Vivi Ornitier (Commander) - Expensive Control

Alex Wicker
May 28, 2026
Why Aren’t Commanders Game Changers?
This week's Commander Philosophy digs into kill-on-sight commanders, the Game Changer list, and why drawing all the attention isn't the same as being the strongest
Deck Filters
Cardsphere
Archidekt
Commander Spellbook
Moxfield
Scryfall
MTGStocks
Wisdom of Ages
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
20%synergy
Diary of Dreams
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
23%synergy
Mana Sculpt
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
17%synergy
Flashback
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
8%synergy
Harmonized Trio
25%inclusion1 decks4 decks
21%synergy
High Synergy Cards
Timetwister
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
98%synergy
Pact of Negation
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
87%synergy
Tandem Lookout
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
87%synergy
Ophidian Eye
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
82%synergy
Mental Misstep
88%inclusion23 decks26 decks
80%synergy
Curiosity
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
76%synergy
Deflecting Swat
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
76%synergy
Gitaxian Probe
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
75%synergy
Otawara, Soaring City
92%inclusion24 decks26 decks
74%synergy
Wheel of Fortune
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
73%synergy
Top Cards
An Offer You Can't Refuse
88%inclusion23 decks26 decks
52%synergy
Mystic Remora
88%inclusion23 decks26 decks
69%synergy
Flusterstorm
85%inclusion22 decks26 decks
72%synergy
Brain Freeze
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
71%synergy
Swan Song
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
59%synergy
Gamble
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
60%synergy
Force of Negation
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
67%synergy
Hullbreaker Horror
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
70%synergy
Birgi, God of Storytelling
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
62%synergy
Rite of Flame
73%inclusion19 decks26 decks
63%synergy
Game Changers
Rhystic Study
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
76%synergy
Force of Will
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
88%synergy
Mox Diamond
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
93%synergy
Jeska's Will
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
67%synergy
Fierce Guardianship
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
75%synergy
Chrome Mox
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
87%synergy
Ancient Tomb
92%inclusion24 decks26 decks
82%synergy
Mystical Tutor
92%inclusion24 decks26 decks
71%synergy
Underworld Breach
88%inclusion23 decks26 decks
75%synergy
The One Ring
85%inclusion22 decks26 decks
76%synergy
Creatures
Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
65%inclusion17 decks26 decks
57%synergy
Simian Spirit Guide
62%inclusion16 decks26 decks
52%synergy
Quicksilver Elemental
62%inclusion16 decks26 decks
58%synergy
Harmonic Prodigy
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
40%synergy
Pinnacle Monk
54%inclusion14 decks26 decks
41%synergy
Valley Floodcaller
50%inclusion13 decks26 decks
42%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, Visionary
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
35%synergy
Hexing Squelcher
44%inclusion4 decks9 decks
31%synergy
Dragon's Rage Channeler
38%inclusion10 decks26 decks
34%synergy
Spellskite
38%inclusion10 decks26 decks
34%synergy
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
35%inclusion9 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Spellseeker
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
26%synergy
Imperial Recruiter
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
21%synergy
Storm-Kiln Artist
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
-13%synergy
Wan Shi Tong, Librarian
20%inclusion2 decks10 decks
17%synergy
Consecrated Sphinx
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
16%synergy
Faerie Mastermind
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Ral, Monsoon Mage
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Displacer Kitten
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Drift of Phantasms
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Archmage Emeritus
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-24%synergy
Dualcaster Mage
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
4%synergy
Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Mockingbird
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Guttersnipe
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-14%synergy
The Unagi of Kyoshi Island
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
9%synergy
Electro, Assaulting Battery
8.3%inclusion1 decks12 decks
-1%synergy
Kitsa, Otterball Elite
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
0%synergy
Marvin, Murderous Mimic
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Phyrexian Metamorph
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
2%synergy
Wandering Archaic
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Veyran, Voice of Duality
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
-14%synergy
Instants
Sink into Stupor
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
59%synergy
Snap
73%inclusion19 decks26 decks
49%synergy
Mindbreak Trap
69%inclusion18 decks26 decks
63%synergy
Red Elemental Blast
69%inclusion18 decks26 decks
62%synergy
Pyroblast
69%inclusion18 decks26 decks
62%synergy
Lightning Bolt
65%inclusion17 decks26 decks
36%synergy
Final Fortune
65%inclusion17 decks26 decks
