janky commander deck ideas

Unique Janky Commander Decks: Unconventional Ideas

By Melissa Jones
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Ever found yourself looking for unique, off-the-wall Commander deck ideas that skirt the edges of playability? You're not alone. While competitive decks have their place, there's an undeniable joy in piloting a 'janky' deck that's as much fun to play as it is to watch others squirm. Let's delve into some creative, off-the-beaten-path Commander ideas that emphasize fun and chaos over efficiency.

Before we dive in, remember that 'janky' doesn't always mean 'bad'. In fact, some of the most memorable games are those where unassuming cards combine in surprising ways. So, let's embrace the strange, the unusual, and the downright weird as we explore some janky Commander deck ideas.

Theme-Based Jank

Theme-based decks are a great starting point for janky gaming. They allow you to embrace the spirit of Commander: casual play, unique strategies, and a heaping helping of fun.

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19+ Inspiring Deck with Seating Ideas
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21 Clever Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget for Small Yards
the before and after pictures of a deck
the before and after pictures of a deck

One such theme could be 'Masquerade', where you pack your deck with masquerade balls, masks, and flavourful interactions. The commander could centre around a party-themed legendary, like verstanj, Maskedcarlo from Guilds of Ravnica.

_mask-themed Lands & Removal

Kick off the masquerade with a selection of 'mask' lands, like Temple of The False God and Myriad Landscape. These won't power your deck, but they fit the theme and create an atmosphere of deception. Speaking of deception, mask-themed removal like Sterailand and Counterfeit Spirit will make your opponents question their reality.

a wooden deck with table and chairs next to a house
a wooden deck with table and chairs next to a house
an outdoor deck with wooden slats and metal railings on the top, next to grass
an outdoor deck with wooden slats and metal railings on the top, next to grass
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5 Reasons Your Commander Deck Isn't Winning Games - CK Blog

Don't forget to keep the theme going with effects like Disguised Stingers and Masquerade Baron. While these might not be the most powerful cards, they certainly keep the masquerade atmosphere alive.

Party Like it's Going out of Style

Now that you've set the stage, it's time to get the party started. Cards like Goblin Wedding, DuergarDisguise, and Fool's Greed create chaos and keep your opponents on their toes. Meanwhile, value bearings like Bands of MPxori and idol oforcidity ensure you're getting something out of all that shenanigans.

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Round it off with a touch of recursion, like Eternal Witness and Regrowth, and some pump effects to ensure your commander is making an impact. With satisffarcing group hug elements, you'll be partying like it's 1999.

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Floating Deck Foundation Without Concrete Footings
a wooden deck with steps leading up to it
a wooden deck with steps leading up to it
Outdoor Ideas
Outdoor Ideas
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a wooden deck with chairs and table in the grass next to a house on a sunny day
a wooden deck with chairs and table in the grass next to a house on a sunny day

Combo/Chaos Deck

Sometimes, the joy of a janky deck lies not in its theme, but in the unexpected combos and interactions it can produce. This next deck idea is all about causing chaos and seeing what sticks.

For this deck, we'll use Jhoira's Familiar as our commander. This little artifact helps ramp us up, and its ruling that 'each nontoken creature is a copy of Jhoira's Familiar' opens up a world of anarchy.

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Set-Apart Artifacts & Enchantments

With Jhoira's Familiar leading the charge, we'll want plenty of artifacts and enchantments to copy. These decks often have high starting numbers, so consider cards like Tној Stone, Mycosynth Lattice, and jaxir's Toolbox.

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We Don’t Talk Enough About How Deck Layout Changes Everything
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Our Deck Makeover: New Layout & Composite Deck | The DIY Playbook
two planters with red flowers are sitting on a wooden deck next to a white railing
two planters with red flowers are sitting on a wooden deck next to a white railing
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Top 38 Backyard Deck Designs
a wooden deck on top of a house
a wooden deck on top of a house
a wooden deck with chairs and flowers in the center, surrounded by brick walls on both sides
a wooden deck with chairs and flowers in the center, surrounded by brick walls on both sides
a wooden deck with steps and railings on the bottom level is shown in this screenshot
a wooden deck with steps and railings on the bottom level is shown in this screenshot
a wooden deck with trellis on it
a wooden deck with trellis on it
a wooden deck with couches and tables on it
a wooden deck with couches and tables on it
a deck with steps and railings next to a house
a deck with steps and railings next to a house
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How To Restore A Deck That Has Been Neglected - Making Manzanita
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two wooden benches sitting next to each other on a deck with grass growing in between them
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Small Backyard Deck Built in a Weekend, No Concrete
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23 Best Trex Deck Ideas To Consider For Your Next Makeover

Don't shy away from unusual or situational enchantments, either. Cards like Animate Dead, Lignify, and Lurking Automaton can provide interesting combos and play opportunities.

Chaos in a Can

Now that we've got our base, it's time to kick our chaos up a notch. Cards like pired Chaos, Omnath, Locus of Mannaz, , Auratouched Mage, and MonomanAtlantika will ensure that no two games are ever the same.

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For the final touch, add some tutors and graveyard recursion. Cards like Recianae's L Северtage, Mulldrifter, and The Locust God will help you sniff out those crucial pieces and keep the chaos rolling.

So, there you have it—two janky Commander deck ideas that put the 'fun' in dysfunctional. Whether you're into theme-based chaos or straightforward absurdity, these decks are sure to deliver a good time. So, grab your favourite janky cards, fire up your sense of comedic timing, and get ready to make some memories at your next game night.

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