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Master the Madness: Nicol Bolas, the Ravager Commander Deck

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Are you tired of predictable gameplay in Commander, where everyone runs the same decks with the same strategies? Master the madness and try out a chaos deck with Nicol Bolas, the Ravager as your commander. In this strategy guide, we’ll explore the key elements of the deck and how to dominate your opponents in unexpected ways.


{u}{b}{r}
Commander Creatures Planeswalkers Instants Sorcerys Enchantments Artifacts Lands
1Nicol Bolas, the Ravager // Nicol Bolas, the Arisen {1}{U}{B}{R}1Snapcaster Mage {1}{U}1Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker {4}{U}{B}{B}{R}1Counterspell {U}{U}1Cruel Ultimatum {U}{U}{B}{B}{B}{R}{R}1Necropotence {B}{B}{B}1Vault of Whispers 2Swamp
1Baleful Strix {U}{B}1Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God {U}{B}{B}{B}{R}1Cyclonic Rift {1}{U}1Damnation {2}{B}{B}1Cruel Reality {5}{B}{B}1Lightning Greaves {2}2Mountain
1Torrential Gearhulk {4}{U}{U}1Angrath, the Flame-Chained {3}{B}{R}1Force of Will {3}{U}{U}1Demonic Tutor {1}{B}1No Mercy {2}{B}{B}1Sol Ring {1}2Island
1Dragonlord Silumgar {4}{U}{B}1Chandra, Torch of Defiance {2}{R}{R}1Pact of Negation {0}1Toxic Deluge {2}{B}1The Eldest Reborn {4}{B}1Batterskull {5}1Mines of Moria
1Dragonlord Kolaghan {4}{B}{R}1Liliana of the Veil {1}{B}{B}1Dig Through Time {6}{U}{U}1Thought Erasure {U}{B}1Maskwood Nexus {4}1Rivendell
1Niv-Mizzet, Parun {U}{U}{U}{R}{R}{R}1Karn Liberated {7}1Grasp of Darkness {B}{B}1Ancestral Vision 1Phyrexian Altar {3}1Castle Vantress
1Kess, Dissident Mage {1}{U}{B}{R}1Ugin, the Spirit Dragon {8}1Terminate {B}{R}1Time Spiral {4}{U}{U}1Temple of the False God
1Doom Whisperer {3}{B}{B}1Jace, the Mind Sculptor {2}{U}{U}1Crosis's Charm {U}{B}{R}1Windfall {2}{U}1Cabal Coffers
1Erebos, Bleak-Hearted {3}{B}1Nicol Bolas, God-Pharaoh {4}{U}{B}{R}1Rakdos Charm {B}{R}1Living Death {3}{B}{B}1Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
1Sheoldred, Whispering One {5}{B}{B}1Nicol Bolas, the Deceiver {5}{U}{B}{R}1Entomb {B}1Victimize {2}{B}1Castle Locthwain
1Sepulchral Primordial {5}{B}{B}1Jace, Wielder of Mysteries {1}{U}{U}{U}1Hero's Downfall {1}{B}{B}1Mystic Sanctuary
1Maralen of the Mornsong {1}{B}{B}1Ashiok, Nightmare Muse {3}{U}{B}1Bedevil {B}{B}{R}1Vault of Whispers
1Timestream Navigator {1}{U}1Ob Nixilis Reignited {3}{B}{B}1Karn's Bastion
1Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator {2}{U}1Command Tower
1Quicksmith Genius {2}{R}1Xander's Lounge
1Palinchron {5}{U}{U}1Watery Grave
1Archaeomancer {2}{U}{U}1Steam Vents
1Mairsil, the Pretender {1}{U}{B}{R}1Blood Crypt
1Mirror-Mad Phantasm {3}{U}{U}1Crumbling Necropolis
1God-Eternal Kefnet {2}{U}{U}1Dragonskull Summit
1Drowned Catacomb
1Sulfur Falls
1Exotic Orchard
1Training Center
1Shipwreck Marsh
1Bloodstained Mire
1Luxury Suite
1Scalding Tarn
1Polluted Delta
1Sunken Hollow
1Morphic Pool
1Haunted Ridge
1cards 20cards 13cards 12cards 10cards 4cards 6cards 35cards

Deck Overview

The key strategy of this deck is to control the game through powerful spells and card draw, while also featuring a selection of creatures to attack and deal damage. With Nicol Bolas, the Ravager as your commander, you can also showcase his different abilities through multiple variations in the deck.

