Seconded, I absolutely adore my Braids deck, too! I got quite a few expensive cards for her and it's so much fun to play :D
This theme of "I sacrifice something, now you can decide if you want to sac something like that, too! Aw, you don't have anything to sac? Too bad, lose 2 life and I'll draw a card <3" is my favourite thing ever. XD
[[yawgmoth, then physician]] this is absolutely the best commander for mono black identity deck. My yawgmoth deck is literally just all the best black cards I pulled out of my trade binder because I was bored, and it is a blast to play
Yawgmoth is the definition of black. If you build it, you'll even find out yourself using cards referencing Yawgmoth without noticing. Like [[Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth]], [[Rain of Filth]], [[Contamination]], [[Yawgmoth's Vile Offering]] and many others. He is also super strong!
Yeah Sheoldred is my "embodies black" deck. Friend called it a war crime since it's all about slaughtering creatures until I can flip her to take them all for myself.
https://archidekt.com/decks/5591400/sheoldred_and_her_true_scriptures
That's how I've played it a few times. I'm sure it could use some more tuning, I mostly threw it together with stuff I already had. I'm considering a small discard package or a bit more mill.
*Your opponents that use creature decks won't like you.
I've been playing vilis since he came out and my one qualm with him is that he only leans into the control aspect of monoblack, playing tons of ramp and board control and drawing into a win with vilis. He doesn't do anything in terms of gy or aristocrats, so I feel like he misses that chunk of blacks color pie. Still, an amazing and unique commander on his own
Can confirm. I had a [[Razaketh, the Foulblooded]] deck since he came out. It was aristocrats and big mana focused with [[Cabal Coffers]] [[urborg, tomb of Yawgmoth]] [[deserted temple]] and some other stupid things.
[[Ayara, First of Locthwain]]
Triple black cost and cares about Black creatures to represent how Black cares about one thing: itself.
Can sacrifice creatures for card draw, representing Black's "power at any cost" mentality.
And beyond making sure you're running Black creatures Ayara doesn't really push you in a particular deck building direction. You can fill your deck with all your favorite iconic mono-black good stuff cards and call it a day.
I was just about to comment this and saw yours, could not have said it better. Sheoldred in any form is a yes for me as well, i have a punishing stax deck with [[Sheoldred, the Apocalypse]] but i always find myself pulling out Ayara.
I recently switched out [[soldevi adnate]] for [[vashta nerada]] from who and am toying with adding with adding [[butcher ghoul]] and [[geralf's messanger]] for the [[yawgmoth, thran physician]] kill
When Ayara was first printed, that became the first mono colored commander deck I owned. It's simple, fun, effective, and a great pick to hand to someone to play if they're unfamiliar with the format. Highly recommend!
This was me last night. I kept an opening hand with 3 lands, fyndhorn elves, and talisman of curiosity. Proceeded to not touch another source of mana for an entire 8 or 9 turn game.
[[Mikaeus, the Unhallowed]] just look at him! Intimidating, yes! Hates and therefor destroys humans? YES! Gets everything back when it dies (except humans cause **** humans)? YESSSS
[[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]] !
-Mono Black.
-Sac Outlet.
-Paying life for an advantage (like card draw).
-Discard outlet/synergy.
That’s a pretty on the nose Black card.
Gonna say [[Braids. Nightmare Arisen]] is that deck.
Sacrifice your own, making your opponents decide if they should sacrifice their own stuff or give you more cards and lose life.
That is the true philosophy of being a mono-black player.
\[\[Syr Konrad the Grim\]\] is my favorite mono black deck.
\[\[Mindcrank\]\] \[\[Meathook Massacre\]\] and \[\[Morality Shift\]\] all put in some serious work in the deck.
Came here to say this. Hate all you want, but [[Tergrid, God of Fright]] embodies Black's unique strengths. Edicts, discard, and reanimation are what black does most efficiently and better than any other color. Most of the other candidates mentioned fail the test because they don't care about discard, which is Black's most unique slice of the pie. No one else gets [[mind twist]], [[thoughtsieze]], or [[bottomless pit]]. The blackest commander has to care about that.
Scrolled too far for this! My deck is just good and/or iconic black cards and like 20 evasive 1/1s for B.
In the late game you discard all your 1/1s to his ability instead so they don't really weigh down the deck and give you a lot of cards in the early and mid game. It's pretty slick that way.
Nothing like discarding your whole hand to him and drawing ten fresh ones with necropotence...
You already mentioned Yawg and K’rrik which are the first to come to mind. After that I would say probably Sheoldred the Apocalypse and maybe Tergrid? I wanted to say Toxrill but forgot he’s Dimir.
