Introduction
The Soulflayer exiling commander is a complex interaction in Magic: The Gathering's Commander format, raising numerous questions about how abilities are copied and applied when a commander is exiled. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify these interactions, providing a detailed explanation of the rules and scenarios involved. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for both playing with and against Soulflayer in Commander.
Understanding Soulflayer's Abilities
At its core, Soulflayer's unique ability lies in its capacity to gain keywords and abilities from exiled creatures. When Soulflayer enters the battlefield, it exiles a creature card from your graveyard. It then gains all keywords from the exiled creature until the end of the game. This ability makes Soulflayer a potent threat, as it can accumulate a diverse range of abilities, such as flying, trample, lifelink, and more, depending on the exiled creatures. The versatility of Soulflayer is further amplified in the Commander format, where a wide variety of creatures with powerful keywords can be utilized. For instance, exiling a creature with double strike and one with indestructible will grant Soulflayer these formidable abilities, turning it into a devastating attacker or blocker. However, the interaction becomes more intricate when a commander is exiled, as the Commander format has specific rules governing the handling of commanders.
Commander Rules and Exiling
The Commander format has a special rule that allows a commander to be returned to the command zone instead of being put into the graveyard or exile from anywhere. This commander-specific rule introduces a layer of complexity when Soulflayer exiles a commander. When Soulflayer's ability triggers, the controller of the commander has a choice: to let the commander be exiled or to return it to the command zone. This decision has significant implications for Soulflayer's abilities and the overall game state. If the commander is exiled, Soulflayer gains the keywords from that commander as usual. However, if the commander is returned to the command zone, it never enters the exile zone, and Soulflayer does not gain any keywords from it. This distinction is crucial in understanding how to effectively use Soulflayer against opponents with powerful commanders. For example, if an opponent's commander has crucial abilities like indestructible or hexproof, returning it to the command zone can prevent Soulflayer from gaining these protective keywords, potentially making it easier to deal with Soulflayer later. Conversely, if the commander has valuable offensive keywords like double strike or trample, exiling it can significantly boost Soulflayer's combat prowess.
Key Scenarios and Interactions
Scenario 1: Exiling a Commander with Multiple Keywords
Imagine an opponent's commander has flying, vigilance, and lifelink. If Soulflayer exiles this commander, Soulflayer will gain all three keywords. This can turn Soulflayer into a formidable threat, capable of attacking without tapping, gaining life, and evading ground blockers. However, the commander's controller could choose to return the commander to the command zone, denying Soulflayer these abilities. This scenario highlights the strategic decision-making involved when facing Soulflayer. The commander's controller must weigh the immediate benefits of keeping the commander in play versus the potential threat posed by Soulflayer gaining its keywords. The decision often depends on the current game state, the other cards in hand, and the overall strategy of the deck.
Scenario 2: Exiling a Commander with Protection
Another common scenario involves a commander with protection from a specific color. For example, a commander might have protection from white. If Soulflayer exiles this commander, Soulflayer will gain the protection ability. This means Soulflayer will be protected from white spells and abilities, adding a layer of resilience. However, similar to the previous scenario, the commander's controller can opt to return the commander to the command zone, preventing Soulflayer from gaining this protection. This interaction underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of protection abilities and how they interact with Soulflayer. Protection can be a powerful tool, but it can also be easily avoided if the commander is returned to the command zone.
Scenario 3: Exiling a Commander with Deathtouch
A particularly dangerous scenario arises when Soulflayer exiles a commander with deathtouch. Soulflayer will gain deathtouch, making it a deadly blocker and attacker. Any creature dealt damage by Soulflayer will be destroyed, making it difficult for opponents to block. Again, the commander's controller can choose to return the commander to the command zone, preventing Soulflayer from gaining deathtouch. This scenario exemplifies the high-stakes nature of the decision to exile a commander versus returning it to the command zone. Deathtouch is a potent keyword that can significantly swing the game in Soulflayer's favor, making it a critical ability to either acquire or prevent.
Strategic Implications for Deck Building and Gameplay
When building a deck around Soulflayer, it's essential to include a variety of creatures with impactful keywords. This ensures that Soulflayer can adapt to different situations and become a versatile threat. Creatures with keywords like double strike, indestructible, deathtouch, and flying are particularly valuable. Additionally, including cards that can fill your graveyard with creatures can increase the chances of having suitable targets for Soulflayer's ability. Strategies such as self-mill or using creatures with high self-sacrifice value can help ensure a steady supply of creatures in the graveyard.
During gameplay, careful consideration should be given to which creatures are exiled. Exiling a creature with the right combination of keywords can quickly turn Soulflayer into a game-winning threat. It's also important to be aware of your opponents' commanders and their potential impact on Soulflayer's abilities. If an opponent's commander has a particularly dangerous set of keywords, it might be worth targeting it with Soulflayer's ability. However, be mindful of the possibility that the commander's controller might choose to return it to the command zone, denying Soulflayer the desired abilities.
Countering Soulflayer
Countering Soulflayer requires a multi-faceted approach. Removal spells are effective at dealing with Soulflayer once it's on the battlefield. However, it's important to remember that Soulflayer might have gained protection or indestructible from an exiled creature, making it more resilient to removal. Cards that exile creatures from graveyards can also be effective, as they limit the number of targets for Soulflayer's ability. Graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can significantly hinder Soulflayer's effectiveness by preventing creatures from entering the graveyard in the first place.
Another strategy is to focus on preventing Soulflayer from attacking. Creatures with high toughness or defensive abilities can block Soulflayer effectively, especially if Soulflayer hasn't gained trample. Additionally, spells and abilities that tap creatures or prevent them from attacking can neutralize Soulflayer's offensive potential. Control decks that can consistently disrupt the opponent's strategy are well-positioned to handle Soulflayer. By controlling the board and limiting the opponent's resources, it becomes much harder for them to set up a threatening Soulflayer.
Conclusion
The interaction between Soulflayer and commanders is a nuanced aspect of Commander gameplay. Understanding the rules and scenarios involved is crucial for both players who use Soulflayer and those who play against it. By carefully considering the strategic implications of exiling commanders and their keywords, players can make informed decisions that impact the outcome of the game. Whether you're building a Soulflayer deck or looking for ways to counter it, this comprehensive guide provides the knowledge needed to navigate these complex interactions effectively. The key to mastering Soulflayer lies in recognizing its potential, understanding its limitations, and adapting your strategy to the specific challenges it presents. With careful planning and execution, Soulflayer can be a powerful asset in any Commander deck.