Valentin, Dean of the Vein (Commander) - Lifegain

Background image for How to Build Golgari Without Being Golboring
Arnaud Gompertz
Sep 3, 2025
How to Build Golgari Without Being Golboring
Like to think outside the color box in Commander? This edition of Branching Out gives you some great ideas for unique Golgari builds.
Deck Filters
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Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Dai Li Agents
50%inclusion1 decks2 decks
49%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Essence Warden
75%inclusion116 decks154 decks
69%synergy
Dina, Soul Steeper
62%inclusion96 decks154 decks
58%synergy
Mortality Spear
62%inclusion95 decks154 decks
56%synergy
Prosperous Innkeeper
64%inclusion98 decks154 decks
56%synergy
Gala Greeters
60%inclusion92 decks154 decks
54%synergy
Radiant Fountain
51%inclusion79 decks154 decks
49%synergy
Inspiring Call
53%inclusion82 decks154 decks
49%synergy
Scavenging Ooze
53%inclusion81 decks154 decks
49%synergy
Kami of Whispered Hopes
53%inclusion82 decks154 decks
48%synergy
Pest Infestation
55%inclusion85 decks154 decks
47%synergy
Top Cards
Cultivate
52%inclusion80 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Blood Artist
49%inclusion75 decks154 decks
29%synergy
Hardened Scales
47%inclusion73 decks154 decks
39%synergy
Winding Constrictor
45%inclusion70 decks154 decks
39%synergy
Spike Feeder
45%inclusion69 decks154 decks
44%synergy
Assassin's Trophy
45%inclusion69 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Well of Lost Dreams
44%inclusion68 decks154 decks
42%synergy
Tend the Pests
44%inclusion67 decks154 decks
39%synergy
Blossoming Bogbeast
42%inclusion65 decks154 decks
40%synergy
Beast Within
42%inclusion65 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Game Changers
Bolas's Citadel
23%inclusion36 decks154 decks
18%synergy
Vampiric Tutor
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
-4%synergy
Demonic Tutor
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-9%synergy
Creatures
Social Climber
42%inclusion64 decks154 decks
41%synergy
Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose
42%inclusion64 decks154 decks
38%synergy
Beledros Witherbloom
41%inclusion63 decks154 decks
33%synergy
Veinwitch Coven
39%inclusion60 decks154 decks
37%synergy
Marauding Blight-Priest
38%inclusion59 decks154 decks
35%synergy
Blood Researcher
37%inclusion57 decks154 decks
36%synergy
Corpsejack Menace
36%inclusion56 decks154 decks
29%synergy
Llanowar Elves
35%inclusion54 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Evolution Witness
35%inclusion39 decks112 decks
32%synergy
Creeping Bloodsucker
34%inclusion52 decks154 decks
32%synergy
Witch of the Moors
34%inclusion52 decks154 decks
31%synergy
Kazandu Nectarpot
33%inclusion51 decks154 decks
31%synergy
Haywire Mite
33%inclusion51 decks154 decks
16%synergy
Zulaport Cutthroat
33%inclusion51 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Tenured Inkcaster
33%inclusion51 decks154 decks
33%synergy
Bloodthirsty Aerialist
32%inclusion50 decks154 decks
32%synergy
Herd Baloth
32%inclusion49 decks154 decks
31%synergy
Basking Broodscale
32%inclusion36 decks114 decks
30%synergy
Deathrite Shaman
31%inclusion47 decks154 decks
16%synergy
Fetid Gargantua
30%inclusion32 decks107 decks
30%synergy
Courser of Kruphix
30%inclusion46 decks154 decks
27%synergy
Deathgreeter
30%inclusion46 decks154 decks
28%synergy
Spectrum Sentinel
29%inclusion45 decks154 decks
28%synergy
Sakura-Tribe Elder
28%inclusion43 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Birds of Paradise
27%inclusion41 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Elves of Deep Shadow
26%inclusion40 decks154 decks
8%synergy
Devoted Druid
26%inclusion40 decks154 decks
21%synergy
Armorcraft Judge
26%inclusion40 decks154 decks
25%synergy
Prize Pig
25%inclusion39 decks154 decks
25%synergy
Elvish Mystic
25%inclusion38 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Sedgemoor Witch
24%inclusion37 decks154 decks
22%synergy
Incubation Druid
23%inclusion36 decks154 decks
21%synergy
Accomplished Alchemist
23%inclusion35 decks154 decks
22%synergy
Disciple of Freyalise
22%inclusion25 decks112 decks
14%synergy
Leyline Prowler
22%inclusion34 decks154 decks
19%synergy
Witherbloom Apprentice
21%inclusion33 decks154 decks
18%synergy
Cursed Wombat
21%inclusion23 decks109 decks
20%synergy
Ayara, First of Locthwain
20%inclusion31 decks154 decks
16%synergy
Defiler of Vigor
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
18%synergy
Vampire Nighthawk
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
18%synergy
Fyndhorn Elves
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Honor Troll
19%inclusion29 decks154 decks
18%synergy
Fertilid
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
17%synergy
Beast Whisperer
18%inclusion27 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Ezzaroot Channeler
17%inclusion26 decks154 decks
16%synergy
Gyre Sage
17%inclusion26 decks154 decks
14%synergy
Sangromancer
16%inclusion24 decks154 decks
14%synergy
Viscera Seer
16%inclusion24 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Host of the Hereafter
15%inclusion3 decks20 decks
13%synergy
Qarsi Revenant
15%inclusion3 decks20 decks
12%synergy
Instants
Tamiyo's Safekeeping
38%inclusion58 decks154 decks
30%synergy
Putrefy
34%inclusion53 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Revitalizing Repast
28%inclusion31 decks111 decks
8%synergy
Heroic Intervention
27%inclusion41 decks154 decks
-3%synergy
Infuse with Vitality
24%inclusion37 decks154 decks
22%synergy
Village Rites
21%inclusion32 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Tear Asunder
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Golgari Charm
19%inclusion29 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Infernal Grasp
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Plumb the Forbidden
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Fell the Profane
13%inclusion14 decks112 decks
4%synergy
Inscription of Abundance
12%inclusion19 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
12%inclusion19 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Return of the Wildspeaker
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Deadly Dispute
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
-8%synergy
Fortifying Draught
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
11%synergy
Nature's Claim
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Deathsprout
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Abrupt Decay
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
-6%synergy
Snakeskin Veil
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Weather the Storm
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
8%synergy
Dark Ritual
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
-8%synergy
Pulse of Murasa
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
7%synergy
Krosan Grip
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Go for the Throat
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Sephiroth's Intervention
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
7%synergy
Atomize
5.9%inclusion8 decks136 decks
2%synergy
Murder
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Heritage Reclamation
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
3%synergy
Desperate Measures
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
5%synergy
Sorceries
Rampant Growth
39%inclusion60 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Shamanic Revelation
32%inclusion50 decks154 decks
21%synergy
Kodama's Reach
31%inclusion47 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Nature's Lore
31%inclusion47 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Culling Ritual
27%inclusion41 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Toxic Deluge
27%inclusion41 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Farseek
23%inclusion36 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Night's Whisper
21%inclusion33 decks154 decks
13%synergy
Sign in Blood
21%inclusion33 decks154 decks
14%synergy
Feed the Swarm
21%inclusion32 decks154 decks
13%synergy
Essence Pulse
20%inclusion31 decks154 decks
19%synergy
Three Visits
20%inclusion31 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Read the Bones
17%inclusion26 decks154 decks
11%synergy
Dig Up
14%inclusion21 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Deadly Brew
14%inclusion21 decks154 decks
9%synergy
Rishkar's Expertise
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Embrace Oblivion
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
11%synergy
Reanimate
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
-8%synergy
Healing Technique
10%inclusion16 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Exsanguinate
10%inclusion16 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Bridgeworks Battle
10%inclusion11 decks111 decks
5%synergy
Scale the Heights
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
9%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Urborg Repossession
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
7%synergy
Harmonize
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Pest Summoning
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
8%synergy
Containment Breach
7.8%inclusion12 decks154 decks
7%synergy
Rise of the Witch-king
7.8%inclusion12 decks154 decks
-6%synergy
Gaze of Granite
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Devouring Tendrils
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
7%synergy
Yuna's Decision
7.1%inclusion1 decks14 decks
7%synergy
Victimize
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-13%synergy
Ezuri's Predation
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Damnation
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Casualties of War
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Witherbloom Command
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Unnatural Restoration
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Hunt for Specimens
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
5%synergy
In Garruk's Wake
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Deadly Tempest
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Tablet of the Guilds
34%inclusion52 decks154 decks
33%synergy
Fountain of Renewal
25%inclusion39 decks154 decks
25%synergy
Aetherflux Reservoir
20%inclusion31 decks154 decks
18%synergy
Ozolith, the Shattered Spire
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
15%synergy
Skullclamp
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
-11%synergy
The Great Henge
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Lightning Greaves
17%inclusion26 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Cosmos Elixir
14%inclusion22 decks154 decks
14%synergy
Ashnod's Altar
14%inclusion21 decks154 decks
-6%synergy
Alhammarret's Archive
14%inclusion21 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Whip of Erebos
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
8%synergy
Wurm's Tooth
12%inclusion19 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Pestilent Cauldron
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Bontu's Monument
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
-14%synergy
Sun Droplet
10%inclusion16 decks154 decks
10%synergy
The Ozolith
10%inclusion16 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Bow of Nylea
9.1%inclusion14 decks154 decks
6%synergy
The Earth Crystal
7.7%inclusion1 decks13 decks
3%synergy
Elixir of Immortality
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Demon's Horn
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Campfire
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Prism Ring
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Tithing Blade
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Staff of the Wild Magus
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Basilisk Collar
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Enchantments
Moldervine Reclamation
37%inclusion57 decks154 decks
13%synergy
Blight Mound
29%inclusion45 decks154 decks
27%synergy
Trudge Garden
29%inclusion45 decks154 decks
28%synergy
Phyrexian Arena
27%inclusion42 decks154 decks
13%synergy
Sanguine Bond
25%inclusion38 decks154 decks
21%synergy
Druid Class
23%inclusion35 decks154 decks
21%synergy
Bastion of Remembrance
21%inclusion33 decks154 decks
8%synergy
Retreat to Kazandu
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
16%synergy
Branching Evolution
18%inclusion27 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Revenge of Ravens
17%inclusion26 decks154 decks
15%synergy
Vampiric Rites
15%inclusion23 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Sylvan Library
15%inclusion23 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Black Market Connections
14%inclusion21 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Greed
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
11%synergy
Exquisite Blood
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
10%synergy
Loading Zone
13%inclusion1 decks8 decks
11%synergy
Lifegift
12%inclusion19 decks154 decks
12%synergy
Terrasymbiosis
11%inclusion1 decks9 decks
6%synergy
Hollowmurk Siege
10%inclusion2 decks20 decks
5%synergy
Retreat to Hagra
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Primeval Bounty
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
9%synergy
Tribute to the World Tree
9.1%inclusion14 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Leyline of Vitality
9.1%inclusion14 decks154 decks
9%synergy
Sothera, the Supervoid
9.1%inclusion1 decks11 decks
8%synergy
The Meathook Massacre
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Guardian Project
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Doubling Season
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-10%synergy
Binding the Old Gods
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-3%synergy
Glorious Sunrise
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Wild Growth
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-3%synergy
Phyrexian Reclamation
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Unnatural Growth
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Sanctum of Stone Fangs
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Colossal Majesty
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Bloodchief Ascension
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Planeswalkers
Vraska, Golgari Queen
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Utility Lands
Sapseep Forest
46%inclusion71 decks154 decks
44%synergy
Bojuka Bog