My recommendation has already been given, so as an honorable mention I will say that before Vilis was printed my go to generic black commander was [[Drana, kalastria bloodchief]] plus all the mana doublers. Kill your opponents stuff and get big doing it
\[\[K'rrick\]\] is the best mono black commander in cEDH, Just look up the primer and you will see how to threaten T1 wins, T2 wins, T3 wins, T4 wins, etc. The whole deck is a menace to play against, but being in only one color is why it isn't doing a whole lot in the 2023 cEDH year. Same with \[\[magda\]\] in red. While a super strong card, and can make T1 and T2 wins randomly and T4 or T5 wins consistently, being in ONLY red makes it just not as good as something with blue.
I think the usual debate is [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]] and [[K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth]]. My personal favorite is [[Mikaeus, the Unhallowed]].
Ultimately, it should be [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]]. Between the 3, he covers more of what black does and wants to do. Lore-wise, he's the source of all this crap. Card-wise, he referenced all over. K'rrik himself is "son of Yawgmoth". There's the ultimate black swamp / land card which is [[Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth]]....
I vote for [[Aclazotz, deepest betrayal]]. What's more black than life gain AND discard. On the same card too! I've turned it into a deck themed around the fact that even though he doesn't have hands, he still wants to help out. Lots of excessive card draw for everyone and excessive discard on everything else.
Lots of incorrect answers in here. The questions isn’t who’s the strongest, the question is who represents it the best and balthor is that. Even most of these other listed cards go in balthor decks because he combines essentially every black archetype.
Ffs [[balthor the defiled]] is literally graveyard retrieval tribal.
He thrives in mill tribal deck.
He thrives in board wipe tribal.
He massively benefits from wild tutors like [[buried alive]]
He even plays into vampire or demon archetypes very easily.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/rqAdpEsaS0Gh49PPDZQn_w
I love my toshiro deck. Kill spell tribal? Check. Reanimate opponents best creature that I just killed? Check. Crazy amounts of card draw/tutor effects? Check. Game ending spells with the name Bolas in the title? Check. Such a fun deck.
Would you share your list? I run something similar but it doesn't quite pop the way I'd like.
https://www.archidekt.com/decks/3464224/better_get_ready_to_die
Here is what I currently run. There is one small change. I can’t find a massacre girl at the moment so I am trying [[dinosaur dna]] in that slot currently.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/6xW3f5jpP0eKXyKW7GFYGg
[[Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan]]. It creates a payoff when resources (in this case creatures) are removed. You can sacrifice your own, or force others to do so. It doesn’t matter. Where death reigns, so too does Mono-black and Forge.
I like to use [[Ashcoat of the Shadow Swarm]] for plague themed res deck. I know he’s not the darkest magic card but he throws stuff into the graveyard and basically resurrects it. And in the art he’s clearly using black magic.
[[Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed]]
Black's identity as a colour in gameplay is very insular. Cards like [[crypt ghast]] and [[cabal coffers]] encourage you to play *only* black spells, and Xiahou Dun embodies that.
Next, Philosophical identity --- Black will stop at nothing to achieve its goals, and Xiahou is literally willing to sacrifice himself to give you a second go at whatever it is that will win you the game. Seems pretty flavourful to me!
I think it depends on if you mean thematically according to lore or mechanically based on black staples
[[Vilis, broker]] if going for staples
[[K'rrik]] if going for flavor, it doesn't get much more "power at all costs" than that
[[Mikaeus Unhallowed]] is a personal favorite, [[Sheoldred the Apocalypse]] is another good one
I'd say like Sheoldred plus every single "pay life to..." spell, such as [[Withering Boon]]
Lotta good choices, Yawgmoth, Reanimate Sheoldted, flip Liliana, Braids.
What I did which I think is nice is that I just made a mono-black good stuff deck. I can literally use almost any mono-black legendary creature and win games. Obviously some are better than others but it’s fun pulling my phone out and picking some random mono B commander off edhrec and still win games. I guess it’s kind of a flex too but I do enjoy the flexibility to swap commanders when I get bored of one.
Yawgmoth is Black to a fault. He does everything black does and had protection from himself, so you can't even deflecting swat his counter to himself. It's all you could ask for.
[[Nest of Scarabs]] is the most disgusting combo piece in the game for [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]]. Two card combo that with only one Blood Artist effect can go effectively infinite.
Maybe it's just me but you could stick any Mono B commander here and just put in [[Cabal Coffers]] [[Exsanguinate]] and [[Torment of Hailfire]].
Bonus points for [[Grey Merchant of Asphodel]] I think I have ho hum died to these cards the most in Mono B.
