EDHREC: Top Commander Combos der Autoren

Commander Combos are powerful card interactions that can abruptly end the game and often spark discussions about casual vs. competitive playstyles.

EDHREC authors prefer versatile combos like Thassa's Oracle + Thought Lash or Ratadrabik of Urborg + Samwise the Stouthearted for their efficiency and flexibility.

There are numerous budget-friendly combos like "Screaming Cat" (Screams from Within + Warehouse Tabby) or "Lizard Gizzard" (Basking Broodscale), which are effective and affordable.

The Bracket System helps define the acceptance of combos based on a deck's power level, allowing two-card infinite combos in higher brackets after turn six.

Choosing the right combo depends on playstyle, budget, and the expectations of the playgroup, with resources like Commander Spellbook assisting in the search.

What are Commander Combos and why are they controversial?

Commander Combos are card interactions that work together in a way that is significantly stronger than the sum of their individual parts. This ranges from simple synergies that increase value to so-called "Infinite Combos" that generate an unlimited number of effects and can often abruptly end the game. Such combinations in the Magic: The Gathering Commander format are often the subject of heated debates, as they strongly influence expectations for gameplay.

The controversy mainly stems from the tension between the desire for "exploration and self-expression" in the Commander format and the inherent competitive nature created by efficient winning strategies like combos. While some players see combos as a necessary means to end games against three opponents with 120 life, others find them too "competitive" or "un-casual," especially if they appear early in the game and undermine the enjoyment of longer games. The Bracket System, which defines power levels for decks, was partly introduced to address these differing expectations and create a framework for the acceptance of combos.

The EDHREC Authors' Top Combos in Detail

The authors of EDHREC, who know the Commander format inside and out, have shared their favorite combos, which often shine due to their efficiency, versatility, or the ability to use them in unexpected situations.

Josh Nelson's Top Combo: Thassa's Oracle and Thought Lash

Josh Nelson favors a combo in his mono-blue deck, led by The Reality Chip, which is based on Thassa's Oracle and Thought Lash. This combination allows for an instant win by emptying the player's library.

Statistic	Value
Cost	2 Ink
Color	Blue
Strength / Willpower	1 / 3
Lore	1
Type	Character — Merfolk · Wizard
Set	`THB`

Statistic	Value
Cost	BB
Color	Black
Type	Enchantment
Set	`MMQ`

The combo works as follows: You cast Thassa's Oracle. In response to the Oracle's trigger, you activate Thought Lash and exile your entire library. When Thassa's Oracle's trigger then resolves, you win the game because you have no cards left in your library. This combo is particularly effective as it can only be stopped by specific effects like Stifle or a complete board wipe. Josh estimates that the individual pieces of the combo are also useful outside of the combination, especially in a deck that wants to manipulate the top of the library.

Brian Cain's Versatile Combo: Ratadrabik of Urborg and Samwise the Stouthearted

Brian Cain swears by a combo with Ratadrabik of Urborg that can generate infinite effects.

Statistic	Value
Cost	3B
Color	Black
Strength / Willpower	3 / 3
Type	Character — Zombie · Knight
Set	`LTR`

Statistic	Value
Cost	GW
Color	Green, White
Strength / Willpower	2 / 2
Type	Character — Halfling · Citizen
Set	`LTR`

This combo requires Ratadrabik of Urborg, a legendary creature that creates a token copy of a non-legendary creature when a legendary creature dies. Combining this with a creature that tempts the Ring when it enters or leaves the battlefield, like Samwise the Stouthearted, creates a loop. If you sacrifice Samwise, Ratadrabik creates a token copy. The token copy tempts the Ring, making it legendary again. Now the token copy of Samwise can be sacrificed, and the cycle begins anew. This generates infinite Ring temptations and, in conjunction with a sacrifice outlet like Umbral Collar Zealot (for infinite surveil), Relic of Legends (for infinite mana by tapping the token before sacrificing), or Blasting Station / Altar of Dementia, allows for an instant win. While this combo is more complex to set up, it is extremely versatile and can be converted into a win very quickly.

Alex Wicker's Mana Combo: Rings of Brighthearth, Deserted Temple, and Scorched Ruins

Alex Wicker presents a mana combo from his Kozilek, the Great Distortion list that generates infinite colorless mana.

Statistic	Value
Cost	3
Color	Colorless
Type	Artifact
Set	`LRW`

Statistic	Value
Type	Land
Set	`ODY`

Statistic	Value
Type	Land
Set	`WL`

The combo works as follows: You tap Scorched Ruins for 4 colorless mana. Then you activate Deserted Temple to untap Scorched Ruins. You pay the cost of Rings of Brighthearth to copy Deserted Temple's ability. The copy of Deserted Temple targets itself to untap Deserted Temple. This allows you to untap Scorched Ruins again with Deserted Temple. This generates infinite colorless mana, which can then be used to activate abilities or cast spells with high mana costs.

