The legendary creature "Best Man" from the Unstable set might seem like a quirky, niche card at first glance. However, its impact on the Commander format has been surprisingly significant, earning it a place among the staple cards in many decks. This guide will delve deep into Best Man's mechanics, its strategic applications, and why it deserves a spot in your consideration for Commander deck building.
Understanding Best Man's Abilities
Best Man is a 1/1 Goblin Rogue creature with the following abilities:
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Whenever a player casts a spell, if that spell's mana cost is {2} or less, draw a card. This is the core of Best Man's power. In a Commander format filled with cheap instants and sorceries, this consistently triggers card advantage. Many players utilize cantrips (cards that draw a card as part of their effect) to maximize this ability.
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Whenever you draw a card, if it's not a land card, put a +1/+1 counter on Best Man. This second ability compounds the card draw advantage, steadily boosting Best Man's power and toughness. The more cards you draw, the bigger and more threatening Best Man becomes.
Synergies and Deck Building Strategies
Best Man excels in decks that prioritize cheap, efficient spells. Here are some key synergies to consider:
1. Cantrip-Heavy Strategies
Cards like [[Opt]], [[Serum Visions]], [[Preordain]], and [[Consider]] (depending on your format's legality) are excellent pairings. These cards draw you a card, triggering Best Man's growth, while also allowing you to filter your hand for the cards you need.
2. Goblin Tribal
Best Man synergizes well with Goblin tribal decks. Supporting him with Goblin synergies creates a formidable force on the battlefield. This can include Goblin Chieftain to increase power, or other cheap Goblin spells to trigger Best Man's first ability.
3. Spellslinger Decks
Spellslinger decks, focused on casting many spells in a turn, are a natural home for Best Man. The consistent card draw and incremental growth of Best Man ensures that he stays relevant throughout the game.
4. High-Density Card Draw
Artificially inflating the number of cards you draw each turn can create an exponential effect with Best Man. Cards that let you draw multiple cards per turn will dramatically increase Best Man's size and make him a significant threat.
Weaknesses and Considerations
While Best Man is powerful, he does have some weaknesses to consider:
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Removal: As a 1/1, he's highly vulnerable to removal spells. Protecting him is crucial.
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Early Game Dependence: His impact is greatly lessened in decks that don't focus on cheap spells or consistent card draw.
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Board Wipes: Board wipes can significantly hinder his growth and effectiveness, wiping away all the +1/+1 counters accumulated over the game.
Conclusion: Is Best Man Right for Your Deck?
Best Man is not a universally effective card, but in the right deck, he shines. His potential for exponential growth and consistent card advantage makes him a powerful engine in strategies focused on cheap spells and card draw. If your Commander deck leans towards these archetypes, Best Man might just be the "best man" for the job. Consider his strengths and weaknesses carefully before adding him to your deck. His effectiveness hinges greatly on the overall strategy and supporting cards you choose. Careful deck construction will determine whether he becomes a valuable asset or a disappointing inclusion.