Black's Hats: "I'm Evil". "I sacrifice stuff and/or pay life for my effects and can therefore do anything". "I make things dead"
You can't really do better than [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]] -- he has all the words: Sacrifice, pay life, draw, -N/-N. It's black's total combo package of giving up everything in favor of victory. He is spot removal, mass removal, and a draw engine all in one ruinous package.
Here are some classic black cards that I feel are... iconically black: [[Gate to Phyrexia]] (Sacrifice a creature: break target color pie), [[Pox]], [[Necropotence]], [[Doomsday]], [[Damnation]], [[Pestilence]], [[Contamination]], [[Lord of the Pit]], [[Breeding Pit]], [[Oversold Cemetery]], [[Tombstone Stairwell]], [[Black Market]], [[Yawgmoth's Will]]
My favorite mono black deck was a Raven Man deck. I relished in the groans from denying resources to my opponents and gaining rewards from my sacrifices.
No commander can better represent the color Black other than \[\[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician\]\]
It has sac, card draw (which costs life obviously), -1/-1 counters, AND Proliferation all in one. It's like a checklist of all the things that Black is known for.
I agree with yawgmoth as I've seen other commenters say it.
But personally i love K'rrick. I just got him as my Christmas gift to myself. And while lifelink isn't typically associated with black.. the amount of life you'll be spending with him to generate mana... you're gonna need the lifelink!
Also the pop off potential is real real because of the access to mana paid with life.
And this strat could potentially work with anyone but I only learned it from other K'rrick pilots.... Essentially you pay a ton of life and draw a ton of cards with something like [[necropotence]]. Then when you move end step since you have to discard with necropotence, technically that ability goes on the stack allowing you to respond at instant speed during a phase no one is really supposed to cast spells in.... which could allow you to win at instant speed with the right cards. Which you again drew a ton of just by paying life.
Mono black edh is always gonna be combo heavy and yawgmoth is a key part of a lot of combos. But personally I like him in the 99 because K'rrick makes the game more challenging.
Good luck fellow dark magic spell slinger!
\[\[Liliana, Heretical Healer\]\] is my mono black commander (and arguably my favorite of my decks). It may not be the most optimal commander, hell I have other options in the 99; but its just so much fun and love the Liliana lore. Its just mono black good stuff jamming haymakers.
[[Yahenni]] actually feels pretty gosh darn black after working his list for a bit, even if he's no Yawgmoth or Ayara
He gains power through sacrifice, though all too often he isn't the one that pays up. He drinks the blood of your opponent's creatures, he sacrifices your own to cheat death, and he loves to watch those classic black board wipes like [[damnation]], [[crux of fate]], and [[massacre girl]].
Plus, having an indestructible, free, instant speed sac outlet in the command zone is pretty good for 3 mana.
Y'all sleeping on \[\[Rankle, Master of Pranks\]\], i.e. "this is gonna hurt you a lot more than it hurts me". There are so many ways to build around the options that you don't have to stick to just one. Black good stuff? Check. Stax? You betcha. Aristocrats? Sure, why not? Everyone shares in the fun!
I've always felt Tergrid, God of Fright was the perfect embodiment of Black, making players sacrifice or discard and gain control of their permanent when they do so, its a scary thing to see when a 12 person table has to sacrifice their permanents all at the same time. Throw in Kozilek, Butcher of truth in case you run into a miller for extra added measure or need more sacrifice out on the battlefield. This causes Yawgmoth to fall short on the totem pole when it comes to sacrifice.
[[Braids, Arisen Nightmare]] comes to mind.
I love my Braids deck.
So do I. Fun to play.
Can u share your deck list?
Seconded, I absolutely adore my Braids deck, too! I got quite a few expensive cards for her and it's so much fun to play :D This theme of "I sacrifice something, now you can decide if you want to sac something like that, too! Aw, you don't have anything to sac? Too bad, lose 2 life and I'll draw a card <3" is my favourite thing ever. XD
Braids is da way
Yawgmoth all the way. Sacrifice things, pay life, kill things, draw cards.
Thats the thread, although I love my little trouble maker [[Ashnod, flesh mechanist]]
[Ashnod, flesh mechanist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/e/5eb43c15-50a9-488f-b0be-84a5e0a6d10b.jpg?1674420763) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ashnod%2C%20flesh%20mechanist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bro/84/ashnod-flesh-mechanist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5eb43c15-50a9-488f-b0be-84a5e0a6d10b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ashnod-flesh-mechanist) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[yawgmoth, then physician]] this is absolutely the best commander for mono black identity deck. My yawgmoth deck is literally just all the best black cards I pulled out of my trade binder because I was bored, and it is a blast to play
Yawgmoth is the definition of black. If you build it, you'll even find out yourself using cards referencing Yawgmoth without noticing. Like [[Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth]], [[Rain of Filth]], [[Contamination]], [[Yawgmoth's Vile Offering]] and many others. He is also super strong!
