T O P

  • By -

QQninja

I would swap out Azlask, the Swelling Scourge. I always feel like the alt commander feels out of place in a pre-con. Their gameplan is intentionally different than the main commander to spice up the deck when you’re bored. But I feel like it just a wasted slot because the rest of the deck is not built around it.


ChatHurlant

Ive been hemming and hawwing about removing Azlask but I agree. His ult is cool but its not like I'm making enough spawn tokens to justify his last ability.


SanityIsOptional

He deserves his own deck. Many precons have too many themes, and cutting one to focus on the rest is a good way to make space for other cards.


Durzio

I made [Azlask](https://manabox.app/decks/wO9FHDWXRCeKkzxA_NZuXw) recently, I'd love a critique if anyone sees something I'm missing :)


VonR3sh

Yours looks similar to mine, but I had Otharri and no Broodscale


SanityIsOptional

Otharri is just ridiculous when you can put him out onto a field while already having a bunch of counters.


Durzio

I prefer having [[Meren of clan nel toth]], [[Ezuri claw of progress]], and [[Minthara, merciless soul]] as they give me extra experience counters for things I was already doing. [[Otharri]] is a great card, and does care about experience counters, but other than that his effect is very unrelated to what the main focus of my version of [[Azlask]] is doing.


MTGCardFetcher

##### ###### #### [Meren of clan nel toth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/4/34d627b3-a6d0-4f5f-b7c2-351a07318966.jpg?1689999151) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Meren%20of%20clan%20nel%20toth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/346/meren-of-clan-nel-toth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/34d627b3-a6d0-4f5f-b7c2-351a07318966?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Ezuri claw of progress](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/b/6bf721b0-2b5a-4085-b50c-89cbe7420673.jpg?1673148596) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ezuri%2C%20Claw%20of%20Progress) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/211/ezuri-claw-of-progress?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6bf721b0-2b5a-4085-b50c-89cbe7420673?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Minthara, merciless soul](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/c/0c9e944b-98fa-4aea-825d-b8b8a9d7ed47.jpg?1674137607) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Minthara%2C%20merciless%20soul) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/286/minthara-merciless-soul?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0c9e944b-98fa-4aea-825d-b8b8a9d7ed47?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Otharri](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/0/80c72839-0fa6-4b5f-83b7-6553ebf09bef.jpg?1698607533) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=otharri%2C%20suns%27%20glory) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/onc/3/otharri-suns-glory?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/80c72839-0fa6-4b5f-83b7-6553ebf09bef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Azlask](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/e/ced9db11-ba95-4b09-89b6-0b49ffb1fa82.jpg?1717644364) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=azlask%2C%20the%20swelling%20scourge) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m3c/5/azlask-the-swelling-scourge?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ced9db11-ba95-4b09-89b6-0b49ffb1fa82?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/lajevth) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


SanityIsOptional

I view him as an additional win condition that is self-sufficient if Azlask has been shut down. Plus he does synergize with Azlask pumping your whole board.


VonR3sh

I included those as well, just tried to go more into experience counters vs +1 counters


Durzio

Basking Broodscale is a ham sandwich, honestly. You should consider it and [[blade of the bloodchief]], along with any token or counter doubling effect.


MTGCardFetcher

[blade of the bloodchief](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/4/34e7bebf-1844-476c-a947-978393908fa2.jpg?1698988506) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=blade%20of%20the%20bloodchief) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/300/blade-of-the-bloodchief?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/34e7bebf-1844-476c-a947-978393908fa2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


Sensual_Bacon

[[Chromatic Orrery]] so you can use all the colorless for Azlask ability.


MTGCardFetcher

[Chromatic Orrery](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/a/3af78d76-ad5c-44ba-880d-b834bcde5398.jpg?1594737470) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Chromatic%20Orrery) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/228/chromatic-orrery?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3af78d76-ad5c-44ba-880d-b834bcde5398?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


ChatHurlant

I made the precon into a pure Colorless deck since I had a large amount of Eldrazi prior to the release. I'm still using Ulalek as the commander since he's... insane lol, but maybe I'll consider building a devoid EDH deck.


MoeFuka

Would it be better to build Azlask using cards from the main set rather than the precon them?


ChatHurlant

The precon has a ton of creatures with Devoid that do token generation, i just didnt use them lol


Gooey_Goon

I am gonna make a separate deck focused on him tbh looking at the precon list if I wanted to build around him I would have to make so many changes so it is probably better to just take him out and build around him


Timely-Helicopter244

The alt commander is specifically disjointed from the main in most cases. Gives the opportunity to build different decks from them. I built a deck each for [[Zhulodok]] and [[Omarthis]]. A lot of similar cards, but very different play styles. The interesting thing is how mamy cards in the deck are clearly met for one of the commanders but not the other.


