Why Are These Cards Banned in Commander?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forest Bear" href="#" target="_blank">Forest Bear</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CWang+Yuqun%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Wang Yuqun</a></em></p>
<p>Come, help me help you with a <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bracket 3</a> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duskana, the Rage Mother" href="#" target="_blank">Duskana, the Rage Mother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck tech! I've recently been brewing hard on a list that finds the balance between flooding the board with 2/2's and ensuring what creatures are played are worthwhile on their own. While I have a list that I'm happy calling a finished first list, I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!</p>
<p>I'm also going to say that this is a Bracket 3 experience, but I'm challenging myself to do so without combos or <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>. Both because it's a neat deckbuilding experience and because I don't have the cards on hand.</p>
<p>We don't want a list of just <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grizzly Bears" href="#" target="_blank">literal bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we cannot rely on running just <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aeve, Progenitor Ooze" href="#" target="_blank">generically good 2/2&#039;s</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Our goal is to ensure we can draw at least two to three cards upon Duskana's arrival and then grow our board until we've punched our way into victory lane.</p>
<p>Let's start with looking at Duskana herself.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Duskana, the Rage Mother"></div></div>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duskana, the Rage Mother" href="#" target="_blank">Duskana, the Rage Mother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<p>When Duskana enters, we'll draw cards equal to the number of 2/2's on our board. Not creatures with power or toughness two, specifically creatures that have 2/2 printed as their power and toughness. Additionally, whenever one of these 2/2's attacks, Duskana gives it +2/+2 until end of turn.</p>
<p>We can't really get around using cards unless the print on the card states they have base power and toughness 2/2. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kudo, King Among Bears" href="#" target="_blank">Kudo, King Among Bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the only effect in the deck that would allow us to run non-2/2 creatures, but that's a weird hoop to make ourselves jump through. This is why every creature we're running will be a 2/2 on its own.</p>
<p>Duskana's approach to aggro is a bit more specific compared to other Naya (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) commanders. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jetmir, Nexus of Revels" href="#" target="_blank">Jetmir, Nexus of Revels</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an objectively stronger choice for an aggro Naya list, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baylen, the Haymaker" href="#" target="_blank">Baylen, the Haymaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the most popular choice for Naya tokens.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pantlaza, Sun-Favored"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Voja, Jaws of the Conclave"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rocco, Cabaretti Caterer"></div></div>
<p>If we wanted a more optimized Naya aggro experience, we have options. But that's not the challenge we're tackling today. We're trying to build Duskana to be the best Bracket 3 experience she can be. We're looking for a list that is strong enough to punch our enemies out of the game while not leaning too hard into what better Naya aggro Commanders can achieve far more easily.</p>
<p>Our goal should begin with generating at least two or three 2/2 bodies before Duskana hits the field in order to maximize her enters the battlefield (ETB) effect. After that, we should continue growing our 2/2 forces and swinging at our opponents when able, ticking their life totals closer and closer to zero.</p>
<p>Additionally, to protect our commander from targeted removal as well as generating card advantage, we'll run a variety of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects in both instant and creature form.</p>
<h2>Important Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duskana, the Rage Mother" href="#" target="_blank">Duskana, the Rage Mother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>We've got plenty of access to ramp via running a green commander, plus this list will include a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Collector Ouphe" href="#" target="_blank">Collector Ouphe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to slow our opponents down while our forces grow. Aside from the occasional <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">mana rock</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the bulk of our 2/2 generation will come from either the creatures themselves, some tactical enchantments, and instants/sorceries to ambush our opponents.</p>
<p>Our early plays preceding Duskana will most likely include spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Twitching Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Twitching Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taurean Mauler" href="#" target="_blank">Taurean Mauler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felidar Retreat" href="#" target="_blank">Felidar Retreat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Early cards that set up either mana production, an early threat, or generate additional 2/2 bodies.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Atalan Jackal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deep Gnome Terramancer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Anarchomancer"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Howling Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Howling Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another excellent card for this purpose. There aren't that many effects like it, nearly guaranteeing three fresh 2/2's before our next turn every rotation. Duskana buffs healthily on her own, so we won't feel bad missing out on Howling Moon's first line of text.</p>
<p>Squad spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ultramarines Honour Guard" href="#" target="_blank">Ultramarines Honour Guard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are very tempting for both an early beneficial 2/2 or as a mass pump spell that generates even more 2/2's for Duskana to see. X spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Finale of Glory" href="#" target="_blank">Finale of Glory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are similar to this.</p>
<p>Since we specifically want only 2/2's, there's less of an opportunity cost when we resolve an early Finale where X equals, say, two or three. We want to consistently generate 2/2's on every turn, so there's not too much lost when resolving what are traditionally game ending spells for early to mid game value. Both are tactical sources for either reliable 2/2 generation or overrun effects.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forth Eorlingas!"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Release the Gremlins"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sylvan Awakening"></div></div>
