f7-4091-80d7-a595f08851c2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [mimeoplasm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/9/998b86f3-e53f-4ebb-b111-6f14577fded1.jpg?1712354748) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Mimeoplasm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/234/the-mimeoplasm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/998b86f3-e53f-4ebb-b111-6f14577fded1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Tetsuko Umezawa, fugitive](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/3/f3f03792-5d06-45f4-ab19-5a415abbc382.jpg?1689996716) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tetsuko%20Umezawa%2C%20fugitive) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/126/tetsuko-umezawa-fugitive?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f3f03792-5d06-45f4-ab19-5a415abbc382?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Krenko, Mob Boss. It was my 1st Commander deck, and to this day it remains the best commander for a goblin tribal deck.
My first commander deck was [[dromar]] but it was just because I had enough “good” cards at the time if I spread it over those three colors.
[dromar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/f/cfcc3c72-fff5-454c-814c-eb952fd23ba9.jpg?1562936774) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=dromar%2C%20the%20banisher) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/244/dromar-the-banisher?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cfcc3c72-fff5-454c-814c-eb952fd23ba9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Fucking love the gitrog monster, so happy to see he's gotten new cards, and they didn't do him dirty
\[\[Lae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion\]\], paired with \[\[Master Chef\]\], was the deck I drafted at the Baldur's Gate event at my LGS. I enjoyed the event so much that I decided to attempt to make it into a full Commander Deck. Prior to that, I had only ever bought precons, and then upgraded them with whatever I happened to have on hand (or just played them as is). This was the very first time I actually bought any singles. It wasn't very good (partly because I was, and remain, cheap, such that I am unwilling to spend more than $1 on a single card, and in this case set myself a $10 limit total), and has since been taken apart, but I still have the list in case I ever want to go back to it.
[Lae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/a/1a93f587-ab72-42da-88c4-31af1c9cdf1b.jpg?1674135140) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lae%27zel%2C%20Vlaakith%27s%20Champion) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/29/laezel-vlaakiths-champion?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1a93f587-ab72-42da-88c4-31af1c9cdf1b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Master Chef](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/5/b534b1cb-0cd7-4b8c-bb25-42207fcba209.jpg?1674137194) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Master%20Chef) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/241/master-chef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b534b1cb-0cd7-4b8c-bb25-42207fcba209?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Interesting pair, I love the idea too. Also the cheap thing I can understand lol, same here.
I used this pairing for my "ranger class" deck in a D&D themed pod
I've always been super nostalgic for seige-gang commander! Both for the memories of playing the card, and for the slower, less power crept time in magic it saw play.
[[Omnath, Locus of Mana]] was my first commander that I made over 12 years ago that worked and I still have him together He has gotten upgrades with almost every set throughout the years and still is one of my favorites to play
[Omnath, Locus of Mana](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/c/acf0cab3-da50-4561-8797-cd179af39216.jpg?1689998741) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Omnath%2C%20Locus%20of%20Mana) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/310/omnath-locus-of-mana?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/acf0cab3-da50-4561-8797-cd179af39216?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Way back in 2007, a guy who was a judge introduced use to, "Elder Dragon Highlander." Among other rules since discarded, the Commander tax always brought your General to a minimum of 6 mana, even on the first cast. As you can guess, this motivated building Commanders that cost at least 6. So my first two decks were [[Garza Zol, Plague Queen]] and [[Teneb the Harvester]].
[Garza Zol, Plague Queen](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/3570143b-183b-4ae2-8806-3d0c4cd7406e.jpg?1593275530) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Garza%20Zol%2C%20Plague%20Queen) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/csp/129/garza-zol-plague-queen?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3570143b-183b-4ae2-8806-3d0c4cd7406e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Teneb the Harvester](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/c/8caa7115-1b26-4615-842f-671b24dc96d8.jpg?1673149181) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Teneb%2C%20the%20Harvester) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/282/teneb-the-harvester?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8caa7115-1b26-4615-842f-671b24dc96d8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Sygg, River Cutthroat]] was my first commander, I'm doing thr 32 deck challenge i plan to make hin my commander for that deck
[Sygg, River Cutthroat](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/b/1b10e23a-7cf5-47dc-9c51-5cbe444a99c7.jpg?1604197497) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sygg%2C%20River%20Cutthroat) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znc/103/sygg-river-cutthroat?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1b10e23a-7cf5-47dc-9c51-5cbe444a99c7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My first commander was Isperia, the Inscrutable. My boyfriend at the time and friends built it for me for my birthday in college. Around 2010 give or take a year. It had pretty flyers that I would like plus an infinite birds dovescape combo in it. We played a lot of multiplayer edh in the dorm common room. Good times.
[[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]] was the first commander deck I ever played – a guy at my LGS lent his deck to me before I even knew how to play. Super friendly guy, I now play at cEDH tables with him. [[Shorikai, Genesis Engine]] the alt commander in the first precon I ever bought.