MoeFuka

The weirdest one I found is the dog commander in the bant deck from Murders at Karlovy Manor. They are the alt commander but no other cards in the whole deck synergize with dogs and there are no dog cards


MTGCardFetcher

[Zhulodok](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/0/a015461d-4214-4feb-8b04-519c537759eb.jpg?1691500689) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zhulodok%2C%20void%20gorger) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/704/zhulodok-void-gorger?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a015461d-4214-4feb-8b04-519c537759eb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Omarthis](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/8/985e16ac-8e0f-4e2e-9b74-d6a77dddf274.jpg?1691497912) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=omarthis%2C%20ghostfire%20initiate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/708/omarthis-ghostfire-initiate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/985e16ac-8e0f-4e2e-9b74-d6a77dddf274?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


texanarob

In some precons, the alt commander fits better than others. For instance, I'm happy to keep the alt in my Creative Energy deck with around a dozen cards I'd swap out first. In others, the alt commander is a wasted slot. Slivers got a card that specifically doesn't work in a Slivers deck, nor in any other deck I can imagine building.


Ozzy-

Interesting because I ended up cutting the alt when I built [[Satya]] During play testing I found that it wasn't bad but since it's the same casting cost as Satya, I didn't have many opportunities to cast her that I wouldn't just rather cast the commander, who synergizes with the deck way better


texanarob

The alt would get cut if you were properly building the deck to be competitive, but there's enough synergy between a commander that generates tokens and an alt that populates them to keep it from being amongst the first dozen cuts.


Ozzy-

Yeah fair, it was one of my last cuts. After I already cut a lot of the cards that synergizes with the alt


MTGCardFetcher

[Satya, Aetherflux Genius](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/b/3b964bbe-54cc-425c-9cc6-c877f82af7ba.jpg?1717644351) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Satya%2C%20Aetherflux%20Genius) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m3c/3/satya-aetherflux-genius?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3b964bbe-54cc-425c-9cc6-c877f82af7ba?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


w1nkyfr0wn

I’d probably cut Elder Deep-Fiend. Tapping four permanents isn’t huge value in commander.


mattblunts23

But instant speed eldrazi with emerge reduction can lead to some cool plays with ulalek


Rezimoore

Plus you can double the tap 4 right?


Zephyr_______

Yup, doubles all spells and abilities on the stack, so you get 2 squids and 8 taps


mattblunts23

Yes and as the other guy stated it copies all spells and abilities so you can even just cast the fiend to double spells such as draw and removal just to get extra value from whatever else your playing regardless of taking advantage of the tapping


Durzio

Ulalek also copies his own trigger; since it's resolv*ing* but not resolv*ed* it sees itself on the stack and makes a copy of everything, including that. God help you if you have [[Echoes of Eternity]] too. So really, you can pay the 2C as many times as you can afford to keep copying. **EDIT**: Disregard. Apparently, I can't read. [[Ulalek, Fused atrocity]] says, "**OTHER** activated and triggered abilities you control." Emphasis mine. So no, it does not copy it's own ability.


Ap_Sona_Bot

I'm almost certain Ulalek only copies itself if you have an Echoes. When a trigger begins resolving its removed from the stack


mattblunts23

I’m not sure if this is what he originally meant but you can flash in fiend in response to ulalek triggering on another eldrazi and go infinite that way


Durzio

**EDIT**: I missed the word "other" in Ulalek's text. I was wrong. That isn't what I originally meant, and perhaps I'm confused. As I understand it, resolving a spell or ability follows the rules under 608.2 You follow subsection A first, then B, then the rest of the subsections (C-K, at time of writing) as required in no particular order, then Subsections M and N last. Subsection H is about what the effect "sees" and when: >608.2h- If an effect requires information from the game (such as the number of creatures on the battlefield), the answer is determined only once, when the effect is applied. If the effect requires information from a specific object, including the source of the ability itself, the effect uses the current information of that object if it’s in the public zone it was expected to be in; if it’s no longer in that zone, or if the effect has moved it from a public zone to a hidden zone, the effect uses the object’s last known information. See rule 113.7a. If an ability states that an object does something, it’s the object as it exists—or as it most recently existed—that does it, not the ability. So when Ulalek's ability goes onto the stack, the spells and abilities to be copied by this ability are recorded. This should include everything on the stack, including Ulalek's ability as the topmost object. Then, in subsection M, we see when it leaves the stack: >608.2m- As the final part of an instant or sorcery spell’s resolution, the spell is put into its owner’s graveyard. As the final part of an ability’s resolution, the ability is removed from the stack and ceases to exist. So it records the stack after it's added to it, and it doesn't leave the stack until it finishes resolving (Aka finishes copying the spells and abilities you control on the stack). **QUICK EDIT**: Disregard. Apparently, I can't read. [[Ulalek, Fused atrocity]] says, "**OTHER** activated and triggered abilities you control." Emphasis mine. I suppose it would work if it didn't include the word 'other'. Whoops.