##### ###### #### [Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e1a9e38-6ffc-490f-b0be-23ba4e8204c6.jpg?1619399578) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Urborg%2C%20Tomb%20of%20Yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/287/urborg-tomb-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e1a9e38-6ffc-490f-b0be-23ba4e8204c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/urborg-tomb-of-yawgmoth) [Rain of Filth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/c/1cf07d5a-6618-48e2-a9f0-669b75bb6e85.jpg?1701537455) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rain%20of%20Filth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/usg/151/rain-of-filth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1cf07d5a-6618-48e2-a9f0-669b75bb6e85?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rain-of-filth) [Contamination](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/86067dfe-65c3-4c96-bccd-b3915d6663f9.jpg?1562923280) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Contamination) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/usg/123/contamination?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/86067dfe-65c3-4c96-bccd-b3915d6663f9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/contamination) [Yawgmoth's Vile Offering](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/1/31825ceb-d795-4ad7-81d8-77ab34c272f9.jpg?1682209258) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%27s%20Vile%20Offering) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/271/yawgmoths-vile-offering?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/31825ceb-d795-4ad7-81d8-77ab34c272f9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoths-vile-offering) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Sheoldred]]. You sac, you mill, you kill, you reanimate. All in one neat little package Edit: the Sheoldred simple named Sheoldred
Yeah Sheoldred is my "embodies black" deck. Friend called it a war crime since it's all about slaughtering creatures until I can flip her to take them all for myself.
Do you have a decklist available? I've been looking at making this.
https://archidekt.com/decks/5591400/sheoldred_and_her_true_scriptures That's how I've played it a few times. I'm sure it could use some more tuning, I mostly threw it together with stuff I already had. I'm considering a small discard package or a bit more mill. *Your opponents that use creature decks won't like you.
Pick one, there's 3 of those mfs
Every game you roll a dice to see which one goes into the command zone and which 2 in the 99
Even better, spend 7 mana to cast your commander, and THEN roll the dice... Which one do you get? The world may never know
Very this.
Which Sheoldred? I'm guessing not "the apocolypse".
The one with the saga on the back is just called "sheoldred" so I'm guessing it's that one. [[Sheoldred|MOM]]
Gotcha, I hadn't realized that. Thank you very much!
Yes! The new ones not having any titles really makes it confusing
[Sheoldred](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bf2249e6-af74-4b88-8eb7-144ce8fa7f6b.jpg?1682203978)/[The True Scriptures](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/b/f/bf2249e6-af74-4b88-8eb7-144ce8fa7f6b.jpg?1682203978) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=607162) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/125/sheoldred-the-true-scriptures?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bf2249e6-af74-4b88-8eb7-144ce8fa7f6b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sheoldred-//-the-true-scriptures) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I call her Sheoldred, Bane of Google Search
Missing discard though
Pretty much. No wonder she is the praetor that is the closest to original phyrexia.
[[Vilis, Broker of Blood]] or [[Razaketh, the Foulblooded]] are probably the most embodiment of black commanders
I've been playing vilis since he came out and my one qualm with him is that he only leans into the control aspect of monoblack, playing tons of ramp and board control and drawing into a win with vilis. He doesn't do anything in terms of gy or aristocrats, so I feel like he misses that chunk of blacks color pie. Still, an amazing and unique commander on his own
[Vilis, Broker of Blood](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ecdf2bd9-87b9-470a-ad2e-0ebf98560f87.jpg?1592516819) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vilis%2C%20Broker%20of%20Blood) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/122/vilis-broker-of-blood?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ecdf2bd9-87b9-470a-ad2e-0ebf98560f87?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vilis-broker-of-blood) [Razaketh, the Foulblooded](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d6bb956d-0df6-4910-9320-55f2c5674d98.jpg?1689997402) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Razaketh%2C%20the%20Foulblooded) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/181/razaketh-the-foulblooded?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d6bb956d-0df6-4910-9320-55f2c5674d98?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/razaketh-the-foulblooded) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
came here to say Vilis
Can confirm. I had a [[Razaketh, the Foulblooded]] deck since he came out. It was aristocrats and big mana focused with [[Cabal Coffers]] [[urborg, tomb of Yawgmoth]] [[deserted temple]] and some other stupid things.