Card types in the deck include a variety of removal, counterspells, and board wipes to deal with threats, along with mana rocks to accelerate mana production and allow for casting high-cost spells. Additionally, there are several card draw engines like Rhystic Study, Phyrexian Arena, and Necropotence to ensure a steady flow of cards.

Nicol Bolas, the Ravager Variations

Having Nicol Bolas as your commander allows you to showcase his different iterations and abilities. These varying versions of Nicol Bolas can be included in the deck and can add unique flavor to the gameplay. Use Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God to present a flying menace with his static ability, or Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker to employ his powerful abilities to gain advantages and deal damage.

With key card types and variations of Nicol Bolas, the Ravager, you can unleash chaos and control the game in unexpected ways. So step outside the box and try out this unique Commander deck.

Mana Production

Mana is the juice that drives any EDH deck, and Nicol Bolas the Ravager deck is no exception. You can have all the best spells and creatures, but without enough mana, you won’t get too far. Luckily, there are many ways to boost your mana production in this deck.

Firstly, Mana Rocks are an excellent way to ramp up your mana production and power the deck. Cards like Sol Ring, Gilded Lotus, and Mana Vault are must-haves in this deck. Additionally, Talismans and Signets, such as Dimir Signet and Rakdos Signet, offer both mana fixing and ramp.

Now, let’s talk about Land. This deck emphasizes a heavy use of non-basic dual lands for color fixing and quicker land drops. Fetch lands like Polluted Delta, Bloodstained Mire, and Scalding Tarn also facilitate fetching the lands you need at the right time. Additionally, the more budget-conscious player can try lands like Temple of Deceit and Crumbling Necropolis.

Overall, mana production is essential in this deck, and being able to ramp up quickly can result in a game-winning lead. So, be sure to include mana rocks and fetch lands, as well as prioritize lands that can tap for multiple colors to power up your spells adequately.

Card Draw Engines

Let’s be honest, no Commander deck is complete without solid card draw engines, and our Nicol Bolas, the Ravager deck is no exception. Fortunately, we have some of the best options available in Magic: The Gathering – Rhystic Study, Phyrexian Arena, and Necropotence.

Rhystic Study allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent casts a spell unless they pay an additional mana, which, let’s face it, they won’t want to do. Phyrexian Arena is great for consistent card draw, allowing you to draw an extra card each turn at the cost of one life. And Necropotence is the cream of the crop, allowing you to draw an absurd amount of cards at the cost of life you have to spare.

With these card draw engines in your deck, you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas. Drawing cards means you’ll have access to more spells and more options, putting you in control of the game. So go ahead and draw some cards, and watch your opponents’ faces turn from confidence to despair.

Control Elements

In the world of Commander, control means power. With cards like Counterspell, Cyclonic Rift, and Toxic Deluge, you can stop your opponents dead in their tracks and come out on top. Board wipes, such as Crux of Fate and Damnation, can take out entire armies of creatures. And removal spells like Abrade and Hero’s Downfall can deal with problematic threats.

But control isn’t just about stopping your opponents. It’s also about protecting yourself. Cards like Ghostly Flicker and Dispel can protect your creatures and spells from enemy counterspells and removal spells.

Of course, it’s also important to note that control elements in a Nicol Bolas, the Ravager commander deck can be used to fuel the deck’s key strategy: making your opponents discard their hands. Cards like Rakdos’s Return and Collective Brutality can deal damage and force your opponents to discard cards, leaving them with nothing to work with.

