Aegar, the Freezing Flame (Commander) - Core Control

Bennie Smith
Jun 2, 2026
The Tectonic Shift from EDH to Commander
It's really been 15 years since Commander 2011? Bennie was playing & writing about EDH then and shares his memories of that momentous release!
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Mizzium Mortars
92%inclusion12 decks13 decks
89%synergy
Glimpse the Cosmos
85%inclusion11 decks13 decks
84%synergy
Squash
85%inclusion11 decks13 decks
84%synergy
Calamity Bearer
77%inclusion10 decks13 decks
76%synergy
Cyclone Summoner
77%inclusion10 decks13 decks
76%synergy
Abrade
92%inclusion12 decks13 decks
72%synergy
Chain Reaction
69%inclusion9 decks13 decks
63%synergy
Prophetic Titan
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
61%synergy
Tectonic Giant
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
61%synergy
Bonecrusher Giant
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
61%synergy
Top Cards
Blasphemous Act
77%inclusion10 decks13 decks
39%synergy
Thryx, the Sudden Storm
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
60%synergy
Wizard's Retort
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
60%synergy
Inferno Titan
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
53%synergy
Negate
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Starstorm
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
53%synergy
Lightning Bolt
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
25%synergy
Irencrag Pyromancer
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
53%synergy
Hell to Pay
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
52%synergy
Quakebringer
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
53%synergy
Creatures
Goliath Daydreamer
67%inclusion2 decks3 decks
65%synergy
Boldwyr Aggressor
67%inclusion2 decks3 decks
66%synergy
Thundercloud Shaman
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
53%synergy
Archmage of Runes
50%inclusion6 decks12 decks
37%synergy
Harmonic Prodigy
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
28%synergy
Borderland Behemoth
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Goblin Electromancer
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
18%synergy
Basalt Ravager
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Hamletback Goliath
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Surtland Elementalist
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Sunrise Sovereign
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Surtland Flinger
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Giant Harbinger
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
38%synergy
Stinkdrinker Daredevil
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
38%synergy
Galvanic Giant
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
38%synergy
Frost Titan
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
38%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Balmor, Battlemage Captain
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
21%synergy
Imodane, the Pyrohammer
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
30%synergy
Stormcatch Mentor
25%inclusion3 decks12 decks
2%synergy
Warchief Giant
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Archmage Emeritus
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
-12%synergy
Adeliz, the Cinder Wind
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Galecaster Colossus
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Toralf, God of Fury
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Electro, Assaulting Battery
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
7%synergy
Hydro-Man, Fluid Felon
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
16%synergy
Kaza, Roil Chaser
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Cinderheart Giant
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Bloodline Pretender
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Dualcaster Mage
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Storm-Kiln Artist
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-25%synergy
Archaeomancer
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
12%synergy
Electrostatic Infantry
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Izzet Staticaster
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Grabby Giant
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Talrand, Sky Summoner
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
0%synergy
Taurean Mauler
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Dauntless Scrapbot
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
High Fae Trickster
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
7%synergy
Fireslinger
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Two-Headed Hunter
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Scalding Viper
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Tandem Lookout
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-5%synergy
Thermo-Alchemist
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-1%synergy
Mulldrifter
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Vedalken Aethermage
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Prodigal Pyromancer
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Firebrand Archer
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-5%synergy
Magmatic Channeler
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Instants
Giantfall
67%inclusion2 decks3 decks
66%synergy
Flame of Anor
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
42%synergy
Wizard's Lightning
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
45%synergy
Demon Bolt
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Counterspell
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
-6%synergy
Crush Underfoot
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
38%synergy
Izzet Charm
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
21%synergy
Chaos Warp
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
-10%synergy
Soul Sear
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
31%synergy
Electrodominance
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
24%synergy
Ghostfire Slice
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
29%synergy
Galvanize
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
31%synergy
Return the Favor
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
16%synergy
Fall of the Hammer
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Lightning Axe
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Comet Storm
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
18%synergy
Expansion // Explosion
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
17%synergy
Prismari Command
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-2%synergy
Unexpected Windfall
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
0%synergy
Fall of the Titans
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Aetherize
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Saw It Coming
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Big Score
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-10%synergy
Fire Prophecy
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Reckless Rage
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Shredded Sails
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Lightning Strike
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Redirect Lightning
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
8%synergy
Bewildering Blizzard
