Studious First-YearStudious First-Year | Art by Mariah Tekulve | Flow StateFlow State | Art by Genel Jumalon | Arnyn, Deathbloom BotanistArnyn, Deathbloom Botanist Art by Anna Steinbauer | Borrowed KnowledgeBorrowed Knowledge | Art by Inkognit

It's time for my favorite part of a new set release, where I dive headfirst into a fresh batch of cards in order to show off the best commons and uncommons hidden in those booster packs. This time around, we're returning to a setting that I truly adore with Secrets of Strixhaven.

So, join me, Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks, as I shine a spotlight on the cards that people often overlook; like a forgotten spell in The BiblioplexThe Biblioplex. I hope you're ready for gym class, because it's time to Bulk Up.

White

Shattered Acolyte

While Shattered AcolyteShattered Acolyte might not be breaking new ground in terms of its effects, having removal attached to a creature is always useful. It's great for decks that want bodies on the board, while also being a reanimation target if you're looking to get back that interaction.

(See Carmen, Cruel SkymarcherCarmen, Cruel Skymarcher as a possible commander pairing.)

Harsh Annotation

Having the ability to deal with creatures is always necessary to have on hand, which makes Harsh AnnotationHarsh Annotation a good spell to set aside when you're opening packs. Making someone trade their powerful creature for a 1/1 at instant speed is the type of trick that can really set an opponent back a few turns.

(See Kambal, Profiteering MayorKambal, Profiteering Mayor as a possible commander pairing.)

Ennis, Debate Moderator

With every new set that comes our way, the Blink archetype gets more and more support. Not only does Ennis, Debate ModeratorEnnis, Debate Moderator offer you another way to exile a creature and bring it back, but it also can grow into a bigger threat as the game goes on.

(See Atraxa, Grand UnifierAtraxa, Grand Unifier as a possible commander pairing.)

Primary Research

Here's an enchantment that might fly under the radar, but can put in a lot of work in the right deck. Primary ResearchPrimary Research brings something back from your yard, while giving you some card draw if you continue to remove things from your bin.

(See Terra, Herald of HopeTerra, Herald of Hope as a possible commander pairing.)

Graduation Day

Sure, Graduation DayGraduation Day won't slot into a large number of decks, but it is specifically great as a setup card when paired with the popular commander Feather, the RedeemedFeather, the Redeemed. Building up that legends power with each combat trick you cast.

Blue

Flow State

If you have a Spellslinger deck in your arsenal, then Flow StateFlow State should be on your radar. This is great for digging for answers, whether you're drawing one or two cards, just going three cards deep is always useful.

(See Alania, Divergent StormAlania, Divergent Storm as a possible commander pairing.)

Banishing Betrayal

I'm a huge fan of bounce spells that hit any nonland permanent, and Banishing BetrayalBanishing Betrayal is going right up to the top of that category for me. Instant-speed interaction that sculps the top of your library is a powerful combo.

(See Mirko, Obsessive TheoristMirko, Obsessive Theorist as a possible commander pairing.)

Muse Seeker

In recent years, cards that sit around and allow you to loot are becoming more and more valuable. Muse SeekerMuse Seeker being a two-mana way to get that effect will prove itself to be an all-star in the right deck.

(See Norman OsbornNorman Osborn as a possible commander pairing.)

Brush Off

Brush OffBrush Off is a card that can counter an instant or sorcery spell for only two mana, which we've seen before. However, it also gives you the ability to counter anything by paying four mana, making it very versatile for answering different threats.

(See Y'shtola, Night's BlessedY'shtola, Night's Blessed as a possible commander pairing.)

Divergent Equation

If you have a deck that's centered around a few specific spells, then Divergent EquationDivergent Equation will be useful for you. Three mana to get back one card isn't a bad deal, but in the late game, this could get you several pivotal pieces back to your hand.

(See Hinata, Dawn-CrownedHinata, Dawn-Crowned as a possible commander pairing.)

Black

Rabid Attack

Next up is my pick for one of the best sleeper uncommons from the set. Rabid AttackRabid Attack pumps any number of your creatures, but that's not the tricky part with this card. You'll also draw a card whenever those creatures die, making this great as a response to a board wipe, or when paired with any free sacrifice outlets.

(See Zurgo StormrenderZurgo Stormrender as a possible commander pairing.)

Arnyn, Deathbloom Botanist

Aristocrats players rejoice, because Arnyn, Deathbloom BotanistArnyn, Deathbloom Botanist has just been added to the list of game ending creatures for that archetype. Even though it only drains the table if small creatures die, there's still plenty of decks out there that will find some good uses for this legend.

(See Chatterfang, Squirrel GeneralChatterfang, Squirrel General as a possible commander pairing.)

Cost of Brilliance

We've gotten a whole lot of cards that are similar to Cost of BrillianceCost of Brilliance in the past, drawing two cards for three mana. However, in a deck that likes to build up its creatures, this cheap draw spell can add fuel to your engine.