Budget-Friendly Combos for Every Wallet

Not every effective combo has to be expensive. Many powerful and game-deciding combinations consist of inexpensive cards, allowing players with smaller budgets to also use combos. The partner website Commander Spellbook has documented over 100,000 combos, including many affordable options.

"Screaming Cat" Combo: Screams from Within and Warehouse Tabby

One of the most popular budget-friendly combos is the "Screaming Cat" combo, which Josh Nelson has already described in detail.

Statistic	Value
Cost	1B
Color	Black
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Set	`SOI`

Statistic	Value
Cost	B
Color	Black
Strength / Willpower	1 / 1
Type	Character — Cat · Rogue
Set	`SNC`

This combo is entirely in black and thus suitable for any deck that plays black. Screams from Within is an Aura that is attached to a creature with 1 toughness. When the creature dies, Screams from Within returns to the battlefield as a haunt and enchants another creature with 1 toughness. Warehouse Tabby is a creature with 1 toughness that allows you to draw a card when it dies. You attach Screams from Within to Warehouse Tabby. When Warehouse Tabby dies (e.g., through a sacrifice ability), you draw a card, and Screams from Within returns and enchants a new Warehouse Tabby (or a token with 1 toughness). This creates an infinite loop of drawing cards. The price of Screams from Within has recently decreased due to a reprint, making the combo even more accessible. White cards like Heliod's Pilgrim or Open the Armory can help find the combo pieces.

"Lizard Gizzard" Combo: Basking Broodscale and a Sacrifice Outlet

The "Lizard Gizzard" combo is another inexpensive and effective option that can generate infinite colorless mana and an infinitely large creature.

Statistic	Value
Cost	3G
Color	Green
Strength / Willpower	2 / 2
Type	Character — Lizard · Drone
Set	`OGW`

This combo is found in the Selesnya color pair (Green/White). Basking Broodscale is a creature that creates an Eldrazi Scion token when it dies. Eldrazi Scion tokens can be sacrificed to generate one colorless mana. If you combine Basking Broodscale with a sacrifice outlet (e.g., a free sacrifice outlet like Ashnod's Altar or Phyrexian Altar), you can sacrifice Basking Broodscale, create a Scion token, sacrifice that Scion token to get mana, and then return Basking Broodscale to play via a recursion loop (e.g., a way to return creatures from the graveyard). This can lead to infinite colorless mana and an infinitely large Basking Broodscale that can end the game. Creature tutors in Selesnya can quickly find the pieces.

"Riders on the Storm" Combo: Koll, the Forgemaster

While Koll, the Forgemaster itself is not a two-card infinite combo, it offers incredible combo possibilities in the Boros color pair (Red/White) by enabling the sacrificing and returning of artifact creatures or tokens.

Statistic	Value
Cost	RW
Color	Red, White
Strength / Willpower	2 / 2
Type	Character — Dwarf · Artificer
Set	`KHM`

Koll's ability to return a creature to your hand when another non-token creature with 1 power dies can lead to diverse combos in conjunction with token generators and sacrifice outlets. For example, with Koll and a creature that creates a token when it dies or enters the battlefield, as well as a sacrifice outlet, you can generate infinite tokens, damage, or other effects. This is an example of how a Commander itself can be the linchpin for numerous combos, even if they require more than two cards. For more ideas on Boros combos, visit our Boros Commander Deck Ideas.

Cosmic Cube: Unique Combo Possibilities

The Cosmic Cube is an artifact from Marvel Super Heroes that presents a unique challenge for combo builders. It allows you to cast spells for free from the top of your library as long as an attacking creature has power greater than or equal to the spell's mana cost. While it is difficult to find an infinite combo with Cosmic Cube with fewer than four cards, it encourages the discovery of unusual cards and interactions.

Statistic	Value
Cost	2
Color	Colorless
Type	Artifact
Set	`MSH`

Since Cosmic Cube triggers on an attack, there are essentially two ways to go infinite with it: extra turns or extra combat phases. The goal is to overcome the restrictions of cards that grant extra turns or combat phases using the Cosmic Cube.

Aurelia, the Warleader and Cosmic Cube

Aurelia, the Warleader is a classic card for extra combat phases.

Statistic	Value
Cost	2RRWW
Color	Red, White
Strength / Willpower	3 / 4
Type	Character — Angel · Warrior
Set	`GTC`

Aurelia only triggers the first time she attacks in a turn. The combo with Cosmic Cube requires precise timing: You must put Aurelia on top of your library after her trigger but before the Cosmic Cube's trigger. The Cosmic Cube can then re-cast her for free, resetting her ability for extra combat phases. While this requires multiple cards and a precise sequence, it allows for infinite combat phases. Aurelia is particularly suitable here because she has haste, which simplifies the combo. For more Angel cards, visit our Angel Tribal Collection.