MTGCardFetcher

[Ulalek, Fused atrocity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/d/fdad1b0e-d3cc-4d76-ae7e-fee12558cf2c.jpg?1717644357) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ulalek%2C%20Fused%20atrocity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m3c/4/ulalek-fused-atrocity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fdad1b0e-d3cc-4d76-ae7e-fee12558cf2c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


SaucyFaucet

Sorry bub he don’t. The word “other” is mighty here


Timintheice

If you have only one Ulalek trigger on the stack, sure.  If you play an eldrazi, then play an eldrazi spell at instant speed, you will have more than one Ulalek trigger on the stack. If you pay for one it will copy all triggers on the stack, including the first Ulalek trigger. Your limit here is how many times you can pay 2. 


MTGCardFetcher

[Echoes of Eternity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/2/b28b9bee-d726-407b-9e5b-2231384df81e.jpg?1717011223) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Echoes%20of%20Eternity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh3/4/echoes-of-eternity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b28b9bee-d726-407b-9e5b-2231384df81e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


kaizlende

I'm never cutting that, I won a game cuz of it and now I have a soft spot for it lol


syfo89

That card is amazing! Add in [[Echoes of Eternity]] and have Ulalek on the field and it's a masterclass of tapping opponents permanents and ending with total of 4 5/6 creatures. My vote is take out another creature with Annhilator, no one likes Annihilator but I make exceptions for the new Ulamog.


MTGCardFetcher

[Echoes of Eternity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/2/b28b9bee-d726-407b-9e5b-2231384df81e.jpg?1717011223) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Echoes%20of%20Eternity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh3/4/echoes-of-eternity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b28b9bee-d726-407b-9e5b-2231384df81e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


TarnishedShark

Hmm yeah this shoulnt fuck up my mana curve too bad ty


Gridde

I'd hazard a warning that Deep Fiend can win games. Tapping 4 blockers at instant speed to ensure you get a lethal swing (something you'll probably aiming to do a lot in an Eldrazi deck) is pretty good already, and that being on a body (whose cost can be hugely reduced) you can double with your commander makes it even better. IMO the alt commander and the eldrazi that swaps p/t are your first cuts. They don't really help with your gameplan.


Calophon

The command zone has a good upgrade guide for the deck and they listed 10 cards to cut. For the most part they made a lot of sense. There are some non-synergies you can cut out for a fatty. I did that for the new and old Kozilek


SoftServeBaguette

the answer is to always cut a basic land... you wont get mana screwed, you just gotta believe in the heart of the cards.


TarnishedShark

Ive ruined my mana curve too many times with taking out Basics


SoftServeBaguette

there's a fairly common joke about cutting basic lands when you cant figure out what else to get rid of, and that it never works out in the end.


Calophon

Not only that but the deck only has a single basic of each type…which matters for making the most of things like basiclandcycling your ash barrens. Don’t cut a basic!


SoftServeBaguette

i had to google the decklist to make sure this deck had basics before commenting.


MageKorith

So the solution is add more basics, and believe in the heart of the cards!


dougms

https://preview.redd.it/76qd93zkvy8d1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a9393493b9e90f81b0a9b94604be2d3e68d0d2b Shamelessly stolen from u/NotACleverMan_


MaximumSeats

Everyone's got the friend who gets mana screwed one game then reflexively adds like 6 lands out of annoyance.


