Zombie Master is a 2/3 Zombie creature from the 3ed set that synergizes well with other Zombies in a black-heavy environment. Its ability gives other Zombie creatures swampwalk, allowing them to avoid blockers and attack more freely. Additionally, Zombie Master itself gains regenerative abilities when paired with other Zombies, making it harder to remove from the battlefield. This rare creature is a decent addition to any midrange or aggressive black deck, particularly in formats like Commander where its ability can have a significant impact.

Zombie Master

This 2/3 Zombie creature costs {1}{B}{B} and has a unique keyword ability. Its Oracle Text grants other Zombie creatures the ability to use Swampwalk.

Keyword Ability: Swampwalk

• A creature with Swampwalk can't be blocked as long as the defending player controls a Swamp.
• This ability is triggered whenever the creature attempts to attack or block.
• If the controlling player doesn't control a Swamp when the creature would be blocked, it's blocked regardless of its Swampwalk ability.

Regeneration Trigger

• Other Zombies have the ability "{B}: Regenerate this permanent."
• When this ability is triggered, the Zombie Master gains +2/+2 and regenerates at end of turn.
• This effect only applies to Zombie Masters that are still on the battlefield; if it's removed from the game, it won't trigger.

Stack Interaction

When a player casts Zombie Master, it resolves normally. Once in play, its Swampwalk ability is active at all times, and other Zombies can trigger Regeneration by paying {B}.

• Note: If multiple copies of Zombie Master are on the battlefield, each can trigger Regeneration independently.
• Edge Case: If a player has no Swamps on the board but controls another Swampwalk-able creature, that creature won't be blocked. However, if they control a Swamp, all their Zombies will have Swampwalk.

Battlefield Interaction

Zombie Master's abilities interact with other cards in various ways:

• Graveyard hate: If Zombie Master is sent to the graveyard via removal or destruction, its effects disappear.
• Token creatures: Creatures like Sylvan Caryatid can create token Zombies that will have access to Regeneration and Swampwalk. However, these tokens won't be able to trigger Regeneration themselves.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In a Commander deck, Zombie Master's abilities can significantly influence gameplay:

• Token generation: If multiple copies of Zombie Master are in play, players can create numerous token Zombies that will have access to Regeneration and Swampwalk.
• Aggro strategies: By controlling a Swamp, players can easily defend against attacks with their Zombie creatures' Swampwalk ability.

Keep in mind that, as with any card interaction, specific scenarios may arise where additional effects or rules are triggered.

Zombie Master is a powerful and strategic card that has been featured in various Commander decks. Its ability to grant swampwalk to other Zombie creatures makes it an excellent fit for Black-White Zombie tribal decks.

In these decks, Zombie Master often serves as a key enabler for the tribe's presence on the battlefield. By providing a 2/3 body with a significant advantage, it allows players to swarm their opponents with smaller Zombies while maintaining a strong defense against larger creatures. When paired with other powerful Zombies like Decaying Giant or Grave Titan, Zombie Master becomes nearly unbeatable.

The rare has also seen play in more aggressive Black-White aggro decks that utilize its regeneration ability to recycle large swarms of 1/1 Zombies. By regenerating these smaller creatures, players can quickly replenish their board and put pressure on their opponents' life totals.

One notable example of a deck that benefits from Zombie Master is the classic "Zombie tribal" Commander list by Jason Alt, which features a suite of powerful Black-White Zombies, including Zombie Master, Decaying Giant, and Grave Titan. This deck excels at swarming opponents with smaller creatures while maintaining a strong defense against larger threats.

In terms of specific archetypes, Zombie Master is an excellent fit for:

• Black-White Zombie tribal: This archetype relies heavily on the swampwalk ability provided by Zombie Master.
• Aggro Black-White: This aggressive strategy benefits from the regeneration ability to recycle smaller Zombies and put pressure on opponents' life totals.
• Midrange Black-White: This archetype often features a mix of larger Zombies like Grave Titan and more aggressive, smaller creatures. Zombie Master helps bridge the gap between these two extremes.

In terms of specific Commander strategies, Zombie Master is most at home in:

• Token-based aggro: Players who focus on generating large numbers of 1/1 tokens can make great use of Zombie Master's regeneration ability to recycle and replenish their board.
• Swarm tribal: Decks that excel at swarming opponents with multiple smaller creatures benefit from Zombie Master's swampwalk ability.