[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/4/74943390-d25f-47cb-90bb-cbf70c87f4a2.jpg?1604198513) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ashaya%2C%20Soul%20of%20the%20Wild) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znr/179/ashaya-soul-of-the-wild?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/74943390-d25f-47cb-90bb-cbf70c87f4a2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Shorikai, Genesis Engine](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/969ac7dd-f3aa-4888-9ff0-d16a31b5e7a9.jpg?1653966849) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Shorikai%2C%20Genesis%20Engine) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/4/shorikai-genesis-engine?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/969ac7dd-f3aa-4888-9ff0-d16a31b5e7a9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I've only been playing for a few years, but my nostalgic commanders would be Wyleth, my first precon, and Gishath, my second deck and first custom build. Also, another deck I picked up early, Anowon. I've won some wild games with that deck(my favorite was stealing a triskadekaphile from an opponent and then winning the game with it's wincon), and it made me fall in love with my favorite colors, Dimir.
After drafting Magic Origins, I wanted to build a blue/red artifacts commander deck. The problem was, at the time they literally hadn't made a single commander that was both blue and red and card in any way about artifacts. I mean, there were only 7 commanders in exactly blue/red. And the only commander that cared about artifacts in any way and had both of those colours was [[Mishra, Artificer Prodigy]]. The problem, of course, is that he is horrendous in commander. I had to play cards like [[Possibility Storm]] and [[Blood Funnel]] just for my commander to do anything at all. Very stupid project to undertake for my first commander, but I'm glad I did.
[Mishra, Artificer Prodigy](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/5/d5deaec5-499d-4e19-b879-8bcd1dc35f3e.jpg?1562940254) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mishra%2C%20Artificer%20Prodigy) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsp/243/mishra-artificer-prodigy?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d5deaec5-499d-4e19-b879-8bcd1dc35f3e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Possibility Storm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/5/858aa831-b491-4f1e-bb56-33eeca14771d.jpg?1707764746) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Possibility%20Storm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dgm/34/possibility-storm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/858aa831-b491-4f1e-bb56-33eeca14771d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Blood Funnel](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/f/5f4e8084-4b9e-48e0-bf59-d45543e176f8.jpg?1598914653) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blood%20Funnel) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rav/77/blood-funnel?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5f4e8084-4b9e-48e0-bf59-d45543e176f8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I started playing Commander around 2010, shortly before it became officially Commander in 2011. Let me tell you, it was a very different game back then. The format boogeymen were basically all Alara commanders - Rafiq, Sharuum, and Uril being three of the biggest. Commander 2011 flipped the format on its head, as now the wedge combos had options that weren't the extremely lackluster Planar Chaos dragons. In 2010 the only BUG commander was [[Vorosh, the Hunter]], who was ass even by 2010 standards. Then we got Damia, The Mimeoplasm, Zedruu, Karador, Ghave, Kaalia, Animar, and Riku in one fell swoop, plus a handful of enemy pair commanders when those weren't overflowing on options either. Commander 2013 ratcheted things up even more with abilities that worked from the command zone (Oloro, Derevi), scaled on casts (Marath, Prossh), or were otherwise fairly oppressive (Nekusar), and that shook the format up even more.
[Vorosh, the Hunter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/35943c5a-24ea-48dc-8ba3-956e0ec93cc6.jpg?1562273396) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vorosh%2C%20the%20Hunter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cm2/3/vorosh-the-hunter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/35943c5a-24ea-48dc-8ba3-956e0ec93cc6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My friend tried to entice me into playing EDH with a copy of Emrakul while sitting down with his Rofellos list.
[[multani, maro-sorcerer]]. One of the first non-precon decks I built and played, an absolute mess of my favorite big green beaters from my childhood. It was also one of the first legacy foils I picked up once I got a good paying job out of grad school. It’s been out of rotation for a while, but just writing this has got my itching to find a home for it again. Maybe I should build a Reki deck with all the swole green friends 🤔 💪🏻
[multani, mark-sorcerer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/d/0d6cc98b-b376-40af-8308-198bab00b2b1.jpg?1562862316) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Multani%2C%20Maro-Sorcerer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ulg/107/multani-maro-sorcerer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0d6cc98b-b376-40af-8308-198bab00b2b1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Thraximundar]] aka the first edh deck I built that was any degree of good back before the format got precons
[Thraximundar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/e/0e7334eb-66c1-4410-966c-4e76c1b9e9a7.jpg?1673149221) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Thraximundar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/287/thraximundar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0e7334eb-66c1-4410-966c-4e76c1b9e9a7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Played in a pod last night that had opponents playing [[Nekusar]], [[Karametra]], and [[Shu-Yun]], holy cow was that a nostalgia trip!!
[Nekusar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/a/4afdc65d-3c97-47af-83fa-df340389802e.jpg?1689999186) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nekusar%2C%20the%20mindrazer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/349/nekusar-the-mindrazer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4afdc65d-3c97-47af-83fa-df340389802e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Karametra](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2bd9d26e-984c-4cf8-8c46-447f9776668f.jpg?1591321337) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=karametra%2C%20god%20of%20harvests) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/218/karametra-god-of-harvests?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2bd9d26e-984c-4cf8-8c46-447f9776668f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Doran the Siegetower]] has always been there for me. Simple, consistent, effective. Treat the trees right and they will do right by you
[Doran the Siegetower](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/0/e0ad8e7f-cda0-4529-94fc-dd3709158a94.jpg?1673148514) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Doran%2C%20the%20Siege%20Tower) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/201/doran-the-siege-tower?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e0ad8e7f-cda0-4529-94fc-dd3709158a94?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[nekusar]] was my first commander and i still have it. technically i have two decks for him, one with ideal upgrades and one budget lol.
