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
Decorum Dissertation
14%inclusion2 decks14 decks
12%synergy
Flow State
13%inclusion2 decks15 decks
12%synergy
Exhibition Tidecaller
13%inclusion2 decks16 decks
11%synergy
Resonating Lute
13%inclusion2 decks16 decks
8%synergy
Bilbo, Thief in the Night
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Frantic Search
71%inclusion22 decks31 decks
50%synergy
Ponder
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
49%synergy
Brainstorm
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
47%synergy
Faithless Looting
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
45%synergy
Dark Ritual
81%inclusion25 decks31 decks
44%synergy
Swan Song
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
42%synergy
Mana Drain
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
39%synergy
Toxic Deluge
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Reanimate
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
37%synergy
Preordain
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
36%synergy
Top Cards
Counterspell
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Chaos Warp
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
23%synergy
Windfall
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
35%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Blasphemous Act
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Storm-Kiln Artist
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
34%synergy
Terminate
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Arcane Denial
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Torment of Hailfire
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
31%synergy
Fact or Fiction
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
29%synergy
Game Changers
Demonic Tutor
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
43%synergy
Mystical Tutor
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
51%synergy
Rhystic Study
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
40%synergy
Jeska's Will
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
38%synergy
Force of Will
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
41%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
36%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
29%synergy
Gifts Ungiven
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
36%synergy
Notion Thief
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
31%synergy
Creatures
Thassa's Oracle
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
24%synergy
Archmage Emeritus
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
22%synergy
Baral, Chief of Compliance
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
30%synergy
Spellseeker
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Dualcaster Mage
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
21%synergy
Orcish Bowmasters
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Opposition Agent
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
21%synergy
Snapcaster Mage
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Cormela, Glamour Thief
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Ledger Shredder
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Nightscape Familiar
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
-8%synergy
Hullbreaker Horror
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Dauthi Voidwalker
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Vivi Ornitier
17%inclusion5 decks29 decks
9%synergy
Displacer Kitten
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Consecrated Sphinx
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Talrand, Sky Summoner
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Pinnacle Monk
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Archmage of Runes
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Baleful Strix
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Exalted Flamer of Tzeentch
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Thunderclap Drake
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Goblin Electromancer
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Talion, the Kindly Lord
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Archon of Cruelty
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Dragon's Rage Channeler
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Scalding Viper
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Ojer Pakpatiq, Deepest Epoch
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Young Pyromancer
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Docent of Perfection
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Boggart Trawler
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Archaeomancer
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Laboratory Maniac
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Psychic Frog
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Guttersnipe
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Toxrill, the Corrosive
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Third Path Iconoclast
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Birgi, God of Storytelling
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Electro, Assaulting Battery
8.0%inclusion2 decks25 decks
0%synergy
Abstract Paintmage
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
6%synergy
Kefka, Court Mage
6.9%inclusion2 decks29 decks
2%synergy
Lutri, the Spellchaser
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Ral, Monsoon Mage
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Marchesa, Dealer of Death
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Instants
Cabal Ritual
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Sink into Stupor
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Deadly Rollick
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Deflecting Swat
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Flame of Anor
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
27%synergy
Brain Freeze
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
21%synergy
Rakdos Charm
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Flusterstorm
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
21%synergy
Demonic Consultation
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
22%synergy
Force of Negation
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
21%synergy
Pongify
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Entomb
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Consider
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Seething Song
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Abrade
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Fell the Profane
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Increasing Vengeance
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Withering Torment
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Waterlogged Teachings
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Negate
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
-3%synergy
Lim-Dûl's Vault
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Lightning Bolt
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Reality Shift
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Izzet Charm
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Pact of Negation
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Tainted Pact
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Opt
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Snap
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Narset's Reversal
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Dig Through Time
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Drown in the Loch
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Chain of Vapor
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Three Steps Ahead
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Maestros Charm
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Thrill of Possibility
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Mental Misstep
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Reiterate
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Go for the Throat
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Flare of Denial
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Intuition
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Thought Scour
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Tainted Indulgence
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Into the Flood Maw
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Bitter Triumph
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Expansion // Explosion
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Ad Nauseam
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Reverberate
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Wash Away
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Sorceries
Feed the Swarm
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Imperial Seal
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
22%synergy
Damnation
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
21%synergy
Vandalblast
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Wheel of Fortune
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Expressive Iteration
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
23%synergy
Gitaxian Probe
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Gamble
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Mizzix's Mastery
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Twinflame
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Praetor's Grasp
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Mana Geyser
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Time Warp
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Yawgmoth's Will
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Persist
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Past in Flames
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Serum Visions
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Exsanguinate
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Time Stretch
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
See the Truth
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Stitch Together