Of course, it’s also important to note that control elements in a Nicol Bolas, the Ravager commander deck can be used to fuel the deck’s key strategy: making your opponents discard their hands. Cards like Rakdos’s Return and Collective Brutality can deal damage and force your opponents to discard cards, leaving them with nothing to work with.

In short, control elements are an essential part of any Commander deck, and Nicol Bolas, the Ravager is no exception. With the right mix of counterspells, board wipes, and removal spells, you can dominate the battlefield and emerge victorious.

Creature Selection

Creature selection is a crucial part of any Commander deck strategy. When it comes to creature selection for Nicol Bolas, the Ravager deck, the key is to strike the right balance between offense and defense. You want creatures that can take out your opponent’s threats while also providing a sturdy defense for your own life total.

Creature removal spells such as Hullbreaker Horror and Corridor Monitor can help you get rid of enemy creatures, while attacking creatures like Elas il-Kor and Grenzo, Dungeon Warden can deal damage and pressure opponents. Defensive creatures like Sigarda, Host of Herons and Verdeloth the Ancient can protect you from enemy attacks and spells.

But don’t forget about Nicol Bolas himself! With multiple variations of this powerful planeswalker at your disposal, you can showcase his different abilities and disrupt your opponents’ plans.

Overall, the creature selection for Nicol Bolas, the Ravager deck is all about disruption and protection. Choose wisely and you’ll have a formidable deck that can dominate opponents.

Other Spells

Apart from creatures and control elements, there are a few spells that make this Nicol Bolas, the Ravager Commander deck truly shine. Tutors like Demonic Tutor and Intuition help you find the right card at the right time and set up powerful combos. However, be prepared to pay a premium for these spells.

Discard effects, such as Collective Brutality and Rakdos’s Return, help you disrupt your opponent’s hand and remove any problematic cards they might have. But beware, as these spells might make you an enemy early on in the game.

Card advantage spells like Gitaxian Probe, Serum Visions, and Fact or Fiction allow you to draw cards and see what your opponent is holding, all while setting up a powerful combo or taking control of the board. However, be careful not to get too greedy with your draws and leave yourself vulnerable to attacks.

Lastly, direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt and Abrade give you the flexibility to deal with both creatures and artifacts, making them versatile removal options. Plus, who doesn’t love a good burn spell to end the game?

Overall, the combination of tutors, discard effects, card advantage, and direct damage spells in this Nicol Bolas, the Ravager deck give you the tools you need to take control of the game and emerge victorious.

Combos

Nicol Bolas, the Ravager deck is all about controlling the game and unleashing chaos on your opponents. One way to do this is by creating combos that will surprise your opponents at every turn and make it difficult for them to come back.

The key to creating powerful combos lies in the synergy between cards. For example, combining Windfall with Nekusar, the Mindrazer can force your opponents to discard their hands and take damage for each card they draw.

Another powerful combo is using Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God’s passive ability to copy the abilities of other planeswalkers on the battlefield. This can lead to devastating effects when combined with other planeswalkers like Ugin, the Spirit Dragon or Karn Liberated.

If you want to finish off your opponents in style, you can use the classic combo of Time Spiral and Nexus of Fate. This allows you to take extra turns and attack with your creatures, while your opponents struggle to keep up.

If you want to finish off your opponents in style, you can use the classic combo of Time Spiral and Nexus of Fate. This allows you to take extra turns and attack with your creatures, while your opponents struggle to keep up.

Overall, the Nicol Bolas, the Ravager deck has countless potential combos that can lead to victory. It’s all about finding the right cards to synergize with and surprising your opponents with unexpected twists. So go ahead and unleash the madness on your next Commander game!


After unleashing the madness with Nicol Bolas, the Ravager Commander deck, we hope you’ve learned some valuable strategies and tips to dominate your opponents. Combine the power of mana production and card draw with control elements, creature selection, and other spells for an unforgettable gameplay experience. Get ready to surprise your opponents, show off the might of Nicol Bolas, and have some fun!