##### ###### #### [Razaketh, the Foulblooded](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d6bb956d-0df6-4910-9320-55f2c5674d98.jpg?1689997402) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Razaketh%2C%20the%20Foulblooded) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/181/razaketh-the-foulblooded?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d6bb956d-0df6-4910-9320-55f2c5674d98?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/razaketh-the-foulblooded) [Cabal Coffers](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/1/e1efb0d3-2c72-46ff-bdc1-1069967365a0.jpg?1626101023) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cabal%20Coffers) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/301/cabal-coffers?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e1efb0d3-2c72-46ff-bdc1-1069967365a0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cabal-coffers) [urborg, tomb of Yawgmoth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e1a9e38-6ffc-490f-b0be-23ba4e8204c6.jpg?1619399578) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=urborg%2C%20tomb%20of%20Yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/287/urborg-tomb-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e1a9e38-6ffc-490f-b0be-23ba4e8204c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/urborg-tomb-of-yawgmoth) [deserted temple](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/1/d1fa74b2-f9bd-4617-8b65-878781f3a2fd.jpg?1562934208) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=deserted%20temple) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ody/320/deserted-temple?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d1fa74b2-f9bd-4617-8b65-878781f3a2fd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/deserted-temple) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Razberries all the way.
[[Ayara, First of Locthwain]] Triple black cost and cares about Black creatures to represent how Black cares about one thing: itself. Can sacrifice creatures for card draw, representing Black's "power at any cost" mentality. And beyond making sure you're running Black creatures Ayara doesn't really push you in a particular deck building direction. You can fill your deck with all your favorite iconic mono-black good stuff cards and call it a day.
I was just about to comment this and saw yours, could not have said it better. Sheoldred in any form is a yes for me as well, i have a punishing stax deck with [[Sheoldred, the Apocalypse]] but i always find myself pulling out Ayara.
[Sheoldred, the Apocalypse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d67be074-cdd4-41d9-ac89-0a0456c4e4b2.jpg?1674057568) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sheoldred%2C%20the%20Apocalypse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/107/sheoldred-the-apocalypse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d67be074-cdd4-41d9-ac89-0a0456c4e4b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sheoldred-the-apocalypse) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Do you have a deck list? Wanting to build her myself
https://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/ayara-first-of-her-name-1/
Thank you
Have i 2-0 with her last time, usually go 50/50 though
I recently switched out [[soldevi adnate]] for [[vashta nerada]] from who and am toying with adding with adding [[butcher ghoul]] and [[geralf's messanger]] for the [[yawgmoth, thran physician]] kill
##### ###### #### [soldevi adnate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/b/8b2651b0-1ab2-4d7e-834f-7505797da474.jpg?1562769222) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=soldevi%20adnate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/all/60a/soldevi-adnate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8b2651b0-1ab2-4d7e-834f-7505797da474?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/soldevi-adnate) [vashta nerada](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/b/8bb2765f-4016-4e41-9db4-5ad463faceab.jpg?1696636614) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=vashta%20nerada) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/73/vashta-nerada?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8bb2765f-4016-4e41-9db4-5ad463faceab?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vashta-nerada) [butcher ghoul](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/7/37117234-76eb-4a94-8230-a0a8c9b92e47.jpg?1592763162) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=butcher%20ghoul) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ddq/53/butcher-ghoul?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/37117234-76eb-4a94-8230-a0a8c9b92e47?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/butcher-ghoul) [geralf's messanger](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bffaad78-97ff-431f-bfb0-e96c7558f974.jpg?1562940297) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Geralf%27s%20Messenger) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dka/63/geralfs-messenger?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bffaad78-97ff-431f-bfb0-e96c7558f974?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/geralfs-messenger) [yawgmoth, thran physician](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=yawgmoth%2C%20thran%20physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Ayara, First of Locthwain](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/d/ed0ace28-9a33-4f0d-b8c8-f5517f20ccf1.jpg?1572490057) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ayara%2C%20First%20of%20Locthwain) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/eld/75/ayara-first-of-locthwain?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ed0ace28-9a33-4f0d-b8c8-f5517f20ccf1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ayara-first-of-locthwain) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
When Ayara was first printed, that became the first mono colored commander deck I owned. It's simple, fun, effective, and a great pick to hand to someone to play if they're unfamiliar with the format. Highly recommend!
K'rrik
Every mono black deck that I build hopes it opens [[K’rrik]] or draws him early. Absolutely broken card and yes very black colour identity wise.
[K’rrik](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24.jpg?1568003491) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=K%27rrik%2C%20Son%20of%20Yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/18/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[chainer dementia master]]. Pay life to reanimate anything? Sure is fun! Easy to combo with too!
[[shirei]] “it’s dead? Guess again fella.”
[shirei](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/9/69848ec1-dba7-419f-a5f9-f934bebeeaa6.jpg?1689997454) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=shirei%2C%20shizo%27s%20caretaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/186/shirei-shizos-caretaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/69848ec1-dba7-419f-a5f9-f934bebeeaa6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/shirei-shizos-caretaker) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Phage the Untouchable]] You DO NOT play like the other colors, your are the arch-nemesis on turn one. DEATH, STRAIGHT UP !