In competitive play, Zombie Master is often seen in top-tier Black-White decks that prioritize aggressive play and token generation. In casual or niche builds, it remains a staple of many Zombie tribal lists due to its versatility and strategic potential.

Synergy Potential

The Zombie Master's ability to grant swampwalk to other Zombie creatures is a game-changing feature that can be paired with several cards to create devastating combos. For instance, combining it with Sylvan Caryatid and Necrotic Ooze can lead to explosive board control. The Caryatid generates an untapped mana source on every turn, while the Ooze provides a powerful, token-producing engine that can be fueled by the Master's ability.

Rules Tricks

One lesser-known interaction involving Zombie Master is its potential synergy with Zombie Infestation. While initially seeming like a minor inclusion in the set, this card offers an intriguing combination when paired with the Master. By generating additional Zombies and leveraging their swarmwalk abilities, players can create an overwhelming board presence that's nearly unblockable.

Combining with Card Draw

Another overlooked aspect of Zombie Master is its potential interaction with cards that enhance card draw, such as Cultivate or Garruk Wildspeaker. These additions grant players the ability to maintain a steady stream of Zombies and leverage their abilities more frequently. This synergy not only amplifies the Master's utility but also makes it easier to establish an unrelenting swarm on the battlefield.

Agressive Playstyle

Zombie Master thrives in aggressive, fast-paced decks that prioritize early-game board presence. Pairing this card with Moldergeist or Golgari Findbroker enables rapid deployment of Zombies and increases pressure on opponents from turn one. This combination also benefits from the inclusion of Grave Titan, which can further enhance Zombie Master's ability by granting additional regeneration capabilities.

Key Considerations

• Swampwalk: The key to leveraging Zombie Master effectively lies in establishing a strong, swamp-based board presence. Ensure an adequate number of swamps are available to utilize the Master's ability.
• Token Generation: Cards like Zombie Infestation or Golgari Findbroker can significantly enhance Zombie Master's power by generating additional Zombies and accelerating its abilities.
• Card Draw: Incorporating cards that promote card draw, such as Cultivate, allows players to maintain a consistent flow of Zombies, making the most of their swarmwalk potential.

Timing Issues: Zombie Master's Swampwalk Ability

Zombie Master's Oracle text grants other Zombie creatures swampwalk. However, it's essential to remember that this ability only triggers when the Zombie Master itself is on the battlefield and the defending player controls a Swamp. If you don't have a Swamp under your control, or if you cast Zombie Master without considering this requirement, its ability will be ineffective.

Misunderstood Rules: Regeneration

Another common mistake players make with Zombie Master is misunderstanding its regeneration ability. While it's true that other Zombies have the "{B}: Regenerate this permanent" ability, this only applies to non-Zombie creatures attacking or blocking the Zombie Master. If a Zombie creature regenerates itself while on the battlefield, nothing changes – it still dies if it would normally.

Poor Synergies: Overreliance on Swampwalk

Some players build their deck around Zombie Master's swampwalk ability, assuming that its presence will automatically make all Zombies invulnerable to removal. However, this overlooks the importance of other creatures and abilities in a Commander game. Relying too heavily on swampwalk can leave your deck vulnerable to disruption or simply fail to provide sufficient value in the late game.

• In games where opponents are playing with few or no Swamp-dominant cards, Zombie Master's ability may be underwhelming.
• Failing to consider this aspect can result in an ineffective overall strategy.

In Commander, Zombie Master is a decent addition to any black-based zombie tribal deck. Its swampwalk ability makes it difficult for opponents to block it without access to swamps, allowing it to become a formidable force on the battlefield.

One of its most significant strengths lies in its interaction with other zombies. When paired with cards like Tarmogoyf or Darkblast, Zombie Master can thrive as a key piece in a more aggressive build. The regeneration ability also proves useful in conjunction with creatures that benefit from token production, such as Eradric's Warrant. In this context, it becomes an attractive pick for players running aggressive zombie tribal strategies.