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Breach the Multiverse
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Grapeshot
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Will of the Abzan
10%inclusion3 decks30 decks
9%synergy
Stock Up
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Careful Study
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Crackle with Power
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Curse of the Swine
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Temporal Mastery
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Dark Petition
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Whispering Madness
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Night's Whisper
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Personal Tutor
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Sundering Eruption
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Final Parting
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Rise of the Dark Realms
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Grim Tutor
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Chain of Smog
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Reforge the Soul
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Solve the Equation
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Strategic Planning
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Sleight of Hand
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Wheel of Misfortune
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Electroduplicate
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Incarnation Technique
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Cathartic Reunion
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Immolating Gyre
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Unmarked Grave
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Victimize
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Temporal Manipulation
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Primal Amulet
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Isochron Scepter
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
10%synergy
The One Ring
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Wishclaw Talisman
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Lightning Greaves
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-20%synergy
Panoptic Mirror
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Enchantments
Mystic Remora
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Propaganda
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Underworld Breach
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Thousand-Year Storm
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Necropotence
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Animate Dead
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Arcane Bombardment
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Necromancy
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Secrets of the Dead
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Artist's Talent
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Waste Not
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Dance of the Dead
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Ripples of Undeath
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Rite of the Dragoncaller
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Shark Typhoon
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Leyline of Anticipation
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Sneak Attack
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
3%synergy
No Mercy
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-3%synergy
Search for Azcanta
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Planeswalkers
Narset, Parter of Veils
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Ral, Storm Conduit
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
18%synergy
Professor Onyx
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Ral, Crackling Wit
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Ashiok, Dream Render
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Chandra, Chill of Compliance
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Dack Fayden
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Rowan, Scholar of Sparks
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Utility Lands
Reliquary Tower
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Bojuka Bog
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Ancient Tomb
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
15%synergy
Mistrise Village
13%inclusion4 decks30 decks
5%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
13%inclusion4 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Desolate Lighthouse
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Wasteland
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Boseiju, Who Shelters All
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Riptide Laboratory
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Arena of Glory
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Emergence Zone
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Geier Reach Sanitarium
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Castle Vantress
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-7%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
97%inclusion30 decks31 decks
7%synergy
Arcane Signet
87%inclusion27 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Talisman of Creativity
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Talisman of Dominance
58%inclusion18 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Fellwar Stone
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Dimir Signet
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Talisman of Indulgence
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
-1%synergy
Izzet Signet
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Rakdos Signet
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Lotus Petal
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Chrome Mox
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Mana Vault
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Relic of Sauron
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
-9%synergy
Mox Opal
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Mox Diamond
10%inclusion3 decks31 decks
3%synergy
Commander's Sphere
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-13%synergy
Grim Monolith
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-8%synergy
Mox Amber
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Decanter of Endless Water
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Thought Vessel
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
-15%synergy
Mox Tantalite
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
6.5%inclusion2 decks31 decks
0%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
97%inclusion30 decks31 decks
5%synergy
Island
97%inclusion30 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Swamp
94%inclusion29 decks31 decks
2%synergy
Mountain
87%inclusion27 decks31 decks
-4%synergy
Watery Grave
81%inclusion25 decks31 decks
33%synergy
Steam Vents
77%inclusion24 decks31 decks
32%synergy
Blood Crypt
77%inclusion24 decks31 decks
32%synergy
Polluted Delta
68%inclusion21 decks31 decks
33%synergy
Xander's Lounge
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
25%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
65%inclusion20 decks31 decks
29%synergy
Scalding Tarn
61%inclusion19 decks31 decks
29%synergy
Morphic Pool
55%inclusion17 decks31 decks
23%synergy
Exotic Orchard
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Training Center
52%inclusion16 decks31 decks
20%synergy
Drowned Catacomb
48%inclusion15 decks31 decks
6%synergy
Shivan Reef
45%inclusion14 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Sulfur Falls
42%inclusion13 decks31 decks
-5%synergy
Shipwreck Marsh
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Luxury Suite
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Underground River
39%inclusion12 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Undercity Sewers
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
23%synergy
Dragonskull Summit
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
-10%synergy
Sink into Stupor
35%inclusion11 decks31 decks
26%synergy
Crumbling Necropolis
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
-21%synergy
Reflecting Pool
32%inclusion10 decks31 decks
24%synergy
Badlands
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Stormcarved Coast
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
4%synergy
Underground Sea
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Mana Confluence
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Thundering Falls
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
19%synergy
Volcanic Island
29%inclusion9 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Misty Rainforest
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Gloomlake Verge
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
17%synergy
Marsh Flats
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Sulfurous Springs
26%inclusion8 decks31 decks
-2%synergy
Fell the Profane
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Raucous Theater
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Blazemire Verge
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
13%synergy
Cascade Bluffs
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
11%synergy
Haunted Ridge
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
1%synergy
Waterlogged Teachings
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
17%synergy
City of Brass
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
9%synergy
Flooded Strand
23%inclusion7 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Prismatic Vista
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
16%synergy
Darkwater Catacombs
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
8%synergy
Riverpyre Verge
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
12%synergy
Arid Mesa
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
10%synergy
Sunken Ruins
19%inclusion6 decks31 decks
14%synergy
Clearwater Pathway
16%inclusion5 decks31 decks
10%synergy