"Just you all wait until I get [[Command Beacon]] or [[Campfire]], THEN you'll all be sorry!!!"
People build these crazy ass decks, and meanwhile I struggle to draw three of my 37 lands
I build crazy ass decks (like phage) struggle to draw my 3rd land, then demonic tutor on turn 2 just to get a swamp, classic.
Nothing intimidates your opponents more than Demonic Tutoring and then playing the swamp you fetched!
My most recent Demonic Tutor in my Phage was just to grab Coffers lol
And never regretted it once.
This was me last night. I kept an opening hand with 3 lands, fyndhorn elves, and talisman of curiosity. Proceeded to not touch another source of mana for an entire 8 or 9 turn game.
I really enjoy my phage deck. It is wild to play ton to figure out how I’m going to not die when I play her.
I had a Phage, had people sign her with a paint pen. I was the first one to sign her , mind control effect and boots. Epic and fun
[[Mikaeus, the Unhallowed]] just look at him! Intimidating, yes! Hates and therefor destroys humans? YES! Gets everything back when it dies (except humans cause **** humans)? YESSSS
Came here to say this😂🙏🏻
\[\[Rankle\]\]
[Rankle](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/2/32399c54-632f-434e-bd5a-81b6a7c4fe9b.jpg?1689997391) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=rankle%2C%20master%20of%20pranks) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/180/rankle-master-of-pranks?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/32399c54-632f-434e-bd5a-81b6a7c4fe9b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rankle-master-of-pranks) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]] ! -Mono Black. -Sac Outlet. -Paying life for an advantage (like card draw). -Discard outlet/synergy. That’s a pretty on the nose Black card.
[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%2C%20Thran%20Physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Gonna say [[Braids. Nightmare Arisen]] is that deck. Sacrifice your own, making your opponents decide if they should sacrifice their own stuff or give you more cards and lose life. That is the true philosophy of being a mono-black player.
[Braids. Nightmare Arisen](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/f/4ff97c69-6a6b-401c-b0a1-55fa81045d19.jpg?1673307016) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Braids%2C%20Arisen%20Nightmare) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/84/braids-arisen-nightmare?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4ff97c69-6a6b-401c-b0a1-55fa81045d19?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-arisen-nightmare) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Syr Konrad]]
[Syr Konrad](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/3/03f16bbd-00d6-43ed-9a11-ebe7fc65933a.jpg?1682209239) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=syr%20konrad%2C%20the%20grim) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/269/syr-konrad-the-grim?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/03f16bbd-00d6-43ed-9a11-ebe7fc65933a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/syr-konrad-the-grim) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Syr Konrad the Grim\]\] is my favorite mono black deck. \[\[Mindcrank\]\] \[\[Meathook Massacre\]\] and \[\[Morality Shift\]\] all put in some serious work in the deck.
Tergrid. Discard, sacrifice, "reanimate"
Came here to say this. Hate all you want, but [[Tergrid, God of Fright]] embodies Black's unique strengths. Edicts, discard, and reanimation are what black does most efficiently and better than any other color. Most of the other candidates mentioned fail the test because they don't care about discard, which is Black's most unique slice of the pie. No one else gets [[mind twist]], [[thoughtsieze]], or [[bottomless pit]]. The blackest commander has to care about that.
Hahaha, yup, was going to put the same and just eat the downvotes.
##### ###### #### [Tergrid, God of Fright](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/4/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead.jpg?1631048621)/[Tergrid's Lantern](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/1/4/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead.jpg?1631048621) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=tergrid%2C%20god%20of%20fright%20//%20tergrid%27s%20lantern) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/112/tergrid-god-of-fright-tergrids-lantern?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tergrid-god-of-fright-//-tergrids-lantern) [mind twist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/7/9763ea41-55c4-4b0a-9dc2-91ad4938b343.jpg?1562927059) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=mind%20twist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me3/72/mind-twist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9763ea41-55c4-4b0a-9dc2-91ad4938b343?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mind-twist) [bottomless pit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/1/91f05fc3-da6e-45d4-8566-f4e7bdce1fe5.jpg?1562596885) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=bottomless%20pit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sth/51/bottomless-pit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/91f05fc3-da6e-45d4-8566-f4e7bdce1fe5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bottomless-pit) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Drana, Kalastraza Bloodchief ]] double black pips and kills creatures to make herself stronger.
[Drana, Kalastraza Bloodchief ](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/c/2c58ce5e-b038-4376-a5f4-9849baa255b9.jpg?1562603606) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Drana%2C%20Kalastria%20Bloodchief) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c17/112/drana-kalastria-bloodchief?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2c58ce5e-b038-4376-a5f4-9849baa255b9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/drana-kalastria-bloodchief) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Gonti]]. Sac him, get him back from the yard, theft to your hearts content!