<p>Duskana is both our primary draw source and end-game threat, which puts a pretty sizable target on her back. Now, we could run everyone's favorite <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and similar effects, but a much more valuable means of protection <em>and</em> card draw is found with the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects.</p>
<p>We'll run creatures that can <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Duskana which will serve as primarily card draw sources, but our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudshift" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudshift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will be more flexible as sources of protection and/or card draw, depending on the situation.</p>
<h2>How Does This Duskana Deck Win?</h2>
<p>We've got a minimum of 120 points worth of life totals to bring down to zero. Duskana helps get us there, but she can't do everything on her own. She'll need swaths of 2/2's in order to turn a simple +3/+3 buff into lethal.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Akroma&#039;s Will"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Beastmaster Ascension"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skyhunter Strike Force"></div></div>
<p>As mentioned before, we'll run a variety of X spells that can serve as either early 2/2 generation sources or, hopefully, as finishers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="White Sun&#039;s Zenith" href="#" target="_blank">White Sun&#039;s Zenith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the only card in the deck with three pips of a single color, but for good reason. While two pips of a single color of mana in a three-color deck is my personal limit, we can certainly get away with at least one monocolor-heavy spell, and Zenith is a prime selection.</p>
<p>Another handy finisher is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sylvan Awakening" href="#" target="_blank">Sylvan Awakening</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Since we're in green and therefore ramping more than most, Awakening is a great way to ambush what was once not lethal without dedicating too many resources ripe for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Naturally, the deck is weak to board wipes, and our opponents will probably be okay with resolving more than a few against Duskana. We'll run the versatile <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akroma&#039;s Will" href="#" target="_blank">Akroma&#039;s Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and our handy <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we'll also run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage" href="#" target="_blank">Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caller of the Claw" href="#" target="_blank">Caller of the Claw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as poignant anti-board wipe techs.</p>
<p>Sure, they won't see our tokens, but it's a handy means of rebuilding what would've been a complete reset for us.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Defenders of Humanity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Perch Protection"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="White Sun&#039;s Zenith"></div></div>
<p>Another piece like these is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spawning Pit" href="#" target="_blank">Spawning Pit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which <em>will</em> see our tokens. Again, not a one-to-one solution against our board being wiped, but a very handy alternative to an empty board. We should just make sure our Collector Ouphe doesn't prevent us from doing so.</p>
<h2>Duskana, the Rage Mother Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Duskana, the Rage Mother" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Duskana, the Rage Mother
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*1 Adipose Offspring
*1 Anafenza, Unyielding Lineage
*1 Archivist of Oghma
*1 Atalan Jackal
*1 Biogenic Ooze
*1 Bramble Familiar // Fetch Quest
*1 Caller of the Claw
*1 Charming Prince
*1 Collector Ouphe
*1 Deep Gnome Terramancer
*1 Goblin Anarchomancer
*1 Grand Abolisher
*1 Kudo, King Among Bears
*1 Laelia, the Blade Reforged
*1 Llanowar Visionary
*1 Mentor of the Meek
*1 Oracle of Mul Daya
*1 Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd
*1 Rhys, the Evermore
*1 Scavenging Ooze
*1 Skyhunter Strike Force
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Taurean Mauler
*1 Tender Wildguide
*1 Twitching Doll
*1 Ultramarines Honour Guard
*1 Wandertale Mentor
*1 Wilson, Refined Grizzly
[/Creature]
[Instant]
*1 Akroma&#039;s Will
*1 Beast Within
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Cloudshift
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Perch Protection
*1 Roiling Regrowth
*1 White Sun&#039;s Zenith
[/Instant]
[Artifact]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Spawning Pit
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifact]
[Enchantment]
*1 Bearscape
*1 Beastmaster Ascension
*1 Defenders of Humanity
*1 Felidar Retreat
*1 Growing Rites of Itlimoc // Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun
*1 Howling Moon
*1 Mirari&#039;s Wake
*1 Rhythm of the Wild
*1 Rising of the Day
[/Enchantment]
[Sorcery]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Dusk // Dawn
*1 Farseek
*1 Finale of Glory
*1 Forth Eorlingas!
*1 Kodama&#039;s Reach
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Release the Gremlins
*1 Sylvan Awakening
[/Sorcery]
[Planeswalker]
*1 Xenagos, the Reveler
[/Planeswalker]
[Lands]
*1 Arid Mesa
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Fabled Passage
*10 Forest
*5 Mountain
*1 Mutavault
*11 Plains
*1 Scattered Groves
*1 Sheltered Thicket
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Wooded Foothills
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>I've yet to actually play this list because I wanted to hear others' thoughts before buying and sleeveing the deck's official first draft. I'm confident in this list being an enjoyable Bracket 3 experience void of Game Changers, but there's always something missing or overlooked.</p>
<p>The mana base is just what I've got at the ready and by no means what I'd like the final mana base to look like. I've also not included some more expensive cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deflecting Swat" href="#" target="_blank">Deflecting Swat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Great Henge" href="#" target="_blank">The Great Henge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for similar reasons.</p>
<p>Additionally, I've left out a considerable amount of point removal/interaction simply because player removal should be this list's priority. That just leaves more room for improvement others can share!</p>
<p>But what do <em>you</em> think? How does this Duskana list compare to what you have/would've built? Is there something that's obviously missing?</p>
<p>I hope this deck tech has been helpful. Find me on BlueSky at <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ajwicker4.bsky.social?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ajwicker4.bsky.social</a>, I'd love to hear from you and what your thoughts are.</p>
<p>Tune in next time as we discuss the Bracket system and more <em>Commander Philosophy!</em></p>


commander matters

Why Are These Cards Banned in Commander?

All Your 2/2's Are Belong to Duskana, the Rage Mother