9 Dark Ascension Cards to Try Out in EDH
January 27, 2012 | Posted by Andrew
New set releases are exciting times for many Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH) players because they get new cards to try out in their decks.
After looking through the final spoiler list for Dark Ascension, I went through and picked out one or two cards for each color that caught my interest for the Commander format.
Here are 9 Dark Ascension cards that have potential to make an impact in EDH.
1. Curse of Exhaustion
I have not seen curses get much attention in the EDH format. However, there are definitely cards in Innistrad and Dark Ascension to make this card type relevant.
One curse that can make a big impact in the format is Curse of Exhaustion. Although this format has an abundance of enchantment removal, some decks still lack it. If you play this on an opponent when he is tapped out from the previous turn, you will at minimum lock him down the next turn. If he doesn’t have an answer right away, then you slow down his development until he finds a way to deal with the curse.
2. Curse of Misfortunes
Curse of Misfortunes could be the card that brings curses into the metagame. Most decks play three colors so there is a wide variety of curses you can search for with this card. Combined with other new curses like Curse of Thirst and creatures like Bitterheart Witch, there are enough support cards to make curses a plausible deck theme or subtheme.
3. Counterlash
Counterlash has the potential to be a very strong card in control decks. Control players often leave their mana open on their opponent’s turn so this card could fit right in.
Counterlash allows you to cast really expensive spells like Eldrazis for only six mana, not to mention also countering a card. I doubt this counterspell will see much play in Standard because of its high mana cost. However, in multiplayer matches, games last a lot longer so I can see it being played in EDH.
4. Increasing Ambition
Increasing Ambition is a card I will definitely use in my black decks. This card is pretty much a straight replacement for Diabolic Tutor. The mana cost is one higher but it only requires one black mana. Plus, you get a powerful flashback ability.
5. Mikaeus, the Unhallowed
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed is another black card that should see play. He buffs up your creatures and gives them undying. Undying is a great ability so adding it to all your guys is pretty good. I would even go as far as saying I would play this guy as a commander for a mono black deck.
6. Moonveil Dragon
When I first looked at Moonveil Dragon, I thought it was just another 5/5 dragon with firebreathing and moved on. But then I took a closer look and saw that its ability wasn’t just to increase its power. Instead, it pumps up all creatures you control. I like this new twist on a traditional ability. This card will definitely find a spot in my Kaalia dragon deck.
7. Shattered Perception
Shattered Perception is a card with a similar role as Wheel of Fortune. However, it only applies to you. I like this change. I don’t play Wheel of Fortune because my opponent could draw into something better. With a low cost of three and flashback, Shattered Perception adds some utility to red that is not often seen.
8. Feed the Pack
Feed the Pack has a very interesting effect that works well with both undying and reanimator effects. If left unchecked, this card can dominate the battlefield very quickly. Pair it with a card like Mayor of Avabruck and it gets insane.
9. Elbrus, the Binding Blade
Elbrus, the Binding Blade is the Dark Ascension card I am looking forward to playing the most. It’s a transform, or flip, equipment card that changes from a dagger into a huge demon.
With cards like Stonehewer Giant, Stoneforge Mystic, and Steelshaper’s Gift, there are ways to search for this equipment card and put it on the battlefield without paying the seven mana casting cost. Just realize that in a group game, having a 13/13 flying intimidate trampler is going to paint a huge bull’s-eye on you very quickly.
Bonus Tip: Check Out the Undying Creatures
When Dark Ascension spoilers started leaking out, one of the new things that really caught my interest was the undying mechanic. Any green deck I build for EDH also runs Birthing Pod and at least one or two ways to get it out of the deck.
With the undying mechanic, not only can you sac the creatures to Birthing Pod to get a better creature, but you also get the creature back with a +1/+1 counter on it. This mechanic completely changes the role of Birthing Pod. Instead of being a card that just searches up creatures, it can now flood the board with a lot of creatures. With just one Undying creature, you can sac it twice to Birthing Pod and get two creatures instead of one.
Undying also works well with reanimator decks. It allows you to have the creature on the battlefield four times with only one reanimator effect.
Over to You
What are your favorite Dark Ascension cards for EDH?
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