Kess, Dissident Mage (Commander) - Expensive Core

Julia Maddalena
May 1, 2026
Fire and Ice: Kess, Dissident Mage
In this edition of Fire and Ice, we're looking at one of the classic Grixis Spellslinger commanders: Kess, Dissident Mage.
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Flow State
40%inclusion2 decks5 decks
39%synergy
Harmonized Trio
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
19%synergy
Mana Sculpt
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
16%synergy
Emeritus of Conflict
20%inclusion1 decks5 decks
19%synergy
Resonating Lute
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
12%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Faithless Looting
55%inclusion23 decks42 decks
35%synergy
Consider
38%inclusion16 decks42 decks
32%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
45%inclusion19 decks42 decks
29%synergy
Ponder
38%inclusion16 decks42 decks
29%synergy
Preordain
33%inclusion14 decks42 decks
27%synergy
Frantic Search
48%inclusion20 decks42 decks
27%synergy
Windfall
48%inclusion20 decks42 decks
24%synergy
Increasing Vengeance
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
24%synergy
Archmage of Runes
27%inclusion11 decks41 decks
24%synergy
Wheel of Fortune
33%inclusion14 decks42 decks
24%synergy
Top Cards
Reanimate
45%inclusion19 decks42 decks
21%synergy
Blasphemous Act
43%inclusion18 decks42 decks
-1%synergy
Brainstorm
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Toxic Deluge
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Counterspell
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
-9%synergy
Dark Ritual
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
-6%synergy
Archmage Emeritus
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
21%synergy
Swan Song
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Nightscape Familiar
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
4%synergy
Arcane Denial
29%inclusion12 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Game Changers
Consecrated Sphinx
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Creatures
Goblin Electromancer
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
17%synergy
Talrand, Sky Summoner
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
23%synergy
Storm-Kiln Artist
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Guttersnipe
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
17%synergy
Vivi Ornitier
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
15%synergy
Cruel Somnophage
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Thunderclap Drake
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Faerie Mastermind
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Brazen Borrower
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Stormcatch Mentor
17%inclusion7 decks41 decks
13%synergy
Murderous Rider
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
16%synergy
Decadent Dragon
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Ledger Shredder
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Hexing Squelcher
17%inclusion2 decks12 decks
5%synergy
Scalding Viper
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Picklock Prankster
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Boggart Trawler
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Embereth Shieldbreaker
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Gray Slaad
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Emeritus of Ideation
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
13%synergy
Bonecrusher Giant
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Prismari, the Inspiration
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
12%synergy
Coruscation Mage
12%inclusion5 decks41 decks
10%synergy
Hypnotic Sprite
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Storyteller Pixie
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Chancellor of Tales
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Order of Midnight
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Harmonic Prodigy
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Young Pyromancer
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Spellscorn Coven
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Sapphire Dragon
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Jace's Archivist
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Anger
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Hearth Elemental
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Baral, Chief of Compliance
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Sword Coast Serpent
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Pinnacle Monk
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Queen Brahne
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Kuja, Genome Sorcerer
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Black Waltz No. 3
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Scrawling Crawler
10%inclusion4 decks40 decks
1%synergy
Razorkin Needlehead
10%inclusion4 decks41 decks
4%synergy
Callous Sell-Sword
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Foulmire Knight
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Cormela, Glamour Thief
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Merfolk Secretkeeper
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Hedron Crab
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Dualcaster Mage
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Instants
Sink into Stupor
29%inclusion12 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Fell the Profane
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Entomb
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
21%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
-6%synergy
Negate
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Cabal Ritual
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Flame of Anor
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Rakdos Charm
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Mana Drain
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Waterlogged Teachings
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Deadly Rollick
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Lightning Bolt
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Terminate
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
-7%synergy
Fact or Fiction
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Thought Scour
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Deflecting Swat
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
-3%synergy
Bitter Triumph
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Valakut Awakening
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Traumatic Critique
17%inclusion1 decks6 decks
15%synergy
