Cantrip Commander” is a popular and exciting strategy in Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format. It revolves around low-cost spells that draw cards—commonly referred to as “cantrips”—to maintain a constant flow of resources while advancing your game plan. This strategy is widely favored for its synergy, efficiency, and ability to generate consistent value in a multiplayer game.
In this guide, we’ll break down what cantrips are, how to build a Commander deck focused on cantrips, and why this strategy can be both powerful and fun.
What is a Cantrip in Magic: The Gathering?
A cantrip is a low-cost spell—often one mana—that has an additional effect while also allowing you to draw a card. The key appeal of cantrips is that they replace themselves by giving you another card to work with, effectively thinning your deck while generating small advantages.
Examples of Popular Cantrips:
Brainstorm (1 Blue Mana)
Ponder (1 Blue Mana)
Preordain (1 Blue Mana)
Opt (1 Blue Mana, Instant)
These spells are staples in various formats due to their ability to smooth draws, find answers, and keep the hand full of options.
Why Play Cantrip Commander?
Card Advantage
Cantrips provide card draw without losing tempo, helping you dig for crucial cards while progressing your game plan.
Low-Cost Efficiency
Most cantrips cost just one mana, making them easy to cast while leaving mana open for other spells or interactions.
Synergy with Other Strategies
Cantrips synergize beautifully with commanders, spellslinger decks, or cards that reward casting spells, such as Young Pyromancer, Archmage Emeritus, or Talrand, Sky Summoner.
Best Commanders for Cantrip Strategies
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
Niv-Mizzet, Parun is a powerhouse in cantrip-focused decks. Every time you draw a card, Niv-Mizzet deals 1 damage to any target. With cantrips like Opt and Brainstorm, you can quickly deal damage while replacing the spells you cast.
Talrand, Sky Summoner
Talrand is a fantastic budget commander that rewards you for casting cantrips. Every time you cast an instant or sorcery spell, Talrand creates a 2/2 Drake token. By casting cheap cantrips, you can quickly flood the board with flying creatures.
Veyran, Voice of Duality
Veyran doubles the triggers for Magecraft abilities, making it a natural fit for a cantrip-heavy deck. Each spell you cast effectively generates twice the value from cards like Archmage Emeritus and Storm-Kiln Artist.
Kess, Dissident Mage
Kess allows you to cast instant or sorcery spells from your graveyard once each turn. With a cantrip-heavy strategy, you can recast spells like Ponder or Preordain to keep drawing cards and triggering synergies.
Elsha of the Infinite
Elsha lets you cast spells from the top of your library, allowing for an engine of card draw and resource generation. Cantrips become incredibly efficient when you know what’s coming next on your deck.
Essential Cantrips for Commander Decks
Here’s a list of staple cantrips to include in a cantrip-focused Commander deck:
Blue Cantrips
Brainstorm – Draw three cards, then put two cards from your hand on top of your deck.
Ponder – Look at the top three cards of your library, then draw one.
Preordain – Scry 2, then draw a card.
Opt – Scry 1, draw a card (at instant speed).
Red Cantrips
Crash Through – Gives creatures trample and draws a card.
Warlord’s Fury – Grants first strike to your creatures and draws a card.
Renegade Tactics – Makes a creature unable to block and draws a card.
Multicolor and Artifact Cantrips
Manamorphose – Filters mana and draws a card.
Mishra’s Bauble – Look at the top card of a player’s library and draw a card next turn.
Gitaxian Probe – Look at an opponent’s hand and draw a card (can be cast for 2 life instead of mana).
Supporting Cards for Cantrip Commander Decks
Magecraft Enablers
Cards with the Magecraft mechanic trigger effects whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery.
Archmage Emeritus – Draws a card for each spell you cast.
Storm-Kiln Artist – Creates Treasure tokens for casting spells.
Payoffs for Casting Spells
These cards reward you for casting cheap spells in rapid succession.
Young Pyromancer – Creates 1/1 Elemental tokens.
Monastery Mentor – Creates Monk tokens with prowess.
Sprite Dragon – Grows in size with every spell you cast.
Spellslinger Synergy
Include cards that take advantage of casting multiple spells:
Aetherflux Reservoir – Gains life for each spell you cast in a turn and can deal massive damage.
Bergy, God of Storytelling – Generates red mana for casting spells.
How to Build a Cantrip Commander Deck
Choose Your Commander
Select a commander that complements your cantrip strategy, such as Niv-Mizzet, Parun or Talrand, Sky Summoner.
Prioritize Cantrips
Include a variety of low-cost spells that replace themselves, such as Opt, Brainstorm, and Manamorphose.
Add Synergy Pieces
Add cards like Young Pyromancer, Archmage Emeritus, and Storm-Kiln Artist that reward you for casting cantrips.
Include Draw Engines and Mana Ramp
Ensure you have draw engines like Rhystic Study and mana ramp such as Sol Ring to keep the deck consistent.
Plan for Win Conditions
Your win conditions could include dealing direct damage with Niv-Mizzet, creating an army of tokens with Talrand, or storming off with Aetherflux Reservoir.
Conclusion
Cantrip Commander is an engaging and powerful strategy in Magic: The Gathering. By building a deck around cheap, card-drawing spells, you can maintain momentum, outvalue opponents, and trigger synergistic abilities to overwhelm the battlefield. Whether you enjoy token generation, direct damage, or spell-heavy combos, cantrips give you the tools to succeed and have fun in the process.
FAQs
What makes a card a cantrip in MTG?
A cantrip is typically a low-cost spell that draws a card in addition to its primary effect.
Why are cantrips important in Commander?
Cantrips help maintain card advantage and deck consistency while supporting synergies with spellslinger strategies.
What is the best commander for cantrip strategies?
Niv-Mizzet, Parun and Talrand, Sky Summoner are two of the most popular commanders for cantrip decks.
How do I win with a cantrip-focused deck?
You can win through token generation, direct damage triggers, or combo engines like Aetherflux Reservoir.
Are cantrip decks budget-friendly?
Yes, many cantrips like Opt and Ponder are inexpensive, making this strategy accessible for budget players.