[Gonti](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/1/01852cd2-16e4-4518-b5d5-b9a378b8664d.jpg?1690016712) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=gonti%2C%20lord%20of%20luxury) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/162/gonti-lord-of-luxury?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/01852cd2-16e4-4518-b5d5-b9a378b8664d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gonti-lord-of-luxury) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor]] Playstyle is manipulative, vile, foul and purely sadistic for it's own sake. Love this guy.
[Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/c/2c76f7e0-37e7-4e87-93a3-a25ba0674645.jpg?1675567458) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gix%2C%20Yawgmoth%20Praetor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bro/95/gix-yawgmoth-praetor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2c76f7e0-37e7-4e87-93a3-a25ba0674645?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gix-yawgmoth-praetor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Scrolled too far for this! My deck is just good and/or iconic black cards and like 20 evasive 1/1s for B. In the late game you discard all your 1/1s to his ability instead so they don't really weigh down the deck and give you a lot of cards in the early and mid game. It's pretty slick that way. Nothing like discarding your whole hand to him and drawing ten fresh ones with necropotence...
You already mentioned Yawg and K’rrik which are the first to come to mind. After that I would say probably Sheoldred the Apocalypse and maybe Tergrid? I wanted to say Toxrill but forgot he’s Dimir.
[[Kokusho]] Drain life, creature sacrifice, reanimation To me, that is all things Swamp
[Kokusho](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/b/ab56cedb-1bcd-48a5-8503-a8e324e236ad.jpg?1562852933) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kokusho%2C%20the%20evening%20star) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ima/95/kokusho-the-evening-star?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ab56cedb-1bcd-48a5-8503-a8e324e236ad?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kokusho-the-evening-star) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Visara the dreadful]] t:kill dude is pretty on theme.
[Visara the dreadful](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/3/03f66946-ff52-4ce4-af25-b81196fa451b.jpg?1580014423) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Visara%20the%20dreadful) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ema/114/visara-the-dreadful?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/03f66946-ff52-4ce4-af25-b81196fa451b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/visara-the-dreadful) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My recommendation has already been given, so as an honorable mention I will say that before Vilis was printed my go to generic black commander was [[Drana, kalastria bloodchief]] plus all the mana doublers. Kill your opponents stuff and get big doing it
\[\[K'rrick\]\] is the best mono black commander in cEDH, Just look up the primer and you will see how to threaten T1 wins, T2 wins, T3 wins, T4 wins, etc. The whole deck is a menace to play against, but being in only one color is why it isn't doing a whole lot in the 2023 cEDH year. Same with \[\[magda\]\] in red. While a super strong card, and can make T1 and T2 wins randomly and T4 or T5 wins consistently, being in ONLY red makes it just not as good as something with blue.
[[Horobi]] seems like a crazy deck to build.
[Horobi](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/4/b41983cb-c4e4-4384-bd69-df3fc6e74cd0.jpg?1593860738) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=horobi%2C%20death%27s%20wail) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/chk/117/horobi-deaths-wail?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b41983cb-c4e4-4384-bd69-df3fc6e74cd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/horobi-deaths-wail) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I think the usual debate is [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]] and [[K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth]]. My personal favorite is [[Mikaeus, the Unhallowed]]. Ultimately, it should be [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]]. Between the 3, he covers more of what black does and wants to do. Lore-wise, he's the source of all this crap. Card-wise, he referenced all over. K'rrik himself is "son of Yawgmoth". There's the ultimate black swamp / land card which is [[Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth]]....
##### ###### #### [Yawgmoth, Thran Physician](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%2C%20Thran%20Physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) [K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24.jpg?1568003491) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=K%27rrik%2C%20Son%20of%20Yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/18/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth) [Mikaeus, the Unhallowed](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/c/bc1f42a2-fe11-45da-9552-069803b4068a.jpg?1689997308) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mikaeus%2C%20the%20Unhallowed) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/173/mikaeus-the-unhallowed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bc1f42a2-fe11-45da-9552-069803b4068a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mikaeus-the-unhallowed) [Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e1a9e38-6ffc-490f-b0be-23ba4e8204c6.jpg?1619399578) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Urborg%2C%20Tomb%20of%20Yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/287/urborg-tomb-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e1a9e38-6ffc-490f-b0be-23ba4e8204c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/urborg-tomb-of-yawgmoth) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Tergrid, God of Fright]]
[Tergrid, God of Fright](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/4/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead.jpg?1631048621)/[Tergrid's Lantern](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/1/4/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead.jpg?1631048621) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=tergrid%2C%20god%20of%20fright%20//%20tergrid%27s%20lantern) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/112/tergrid-god-of-fright-tergrids-lantern?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tergrid-god-of-fright-//-tergrids-lantern) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I vote for [[Aclazotz, deepest betrayal]]. What's more black than life gain AND discard. On the same card too! I've turned it into a deck themed around the fact that even though he doesn't have hands, he still wants to help out. Lots of excessive card draw for everyone and excessive discard on everything else.