Withering Torment
15%inclusion6 decks41 decks
3%synergy
Chaos Warp
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
-21%synergy
Thrill of Possibility
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
3%synergy
Seething Song
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Opt
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Big Score
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Prismari Command
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Drown in the Loch
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Pull from Tomorrow
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
11%synergy
Izzet Charm
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Narset's Reversal
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Transpose
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Vivi's Persistence
11%inclusion2 decks18 decks
10%synergy
Untimely Malfunction
10%inclusion4 decks41 decks
4%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Reality Shift
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
3%synergy
Infernal Grasp
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Wheel and Deal
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Force of Negation
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Snap
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Dig Through Time
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Silundi Vision
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Mystic Confluence
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Mental Note
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Abrade
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Consult the Star Charts
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
7%synergy
Into the Flood Maw
7.3%inclusion3 decks41 decks
3%synergy
Hagra Mauling
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Pongify
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Sheoldred's Edict
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Sorceries
Gitaxian Probe
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Vandalblast
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
8%synergy
See the Truth
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
23%synergy
Mizzix's Mastery
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Damnation
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Careful Study
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
17%synergy
Mana Geyser
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
14%synergy
Will of the Abzan
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Torment of Hailfire
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Expressive Iteration
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Exsanguinate
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Buried Alive
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
11%synergy
Feed the Swarm
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
-14%synergy
Expansion Algorithm
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
14%synergy
Singularity Rupture
12%inclusion3 decks25 decks
10%synergy
Wheel of Misfortune
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Incarnation Technique
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
11%synergy
Yawgmoth's Will
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Dread Return
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Lórien Revealed
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Night's Whisper
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Stitch Together
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Sundering Eruption
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Solve the Equation
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Grim Tutor
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Restart Sequence
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
11%synergy
Circle of Power
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Stock Up
11%inclusion4 decks36 decks
9%synergy
Boltwave
10%inclusion4 decks40 decks
8%synergy
Victimize
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Unearth
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Serum Visions
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Candlekeep Inspiration
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Persist
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Treasure Cruise
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Breach the Multiverse
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Reforge the Soul
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Exhume
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Zombify
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Traumatize
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Will of the Jeskai
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Dream Harvest
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
5%synergy
Cornered by Black Mages
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Cruel Ultimatum
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
3%synergy
Epic Experiment
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Echo of Eons
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
4%synergy
Cut Your Losses
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Glimpse the Unthinkable
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Agadeem's Awakening
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Lightning Greaves
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
-10%synergy
Primal Amulet
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Lucky Clover
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Ghost Lantern
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Mesmeric Orb
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Mindsplice Apparatus
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Monument to Endurance
8.3%inclusion3 decks36 decks
2%synergy
Black Mage's Rod
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Altar of Bhaal
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
-4%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
-19%synergy
Isochron Scepter
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Font of Mythos
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
4%synergy
Howling Mine
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Enchantments
Mystic Remora
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
-1%synergy
Propaganda
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Secrets of the Dead
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
12%synergy
Animate Dead
14%inclusion6 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Artist's Talent
10%inclusion4 decks41 decks
8%synergy
Waste Not
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
