The Weekly Draw — Tarkir Spoilers, Hidden Gems, and Bookish Commanders

It feels like Christmas for Commander players — a ban announcement on the horizon, Tarkir: Dragonstorm just days away, and the community overflowing with hot takes. I swear, my thumbs might need a short rest after all the scrolling this week.

After pouring over the Tarkir spoilers, I’m staring down the barrel of three new decks (and an empty wallet). I still haven’t decided which clan is calling me the loudest (hello Sultai) — but I’ll ask you for yours later in this issue.

This week, I’ve rounded up bookish strategies, overlooked commanders, and fresh tech from Tarkir: Dragonstorm — all aimed at sparking your next big idea.

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Commander Corner — This Week's Picks

Tasha, the Witch Queen's Literary Pursuits

I’ve always thought Tasha had untapped potential, but Dungeon Learner’s Guide has convinced me. Zach brewed a brilliant sub-$100 list focused on page counters and book-themed synergy. He's included a clever use of Mazemind Tome as a central value engine — simple, flavorful, and effective. Zach regularly picks a random card and builds a deck around it, make sure to check out his channel!

Wydwen, the Biting Gale

I love commanders that can protect themselves, and Wydwen is one of the best-kept secrets in Dimir. The Trinket Mage showcases Wydwen as a flashy, evasive spellslinger who can bounce herself to dodge wipes and pinpoint removal. Yes, she’s mana-hungry — but I’ve found that a Voltron-control hybrid built around her plays beautifully in reactive pods. Perfect if you enjoy playing the long game and forcing your opponents to overcommit.

Rocco, Street Chef

I'll admit, Rocco baffled me at first. But Deck Driver MTG’s build shows how Rocco thrives when you lean into +1/+1 counters and exile synergies. The trick? Rocco rewards opponents for casting from exile, generating counters and food tokens. Cards like Branching Evolution and Annie Joins Up push this commander from quirky to genuinely threatening. I love how this deck turns a “group hug” shell into a powerhouse when opponents least expect it.

Taigam, Master Opportunist

The new Tarkir set gave us some heat, and Taigam is my early favorite. The Commander's Quarters highlights how this Jeskai spellslinger copies spells effortlessly, with the potential for combo finishes. I’m always cautious of new legends, but at just three mana, Taigam looks fast, flexible, and scary in the right hands. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one.

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Community Highlights

Hidden Gems Discussion

A Reddit thread asked, "What card is good but no one runs it?" and the responses didn’t disappoint. While cards like Tale's End and Stifle are known sleepers, I was especially drawn to mentions of Necroplasm and Amphibian Downpour. Nothing feels better than using Necroplasm to wipe token boards while letting it lurk safely in the graveyard until the perfect moment. Hidden gems like these are why I love Commander — there’s always another trick waiting to be rediscovered.

Rule 0 Conversations Improved by Brackets

The bracket system may not be perfect, but it’s helping players actually talk about expectations. This Reddit thread highlights how giving decks a simple rating opens the door for meaningful Rule 0 conversations. I’ve seen this first-hand at my LGS — once players started saying “this is a bracket 3 deck” instead of just “casual,” games got smoother, and mismatches became rarer. It’s not scientific, but it’s working.

Teaching Philosophy vs. Rules

A post I loved reminded us to teach the philosophy of Commander, not just the rules. One commenter said it perfectly: imagine you’re “a wizard on a hill battling another wizard on a hill.” That mindset captures the magic of the format better than explaining layers and priority ever could. When I teach new players, I’ve found they engage far more when I focus on the fun and creativity, not just mechanics.

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This Week in Magic

Tarkir: Dragonstorm Excitement

The community is buzzing about Tarkir's return. After a string of experimental sets, players are excited to revisit clans, dragons, and a more traditional fantasy setting. I didn’t play during original Tarkir, so I’m genuinely excited to dive into this world for the first time. Between the flavor, mechanics, and sheer number of new legends, this set is shaping up to be a hit. What's caught your eye so far?

Precon Performance Reports

A player tested all five Tarkir precons against each other and shared some surprising results. The Mardu deck stole the spotlight with fast starts and resilience, while Temur lagged due to a clunky mana curve. Insights like these are gold if you're deciding which precon to buy — or how to upgrade one you already grabbed. I always love seeing real table data like this, especially before dropping cash on a deck.

Tiamat Price Spike

Dragons are back — and so are the price spikes. MTG Goldfish Commander reported that Tiamat is pushing $50 thanks to its combo potential with Draco-Genesis. Meanwhile, Mirrim, Sentinel Wyrm has more than doubled after missing the precon slots. I’ve already seen friends scrambling to pick up dragon staples before they jump even higher. If you're a dragon enthusiast, it might be time to check your wishlist.

Banlist Watch

With the next ban announcement dropping the same day as this newsletter, the Commander community is buzzing. Will we see an unban? Will something finally leave the format? Speculation is rampant, with Cyclonic Rift, Prophet of Kruphix, and Tainted Pact all mentioned frequently. I’ll be watching closely — and I recommend you do too. Nothing shakes up deckbuilding like a fresh banlist update.

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Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, consider forwarding it to a friend who’s still deciding which dragons to sleeve up.

Have a spicy deck tech or an underrated commander you love? Send it our way! Our favorite submission will be featured in next week's Weekly Draw.

📩 Email: mark@edhmatch.com

Until next time, happy brewing!
— Mark