A Comprehensive Review of Kolaghan's Command

Introduction

Kolaghan's Command is an Instant spell that has been a staple in various Magic: The Gathering deck archetypes for several years. Its versatility and impact on the game state make it a powerful addition to many decks. This review will delve into the card's mechanics, strategic uses, combos, and synergies, as well as its viability in different formats.

Card Mechanics and Interactions

Kolaghan's Command is an Instant spell that operates on a single mana of both black and red. This flexibility allows players to choose two modes that best fit their strategy, making it a valuable addition to many deck archetypes. When played, Kolaghan's Command will resolve immediately, allowing for swift interactions with other cards and game state.

Returning Creatures from the Graveyard

One of the most impactful ways to use Kolaghan's Command is to return a creature from the graveyard to the player's hand. This can be particularly effective in decks that rely on graveyard recursion, such as deathtraps or midrange tokens. For example, if a player has a creature like Wrenn and Six on the battlefield, they can return it from the graveyard using the "Return target creature card" mode to get it back into play. This can then be used to attack and deal damage.

Discarding Cards

Another common use for Kolaghan's Command is to force an opponent to discard a card. This can be done by targeting them with the "Discard target player" mode, which effectively creates pressure on the opponent's hand. For instance, if an opponent has a critical piece of equipment that they cannot afford to lose, such as Ancestral Recall, playing Kolaghan's Command against them would force them to discard that card.

Destroying Artifacts

The "Destroy target artifact" mode is also highly effective in disrupting opponents' plans. If an opponent relies on an artifact to function, such as Mox Sapphire or Sulfur Falls, using this mode can effectively neutralize it and limit their options.

Dealing Direct Damage

Finally, the "Kolaghan's Command deals 2 damage to any target" aspect of the spell is straightforward but still very impactful. This can be used in a variety of situations, such as when playing against an opponent with a lot of threats on the board or when attacking a player who has no way to defend.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Kolaghan's Command has several strategic uses that make it a powerful addition to many deck archetypes. One common use is in combination with graveyard recursion spells like Reanimate or Doom Blade. For example, if an opponent has a creature on the battlefield that can be returned from the graveyard using Kolaghan's Command, they can then use other effects like Grasping Light to put that creature back into play and attack.

Another way to use Kolaghan's Command is in combination with cards that allow for card draw or manipulation. For instance, if an opponent has a hand full of spells but no way to cast them because they have no lands available, playing Kolaghan's Command against them would force them to discard their entire hand and potentially create an opening for the player to play some spells.

Kolaghan's Command also synergizes well with cards that benefit from having a lot of life total. For example, if a player has a lot of life, they can use Kolaghan's Command more effectively because it deals 2 damage regardless of their life total.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Kolaghan's Command is versatile enough to be played in many different deck archetypes. It is particularly well-suited for midrange tokens decks that rely on graveyard recursion, aggressive red decks that can attack early and often, or control decks that rely on card draw and manipulation.

Midrange Tokens Decks

Midrange tokens decks that rely on graveyard recursion are a great fit for Kolaghan's Command. The spell allows players to return creatures from the graveyard back into play, which is essential for these types of decks. For example, a deck featuring multiple copies of Wrenn and Six would be highly effective at returning those creatures back into play using Kolaghan's Command.

Aggressive Red Decks

Aggressive red decks that can attack early and often also benefit from Kolaghan's Command. The spell allows players to deal direct damage to their opponents, which is a key component of these types of decks. For example, playing Kolaghan's Command against an opponent with a lot of threats on the board would force them to pay the price.

Control Decks

Control decks that rely on card draw and manipulation also benefit from Kolaghan's Command. The spell allows players to force opponents to discard their cards, which can create opportunities for the player to play some spells. For example, playing Kolaghan's Command against an opponent with a hand full of spells but no way to cast them because they have no lands available would force them to discard their entire hand and potentially create an opening for the player to play some spells.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Kolaghan's Command has been around for several sets of Magic: The Gathering, including it being released in Innistrad. In Modern, Kolaghan's Command is still a viable option in many control decks that rely on card draw or manipulation. It is less effective in aggressive red decks that prefer to attack early and often.

In Standard, Kolaghan's Command has been re-released several times and remains a staple in many midrange token decks that rely on graveyard recursion. However, its viability can be limited by the availability of artifact disruption cards like Sulfur Falls or Mox Sapphire.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

One technical note about Kolaghan's Command is that it deals 2 damage to any target, regardless of whether the player has life left. This means that even if a player has no life remaining, they will still take 2 points of damage when targeted with Kolaghan's Command. It also means that opponents must discard a card in response to being targeted by this spell.

Another technical note is that Kolaghan's Command can be used to target a player who has no lands available. However, it is worth noting that using this mode against an opponent would require them to already have one or more lands in hand, as the spell cannot be cast without any mana available.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Kolaghan's Command was first released during Innistrad, a set centered around vampires and werewolves. The card art features Kolaghan, a vampire lord from the Innistrad block, summoning her dark power to command those around her. This fits with the overall theme of the set which focuses on creatures that feed on the life force of others.

The flavor of Kolaghan's Command is centered around the idea of commanding and controlling one's opponents. The card text explicitly states "Choose two", implying that the player has complete control over what happens next, making their opponent an unwitting participant in whatever plan they have set in motion.

Conclusion Summary

Kolaghan's Command is a highly versatile Instant spell with multiple modes that allow for powerful strategic interactions. It can be used to return creatures from the graveyard, force opponents to discard cards, destroy artifacts, and deal direct damage. Its flexibility is matched only by its impact on the game state.

Whether playing against an opponent who has no lands available or using it in combination with graveyard recursion spells, Kolaghan's Command can turn the tide of a game quickly. With its ability to return creatures from the graveyard, force opponents to discard cards, and deal direct damage, Kolaghan's Command is a powerful addition to many deck archetypes.

In conclusion, Kolaghan's Command is an excellent choice for players looking to add a versatile spell to their decks. Its flexibility and impact on the game state make it a valuable asset in many formats.