However, its power and toughness are somewhat lacking, making it less viable in slower-paced or more controlling decks. Zombie Master's effectiveness also heavily depends on the presence of swamps to utilize its swampwalk ability, limiting its utility in certain matchups.

For a deck looking to incorporate Zombie Master effectively, it would be best to include Swamp, Graveyard Promoter, and other cards that provide token generation or support for the zombie tribal theme. With these supporting elements, Zombie Master can reach its full potential as an aggressive force on the battlefield.

In decks where controlling the board is prioritized over swarming with zombies, it might be best to leave Zombie Master out. Its abilities, while useful in a specific context, do not offer the same level of impact in more defensive or controlling strategies.

Building around Zombie Master

Zombie Master is a powerful zombie creature that can easily take over the board when supported by its own kind. Its abilities synergize perfectly with other zombies, making it an excellent addition to any black-heavy deck.

Commanders and Color Identities

Zombie Master thrives in decks centered around Zegbe, Truth Seeker or Obosh, Cockatrice, as both Commanders have a strong affinity for zombies. In terms of color identities, Zombie Master fits perfectly into a standard Black (B) or a variant of the popular 'Mono-Black' archetype.

Themes and Engines

The card excels in decks focused on:

• Swarm strategies: Overwhelming the opponent with an unblockable horde of zombies.
• Regeneration engines: Zombies regenerating health, making them nearly unkillable.
• Swampwalk synergies: Zombies benefiting from having a swamp on the battlefield.

Synergy Cards

Some notable synergy cards that work well alongside Zombie Master include:

• Grave Titan (1BB): A powerful zombie creature with a massive power and toughness, capable of regenerating health.
• Necrotic Ooze (2UB): A zombie creature that can regenerate its own life and drain the opponent's life.
• Giant Spider (3BB): A zombie creature with a high power and toughness, allowing for a strong board presence.

Combo Notes

When paired with other zombies like Graveborn Muse or Carrion Feeder, Zombie Master can create an unblockable swarm that overwhelms the opponent. Additionally, combining it with a regeneration engine like Grave Titan ensures that the zombie army remains formidable.

Zombie Master's abilities complement various black-themed engines and synergies, making it a valuable addition to any deck focused on zombies or swarm strategies.

Zombie Master's Impact in Commander

In Commander, Zombie Master is a competitive addition to any black-themed Zombie tribal deck. Its ability to grant other Zombies swampwalk makes it an excellent enabler for the tribe, allowing them to bypass opponents' creatures and attack undefended.

Its secondary ability, {B}: Regenerate this permanent, also enhances its value in Zombie decks that can afford to sacrifice creatures for card advantage or life gain. When paired with cards like Tomb of Negation or Sword of Feast and Famine, Zombie Master becomes nearly unkillable.

Some notable Commander decks that would benefit from Zombie Master include:

• Zombie Apocalypse: A popular tribal deck that focuses on swarming the board with Zombies.
• Midrange Life Gain: A deck that utilizes Zombie Master to gain life and create an advantage in the late game.

Casual Play

In casual play, Zombie Master is a fun addition to any black Zombie deck. Its abilities make it an excellent choice for players who enjoy tribal synergies and aggressive strategies. When paired with cards like Liliana of the Veil or Duskmantle Seer, Zombie Master becomes a formidable force on the battlefield.

Banned in Formats

Due to its potent combination of abilities, Zombie Master is banned in several Commander sub-variants, including:

• Casual Commander: A format that restricts cards with excessive power or synergy.
• Limited Resources*: A format where players can only use a small pool of cards from a specific set.

Overlooked and Competitive

While Zombie Master is generally considered a competitive card in Commander, it's often overlooked in favor of more flashy or popular options. However, its abilities make it an excellent choice for players who want to build around Zombie tribal synergies. When paired with cards like Griselbrand or Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, Zombie Master becomes a game-changing force.

In formats other than Commander, Zombie Master is not particularly competitive, but it's still a fun and playable card in casual games. Its abilities make it an excellent choice for players who enjoy tribal synergies and aggressive strategies.

Zombie Master: A Swampwalk Enabler

In Commander, Zombie Master shines in multiplayer games where Zombies are already present on the board. This card's ability to grant swampwalk to other Zombie creatures makes it a game-changer in formats like Commander or Pauper.

