Kess, Dissident Mage (Commander) - Optimized Control

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
Thor, God of Thunder
33%inclusion1 decks3 decks
33%synergy
Bilbo, Thief in the Night
15%inclusion2 decks13 decks
15%synergy
Decorum Dissertation
12%inclusion2 decks17 decks
10%synergy
Exhibition Tidecaller
11%inclusion2 decks18 decks
10%synergy
Chandra, Chill of Compliance
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
8%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Frantic Search
73%inclusion24 decks33 decks
52%synergy
Faithless Looting
67%inclusion22 decks33 decks
47%synergy
Brainstorm
64%inclusion21 decks33 decks
46%synergy
Dark Ritual
82%inclusion27 decks33 decks
44%synergy
Ponder
52%inclusion17 decks33 decks
43%synergy
Swan Song
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
41%synergy
Toxic Deluge
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
40%synergy
Preordain
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
36%synergy
Reanimate
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
36%synergy
Mana Drain
52%inclusion17 decks33 decks
36%synergy
Top Cards
Counterspell
67%inclusion22 decks33 decks
22%synergy
Chaos Warp
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Windfall
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
34%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Blasphemous Act
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Storm-Kiln Artist
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
35%synergy
Mystic Remora
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Fact or Fiction
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
29%synergy
Terminate
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Arcane Denial
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Game Changers
Mystical Tutor
67%inclusion22 decks33 decks
53%synergy
Demonic Tutor
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
39%synergy
Rhystic Study
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
34%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
37%synergy
Jeska's Will
55%inclusion18 decks33 decks
38%synergy
Force of Will
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
38%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
29%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Notion Thief
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
35%synergy
Gifts Ungiven
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
34%synergy
Creatures
Thassa's Oracle
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Archmage Emeritus
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Baral, Chief of Compliance
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Orcish Bowmasters
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Spellseeker
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Nightscape Familiar
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Dualcaster Mage
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Opposition Agent
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Cormela, Glamour Thief
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Hullbreaker Horror
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Displacer Kitten
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Snapcaster Mage
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Dauthi Voidwalker
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Pinnacle Monk
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Vivi Ornitier
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Consecrated Sphinx
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Baleful Strix
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Goblin Electromancer
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Ledger Shredder
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Talrand, Sky Summoner
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Dragon's Rage Channeler
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Archmage of Runes
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Exalted Flamer of Tzeentch
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Boggart Trawler
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Thunderclap Drake
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Talion, the Kindly Lord
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Archaeomancer
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Archon of Cruelty
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Laboratory Maniac
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Scalding Viper
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Ojer Pakpatiq, Deepest Epoch
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Young Pyromancer
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Oriq Loremage
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Docent of Perfection
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Toxrill, the Corrosive
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Psychic Frog
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Third Path Iconoclast
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Birgi, God of Storytelling
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Electro, Assaulting Battery
7.4%inclusion2 decks27 decks
0%synergy
Kefka, Court Mage
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Lutri, the Spellchaser
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Ral, Monsoon Mage
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Saruman, the White Hand
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Instants
Cabal Ritual
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Sink into Stupor
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Deadly Rollick
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Entomb
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Consider
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Rakdos Charm
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Demonic Consultation
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Deflecting Swat
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Flame of Anor
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
25%synergy
Brain Freeze
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Flusterstorm
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Force of Negation
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Waterlogged Teachings
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
21%synergy
Fell the Profane
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Pongify
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Negate
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Lightning Bolt
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Seething Song
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Abrade
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Lim-Dûl's Vault
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Increasing Vengeance
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
19%synergy
Withering Torment
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Izzet Charm
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Pact of Negation
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Drown in the Loch
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Tainted Pact
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Maestros Charm
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Reality Shift
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Opt
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Snap
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Narset's Reversal
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Dig Through Time
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Thrill of Possibility
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Chain of Vapor
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Three Steps Ahead
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Thought Scour
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Reverberate
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Mental Misstep
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Go for the Throat
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Reiterate
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Intuition
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Flare of Denial
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Tainted Indulgence
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Bitter Triumph
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Into the Flood Maw
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Ad Nauseam
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Wash Away
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Expansion // Explosion
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Sorceries
Torment of Hailfire
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
29%synergy
Feed the Swarm
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Vandalblast
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Imperial Seal
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Damnation
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Gitaxian Probe
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Wheel of Fortune
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Expressive Iteration
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
21%synergy
Gamble
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Mizzix's Mastery
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Twinflame
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Praetor's Grasp
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Final Parting
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Mana Geyser
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
10%synergy
See the Truth
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Stitch Together
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Time Warp
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Yawgmoth's Will
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Persist
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Past in Flames
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Serum Visions
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Time Stretch
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Dark Petition