(See Super ShredderSuper Shredder as a possible commander pairing.)

Melancholic Poet

Here's a creature that'll be a great value player in the right decks. Melancholic PoetMelancholic Poet drains the table whenever you target a creature with an instant or sorcery, which could add a win-con to a particularly brutal Spellslinger list.

(See Marchesa, Dealer of DeathMarchesa, Dealer of Death as a possible commander pairing.)

Pull from the Grave

If you've been looking for more ways to get key creatures out of your graveyard, then Pull from the GravePull from the Grave can help with that. Three mana to return some pivotal pieces to your hand, while gaining some life isn't a bad deal.

(See The Wise MothmanThe Wise Mothman as a possible commander pairing.)

Foolish Fate

While this card might not be one of the best ways to remove creatures in the Commander format, Foolish FateFoolish Fate is just another entry in the long list of cards that have replaced MurderMurder in recent years.

(See Dina, Soul SteeperDina, Soul Steeper as a possible commander pairing.)

Red

Thunderdrum Soloist

Decks that are looking for the type of effect that Thunderdrum SoloistThunderdrum Soloist offers want to have a lot of it on hand. What sets this new version apart is the fact that you get to deal three whole damage to your opponents when you cast the bigger spells in your 99.

(See Veyran, Voice of DualityVeyran, Voice of Duality as a possible commander pairing.)

Tablet of Discovery

When I first read Tablet of DiscoveryTablet of Discovery I did a double take. I kept looking for a downside that never came... This is a three-mana rock that offers card advantage and ramp, which makes it very playable in a good number of decks.

(See Ashling, Flame DancerAshling, Flame Dancer as a possible commander pairing.)

Mica, Reader of Ruins

Here's an uncommon legend that will be great in both the command zone, as well as the 99. Mica, Reader of RuinsMica, Reader of Ruins allows you to copy instants and sorceries at the cost of sacrificing an artifact, which is an easy tradeoff as we keep getting more and more artifact token support.

(See Malcolm, the EyesMalcolm, the Eyes as a possible commander pairing.)

Blazing Firesinger

There's a lot of decks out there that are looking to cast an expensive commander as fast as possible, which is where Blazing FiresingerBlazing Firesinger comes in. This gets down early, and helps you spin into something big and splashy in the mid-game.

(See Ozai, the Phoenix KingOzai, the Phoenix King as a possible commander pairing.)

Rubble Rouser

Rubble RouserRubble Rouser entering and allowing you to rummage is nice, but its ability to ramp, ping the table, and push some cards out of your graveyard is a great combination of effects for the Lorehold commanders especially.

(See Quintorius, Field HistorianQuintorius, Field Historian as a possible commander pairing.)

Seize the Spoils - Reprint

When you're opening packs from this set, be sure to keep an eye out for Seize the SpoilsSeize the Spoils, which is coming back in this set as a much-needed reprint.

Green

Studious First-Year

This little Bear is going to be such an incredible value player for a lot of decks. Most of the time, Studious First-YearStudious First-Year will play like a Wayfarer's BaubleWayfarer's Bauble, but it has the added upside of being a body that can attack, and grow larger as the game goes on.

(See Ayula, Queen Among BearsAyula, Queen Among Bears as a possible commander pairing.)

Emil, Vastlands Roamer

+1/+1 Counter decks are incredibly popular, which means that Emil, Vastlands RoamerEmil, Vastlands Roamer will likely find plenty of homes, bringing trample to those stompy decks. On top of that, you can make those Fractal tokens over and over again, which adds even more punching power to your board.

(See Galadriel, Light of ValinorGaladriel, Light of Valinor as a possible commander pairing.)

Topiary Lecturer

Topiary LecturerTopiary Lecturer reminds me of a card from my early days of playing Magic, Gyre SageGyre Sage. If you're already playing that card in a deck, then this should also be in that list, since it can still tap for mana even if it doesn't have any counters on it yet.

(See Raggadragga, Goreguts BossRaggadragga, Goreguts Boss as a possible commander pairing.)

Zimone's Experiment

I've come to enjoy the type of ramp that cards like Zimone's ExperimentZimone's Experiment offers you. Getting a few lands onto your board or some creatures into your hand can give you a lot of value, without making you shuffle your deck.

(See Omo, Queen of VesuvaOmo, Queen of Vesuva as a possible commander pairing.)

Thornfist Striker

As more and more Lifegain decks hit the format, cards like Thornfist StrikerThornfist Striker will be important to have on hand. Those lists can sometimes spin their wheels, growing your life total without lowering the rest of the tables'. So, a creature that gives a small buff and trample to your board could be the thing that helps you close out a game.

(See Betor, Ancestor's VoiceBetor, Ancestor's Voice as a possible commander pairing.)

Silverquill

Stirring Honormancer

Stirring HonormancerStirring Honormancer hits the board, and can dig very deep into your deck. The ability to put a key card into your hand, while also filling up your graveyard, makes this Rhino very impactful when it enters the battlefield.