Wanderwine Prophets and Cosmic Cube

Wanderwine Prophets is a Merfolk creature that, if it attacks with another Merfolk creature and remains unblocked, can be sacrificed to gain an extra turn.

Statistic	Value
Cost	2UU
Color	Blue
Strength / Willpower	4 / 4
Type	Character — Merfolk · Wizard
Set	`LRW`

The combo with Cosmic Cube here is more luck-dependent. If you have a Merfolk creature on top of your library and Cosmic Cube can cast it for free, you can theoretically get a Merfolk creature every turn to activate Wanderwine Prophets. In a pure Merfolk deck, the chances are good, but there remains some uncertainty, as you could also be unlucky and only reveal lands. Nevertheless, it shows how Cosmic Cube can open up unique, albeit sometimes unreliable, paths to victory. Discover more about Merfolk strategies in our article on Merfolk Synergies.

Combos in Commander: Casual, Competitive, and the Bracket System

The discussion about Commander Combos is inextricably linked to the different expectations of the format – from relaxed casual rounds to highly competitive cEDH games. The Bracket System, which was revised in October 2025, provides a helpful framework for defining the acceptance of combos at different power levels.

The Bracket System divides decks into five tiers, from Bracket 1 (very relaxed) to Bracket 5 (competitive). Each bracket has specific guidelines for combos:

Bracket 1 (Very Relaxed): Here, there is a strict restriction on two-card infinite combos. Players are expected to be able to play at least nine turns, and combos are generally not recommended in this environment.
Bracket 2 (Relaxed): Two-card infinite combos are also restricted in this bracket. Win conditions should be incremental, visible on the battlefield, and disruptible, which conflicts with most combos that can win abruptly. Caution is also advised when using combos here.
Bracket 3 (Medium Power Level): From Bracket 3, the conversation about combos becomes more open. Two-card infinite combos are allowed here, but only after turn six. An example of this is the combination of Mikaeus, the Unhallowed and Triskelion, which can deal infinite damage. This combo requires playing mana creatures over several turns and risking removal, or playing all pieces simultaneously. Importantly, combos with three or more cards are considered acceptable in any bracket, shifting the focus to consistency and early game endings rather than eliminating combos entirely.
Bracket 4 (High Power Level): This bracket is a good place for combo and stax decks, as there are fewer restrictions here. Combos are fully allowed.
Bracket 5 (Competitive): Combos are fully allowed here, with viability becoming the primary concern. Players expect fast and efficient winning strategies here.

The Bracket System does not seek to ban combos but encourages players to think about how consistently they can assemble their combos and how early they can realistically end a game. It's about aligning the expectations of the playgroup and ensuring a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all involved.

How to Find the Right Combo for Your Deck

Choosing the right combo for your Commander deck is crucial to supporting your desired playstyle while meeting the expectations of your playgroup. Here are some steps to help you:

Understand Your Power Level and the Bracket: Before choosing a combo, consider which bracket your deck should play in or what power level expectations your playgroup has. If you're playing in a lower bracket, complex, multi-part combos or those that go off late in the game may be more suitable. For higher power levels, you can consider more aggressive and consistent two-card combos.
Consider Your Commander's Colors: Your Commander's color combination largely determines which cards you can include in your deck. Choose combos that fit well with your Commander's colors and utilize their synergies. A mono-blue deck will prefer different combos than a Selesnya deck.
Look for Synergies with Your Commander and Other Deck Parts: Ideal combos use cards that are useful even outside the combo or interact directly with your Commander's abilities. For example, a Commander that creates tokens can be an excellent enabler for combos that require sacrificing many creatures.
Think About Tutors: Tutors are cards that allow you to search your library for specific cards and put them into your hand or onto the battlefield. They increase the consistency of your combo. Consider how many tutors you can play in your deck and which combos they can best find.
Balance Between Combo Specificity and General Synergy: Some decks are pure combo decks that aim almost exclusively to find and execute their combo. Other decks integrate combos as one of several win conditions. Consider how heavily you want to rely on the combo and whether the combo pieces also have value for your deck individually.
Use Resources like Commander Spellbook: Websites like Commander Spellbook are excellent databases for combos and offer a wealth of ideas and detailed explanations. EDHREC itself also provides comprehensive deck statistics and combo recommendations for thousands of Commander decks.
Test and Adjust: The best way to find the right combo is to test it. Play your deck against different opponents and observe how the combo works. Is it too fast? Too slow? Too easy to interrupt? Adjust your deck and combo strategy accordingly.

By following these steps, you can find a combo that is not only effective but also suits your personal playstyle and that of your group. Have fun discovering new synergies and assembling your ultimate Commander deck! For more inspiration, browse our extensive selection of Magic The Gathering products.