Rafiq of the Many (Commander) - Optimized

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
Team Avatar
4.5%inclusion1 decks22 decks
3%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Finest Hour
83%inclusion86 decks103 decks
79%synergy
Noble Hierarch
92%inclusion95 decks103 decks
67%synergy
Sovereigns of Lost Alara
54%inclusion56 decks103 decks
53%synergy
Cathedral of War
53%inclusion55 decks103 decks
52%synergy
Shield of the Oversoul
53%inclusion55 decks103 decks
50%synergy
Qasali Pridemage
51%inclusion53 decks103 decks
50%synergy
Sublime Archangel
50%inclusion51 decks103 decks
48%synergy
Steel of the Godhead
50%inclusion52 decks103 decks
47%synergy
Open the Armory
49%inclusion50 decks103 decks
46%synergy
Sword of Feast and Famine
43%inclusion44 decks103 decks
41%synergy
Top Cards
Swords to Plowshares
75%inclusion77 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
66%inclusion68 decks103 decks
38%synergy
Birds of Paradise
65%inclusion67 decks103 decks
31%synergy
Path to Exile
50%inclusion51 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Heroic Intervention
49%inclusion50 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Rancor
45%inclusion46 decks103 decks
40%synergy
Esper Sentinel
44%inclusion45 decks103 decks
28%synergy
Counterspell
44%inclusion45 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Stoneforge Mystic
42%inclusion43 decks103 decks
40%synergy
Aqueous Form
41%inclusion42 decks103 decks
36%synergy
Game Changers
Cyclonic Rift
68%inclusion70 decks103 decks
49%synergy
Enlightened Tutor
68%inclusion70 decks103 decks
54%synergy
Rhystic Study
66%inclusion68 decks103 decks
45%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
55%inclusion57 decks103 decks
41%synergy
Teferi's Protection
48%inclusion49 decks103 decks
32%synergy
Smothering Tithe
38%inclusion39 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Worldly Tutor
36%inclusion37 decks103 decks
25%synergy
Mystical Tutor
28%inclusion29 decks103 decks
23%synergy
The One Ring
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Force of Will
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Creatures
Mother of Runes
39%inclusion40 decks103 decks
36%synergy
Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar
37%inclusion38 decks103 decks
23%synergy
Stoic Angel
36%inclusion37 decks103 decks
34%synergy
Silent Arbiter
35%inclusion36 decks103 decks
34%synergy
Sram, Senior Edificer
35%inclusion36 decks103 decks
32%synergy
Giltspire Avenger
34%inclusion35 decks103 decks
33%synergy
Grand Abolisher
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
25%synergy
Bloom Tender
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Avacyn's Pilgrim
28%inclusion29 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Rashel, Fist of Torm
28%inclusion29 decks103 decks
27%synergy
Delighted Halfling
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Puresteel Paladin
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Battlegrace Angel
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Sythis, Harvest's Hand
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Danitha, New Benalia's Light
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Cold-Eyed Selkie
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Blighted Agent
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Giver of Runes
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Sanctum Weaver
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Ethercaste Knight
18%inclusion19 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Knight of Glory
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Danitha Capashen, Paragon
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Sigarda, Host of Herons
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Aven Squire
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Kor Spiritdancer
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Galea, Kindler of Hope
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Sun Titan
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Eternal Witness
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Llanowar Elves
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Sigiled Paladin
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Setessan Champion
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Frontline Sage
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Eidolon of Blossoms
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Guardians of Akrasa
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Mesa Enchantress
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Bruna, Light of Alabaster
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Cloud, Midgar Mercenary
11%inclusion8 decks73 decks
11%synergy
Akrasan Squire
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Pearl-Ear, Imperial Advisor
10%inclusion10 decks102 decks
8%synergy
Medomai the Ageless
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Argothian Enchantress
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Drannith Magistrate
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Thassa, God of the Sea
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Court Archers
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Light-Paws, Emperor's Voice
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Dawnray Archer
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Elvish Mystic
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
-4%synergy
Instants
An Offer You Can't Refuse
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Swan Song
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
13%synergy
Eladamri's Call
28%inclusion29 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Dovin's Veto
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Mana Drain
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Flawless Maneuver
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Beast Within
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
-11%synergy
Negate
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Generous Gift
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
-14%synergy
Force of Negation
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Krosan Grip
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Bant Charm
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Flusterstorm
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Brainstorm
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Legolas's Quick Reflexes
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Crop Rotation
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Tyvar's Stand
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Sink into Stupor
8.8%inclusion9 decks102 decks
2%synergy
Arcane Denial
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
-8%synergy
Slip Out the Back
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Nature's Claim
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Veil of Summer
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Tamiyo's Safekeeping
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Simic Charm
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Dawn's Truce
