How it plays
Edgar costs {3}{R}{W}{B} and has first strike and haste. Its eminence creates a 1/1 black Vampire token whenever you cast another Vampire spell, even if Edgar is still in the command zone. When it attacks, it puts a +1/+1 counter on each Vampire you control.
This turns the development phase into an engine: every Vampire you cast adds a token, and every Edgar attack makes the whole team grow. The deck works even before you cast the commander, because eminence acts from the command zone.
Mana curve: A low, aggressive curve: one- and two-mana Vampires to generate tokens early, mid-cost Vampires to apply pressure and Edgar, at six mana, as the central engine.
Game plan by phase
- Early game
Cast cheap Vampires to trigger eminence from the command zone and secure the three colours with mana rocks.
- Mid game
Deploy Edgar when you have several Vampires on the board: it has haste, so it can attack right away and put counters on the whole team.
- Late game
Attack with an army of grown Vampires and tokens; drain effects and tribal bonuses finish the game.
Key cards
| Role | Cards |
|---|---|
| Vampires | Vampire Nighthawk, Gifted Aetherborn, Stromkirk Noble, Falkenrath Noble, Cruel Celebrant, Captivating Vampire |
| Value engines | Bloodline Keeper |
| Tribal support | Vanquisher’s Banner, Door of Destinies |
| Ramp and fixing | Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, Orzhov Signet, Talisman of Indulgence, Command Tower |
| Card draw | Sign in Blood, Phyrexian Arena |
| Interaction | Swords to Plowshares, Go for the Throat, Chaos Warp, Lightning Helix |
Bracket and budget
There are many efficient, affordable Vampires, but the Mardu mana base and some support pieces push the cost up. It is a good commander to start with and improve over time. If you would rather we design it with you, we will build it to order.
Weaknesses
The three-colour mana base is the biggest demand: it is worth adding fixing and mana rocks early. Board wipes are the second risk, although eminence lets you rebuild with tokens. An Edgar that dies several times raises its commander tax quickly.
How to upgrade the deck
- A smoother Mardu mana base, with lands that fix all three colours.
- More Vampires that give card advantage or damage on entering.
- Protection for Edgar and cheaper answers.
- More tribal support that gives bonuses or card draw for each Vampire.
Frequently asked questions
How does Edgar Markov’s eminence work?
While Edgar is in the command zone or on the battlefield, whenever you cast another Vampire spell you create a 1/1 black Vampire token. That is why it is worth casting cheap Vampires from the start.
Which colours does an Edgar Markov deck use?
Mardu: white, black and red. Black provides many Vampires and card draw, red pressure and damage, and white protection and some answers.
Is Edgar Markov a good commander to start with?
It is medium difficulty. Its aggressive plan is easy to follow, but the three-colour mana base and managing Vampires and tokens take some practice.