-2%synergy
Ripples of Undeath
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Fevered Visions
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Virtue of Courage
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
9%synergy
Virtue of Persistence
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Rite of the Dragoncaller
7.5%inclusion3 decks40 decks
7%synergy
Fiery Inscription
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Jace's Sanctum
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Double Vision
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Megrim
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Shark Typhoon
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Dictate of Kruphix
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
4%synergy
Proft's Eidetic Memory
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Thousand-Year Storm
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
4%synergy
Virtue of Knowledge
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Underworld Dreams
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Liliana's Caress
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Black Market Connections
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
-5%synergy
Chakra Meditation
6.7%inclusion1 decks15 decks
6%synergy
Teval's Judgment
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Planeswalkers
Professor Onyx
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
8%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
38%inclusion16 decks42 decks
3%synergy
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
33%inclusion14 decks42 decks
20%synergy
Bojuka Bog
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
24%inclusion10 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
16%synergy
Lindblum, Industrial Regency
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
15%synergy
Great Hall of the Biblioplex
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
14%synergy
Sunken Palace
12%inclusion5 decks42 decks
11%synergy
Jidoor, Aristocratic Capital
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
11%synergy
Cephalid Coliseum
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Arena of Glory
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Cabal Coffers
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Mistrise Village
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Midgar, City of Mako
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Boseiju, Who Shelters All
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Scavenger Grounds
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Arcane Signet
76%inclusion32 decks42 decks
-12%synergy
Sol Ring
67%inclusion28 decks42 decks
-23%synergy
Talisman of Dominance
48%inclusion20 decks42 decks
-2%synergy
Talisman of Creativity
45%inclusion19 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Fellwar Stone
40%inclusion17 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Talisman of Indulgence
38%inclusion16 decks42 decks
-5%synergy
Izzet Signet
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
3%synergy
Dimir Signet
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Rakdos Signet
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
-2%synergy
Relic of Sauron
19%inclusion8 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Thought Vessel
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
-5%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
-5%synergy
Mind Stone
10%inclusion4 decks42 decks
-3%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
7.1%inclusion3 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Lands
Island
100%inclusion42 decks42 decks
7%synergy
Command Tower
93%inclusion39 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Swamp
93%inclusion39 decks42 decks
1%synergy
Steam Vents
86%inclusion36 decks42 decks
40%synergy
Mountain
86%inclusion36 decks42 decks
-6%synergy
Watery Grave
86%inclusion36 decks42 decks
38%synergy
Blood Crypt
83%inclusion35 decks42 decks
38%synergy
Scalding Tarn
76%inclusion32 decks42 decks
44%synergy
Polluted Delta
76%inclusion32 decks42 decks
41%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
76%inclusion32 decks42 decks
41%synergy
Xander's Lounge
71%inclusion30 decks42 decks
32%synergy
Luxury Suite
67%inclusion28 decks42 decks
36%synergy
Morphic Pool
67%inclusion28 decks42 decks
35%synergy
Training Center
64%inclusion27 decks42 decks
32%synergy
Undercity Sewers
48%inclusion20 decks42 decks
35%synergy
Exotic Orchard
45%inclusion19 decks42 decks
-11%synergy
Sulfur Falls
45%inclusion19 decks42 decks
-1%synergy
Thundering Falls
45%inclusion19 decks42 decks
35%synergy
Raucous Theater
43%inclusion18 decks42 decks
32%synergy
Dragonskull Summit
43%inclusion18 decks42 decks
-2%synergy
Drowned Catacomb
43%inclusion18 decks42 decks
0%synergy
Volcanic Island
38%inclusion16 decks42 decks
23%synergy
Badlands
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
20%synergy
Stormcarved Coast
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Crumbling Necropolis
36%inclusion15 decks42 decks
-17%synergy
Shivan Reef
33%inclusion14 decks42 decks
4%synergy
Underground Sea
33%inclusion14 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Underground River
33%inclusion14 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Mana Confluence
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Haunted Ridge
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Flooded Strand
31%inclusion13 decks42 decks
20%synergy
Sink into Stupor
29%inclusion12 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Marsh Flats
29%inclusion12 decks42 decks
19%synergy
Fell the Profane
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
18%synergy
Misty Rainforest
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
16%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
17%synergy
Shipwreck Marsh
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
2%synergy
Arid Mesa
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
17%synergy
City of Brass
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Sulfurous Springs
26%inclusion11 decks42 decks
-1%synergy
Wooded Foothills
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Reflecting Pool
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Waterlogged Teachings
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Cascade Bluffs
21%inclusion9 decks42 decks
10%synergy
Oscorp Industries
21%inclusion4 decks19 decks
10%synergy
Izzet Boilerworks
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
6%synergy
Dimir Aqueduct
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
5%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
15%synergy
Valakut Awakening
17%inclusion7 decks42 decks
13%synergy
Gloomlake Verge
15%inclusion6 decks41 decks
5%synergy