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Divert Disaster
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Broadside Barrage
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
8%synergy
Fiery Annihilation
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
8%synergy
Ionize
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Pongify
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-20%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-3%synergy
Essence Capture
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Volcanic Spite
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Disdainful Stroke
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Frantic Search
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-34%synergy
Command the Storm
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Rush of Inspiration
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-29%synergy
Run Away Together
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Magmatic Sinkhole
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Brainstorm
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-35%synergy
Sage's Dousing
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Smite the Deathless
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Reiterate
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Fry
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Sorceries
Flame Slash
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
45%synergy
Scorching Shot
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Roast
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
31%synergy
Step Through
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
28%synergy
Chandra's Ignition
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Calamity of Cinders
25%inclusion3 decks12 decks
24%synergy
Star of Extinction
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Beacon Bolt
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
21%synergy
Mana Geyser
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
0%synergy
Fire Giant's Fury
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Storm's Wrath
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Jaya's Immolating Inferno
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
18%synergy
Anger of the Gods
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Fanged Flames
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Crush the Weak
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Torch the Witness
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Serum Visions
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-1%synergy
Obliterating Bolt
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Banefire
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Ill-Timed Explosion
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Expressive Iteration
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-9%synergy
Lava Coil
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Winternight Stories
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Nibelheim Aflame
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Orbital Plunge
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Trial of Agony
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
8%synergy
Chart a Course
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
3%synergy
Conflagrate
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Burn Down the House
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Immolating Gyre
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Act on Impulse
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Fight with Fire
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Inner Fire
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Divination
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Crackle with Power
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-1%synergy
Isengard Unleashed
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Irencrag Feat
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Inspired Tinkering
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Disaster Radius
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Vandalblast
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-18%synergy
Mass Diminish
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Fiery Confluence
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Thunderwave
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Insult // Injury
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Nahiri's Warcrafting
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Rousing Refrain
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
3%synergy
Curse of the Swine
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Seize the Spoils
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
1%synergy
Treasure Cruise
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-6%synergy
Lithomantic Barrage
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Chronicle of Victory
33%inclusion1 decks3 decks
33%synergy
Gathering Stone
33%inclusion1 decks3 decks
33%synergy
Giant's Amulet
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
23%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Herald's Horn
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Robe of the Archmagi
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Magmatic Galleon
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Diviner's Wand
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-13%synergy
The Fire Crystal
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
The Regalia
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Cursed Recording
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Sanctuary Blade
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Bloodthirsty Blade
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Urza's Incubator
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Lightning Greaves
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-17%synergy
Blackblade Reforged
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Ore-Rich Stalactite
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Magebane Armor
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Enchantments
Wizard Class
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
39%synergy
Battle of Frost and Fire
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Invasion of the Giants
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
46%synergy
Warstorm Surge
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
37%synergy
Giant's Grasp
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
38%synergy
Collective Inferno
33%inclusion1 decks3 decks
32%synergy
Reflections of Littjara
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
29%synergy
Maximum Carnage
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
16%synergy
Curiosity
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-9%synergy
Burning Anger
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Repercussion
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Case of the Ransacked Lab
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
9%synergy
Roaring Furnace // Steaming Sauna
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
7%synergy
Kindred Discovery
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Arcane Teachings
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Fiery Inscription
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-2%synergy
Grand Melee