62%synergy
Cyclonic Rift
65%inclusion17 decks26 decks
41%synergy
Brainstorm
62%inclusion16 decks26 decks
19%synergy
Frantic Search
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
16%synergy
Borne Upon a Wind
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
50%synergy
Dramatic Reversal
54%inclusion14 decks26 decks
44%synergy
Chain of Vapor
50%inclusion13 decks26 decks
45%synergy
Dizzy Spell
50%inclusion13 decks26 decks
47%synergy
Into the Flood Maw
50%inclusion13 decks26 decks
42%synergy
Gut Shot
50%inclusion13 decks26 decks
41%synergy
Twisted Image
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
44%synergy
Pyretic Ritual
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
35%synergy
Misdirection
42%inclusion11 decks26 decks
39%synergy
Desperate Ritual
38%inclusion10 decks26 decks
29%synergy
Mana Drain
38%inclusion10 decks26 decks
22%synergy
Mogg Salvage
35%inclusion9 decks26 decks
33%synergy
Intuition
35%inclusion9 decks26 decks
32%synergy
Gifts Ungiven
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
28%synergy
Retraction Helix
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
26%synergy
Banishing Knack
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
26%synergy
Redirect Lightning
21%inclusion3 decks14 decks
15%synergy
Pongify
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
-8%synergy
Seething Song
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
-1%synergy
Blazing Shoal
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
19%synergy
Secret Identity
17%inclusion2 decks12 decks
16%synergy
Muddle the Mixture
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
4%synergy
Monstrous Rage
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Slip Out the Back
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Submerge
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
13%synergy
Commandeer
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
13%synergy
Counterspell
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
-36%synergy
Pyrokinesis
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Snapback
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Valakut Awakening
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Magic Damper
13%inclusion3 decks23 decks
7%synergy
Consider
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-11%synergy
Dispel
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Daze
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Opt
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-24%synergy
Fire Magic
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
7%synergy
The Last Agni Kai
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
9%synergy
Opera Love Song
8.7%inclusion2 decks23 decks
6%synergy
Trickbind
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Filter Out
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Sorceries
Strike It Rich
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
45%synergy
Ponder
54%inclusion14 decks26 decks
16%synergy
Windfall
54%inclusion14 decks26 decks
29%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
38%synergy
Wild Ride
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
42%synergy
Past in Flames
42%inclusion11 decks26 decks
31%synergy
Preordain
38%inclusion10 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Light Up the Stage
35%inclusion9 decks26 decks
31%synergy
Faithless Looting
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
-1%synergy
Stock Up
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
15%synergy
Will of the Jeskai
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
17%synergy
Savor the Moment
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
22%synergy
Grapeshot
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
3%synergy
Solve the Equation
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Sundering Eruption
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Vandalblast
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-14%synergy
Recall
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
11%synergy
Cave-In
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
11%synergy
Merchant Scroll
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Molten Duplication
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Mind's Desire
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Haze of Rage
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Boomerang Basics
10%inclusion1 decks10 decks
8%synergy
Crackle with Power
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
-1%synergy
Displacement Wave
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Last Chance
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Bonus Round
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
4%synergy
Temporal Manipulation
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Shatterskull Smashing
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
3%synergy
Blasphemous Act
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
-31%synergy
Time Warp
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
4%synergy
Ancestral Anger
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Utility Artifacts
Mishra's Bauble
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
53%synergy
Isochron Scepter
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
39%synergy
Urza's Bauble
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
25%synergy
Ruby Medallion
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Sensei's Divining Top
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Defense Grid
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Swiftfoot Boots
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
-13%synergy
Tormod's Crypt
