Braids, Cabal Minion (Commander) - Optimized Stax

Background image for The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
Jonathan Zucchetti
Nov 20, 2025
The Best Commander From Every Year of the 2000s
With 2025 drawing to a close, let's take a look back at this quarter century and pick out the best commanders from each year.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Decorum Dissertation
50%inclusion1 decks2 decks
48%synergy
Rat King, Verminister
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Bitterblossom
94%inclusion31 decks33 decks
81%synergy
Ophiomancer
91%inclusion30 decks33 decks
74%synergy
Dreadhorde Invasion
73%inclusion24 decks33 decks
64%synergy
Smokestack
64%inclusion21 decks33 decks
62%synergy
Jadar, Ghoulcaller of Nephalia
73%inclusion24 decks33 decks
62%synergy
Cabal Ritual
79%inclusion26 decks33 decks
61%synergy
Bloodghast
70%inclusion23 decks33 decks
58%synergy
Contamination
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
57%synergy
Braids, Arisen Nightmare
76%inclusion25 decks33 decks
56%synergy
Reassembling Skeleton
73%inclusion24 decks33 decks
55%synergy
Top Cards
Dark Ritual
100%inclusion33 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Jet Medallion
88%inclusion29 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Dauthi Voidwalker
70%inclusion23 decks33 decks
54%synergy
Toxic Deluge
67%inclusion22 decks33 decks
30%synergy
Culling the Weak
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
42%synergy
Smallpox
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
53%synergy
Crucible of Worlds
55%inclusion18 decks33 decks
53%synergy
Reanimate
52%inclusion17 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Gray Merchant of Asphodel
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
-3%synergy
Pox
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
46%synergy
Game Changers
Vampiric Tutor
67%inclusion22 decks33 decks
46%synergy
Ancient Tomb
64%inclusion21 decks33 decks
52%synergy
Demonic Tutor
64%inclusion21 decks33 decks
36%synergy
Opposition Agent
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
51%synergy
Tergrid, God of Fright
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
53%synergy
Mana Vault
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
51%synergy
Necropotence
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
43%synergy
Chrome Mox
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
52%synergy
Orcish Bowmasters
55%inclusion18 decks33 decks
41%synergy
The One Ring
52%inclusion17 decks33 decks
42%synergy
Creatures
Sedgemoor Witch
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
37%synergy
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Lord Skitter, Sewer King
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Marionette Apprentice
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Shambling Ghast
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Blood Artist
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Nether Traitor
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Pitiless Plunderer
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Greedy Freebooter
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
28%synergy
Blood Pet
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Bitterbloom Bearer
29%inclusion5 decks17 decks
24%synergy
Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
28%inclusion7 decks25 decks
23%synergy
Dark Confidant
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Morbid Opportunist
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Gravecrawler
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Zulaport Cutthroat
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Accursed Marauder
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Nine-Lives Familiar
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Boggart Trawler
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Warren Soultrader
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Liliana, Heretical Healer
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
18%synergy
K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Mindslicer
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Gisa, Glorious Resurrector
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Crypt Ghast
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
-33%synergy
Vraan, Executioner Thane
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Ayara, First of Locthwain
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-13%synergy
Magus of the Abyss
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Persistent Specimen
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Carrion Feeder
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Chainer, Dementia Master
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Viscera Seer
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-5%synergy
Nether Spirit
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Hoarding Broodlord
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Grim Servant
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Rottenmouth Viper
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Plaguecrafter
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-11%synergy
Burglar Rat
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-2%synergy
Phyrexian Obliterator
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-2%synergy
Vengeful Bloodwitch
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Rev, Tithe Extractor
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Elderfang Disciple
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Sheoldred
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Yawgmoth, Thran Physician
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Rankle, Master of Pranks
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-3%synergy
Skirge Familiar
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Wriggling Grub
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Infestation Sage
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Virus Beetle
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Aclazotz, Deepest Betrayal
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Instants
Malakir Rebirth
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Deadly Rollick
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Imp's Mischief
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Snuff Out
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Dismember
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Fell the Profane
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Withering Torment
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
-4%synergy
Sheoldred's Edict
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Entomb
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Not Dead After All
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Saw in Half
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Fake Your Own Death
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Sacrifice
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Deadly Dispute
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-14%synergy
Flare of Malice
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Supernatural Stamina
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Undying Malice
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Liliana's Triumph
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Feign Death
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Force of Despair
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Go for the Throat
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-14%synergy
Insidious Dreams
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Ad Nauseam
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Sudden Spoiling
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Plunge into Darkness
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Shred Memory
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Defile
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-31%synergy
Soul Shatter
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-6%synergy
Withering Boon
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Demonic Consultation
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Infernal Grasp
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-19%synergy
Rain of Filth
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Blood Pact
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Tragic Slip
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-14%synergy
Sorceries
Diabolic Intent
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Imperial Seal
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
39%synergy
Chain of Smog
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
41%synergy
Yawgmoth's Will
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
39%synergy
Beseech the Mirror
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Feed the Swarm
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
-14%synergy
Night's Whisper
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Death Cloud
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Sign in Blood
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
-8%synergy
Damnation
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Torment of Hailfire
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Grim Tutor
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Innocent Blood
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Peer into the Abyss
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Syphon Mind
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Diabolic Tutor
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Final Parting
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Dark Deal
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Victimize
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-14%synergy
Bubbling Muck
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-3%synergy
Read the Bones
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-8%synergy
Vicious Rumors
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Exsanguinate
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-15%synergy
Buried Alive
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-3%synergy
Mire in Misery
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Razaketh's Rite
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Agadeem's Awakening
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Sinkhole
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Mutilate
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-11%synergy
Praetor's Grasp
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Doomsday
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Delirium Skeins
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Ambition's Cost
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Gruesome Realization