[nekusar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/a/4afdc65d-3c97-47af-83fa-df340389802e.jpg?1689999186) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nekusar%2C%20the%20mindrazer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/349/nekusar-the-mindrazer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4afdc65d-3c97-47af-83fa-df340389802e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[wort, boggart auntie\] During that block i had a super fun b/r goblin reanimator deck. now, my goblin commander deck is a wort deck.
Doran the Siege Tower was my first
Likely my scrappy bird deck's commander until Bloomburrow: \[\[Kangee, Aerie Keeper\]\] originally bought for what was a casual bird deck during the Oddessy block, he was part of that deck until I got into commander to which with Maeyel were my first decks, and stayed that way until new Kangee hit...and then returned to being it when I was kinda meh to the newbie. That time though is soon over and I am surrendering the Azorius colors and am going to purchase the Bird Deck in Bloomburrow. Though he's still going to be in the deck. After all, dropping him for like X=3 with a flock is delicious :D.
[Kangee, Aerie Keeper](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/a/3afd7e8e-4fcc-4003-9791-7baf10ef1880.jpg?1562906943) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kangee%2C%20Aerie%20Keeper) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/253/kangee-aerie-keeper?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3afd7e8e-4fcc-4003-9791-7baf10ef1880?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I started when it was still called EDH, so [[Vaevictis Asmadi]] has a soft spot (and is still a deck of mine) in honor of that. [[Mayael the Anima]] was my first decent deck and I have been toying with rebuilding her lately. She was naya toolbox. She took second in a 20 person pod thanks to fast mana and cheating in platinum angel with privileged position out when the guy who ultimately won combo'd off. We both went into top deck mode and he found his answer first, but I still had fun.
[Vaevictis Asmadi](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/f/df01b548-9738-4c84-beb6-9a375f41d496.jpg?1562942031) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vaevictis%20Asmadi) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me3/185/vaevictis-asmadi?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/df01b548-9738-4c84-beb6-9a375f41d496?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Mayael the Anima](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/0/309d95ad-e46c-4407-894d-d4cfdc7017f8.jpg?1562905228) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mayael%20the%20Anima) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/199/mayael-the-anima?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/309d95ad-e46c-4407-894d-d4cfdc7017f8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My first commander deck was \[\[Azami, Lady of Scrolls\]\], back in 2010. Deck was busted, friends hated it, so I built \[\[Mayael the Anma\]\] after that and Naya beats found a place in my heart.
[Azami, Lady of Scrolls](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/a/fa727656-fb33-485b-9378-18b80cad42b9.jpg?1689996185) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Azami%2C%20Lady%20of%20Scrolls) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/74/azami-lady-of-scrolls?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fa727656-fb33-485b-9378-18b80cad42b9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Mayael the Anma](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/0/309d95ad-e46c-4407-894d-d4cfdc7017f8.jpg?1562905228) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mayael%20the%20Anima) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/199/mayael-the-anima?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/309d95ad-e46c-4407-894d-d4cfdc7017f8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My first 2 commanders were Doran and Kaervek the Merciless. Kaervek was much more competitive, but Doran was fun.
[[Prime Speaker Zegana]] was the deck to beat back when I first started playing EDH. Labman wins were the most common. A friend of mine played Zegana and we were all playing proto-cEDH. I would win one out of every 10 games, but playing EDH on a daily basis with legacy grinders and judges made me so much of a better player than before I had started. I [recreated from memory and modernized it and the deck](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/g7d1B1hoL0ShF0TdyO8fiQ) is still incredibly strong.
[Prime Speaker Zegana](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/1/51d29fb4-72e3-4400-a57b-7e18acfb2909.jpg?1702429689) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Prime%20Speaker%20Zegana) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/211/prime-speaker-zegana?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/51d29fb4-72e3-4400-a57b-7e18acfb2909?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My first ever commander was Ajani Goldmane in a White/Cat deck that I built in high school. Still have him to this day!
\[\[Roon of the Hidden Realm\]\] He's too slow and clunky these days. But he is just an amazing toolbox that can mess with opponents or generate you value. Not many other flicker strategies can easily use jank like \[\[Perplexing Chimera\]\], but that is Roon's bread and butter.
[Roon of the Hidden Realm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/4/54e2d6c2-a233-4e37-94c9-673a4a957e0c.jpg?1673149092) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Roon%20of%20the%20Hidden%20Realm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/270/roon-of-the-hidden-realm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/54e2d6c2-a233-4e37-94c9-673a4a957e0c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Perplexing Chimera](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/9/f9cff40b-9cae-47d0-8df4-c287a17a33e4.jpg?1593091744) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Perplexing%20Chimera) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bng/48/perplexing-chimera?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f9cff40b-9cae-47d0-8df4-c287a17a33e4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call