For Secret Santa, my friends created two custom Partner Commanders inspired by me. I’m a Gemini, so there are “twin” Commanders, they both have flavor text that are direct quotes from me, and, most importantly, they both use one of my favorite mechanics: Clues!
Let’s start with the first Partner: Good June
Cost: 1WB 2 Power 3 Toughness
Partner
Ward 2 or Sacrifice a Clue
Whenever an opponent casts their second spell, you and that opponent may investigate.
Good June is an Orzhov creature that creates Clues for you AND your opponent whenever an opponent casts their second spell. This provides an avenue for Grouphug strategies by incentivizing opponents to cast more spells with the reward of cards, while simultaneously benefiting from what people would likely do in a Magic Game anyway. It also benefits from busybody opponents who might want to interact twice a turn.
Partner
(Tap), Sacrifice 3 Clues: Flip a coin.
If heads, gain control of that spell.
If tails, counter that spell.
Evil June is a real anomaly. By sacrificing three clues, you can cast Invert Polarity, but with a catch: you can’t pick new targets for the spell you gain control of. This is a unique spin on this effect, which rewards stealing spells that don’t target. So, you know, about 14 thousand possible cards.
Ultimately, the pair provides a versatile table politics dynamic. The more opponents cast spells, not only does Good June generate more card advantage, but the more of a selection is generated for Evil June to steal.
The deck I built, linked here, is currently focused on using the clues that Good June generates. But when I played the deck (albeit only twice), I realized that Good June generates PLENTY of Clues by itself. The fact that the deck synergizes with drawing cards and clues is generally useful, but I would be interested in reorienting it over time to focus on a more intentional Grouphug strategy. I’m thinking of cards like Sardian Avenger that punish opponents for sacrificing artifacts.
But what was most important to me was that the deck reminds me of how grateful I am to have friends, both the ones who made the cards and the ones who let me Rule 0 it. These cards are magic, and so has been the gathering. An excellent start to the new year!
The next post will be next Friday’s card review. After that, we’ll have our first-ever SET REVIEW with Lorwyn Eclipsed. I’m really excited for this set, and I plan on participating in the prerelease this upcoming January 16th.