The most popular Commanders in Magic: The Gathering tend to make everything around them easier. The Ur-Dragon makes dragons cheaper, draws extra cards, and cheats permanents onto the board. Edgar Markov buffs all of your vampires while spawning even more. Others, like Vivi Ornitier or Y’shtola, Night’s Blessed, frequently ping opponents for damage while offering other potent benefits. The common thread is that the Commanders players love self-sustaining engines that offer steady value. Some of the most fun I’ve ever had building and playing Commander, however, happens when I find an overlooked option and make a deck that surprises everyone at the table.