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Thoughtseize
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Skullclamp
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
27%synergy
Ichor Wellspring
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
37%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
28%synergy
Bolas's Citadel
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Wishclaw Talisman
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
27%synergy
Tangle Wire
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Thorn of Amethyst
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
30%synergy
Vexing Bauble
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
29%synergy
Prized Statue
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Lightning Greaves
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
-6%synergy
Cursed Totem
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Trinisphere
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Phyrexian Altar
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Ensnaring Bridge
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Sphere of Resistance
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
21%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Mycosynth Wellspring
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Static Orb
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Mephitic Draught
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
-2%synergy
Torpor Orb
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Winter Moon
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Servo Schematic
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Winter Orb
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Nimblewright Schematic
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
12%synergy
God-Pharaoh's Statue
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Helm of Obedience
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Chalice of the Void
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Tithing Blade
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Expedition Map
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-3%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-22%synergy
The Darkness Crystal
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
-12%synergy
Phoenix Fleet Airship
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
6%synergy
Defense Grid
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-9%synergy
Nuka-Cola Vending Machine
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Grafdigger's Cage
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Mana Web
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Bontu's Monument
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-22%synergy
Pithing Needle
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Retrofitter Foundry
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Noble's Purse
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Damping Sphere
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Enchantments
Black Market Connections
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
22%synergy
Oppression
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
-7%synergy
Waste Not
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Grave Pact
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Bottomless Pit
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Animate Dead
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Painful Quandary
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Bloodchief Ascension
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Obsessive Pursuit
14%inclusion2 decks14 decks
13%synergy
The Meathook Massacre
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-5%synergy
Case of the Stashed Skeleton
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Necrodominance
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Bastion of Remembrance
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-5%synergy
Necrogen Mists
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Grave Venerations
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
8%synergy
Nether Void
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Court of Ambition
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Hopeless Nightmare
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Necromancy
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Exquisite Blood
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-4%synergy
Kaya's Ghostform
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Leyline of the Void
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Black Market
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-15%synergy
Ghoulish Procession
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Phyrexian Reclamation
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-4%synergy
Dictate of Erebos
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-5%synergy
Mortuary
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Carnival of Souls
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Desolation
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Scavenger's Talent
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
No Mercy
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Revel in Riches
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Chains of Mephistopheles
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Planeswalkers
Professor Onyx
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
37%synergy
Liliana of the Veil
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Liliana, Dreadhorde General
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Karn, the Great Creator
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Liliana, Waker of the Dead
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Utility Lands
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Phyrexian Tower
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
32%synergy
Drownyard Temple
55%inclusion18 decks33 decks
53%synergy
Eumidian Hatchery
50%inclusion10 decks20 decks
49%synergy
Cabal Coffers
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
-6%synergy
Gods' Eye, Gate to the Reikai
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
48%synergy
Bojuka Bog
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Crystal Vein
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
37%synergy
Strip Mine
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
37%synergy
Wasteland
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
35%synergy
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Peat Bog
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
34%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
21%synergy
Castle Locthwain
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Urza's Saga
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Dunes of the Dead
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Lake of the Dead
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
22%synergy
City of Traitors
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Cabal Pit
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
23%synergy
War Room
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Volrath's Stronghold
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Vault of Whispers
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Command Beacon
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Dakmor Salvage
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Midgar, City of Mako
18%inclusion4 decks22 decks
7%synergy
Spymaster's Vault
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Barad-dûr
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Cabal Stronghold
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
-23%synergy
Ebon Stronghold
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Maze of Ith
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Witch's Cottage
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-15%synergy
Fountainport
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Reliquary Tower
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-21%synergy
Realm of Koh
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
4%synergy
Mortuary Mire
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-7%synergy
Boseiju, Who Shelters All
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
The Black Gate
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Crypt of Agadeem
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-5%synergy
Scorched Ruins
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Emergence Zone
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Darksteel Citadel
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
100%inclusion33 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Arcane Signet
79%inclusion26 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Lotus Petal
73%inclusion24 decks33 decks
65%synergy
The Soul Stone
50%inclusion9 decks18 decks
36%synergy
Fellwar Stone
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Mox Opal
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Mox Diamond
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Grim Monolith
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Mox Amber
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
29%synergy
Jeweled Amulet
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Mind Stone
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Charcoal Diamond
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Thought Vessel
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-17%synergy
Springleaf Drum
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Prismatic Lens
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Liquimetal Torque
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Lands
Swamp
94%inclusion31 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
26%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
38%synergy
Fell the Profane
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
27%synergy
Marsh Flats
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
27%synergy
Polluted Delta
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
27%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
21%synergy
Boggart Trawler
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Cavern of Souls
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Snow-Covered Swamp
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Urza's Cave
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Prismatic Vista
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Command Tower
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Mirrex
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Agadeem's Awakening
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Talon Gates of Madara
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy