Kess, Dissident Mage (Commander) - Budget Optimized Spellslinger

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
Flashback
33%inclusion1 decks3 decks
27%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Thousand-Year Storm
88%inclusion7 decks8 decks
85%synergy
Dualcaster Mage
88%inclusion7 decks8 decks
79%synergy
Goblin Electromancer
88%inclusion7 decks8 decks
79%synergy
Frantic Search
88%inclusion7 decks8 decks
67%synergy
Lightning Bolt
75%inclusion6 decks8 decks
65%synergy
Cormela, Glamour Thief
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
58%synergy
Opt
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
57%synergy
Ponder
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
54%synergy
Storm-Kiln Artist
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
52%synergy
Ral, Storm Conduit
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
49%synergy
Top Cards
Dark Ritual
75%inclusion6 decks8 decks
38%synergy
Counterspell
75%inclusion6 decks8 decks
31%synergy
Chaos Warp
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
28%synergy
Brainstorm
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
45%synergy
Blasphemous Act
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
18%synergy
Windfall
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
27%synergy
Thrill of Possibility
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
39%synergy
Fact or Fiction
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
43%synergy
Consider
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
44%synergy
Mindsplice Apparatus
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
48%synergy
Game Changers
Jeska's Will
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
21%synergy
Mystical Tutor
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Opposition Agent
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Underworld Breach
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
1%synergy
Bolas's Citadel
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Narset, Parter of Veils
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-9%synergy
Notion Thief
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
5%synergy
Creatures
Archmage Emeritus
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
40%synergy
Baral, Chief of Compliance
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
48%synergy
Guttersnipe
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
43%synergy
Black Waltz No. 3
43%inclusion3 decks7 decks
38%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
36%synergy
Archmage of Runes
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
34%synergy
Rona, Sheoldred's Faithful
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
37%synergy
Nightscape Familiar
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Archaeomancer
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
34%synergy
Stormcatch Mentor
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
33%synergy
Talrand, Sky Summoner
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Scalding Viper
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
25%synergy
Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Naru Meha, Master Wizard
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
23%synergy
Alania, Divergent Storm
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Oriq Loremage
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
25%synergy
Frolicking Familiar
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
25%synergy
Judith, Carnage Connoisseur
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
The Emperor of Palamecia
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
12%synergy
Kuja, Genome Sorcerer
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
9%synergy
Kefka, Court Mage
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
9%synergy
Electro, Assaulting Battery
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
7%synergy
Mocking Sprite
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Melek, Izzet Paragon
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Gravecrawler
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Kaza, Roil Chaser
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Peregrine Drake
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Foulmire Knight
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Ral, Monsoon Mage
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Thermo-Alchemist
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Orvar, the All-Form
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Najal, the Storm Runner
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Snapcaster Mage
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Firebrand Archer
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Ojer Pakpatiq, Deepest Epoch
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Marchesa, Dealer of Death
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Haughty Djinn
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Taigam, Master Opportunist
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Decadent Dragon
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Young Pyromancer
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Exalted Flamer of Tzeentch
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Ashling, Flame Dancer
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Rakdos Cackler
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Balmor, Battlemage Captain
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Flux Channeler
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Docent of Perfection
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Lunar Mystic
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Instants
Rakdos Charm
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Terminate
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Flame of Anor
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
45%synergy
Negate
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
15%synergy
Seething Song
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
31%synergy
Increasing Vengeance
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Narset's Reversal
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
32%synergy
Dramatic Reversal
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
35%synergy
An Offer You Can't Refuse
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-5%synergy
Izzet Charm
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
Arcane Denial
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-4%synergy
Snap
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
15%synergy
Mission Briefing
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
25%synergy
Saw in Half
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
20%synergy
Flare of Duplication
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
Abrade
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
16%synergy
Archenemy's Charm
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
14%synergy
Blur
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Fell the Profane
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
4%synergy
Pongify
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Rapid Hybridization
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Drown in the Loch
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Untimely Malfunction
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Experimental Augury
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Go for the Throat
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Return the Favor
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Displace
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Vraska's Fall
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Desperate Ritual
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Village Rites
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Fury Storm
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Maestros Charm
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Prologue to Phyresis
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Lim-Dûl's Vault
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Complete the Circuit
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Essence Scatter
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Unexpected Windfall
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
3%synergy
Siege Smash
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Cabal Ritual
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
3%synergy
Nexus of Fate
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Dispel
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Bitter Triumph
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Spell Swindle
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Thought Scour
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Flusterstorm
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
4%synergy
Burnt Offering
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Peek
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Filter Out
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Into the Flood Maw
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Swan Song
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-7%synergy
Sorceries
Preordain
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
44%synergy
Gitaxian Probe
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
32%synergy
Faithless Looting
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
18%synergy
Mana Geyser
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
32%synergy
See the Truth
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
37%synergy
Chain of Smog
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
37%synergy
Solve the Equation
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Epic Experiment
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
25%synergy
Torment of Hailfire
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
21%synergy
Vandalblast
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Past in Flames
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
Mizzix's Mastery
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
Treasure Cruise
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
Tendrils of Agony
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Night's Whisper
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
21%synergy
Reanimate
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
0%synergy
Toxic Deluge
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
5%synergy
Grapeshot
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
23%synergy
Rite of Replication
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
21%synergy
Sorceress's Schemes
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
14%synergy
Resentful Revelation
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
14%synergy
Cruel Ultimatum
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Flood of Recollection
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Strategic Planning
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Black Sun's Zenith