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Vexing Bauble
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Lightning Greaves
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-13%synergy
The Ozolith
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Grafdigger's Cage
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Sapphire Medallion
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
-1%synergy
Enchantments
Virtue of Courage
35%inclusion9 decks26 decks
33%synergy
Sigil of Sleep
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
17%synergy
Mirrormade
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Amphibian Downpour
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Artist's Talent
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
4%synergy
Clout of the Dominus
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Planeswalkers
Narset, Parter of Veils
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Utility Lands
Mistrise Village
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
61%synergy
Urza's Saga
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
22%synergy
Cephalid Coliseum
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
25%synergy
Minamo, School at Water's Edge
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
19%synergy
Emergence Zone
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
16%synergy
City of Traitors
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
17%synergy
Seat of the Synod
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Reliquary Tower
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
-34%synergy
Great Furnace
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
5%synergy
Mystic Sanctuary
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-15%synergy
Riptide Laboratory
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
2%synergy
Sandstone Needle
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Saprazzan Skerry
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Multiversal Passage
6.3%inclusion1 decks16 decks
5%synergy
Mana Artifacts
Lotus Petal
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
86%synergy
Sol Ring
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Arcane Signet
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
14%synergy
Mox Amber
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
87%synergy
Mox Opal
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
88%synergy
Mana Vault
85%inclusion22 decks26 decks
76%synergy
Lion's Eye Diamond
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
76%synergy
Talisman of Creativity
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
23%synergy
Fellwar Stone
54%inclusion14 decks26 decks
22%synergy
Springleaf Drum
38%inclusion10 decks26 decks
34%synergy
Jeweled Amulet
35%inclusion9 decks26 decks
32%synergy
Grim Monolith
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
28%synergy
Izzet Signet
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
-33%synergy
Paradise Mantle
23%inclusion6 decks26 decks
21%synergy
Everflowing Chalice
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Lands
Command Tower
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
13%synergy
Steam Vents
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
51%synergy
Volcanic Island
100%inclusion26 decks26 decks
85%synergy
Scalding Tarn
96%inclusion25 decks26 decks
65%synergy
Training Center
92%inclusion24 decks26 decks
50%synergy
Island
88%inclusion23 decks26 decks
-9%synergy
Mountain
85%inclusion22 decks26 decks
-13%synergy
Mana Confluence
85%inclusion22 decks26 decks
77%synergy
Fiery Islet
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
55%synergy
Misty Rainforest
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
71%synergy
Thundering Falls
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
59%synergy
Polluted Delta
81%inclusion21 decks26 decks
70%synergy
Sink into Stupor
77%inclusion20 decks26 decks
59%synergy
Gemstone Caverns
73%inclusion19 decks26 decks
66%synergy
Arid Mesa
73%inclusion19 decks26 decks
64%synergy
Flooded Strand
73%inclusion19 decks26 decks
62%synergy
Bloodstained Mire
73%inclusion19 decks26 decks
63%synergy
Shivan Reef
69%inclusion18 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Wooded Foothills
65%inclusion17 decks26 decks
56%synergy
City of Brass
58%inclusion15 decks26 decks
50%synergy
Pinnacle Monk
54%inclusion14 decks26 decks
41%synergy
Sea Gate Restoration
46%inclusion12 decks26 decks
38%synergy
Riverpyre Verge
42%inclusion11 decks26 decks
20%synergy
Cavern of Souls
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
27%synergy
Starting Town
31%inclusion8 decks26 decks
28%synergy
Exotic Orchard
27%inclusion7 decks26 decks
-7%synergy
Sulfur Falls
19%inclusion5 decks26 decks
-47%synergy
Hydroelectric Specimen
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
8%synergy
Snow-Covered Island
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
13%synergy
Sundering Eruption
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
10%synergy
Valakut Awakening
15%inclusion4 decks26 decks
6%synergy
Stormcarved Coast
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
-31%synergy
Snow-Covered Mountain
12%inclusion3 decks26 decks
9%synergy
Prismatic Vista
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
1%synergy
Riverglide Pathway
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
-16%synergy
Tarnished Citadel
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Reflecting Pool
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
3%synergy
Shatterskull Smashing
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
3%synergy
Talon Gates of Madara
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
7%synergy
Spirebluff Canal
7.7%inclusion2 decks26 decks
-7%synergy