best goad commanders

3 min read 21-12-2024

Magic: The Gathering's Goad mechanic offers a unique and often brutal way to play the game. Instead of directly attacking your opponent, you force your creatures to attack other players, including your allies! This creates chaotic and unpredictable board states, making Goad commanders a thrilling choice for those who enjoy a little controlled mayhem. Choosing the right commander is key to maximizing this strategy. This article explores some of the best Goad commanders to build a deck around.

Understanding the Goad Mechanic

Before diving into specific commanders, let's understand what Goad does. When a creature has Goad, at the beginning of its controller's upkeep, each opponent (including you, if you control the creature!) chooses whether to have that creature attack them. This is a powerful effect; it can quickly overwhelm opponents or even create unexpected alliances. However, successfully leveraging Goad requires careful planning and a robust strategy to mitigate its risks.

Top Goad Commanders for Different Play Styles

Several commanders excel at leveraging the Goad mechanic. The best one for you depends on your preferred playstyle and desired level of chaos.

1. Krenko, Mob Boss (Budget-Friendly Aggro)

Why he's great: Krenko, Mob Boss, is a fantastic budget-friendly option. He generates a massive Goblin army quickly, and you can use Goad to direct the Goblin horde at your opponents. The sheer volume of attackers often overwhelms opponents before they can react.
Strengths: Easy to build, inexpensive, extremely aggressive.
Weaknesses: Susceptible to board wipes. Requires sufficient Goblin synergies in your deck to be truly effective.

2. Akiri, Line-Slinger (Flexible & Control-Oriented)

Why she's great: Akiri, Line-Slinger, allows for a more controlled approach to Goad. You can choose exactly which creature attacks each opponent each turn. This control gives you the flexibility to pick off weaker opponents first or strategically spread the damage.
Strengths: Provides more control over the chaos of Goad. Can be tailored to various strategies.
Weaknesses: Less aggressive than Krenko. Requires a more diverse and well-tuned deck.

3. Queen Marchesa (Political Gameplay)

Why she's great: Queen Marchesa allows for a more political approach to Goad. You can use Goad to force attacks, then leverage the political landscape to your advantage, forging temporary alliances and betraying your temporary allies when the time is right.
Strengths: Promotes strategic alliances and betrayals. High skill ceiling.
Weaknesses: Highly dependent on other players' actions and intentions. Requires careful planning and adaptation.

4. Rielle, the Everwise (Goad and Card Advantage)

Why she's great: Rielle, the Everwise offers a unique combination of Goad and card advantage. By using Goad, you generate card draw, powering the engine of your deck. This allows you to generate more pressure and sustain your attack.
Strengths: Strong card advantage engine. Consistent pressure.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counterspells. Requires a critical mass of cards to be most effective.

Building Your Goad Deck

Regardless of your chosen commander, building a successful Goad deck requires careful consideration. Here are some key considerations:

Creature Selection: Choose creatures with high power and toughness to maximize damage output.
Goad Synergy: Incorporate cards that synergize with Goad, such as those that provide additional benefits when creatures attack.
Protection: Include cards that protect your commander and key creatures from removal.
Ramp: Access to mana acceleration is crucial to deploy your creatures swiftly.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos!

Goad commanders present a unique and rewarding challenge in Magic: The Gathering. By carefully selecting your commander and building a synergistic deck, you can unleash controlled chaos and dominate the battlefield. Experiment with different commanders and strategies to find the best fit for your playstyle. Remember, the key is to embrace the unpredictable nature of Goad and use it to your advantage. So, gather your forces, choose your commander, and get ready to Goad your opponents into submission!