Background_Desk_3001

This comment reminded me to add more lands to my deck, thank you


panda_8bit

\[\[Ancient Stirrings\]\] or \[\[Skittering Invasion\]\]


MTGCardFetcher

[Ancient Stirrings](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/2/726039a0-6c0d-48ef-9b42-99de5d4e41d2.jpg?1599706855) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ancient%20Stirrings) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/151/ancient-stirrings?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/726039a0-6c0d-48ef-9b42-99de5d4e41d2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Skittering Invasion](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/7/270f0e5b-2c46-4816-a195-cfce16570bde.jpg?1562702128) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Skittering%20Invasion) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/roe/10/skittering-invasion?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/270f0e5b-2c46-4816-a195-cfce16570bde?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call


SkIt3l

Mutated cultist is fun for a dark depths combo wombo but besides that it is kind of meh in the deck


Gunpla00

If you want. There are plenty of decks people have made on edhrec.com. That should give you plenty of ideas


havokinthesnow

If you haven't cut anything else yet the black discard spell is like totally out of place and is an easy first cut. The other eldrazis with dies triggers are also pretty easy to take out because it's hard to get your dudes to actually die if you're not going the spawn and scion route.


KarnSilverArchon

Azlask isn’t good if your strategy isn’t specifically Spawn/Scion super spam, and he also just isn’t good even then if he isn’t the commander. So if you use Ulalek, take him out.


casualmagicman

Azlask. He would be great in a deck that focused on eldrazi spawns and scions


Leoparsis

You can always cut a land (:


MoraugKnower

Basic land


Zoott

Storm crow


SwineDuke

I'm so very very jealous you even got one.


Additional-Safety343

All your lands. Ask yourself, what will strike more fear in your opponents, a 12/12 or a measly land? That’s right, monsters > lands


TrouserBorn

Made a Eldrazi deck out of this one and my other eldrazi deck. Take the alt commander and the angelic Aberration, out both are good but not good enough to be a deck that don't capatilize on making a large amount of scions. Which there are cards that allow for it and do a good job but you will probably be using the scions for their mana instead as actual win cons or fighters.


nolscape

cut a land


DHunt88

Wastescape Battlemage was my first cut


Sleepy_Cake

Definitely a basic waste


Temporary_Alfalfa_60

just dont play him this card is toxic as fuck


Successful_Ear_6626

Nothing. Because that can be used against your opponents in a malicious way, lol


mobeh_

sol ring


ihp-undeleted

Don't. Just don't. Real talk, if you cast Ulamog at my LGS, the rest of the pod is going to another table.


Eerie_Lich

Your dignity...


apophis457

nothing, ulamog the defiler is miserable to play against


Background_Desk_3001

I mean he’s a wincon


apophis457

There are plenty of cards that are wincons that people don’t play because they’re miserable to play against. Besides, most ulalek decks are playing 4+ titans, I think the deck has enough wincons without one this degenerate If you cast this ulamog, the entire table with gang up on you and you deserve it. I for one will focus down any eldrazi deck I know to be playing it and will do so until that player is out. I love ulamog, I love eldrazi, fuck this card.


International_Rise_4

For the sake of your table and your friends you play edh with don’t add uldamog the defiler


Pokesers

It's really not that bad. Probably be removed before it swings anyway. Exiling library is meaningless unless you were running a load of tutors. If you were running tutors though you would have your important cards way earlier than ulamog comes down.


ArgentKaiser

Spicy take: He isn’t good, don’t use him. Unless you’re intentionally playing jank then carry on. If you’re trying to be competitive, he is literally run in 0 decks.


Snake57

If you are trying to be competitive you are not playing the Eldrazi precon.


ArgentKaiser

If I’m trying to be competitive I’m not playing EDH period, the only format more expensive is vintage. EDH’s only good quality is that it props up the value of otherwise bad cards, in every other aspect it’s a format that has been ruined by WotC trying to cram more and more product down its players throats. It should have remained a fan format like when it began.


OckhamsFolly

Man, if that’s what you believe, why even make the first comment? Seems totally random.


ArgentKaiser

*shrugs* gunna be honest not in the best head space right now and while trying to distract myself this was the first thing to catch my attention. I apologize for what I can only describe as antagonism, I’m normally fairly chill, however I am here purely to distract myself from doing something stupid with real world consequences after a series of unfortunate events (I had nothing to do with just to be clear, I don’t even live in the same state) that culminated in the needless death of a family member. Again I am sorry, I just really needed the distraction if ever so brief and random.


Snake57

I think we‘ve all been in a spot where life can feel overwhelmingly negative.  For what it‘s worth coming from a random internet stranger… I‘m sorry that you are having a hard time and genuinely hope that things are going to get better soon. 


Iwearajacket

He’s bad in competitive but I’d argue he is borderline broken in casual. And since OP is using the eldrazi precon, I’d wager he isn’t playing competitive.