Building a “Cats and Dogs” Commander deck in Magic: The Gathering presents a unique challenge: harmonizing two distinct creature types with often conflicting strategies. While cats typically favor sleek aggression and independent action, dogs embody loyalty, teamwork, and synergistic play. So, how do you blend these seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and powerful Commander deck? Let’s explore the strategies, key cards, and considerations for crafting a successful Cats and Dogs tribal deck.
Choosing Your Commander: Leading the Pack
The most crucial decision is selecting your commander. Rin and Seri, Inseparable, are the obvious choice, offering powerful incentives for playing both cats and dogs. Their ability to bolster your creatures’ power and toughness based on the number of cats and dogs you control encourages a dedicated tribal build. However, other options exist if you prefer a different playstyle. Consider partners like Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker and Akiri, Line-Slinger for a more aggressive approach, or perhaps a five-color commander like Sisay, Weatherlight Captain if you want access to the entire spectrum of cat and dog creatures across Magic’s color pie.
Building a Synergistic Menagerie: Cats, Dogs, and Everything In-Between
Building around Rin and Seri requires a delicate balance. You’ll need a healthy mix of both cats and dogs to maximize their ability. Include efficient, low-cost creatures like Savannah Lions and Leonin Vanguard for the cat side and Pack Leader and Steadfast Unicorn for the dog side to establish early board presence. Adding anthems like Glorious Anthem or Vanquisher’s Banner further amplifies Rin and Seri’s effect, turning your pack of cats and dogs into a formidable force.
Leveraging Tribal Support: Unleashing the Pack’s Potential
Several cards specifically benefit cat and dog tribal decks. Kindred Discovery offers immense card advantage whenever a creature of your chosen type enters the battlefield. Similarly, Coat of Arms can turn your mixed menagerie into a powerhouse, especially if you focus on a specific color or tribe within your cat and dog selection.
Addressing the Weakness: Balancing Act
One weakness of a cat and dog tribal strategy is the lack of inherent card draw outside of specific cards like Kindred Discovery. Include card draw engines like Harmonize or Rhystic Study to ensure a steady stream of resources. Additionally, consider removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile to deal with threats that could disrupt your game plan.
Beyond Rin and Seri: Alternative Commanders and Strategies
If Rin and Seri don’t suit your style, explore other options. A five-color commander like Sisay, Weatherlight Captain grants access to powerful legendary cats and dogs like Qasali Pridemage and Isamaru, Hound of Konda. Alternatively, a more focused strategy with partners like Ishai and Akiri could leverage the aggressive nature of cats and equipment synergies.
Conclusion: Taming the Wild Pack
Building a “Cats and Dogs” Commander deck is a rewarding endeavor. While balancing the tribes can be challenging, the result is a unique and powerful strategy. Whether you choose Rin and Seri or explore alternative commanders, careful card selection and a focus on synergy are essential to create a deck that truly embodies the spirit of a combined cat and dog pack.
FAQ
- What are the best cards for a Cats and Dogs Commander deck? Rin and Seri, Inseparable are the cornerstone, complemented by tribal support cards like Kindred Discovery and anthems like Glorious Anthem.
- What are the weaknesses of a Cats and Dogs deck? Card draw can be an issue, so include card draw spells.
- Are there alternative commanders besides Rin and Seri? Yes, consider Sisay, Weatherlight Captain for five-color access or partner commanders like Ishai and Akiri for a more aggressive strategy.
- How do I balance the number of cats and dogs in my deck? Aim for a relatively even split to maximize Rin and Seri’s ability, but adjust based on your specific strategy.
- What colors are best for a Cats and Dogs Commander deck? Naya (red, green, white) is the most common due to Rin and Seri, but other color combinations are viable depending on your chosen commander.
- What are some budget-friendly options for a Cats and Dogs deck? Many common and uncommon cats and dogs are powerful, making this a relatively budget-friendly tribal theme.
- Where can I find more information about building Commander decks? Online resources like EDHREC and the Commander subreddit are excellent sources of information and decklists.
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