The Commander 2017 card list represents a popular annual product from Wizards of the Coast, built for the Commander format and designed around a specific theme. Each edition highlights new interactions, tribal synergies, and budget-friendly options for kitchen table play and competitive events.
Below is a structured overview that captures core details about the Commander 2017 card list, helping readers compare key aspects at a glance.
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Type | Role in Commander 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakdos, Lord of Riots | 3BBB | Legendary Creature — Demon | Primary commander with mass removal and tokens |
| Saheeli Rai | 3WU | Legendary Creature — Human Artificer | Token generator and artifact synergy engine |
| Hero of Bladehold | 2W | Legendary Creature — Human Soldier | Budget-friendly anthem effect for tokens |
| Stranglehold | 2U | Enchantment | Draw control card for extended turns |
| Sylvan Library | 1G | Enchantment | Immediate card advantage in green decks |
Commander 2017 Archetype Breakdown
Token and Tribal Strategies
Many decks in the Commander 2017 card list focus on generating a flood of small creatures. Cards like Hero of Bladehold turn a swarm of 1/1s into a formidable board presence. Tribal synergies for Humans, Soldiers, and other creature types appear throughout, rewarding consistent creature production.
Mana Ramp and Acceleration
To reliably cast expensive commanders and finishers, the list favors mana acceleration artifacts and creatures. Saheeli Rai enables the creation of colored tokens that can also tap for mana, while ramp spells allow players to reach high mana totals faster than normal curve.
Removal and Board Control
Commander 2017 environments demand flexible removal options. Cards such as Stranglehold provide card-draw control, while mass exile and board wipes help reset the battlefield. Efficient answers to tokens and artifacts are common across the decks built from this list.
Deck Building and Budget Considerations
Cost-Effective Alternatives
Players looking to compete without heavy investment can substitute expensive pieces with functional reprints or similar effects. The card pool encourages replacing pricey legends with efficient creatures or enchantments that fulfill the same strategic role.
Optimizing Your Commander 2017 Experience
- Focus on synergy between tokens, ramp spells, and board control to maximize consistency.
- Identify the commander’s role early and select supporting cards that reinforce that game plan.
- Use the mana curve wisely, balancing low-cost interaction with high-impact finishers.
- Test alternate cuts of the card list to find the right balance between budget and performance.
- Track format trends so you can adjust sideboard and maindeck choices against popular strategies.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which commander from the Commander 2017 card list works best in a token deck?
Rakdos, Lord of Riots excels in token decks, providing removal, token generation, and a strong late-game threat that synergizes with mass combat strategies.
Are there budget alternatives to Saheeli Rai in Commander 2017 builds?
Yes, several lower-cost artifacts and token producers can approximate Saheeli Rai’s value, such as metallic Mimic or anointed procession effects, depending on the chosen tribal theme.
How does Stranglehold compare to other draw engines in this list?
Stranglehold offers flexible card advantage by limiting opponents’ untap steps, making it a strong inclusion in control shells where sustained resource advantage matters more than raw tempo.
What are common pitfalls when building around Hero of Bladehold?
Hero of Bladehold relies on having enough creatures to trigger its anthem effect, so decks must include sufficient small creatures and board slots to maintain pressure throughout the game.