(See Aminatou, the FateshifterAminatou, the Fateshifter as a possible commander pairing.)

Prismari

Prismari Charm

Here's a new addition to the ever-growing list of spells with "Charm" in their name. Prismari CharmPrismari Charm offers card advantage, and two types of interaction. That modality makes this a great uncommon to set aside for the next time you're building a deck in these colors.

(See Ghyrson Starn, KelermorphGhyrson Starn, Kelermorph as a possible commander pairing.)

Sanar, Unfinished Genius

While we've gotten several mana dorks that only work for instant and sorceries in the past, Sanar, Unfinished GeniusSanar, Unfinished Genius brings a new layer to that design space, since you can store up those Treasure tokens.

Plus, spending five mana to get one of the best cards in your deck can just win you games in some cases.

(See Eshki DragonclawEshki Dragonclaw as a possible commander pairing.)

Witherbloom

Witherbloom Charm

Witherbloom CharmWitherbloom Charm's ability to draw you some cards and snipe a smaller permanent is great. However, that lifegain mode shouldn't be overlooked. When people are planning on killing you in a game, they might not factor in that you could gain five life at instant speed. Which could be the thing that buys you another turn in order to steal a win.

(See Willowdusk, Essence SeerWillowdusk, Essence Seer as a possible commander pairing.)

Essenceknit Scholar

Essenceknit ScholarEssenceknit Scholar brings along a Pest when it enters, which makes this two creatures for the price of one. On top of that, it also synergizes with a card like Deathreap RitualDeathreap Ritual, so if you have a deck that already runs that card, then this Warlock could fit nicely into that list.

(See Gorma, the GulletGorma, the Gullet as a possible commander pairing.)

Lorehold

Lorehold Charm

Lorehold CharmLorehold Charm is possibly the most powerful Charm in the new cycle. Removing some artifacts or recurring something useful is nice, but pumping your board and giving it trample for only two mana at instant speed is the type of trick that wins games.

(See Caesar, Legion's EmperorCaesar, Legion's Emperor as a possible commander pairing.)

Borrowed Knowledge

I try not to pick favorites with these lists, but I love the design of Borrowed KnowledgeBorrowed Knowledge. We've had self-wheel style cards like this before, but the twist of being able to draw cards equal to someone else's hand size is what puts this spell on a new level.

(See Osgir, the ReconstructorOsgir, the Reconstructor as a possible commander pairing.)

Practiced Scrollsmith

Well, it finally happened, this color combo just got its own Eternal WitnessEternal Witness. Practiced ScrollsmithPracticed Scrollsmith might not get you any card back from your graveyard, but it does give access to a large number of card types when it hits play.

(See Pia Nalaar, Consul of RevivalPia Nalaar, Consul of Revival as a possible commander pairing.)

Pursue the Past

Pursue the PastPursue the Past is a new take on Thrilling DiscoveryThrilling Discovery, with a few twists. This time you only discard one card to get two, but you get the added benefit of that flashback ability. This plays double duty for you, since it'll help trigger all those new cards that like seeing things leave your graveyard when you cast it from your grave.

(See Quintorius, History ChaserQuintorius, History Chaser as a possible commander pairing.)

Quandrix

Embrace the Paradox

Embrace the ParadoxEmbrace the Paradox is a five-mana spell that draws you three cards, and ramps you a land, which isn't a bad rate. On top of that, it's also an instant, which helps you trigger your landfall effects on other people's turns.

(See Zimone, Mystery UnravelerZimone, Mystery Unraveler as a possible commander pairing.)

Tam, Observant Sequencer

Here's a card that looks a lot like Tireless TrackerTireless Tracker to my eyes. Tam, Observant SequencerTam, Observant Sequencer can consistently become prepared, which lets you pay two mana, draw a card and gain a life. That's especially good if you're able to get multiple land drops in a turn.

(See Flubs, the FoolFlubs, the Fool as a possible commander pairing.)

Don't Think I Forgot

Bulk Up

I couldn't end this list without mentioning the card Bulk UpBulk Up making it onto the Mystical Archive bonus sheet. The very first edition of this article series was for Commander's Herald, where I highlighted the best commons and uncommons from Foundations. However, I came up with the title Bulk Up without knowing that there was a card from the set with that same name; the timing was just perfect.

So, do me a favor, and knock a few players out of a game with this spell. It's the perfect way to show people that there're truly some powerful cards hidden in the bulk of a set.

The Wrap up on Secrets of Strixhaven

There you have it, my picks for the best commons and uncommons from our return to Strixhaven. Be sure to check out more of my articles right here on EDHREC, because I've done a few budget deck techs centered around those powerful Elder Dragons.

Also, if you want to see the great bulk cards hidden in the Mystical Archive slot, then check out my YouTube channel The Pillow Fort. Over there I covered even more great singles from the set, including all those amazing spells in that fancy golden frame.