5.9%inclusion6 decks102 decks
-5%synergy
Sejiri Shelter
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Pact of Negation
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Noxious Revival
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Galadriel's Dismissal
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Mental Misstep
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Silence
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Sorceries
Farseek
38%inclusion39 decks103 decks
-6%synergy
Steelshaper's Gift
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
30%synergy
Three Visits
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Nature's Lore
27%inclusion28 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Supreme Verdict
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Winds of Rath
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Cultivate
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
-18%synergy
Idyllic Tutor
19%inclusion20 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Rampant Growth
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
-11%synergy
Kodama's Reach
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
-5%synergy
Wargate
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Wrath of God
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Green Sun's Zenith
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Farewell
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
-10%synergy
Ponder
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Fabricate
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Replenish
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Sevinne's Reclamation
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Single Combat
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Time Warp
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Three Dreams
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Lightning Greaves
39%inclusion40 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Shadowspear
36%inclusion37 decks103 decks
34%synergy
Sword of Fire and Ice
33%inclusion34 decks103 decks
32%synergy
Mithril Coat
28%inclusion29 decks103 decks
25%synergy
Hammer of Nazahn
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Umezawa's Jitte
18%inclusion19 decks103 decks
18%synergy
Conqueror's Flail
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Buster Sword
17%inclusion12 decks70 decks
16%synergy
Whispersilk Cloak
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Trailblazer's Boots
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Colossus Hammer
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Brotherhood Regalia
15%inclusion15 decks102 decks
13%synergy
Sword of the Animist
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Sword of Hearth and Home
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Sword of War and Peace
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Sigil of Valor
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Sword of Sinew and Steel
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Blackblade Reforged
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Grafted Exoskeleton
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Sword of Truth and Justice
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Sword of Light and Shadow
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Dragonfire Blade
10%inclusion8 decks81 decks
9%synergy
Robe of Stars
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Rammas Echor, Ancient Shield
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Darksteel Plate
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Winged Boots
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Mask of Memory
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Loxodon Warhammer
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Sword of Vengeance
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Power Fist
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Sword of Forge and Frontier
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Commander's Plate
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Crawlspace
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Thran Power Suit
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
The Key to the Vault
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Sword of Body and Mind
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Excalibur, Sword of Eden
5.9%inclusion6 decks102 decks
5%synergy
Aettir and Priwen
5.9%inclusion4 decks68 decks
6%synergy
Sword of Once and Future
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Helm of the Gods
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Lavaspur Boots
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Haunted Cloak
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Champion's Helm
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Nettlecyst
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Sword of Wealth and Power
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Enchantments
Sigarda's Aid
41%inclusion42 decks103 decks
39%synergy
Eldrazi Conscription
36%inclusion37 decks103 decks
35%synergy
Bear Umbra
35%inclusion36 decks103 decks
30%synergy
Sylvan Library
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
26%synergy
Mantle of the Ancients
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
29%synergy
Mystic Remora
30%inclusion31 decks103 decks
19%synergy
All That Glitters
30%inclusion31 decks103 decks
25%synergy
Dueling Grounds
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
28%synergy
Wild Growth
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Armadillo Cloak
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Spirit Mantle
26%inclusion27 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Favor of the Overbeing
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Ethereal Armor
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Ardent Plea
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Utopia Sprawl
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
13%synergy
Combat Research
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
20%synergy
Strong Back
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
19%synergy
Strength of the Harvest
19%inclusion19 decks102 decks
15%synergy
Sterling Grove
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Ghostly Prison
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Ancestral Mask
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Super State
17%inclusion10 decks60 decks
16%synergy
Idolized
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Aura Shards
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Angelic Benediction
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
15%synergy
Propaganda
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Angelic Destiny
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Angelic Exaltation
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
13%synergy
Enchantress's Presence
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Staggering Insight
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Unflinching Courage