33%inclusion51 decks154 decks
-7%synergy
High Market
29%inclusion45 decks154 decks
20%synergy
Rogue's Passage
22%inclusion34 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Yavimaya, Cradle of Growth
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
-9%synergy
Reliquary Tower
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Restless Cottage
17%inclusion26 decks154 decks
8%synergy
The Shire
12%inclusion19 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Castle Locthwain
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
8%synergy
Karn's Bastion
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Gingerbread Cabin
11%inclusion17 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Boseiju, Who Endures
10%inclusion16 decks154 decks
-7%synergy
Witch's Clinic
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
7%synergy
Grim Backwoods
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Temple of the False God
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Mosswort Bridge
7.1%inclusion11 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Phyrexian Tower
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
-9%synergy
Seraph Sanctuary
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Kishla Village
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
3%synergy
Great Arashin City
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
4%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Sol Ring
73%inclusion113 decks154 decks
-7%synergy
Pristine Talisman
61%inclusion94 decks154 decks
59%synergy
Arcane Signet
53%inclusion81 decks154 decks
-10%synergy
Golgari Signet
26%inclusion40 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Talisman of Resilience
26%inclusion40 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Paradise Plume
12%inclusion18 decks154 decks
11%synergy
Commander's Sphere
6.5%inclusion10 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Herd Heirloom
5.0%inclusion1 decks20 decks
3%synergy
Lands
Forest
97%inclusion150 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Swamp
95%inclusion146 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Command Tower
81%inclusion125 decks154 decks
-4%synergy
Jungle Hollow
64%inclusion99 decks154 decks
40%synergy
Woodland Cemetery
58%inclusion89 decks154 decks
-3%synergy
Llanowar Wastes
56%inclusion86 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Golgari Rot Farm
45%inclusion69 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Tainted Wood
44%inclusion67 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Necroblossom Snarl
41%inclusion63 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Temple of Malady
36%inclusion56 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Overgrown Tomb
34%inclusion53 decks154 decks
-10%synergy
Undergrowth Stadium
34%inclusion52 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Exotic Orchard
29%inclusion44 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Revitalizing Repast
28%inclusion31 decks111 decks
8%synergy
Riveteers Overlook
28%inclusion43 decks154 decks
23%synergy
Deathcap Glade
24%inclusion37 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Twilight Mire
23%inclusion36 decks154 decks
-12%synergy
Disciple of Freyalise
22%inclusion25 decks112 decks
14%synergy
Evolving Wilds
22%inclusion34 decks154 decks
-6%synergy
Verdant Catacombs
19%inclusion30 decks154 decks
-10%synergy
Viridescent Bog
18%inclusion25 decks136 decks
-2%synergy
Myriad Landscape
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
1%synergy
Darkbore Pathway
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Nurturing Peatland
18%inclusion28 decks154 decks
5%synergy
Terramorphic Expanse
16%inclusion25 decks154 decks
-5%synergy
Witherbloom Campus
16%inclusion25 decks154 decks
13%synergy
Haunted Mire
16%inclusion24 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Woodland Chasm
14%inclusion22 decks154 decks
6%synergy
Path of Ancestry
14%inclusion21 decks154 decks
-9%synergy
Blooming Marsh
13%inclusion20 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Underground Mortuary
13%inclusion18 decks143 decks
-8%synergy
Fell the Profane
13%inclusion14 decks112 decks
4%synergy
Malakir Rebirth
12%inclusion19 decks154 decks
2%synergy
Wastewood Verge
11%inclusion3 decks27 decks
-5%synergy
Bridgeworks Battle
10%inclusion11 decks111 decks
5%synergy
Bala Ged Recovery
10%inclusion15 decks154 decks
-2%synergy
Fabled Passage
9.1%inclusion14 decks154 decks
-4%synergy
Blighted Woodland
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
3%synergy
Golgari Guildgate
8.4%inclusion13 decks154 decks
-1%synergy
Darkmoss Bridge
5.8%inclusion9 decks154 decks
-4%synergy
Brokers Hideout
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
4%synergy
Snow-Covered Swamp
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
0%synergy
Study Hall
5.2%inclusion8 decks154 decks
5%synergy