• Swamp-heavy decks: When paired with a deck that features an abundance of Swamp lands and Zombies, Zombie Master becomes nearly unbeatable. For example, in a Zombie Tribal deck running Molder Worm, Grave Titan, and Griselbrand, Zombie Master's swampwalk ability makes these creatures nearly untouchable.
• Combo with Sarkhan, the Masterless: In Commander games featuring Sarkhan, the Masterless, a token-generating deck that can create a swarm of Zombies on the board becomes an unstoppable force. Zombie Master's swampwalk ability and the tokens generated by Sarkhan, the Masterless make for a potent combination.
• Board control: In formats where life totals are relatively low (e.g., Pauper), Zombie Master can be used to establish board presence early in the game. With its 2/3 power and toughness, it's not too fragile to attack with, and its regeneration ability makes it harder for opponents to remove.

On the other hand, Zombie Master falls short in certain matchups:

• Aggro decks: When facing aggressive decks that prioritize dealing damage over controlling board presence, Zombie Master's relatively low power and toughness make it vulnerable to removal spells. For example, in a game against Goblin Guide, Monastery Swiftspear, or other early-game aggressors, Zombie Master may struggle to stay on the board.
• Burn decks: Decks that focus on dealing direct damage can quickly remove Zombie Master, especially if it's not protected by other Zombie creatures or a sufficient number of Swamps.

Zombie Master is a rare creature from the 3ed set. It has a mana cost of {1}{B}{B} and a power/toughness of 2/3.

Zombie Master was printed in several sets over the years, including Modern Masters 2017 and Planechase: Zendikar Edition. However, its original printing remains the most sought after by collectors due to its rarity.

In terms of tournament presence, Zombie Master has appeared in various Constructed and Commander formats. It's often used as a token generator or a threat in Zombie-heavy decks. Some notable examples include the "Zombie Apocalypse" theme and the more aggressive "Aggro" archetype.

EDHREC statistics show that Zombie Master is part of 13% of all Black-Heavy Commanders, with a majority of those being reanimator strategies focusing on Reanimate or Dark Confidant. In Modern, it's often paired with other Zombies like Golgari Grave-Troll and Grave Titan to swarm the board.

In iconic deck archetypes, Zombie Master has made appearances in Commander decks focused around token generation, such as the "Zombie Apocalypse" theme. It's also been used in reanimator strategies featuring cards like Reanimate or Exhume. In Modern, it's often paired with more aggressive Zombie creatures to flood the board.

Prices for Zombie Master vary depending on the version. The non-foil printing is around 9 USD, while there are no recorded sales of a foil printing in recent years.

The Zombie Master is a master of undeath, a creature so feared that other zombies seek his counsel. In the dark recesses of the swampy lands, he has gathered a retinue of undead followers, each bound to him through a twisted form of loyalty.

Other Zombies have swampwalk, allowing them to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies while the defending player controls a Swamp. This is no trivial ability, as it can enable even the humblest of zombies to trade blows with more formidable creatures, such as Golgari Findbroker or Golgari Grave-Troll. The Zombie Master's influence also grants his underlings regenerative abilities, allowing them to heal and fight on for a longer duration.

In battle, the Zombie Master wields his dark powers to command his undead minions. His 2/3 power and toughness make him a formidable opponent in close combat, capable of trading blows with Graveborn Muse or Mistbind Clique. However, it is his other abilities that truly set him apart – the ability to control the tides of undeath itself.

The Zombie Master's rarity as a rare card reflects his importance in the Golgari's pantheon. He is a key component in any black-heavy deck seeking to exploit the power of the undead. His synergy with Golgari Findbroker and other graveyard-dwelling creatures makes him an excellent addition to any deck focused on manipulating life totals.

The 3rd edition set, where the Zombie Master first saw print, was a turning point for Golgari strategy. The introduction of cards like Sower of Discord and Golgari Findbroker enabled players to explore new ways of leveraging graveyard synergies. The Zombie Master's swampwalk ability further solidified this theme, allowing players to craft decks centered around the manipulation of life totals.

In terms of pricing, the Zombie Master is a relatively affordable rare card, with prices ranging from 6.42 EUR to 9.27 USD. This makes him an attractive option for players seeking to build a Golgari deck without breaking the bank.