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Forge Anew
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Fertile Ground
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Shielded by Faith
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Song of the Dryads
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Mirari's Wake
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Carpet of Flowers
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Sheltered by Ghosts
8.9%inclusion9 decks101 decks
7%synergy
Daybreak Coronet
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Curiosity
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Almost Perfect
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Snake Umbra
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Songbirds' Blessing
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Security Bypass
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Gift of Immortality
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Audacity
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Keen Sense
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Lion Umbra
6.9%inclusion7 decks102 decks
6%synergy
Canopy Cover
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Kenrith's Transformation
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Planeswalkers
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Oko, Thief of Crowns
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Utility Lands
Rogue's Passage
51%inclusion53 decks103 decks
37%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
35%inclusion36 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Hall of Heliod's Generosity
29%inclusion30 decks103 decks
24%synergy
Reliquary Tower
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
-20%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
21%inclusion22 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Ancient Tomb
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Command Beacon
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Urza's Saga
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Inkmoth Nexus
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Strip Mine
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Serra's Sanctum
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Academy Ruins
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Gaea's Cradle
8.7%inclusion9 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Maze of Ith
7.8%inclusion8 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Dryad Arbor
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Wasteland
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Hall of the Bandit Lord
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
89%inclusion92 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Arcane Signet
71%inclusion73 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Talisman of Unity
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Chrome Mox
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Talisman of Progress
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Azorius Signet
15%inclusion15 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Fellwar Stone
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Selesnya Signet
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Chromatic Lantern
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
6%synergy
Talisman of Curiosity
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Simic Signet
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Mox Opal
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Lotus Petal
10%inclusion10 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Mox Diamond
6.8%inclusion7 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Commander's Sphere
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Mana Vault
5.8%inclusion6 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Lands
Island
96%inclusion99 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Forest
96%inclusion99 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Plains
96%inclusion99 decks103 decks
3%synergy
Command Tower
90%inclusion93 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Temple Garden
90%inclusion93 decks103 decks
47%synergy
Hallowed Fountain
87%inclusion90 decks103 decks
44%synergy
Breeding Pool
79%inclusion81 decks103 decks
34%synergy
Windswept Heath
77%inclusion79 decks103 decks
44%synergy
Flooded Strand
74%inclusion76 decks103 decks
42%synergy
Misty Rainforest
68%inclusion70 decks103 decks
38%synergy
Spara's Headquarters
58%inclusion60 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Glacial Fortress
50%inclusion51 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Hinterland Harbor
47%inclusion48 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Sunpetal Grove
46%inclusion47 decks103 decks
4%synergy
Rejuvenating Springs
46%inclusion47 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Savannah
40%inclusion41 decks103 decks
27%synergy
Bountiful Promenade
40%inclusion41 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Sea of Clouds
39%inclusion40 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Tropical Island
34%inclusion35 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Tundra
33%inclusion34 decks103 decks
21%synergy
Exotic Orchard
33%inclusion34 decks103 decks
-24%synergy
Canopy Vista
32%inclusion33 decks103 decks
-15%synergy
Seaside Citadel
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
-22%synergy
Prairie Stream
31%inclusion32 decks103 decks
-15%synergy
City of Brass
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
17%synergy
Yavimaya Coast
25%inclusion26 decks103 decks
-5%synergy
Mana Confluence
24%inclusion25 decks103 decks
16%synergy
Overgrown Farmland
23%inclusion24 decks103 decks
0%synergy
Adarkar Wastes
22%inclusion23 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Reflecting Pool
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
14%synergy
Deserted Beach
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
-1%synergy
Brushland
20%inclusion21 decks103 decks
-6%synergy
Strength of the Harvest
19%inclusion19 decks102 decks
15%synergy
Dreamroot Cascade
18%inclusion19 decks103 decks
-8%synergy
Wooded Foothills
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
10%synergy
Marsh Flats
17%inclusion18 decks103 decks
11%synergy
Polluted Delta
17%inclusion17 decks103 decks
9%synergy
Wooded Bastion
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
12%synergy
Flooded Grove
16%inclusion16 decks103 decks
-5%synergy
Arid Mesa
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Scalding Tarn
14%inclusion14 decks103 decks
7%synergy
Mystic Gate
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Fabled Passage
13%inclusion13 decks103 decks
2%synergy
Hushwood Verge
12%inclusion12 decks101 decks
2%synergy
Evolving Wilds
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
-14%synergy
Lush Portico
12%inclusion12 decks103 decks
1%synergy
Plaza of Heroes
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
8%synergy
Waterlogged Grove
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
5%synergy
Prismatic Vista
11%inclusion11 decks103 decks
6%synergy