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Jace's Sanctum
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Fall of Cair Andros
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Furious Rise
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Double Vision
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Popular Entertainer
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Metallurgic Summonings
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Gimli's Reckless Might
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Copy Land
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Thousand-Year Storm
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-9%synergy
Lavamancer's Skill
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Spiteful Banditry
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Planeswalkers
Chandra, Torch of Defiance
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
The Royal Scions
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Utility Lands
Riptide Laboratory
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
56%synergy
Reliquary Tower
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
12%synergy
Hall of Storm Giants
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
37%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Desolate Lighthouse
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Spinerock Knoll
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
21%synergy
Rogue's Passage
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
10%synergy
Forgotten Cave
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
9%synergy
Hidden Cataract
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Arcane Lighthouse
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Isolated Watchtower
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Tyrite Sanctum
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Blighted Cataract
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Lonely Sandbar
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Castle Embereth
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Nivix, Aerie of the Firemind
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Hidden Volcano
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Cryptic Caves
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Temple of the False God
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-2%synergy
The Surgical Bay
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Arcane Signet
100%inclusion13 decks13 decks
18%synergy
Sol Ring
85%inclusion11 decks13 decks
-2%synergy
Izzet Signet
77%inclusion10 decks13 decks
20%synergy
Talisman of Creativity
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
-8%synergy
Thought Vessel
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
3%synergy
Patchwork Banner
17%inclusion2 decks12 decks
14%synergy
Sky Diamond
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Fellwar Stone
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-17%synergy
Mind Stone
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-8%synergy
Firemind Vessel
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
12%synergy
Pyromancer's Goggles
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
12%synergy
Coalition Relic
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Commander's Sphere
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-6%synergy
Forger's Foundry
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Replicating Ring
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Coldsteel Heart
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Hedron Archive
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Cursed Mirror
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
0%synergy
Izzet Locket
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Fire Diamond
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
0%synergy
Gilded Lotus
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
1%synergy
Thran Dynamo
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-1%synergy
Fractured Powerstone
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Worn Powerstone
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Star Compass
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Glittering Stockpile
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
92%inclusion12 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Izzet Boilerworks
85%inclusion11 decks13 decks
48%synergy
Mountain
85%inclusion11 decks13 decks
-13%synergy
Island
85%inclusion11 decks13 decks
-13%synergy
Sulfur Falls
69%inclusion9 decks13 decks
3%synergy
Temple of Epiphany
69%inclusion9 decks13 decks
30%synergy
Shivan Reef
62%inclusion8 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Path of Ancestry
54%inclusion7 decks13 decks
39%synergy
Frostboil Snarl
46%inclusion6 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
26%synergy
Swiftwater Cliffs
38%inclusion5 decks13 decks
21%synergy
Eclipsed Realms
33%inclusion1 decks3 decks
33%synergy
Myriad Landscape
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
16%synergy
Exotic Orchard
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
-3%synergy
Ferrous Lake
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Volatile Fjord
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
26%synergy
Evolving Wilds
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
14%synergy
Izzet Guildgate
31%inclusion4 decks13 decks
22%synergy
Highland Lake
23%inclusion3 decks13 decks
19%synergy
Airship Engine Room
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
18%synergy
Molten Tributary
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Snow-Covered Island
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Eroded Canyon
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
8%synergy
Snow-Covered Mountain
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
13%synergy
Cascade Bluffs
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
-30%synergy
Baron, Airship Kingdom
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Fiery Islet
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-18%synergy
Steam Vents
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-42%synergy
Cliffgate
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Rush of Inspiration
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Prismari Campus
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Stormcarved Coast
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-35%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
0%synergy
Unclaimed Territory
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Thriving Isle
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Spikefield Hazard
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
4%synergy
Thriving Bluff
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
5%synergy
Maestros Theater
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Surtland Frostpyre
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Opal Palace
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy
Sea Gate
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
7%synergy
Sundering Eruption
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
2%synergy
Thundering Falls
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-14%synergy
Spirebluff Canal
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-7%synergy
Pinnacle Monk
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
-6%synergy
Kazuul's Fury
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
6%synergy