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Exsanguinate
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Sundering Eruption
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Breach the Multiverse
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Grapeshot
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Will of the Abzan
9.4%inclusion3 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Strategic Planning
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Sleight of Hand
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Wheel of Misfortune
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Diabolic Tutor
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Stock Up
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Crackle with Power
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Careful Study
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Curse of the Swine
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Temporal Mastery
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Lórien Revealed
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Whispering Madness
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Night's Whisper
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Personal Tutor
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Rise of the Dark Realms
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Grim Tutor
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Chain of Smog
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Reforge the Soul
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Solve the Equation
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Incarnation Technique
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Cathartic Reunion
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Electroduplicate
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Unmarked Grave
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Utility Artifacts
The One Ring
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Primal Amulet
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Isochron Scepter
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Wishclaw Talisman
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Lightning Greaves
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-20%synergy
Panoptic Mirror
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Sapphire Medallion
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Enchantments
Underworld Breach
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Propaganda
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Thousand-Year Storm
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Necropotence
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
9%synergy
Ripples of Undeath
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Secrets of the Dead
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Animate Dead
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Arcane Bombardment
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Necromancy
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Artist's Talent
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Waste Not
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-6%synergy
Dance of the Dead
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Rite of the Dragoncaller
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Shark Typhoon
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Leyline of Anticipation
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
0%synergy
No Mercy
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Sneak Attack
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Search for Azcanta
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Planeswalkers
Narset, Parter of Veils
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Ral, Storm Conduit
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Ral, Crackling Wit
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Professor Onyx
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Ashiok, Dream Render
12%inclusion4 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Dack Fayden
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Rowan, Scholar of Sparks
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
-2%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Bojuka Bog
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Ancient Tomb
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Mistrise Village
16%inclusion5 decks32 decks
8%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
15%inclusion5 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Riptide Laboratory
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Emergence Zone
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Desolate Lighthouse
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Wasteland
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Boseiju, Who Shelters All
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Urza's Saga
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Arena of Glory
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Cephalid Coliseum
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
3%synergy
Castle Vantress
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Temple of the False God
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-2%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
97%inclusion32 decks33 decks
7%synergy
Arcane Signet
88%inclusion29 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Talisman of Dominance
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Talisman of Creativity
58%inclusion19 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Fellwar Stone
52%inclusion17 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Dimir Signet
45%inclusion15 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Talisman of Indulgence
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
-1%synergy
Izzet Signet
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Rakdos Signet
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Lotus Petal
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Chrome Mox
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Mana Vault
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Thought Vessel
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-12%synergy
Relic of Sauron
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
-10%synergy
Mox Opal
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Mox Diamond
9.1%inclusion3 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Commander's Sphere
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-13%synergy
Grim Monolith
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
-8%synergy
Mox Amber
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
1%synergy
Mox Tantalite
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
6.1%inclusion2 decks33 decks
0%synergy
Tablet of Discovery
5.9%inclusion1 decks17 decks
4%synergy
Resonating Lute
5.6%inclusion1 decks18 decks
1%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
97%inclusion32 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Island
97%inclusion32 decks33 decks
4%synergy
Swamp
94%inclusion31 decks33 decks
2%synergy
Mountain
88%inclusion29 decks33 decks
-3%synergy
Steam Vents
79%inclusion26 decks33 decks
33%synergy
Watery Grave
79%inclusion26 decks33 decks
31%synergy
Blood Crypt
76%inclusion25 decks33 decks
30%synergy
Polluted Delta
67%inclusion22 decks33 decks
32%synergy
Xander's Lounge
64%inclusion21 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
64%inclusion21 decks33 decks
28%synergy
Scalding Tarn
61%inclusion20 decks33 decks
28%synergy
Exotic Orchard
55%inclusion18 decks33 decks
-2%synergy
Morphic Pool
55%inclusion18 decks33 decks
23%synergy
Training Center
52%inclusion17 decks33 decks
20%synergy
Drowned Catacomb
48%inclusion16 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Shivan Reef
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
13%synergy
Sulfur Falls
42%inclusion14 decks33 decks
-4%synergy
Luxury Suite
39%inclusion13 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Undercity Sewers
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Shipwreck Marsh
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Dragonskull Summit
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
-9%synergy
Underground River
36%inclusion12 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Crumbling Necropolis
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
-19%synergy
Sink into Stupor
33%inclusion11 decks33 decks
24%synergy
Stormcarved Coast
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
5%synergy
Reflecting Pool
30%inclusion10 decks33 decks
22%synergy
Badlands
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Underground Sea
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Volcanic Island
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Mana Confluence
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Thundering Falls
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
17%synergy
Gloomlake Verge
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
18%synergy
Haunted Ridge
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Waterlogged Teachings
27%inclusion9 decks33 decks
21%synergy
Fell the Profane
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
16%synergy
Misty Rainforest
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Marsh Flats
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
14%synergy
Sulfurous Springs
24%inclusion8 decks33 decks
-4%synergy
Raucous Theater
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Blazemire Verge
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
12%synergy
Cascade Bluffs
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
10%synergy
City of Brass
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
8%synergy
Flooded Strand
21%inclusion7 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Prismatic Vista
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
15%synergy
Darkwater Catacombs
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
6%synergy
Riverpyre Verge
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
11%synergy
Wooded Foothills
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
10%synergy
Path of Ancestry
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
-12%synergy
Arid Mesa
18%inclusion6 decks33 decks
9%synergy