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Sleight of Hand
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Call Forth the Tempest
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Chain Reaction
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Wheel of Misfortune
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Peer into the Abyss
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Crackle with Power
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Profane Tutor
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Contentious Plan
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Bonus Round
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Phyresis Outbreak
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Thought Erasure
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Serum Visions
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Feed the Swarm
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-16%synergy
Painful Truths
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Read the Bones
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Brass's Bounty
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Infectious Inquiry
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Ringsight
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
5%synergy
Blasphemous Edict
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Scheming Symmetry
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Ill-Timed Explosion
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Time Stretch
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Dark Petition
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Grim Bounty
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Exsanguinate
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Isochron Scepter
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Black Mage's Rod
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
12%synergy
Defense Grid
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Wayfarer's Bauble
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
2%synergy
Twinning Staff
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Ghost Lantern
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Mind's Eye
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Primal Amulet
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Whispersilk Cloak
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Ichormoon Gauntlet
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Adaptive Training Post
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-14%synergy
Lightning Greaves
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-17%synergy
Thaumatic Compass
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Enchantments
Fiery Inscription
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
33%synergy
Rite of the Dragoncaller
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Secrets of the Dead
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
23%synergy
Burning Vengeance
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Mornsong Aria
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
25%synergy
Sorcerer Class
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Curiosity
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Jace's Sanctum
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Wizard Class
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Inexorable Tide
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Swarm Intelligence
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Vampiric Rites
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Possibility Storm
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Precognition Field
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Propaganda
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-1%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
3%synergy
Search for Azcanta
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Planeswalkers
Ral, Crackling Wit
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
37%synergy
Professor Onyx
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
36%synergy
Chandra, Hope's Beacon
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
24%synergy
Vraska, Betrayal's Sting
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Teferi, Temporal Archmage
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Jace, Architect of Thought
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
The Royal Scions
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Liliana, Dreadhorde General
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Ral Zarek
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Chandra, Legacy of Fire
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Jaya Ballard
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Saheeli, Sublime Artificer
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Jace, Unraveler of Secrets
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Jace Reawakened
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Rowan, Scholar of Sparks
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Utility Lands
Bojuka Bog
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
38%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
33%synergy
Riptide Laboratory
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
34%synergy
Reliquary Tower
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
2%synergy
Cephalid Coliseum
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
22%synergy
Lindblum, Industrial Regency
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
10%synergy
Interplanar Beacon
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Mistrise Village
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
4%synergy
Maze of Ith
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Karn's Bastion
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Desolate Lighthouse
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Castle Vantress
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Temple of the False God
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
75%inclusion6 decks8 decks
-15%synergy
Arcane Signet
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
-26%synergy
Commander's Sphere
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Talisman of Creativity
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-19%synergy
Talisman of Dominance
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-24%synergy
Dimir Signet
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-10%synergy
Thought Vessel
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
3%synergy
Ether
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
14%synergy
Glistening Sphere
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Talisman of Indulgence
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-31%synergy
Rakdos Signet
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-20%synergy
Spectral Searchlight
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-2%synergy
Dimir Cluestone
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Darksteel Ingot
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Phyrexian Atlas
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Obelisk of Grixis
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Bounty Board
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Lands
Swamp
100%inclusion8 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Mountain
100%inclusion8 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Island
100%inclusion8 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Command Tower
88%inclusion7 decks8 decks
-4%synergy
Drowned Catacomb
75%inclusion6 decks8 decks
32%synergy
Shivan Reef
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
33%synergy
Sulfur Falls
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
16%synergy
Underground River
63%inclusion5 decks8 decks
35%synergy
Exotic Orchard
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
-6%synergy
Smoldering Marsh
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
13%synergy
Dragonskull Summit
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
5%synergy
Crumbling Necropolis
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
-3%synergy
Sunken Hollow
50%inclusion4 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Izzet Boilerworks
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
27%synergy
Seething Landscape
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
21%synergy
Temple of Deceit
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
25%synergy
Cascade Bluffs
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
26%synergy
Watery Grave
38%inclusion3 decks8 decks
-10%synergy
Rakdos Carnarium
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
15%synergy
Shadowblood Ridge
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
15%synergy
Blood Crypt
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-21%synergy
Foreboding Ruins
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Frostboil Snarl
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
10%synergy
Temple of Epiphany
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Temple of Malice
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
14%synergy
Choked Estuary
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Sulfurous Springs
25%inclusion2 decks8 decks
-3%synergy
Crossroads Village
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
13%synergy
Oscorp Industries
14%inclusion1 decks7 decks
3%synergy
Tainted Isle
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Fell the Profane
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
4%synergy
Steam Vents
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-33%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-7%synergy
Swiftwater Cliffs
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Dimir Aqueduct
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
1%synergy
Conduit Pylons
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
12%synergy
Stormcarved Coast
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-13%synergy
Darkwater Catacombs
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
1%synergy
Blackcleave Cliffs
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Shipwreck Marsh
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-12%synergy
Ferrous Lake
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
8%synergy
Bloodfell Caves
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
7%synergy
Thriving Isle
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Xander's Lounge
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-27%synergy
Eroded Canyon
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Dismal Backwater
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
6%synergy
Maestros Theater
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
4%synergy
Darkslick Shores
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
9%synergy
Evolving Wilds
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-11%synergy
Path of Ancestry
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
-18%synergy