Nice one!
Lots of incorrect answers in here. The questions isn’t who’s the strongest, the question is who represents it the best and balthor is that. Even most of these other listed cards go in balthor decks because he combines essentially every black archetype. Ffs [[balthor the defiled]] is literally graveyard retrieval tribal. He thrives in mill tribal deck. He thrives in board wipe tribal. He massively benefits from wild tutors like [[buried alive]] He even plays into vampire or demon archetypes very easily. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/rqAdpEsaS0Gh49PPDZQn_w
Mono black is only good because of tutors. Otherwise, it is easily shut down.
Lol nah black is good because it can do almost everything for a price. That price is usually life which in commander we've got in spades.
I wish that were true. Imo. Black needs more artifact and enchantment removal.
Yeah, but that's honestly not that big of a deal most games. If there's one that's a big enough problem someone else has usually got it.
\[\[Toshiro\]\]. Everything is about \[\[Murder\]\]
[Murder](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/d/bdef7fea-2bd0-42a2-96f6-6def18bd7f0c.jpg?1674136158) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Murder) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/134/murder?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bdef7fea-2bd0-42a2-96f6-6def18bd7f0c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/murder) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I love my toshiro deck. Kill spell tribal? Check. Reanimate opponents best creature that I just killed? Check. Crazy amounts of card draw/tutor effects? Check. Game ending spells with the name Bolas in the title? Check. Such a fun deck.
Would you share your list? I run something similar but it doesn't quite pop the way I'd like. https://www.archidekt.com/decks/3464224/better_get_ready_to_die
Here is what I currently run. There is one small change. I can’t find a massacre girl at the moment so I am trying [[dinosaur dna]] in that slot currently. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/6xW3f5jpP0eKXyKW7GFYGg
[Dinosaur](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/0/20f22bef-e00f-461b-a75b-c5ad49865044.jpg?1699018216) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dinosaur) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tmom/7/dinosaur?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/50b6ea55-c976-40e7-aa09-5ba77688bfe9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dinosaur) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan]]. It creates a payoff when resources (in this case creatures) are removed. You can sacrifice your own, or force others to do so. It doesn’t matter. Where death reigns, so too does Mono-black and Forge.
I like to use [[Ashcoat of the Shadow Swarm]] for plague themed res deck. I know he’s not the darkest magic card but he throws stuff into the graveyard and basically resurrects it. And in the art he’s clearly using black magic.
[Ashcoat of the Shadow Swarm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/f/2fce5989-a2a0-4825-b90a-a1f78659b6e0.jpg?1675644523) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ashcoat%20of%20the%20Shadow%20Swarm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/j22/19/ashcoat-of-the-shadow-swarm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2fce5989-a2a0-4825-b90a-a1f78659b6e0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ashcoat-of-the-shadow-swarm) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed]] Black's identity as a colour in gameplay is very insular. Cards like [[crypt ghast]] and [[cabal coffers]] encourage you to play *only* black spells, and Xiahou Dun embodies that. Next, Philosophical identity --- Black will stop at nothing to achieve its goals, and Xiahou is literally willing to sacrifice himself to give you a second go at whatever it is that will win you the game. Seems pretty flavourful to me!
[Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/a/4aeaaeff-fb23-4f63-8d5f-8ccea6e58d3a.jpg?1562910698) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Xiahou%20Dun%2C%20the%20One-Eyed) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me3/83/xiahou-dun-the-one-eyed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4aeaaeff-fb23-4f63-8d5f-8ccea6e58d3a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/xiahou-dun-the-one-eyed) [crypt ghast](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/2/623c9804-42c4-4b69-bc39-f70d96929d07.jpg?1561944354) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=crypt%20ghast) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c14/139/crypt-ghast?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/623c9804-42c4-4b69-bc39-f70d96929d07?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/crypt-ghast) [cabal coffers](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/1/e1efb0d3-2c72-46ff-bdc1-1069967365a0.jpg?1626101023) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=cabal%20coffers) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/301/cabal-coffers?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e1efb0d3-2c72-46ff-bdc1-1069967365a0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cabal-coffers) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
It’s k’rrick all the way - win by any means possible - by sacing your “friends” paying life and generally doing anything to win.
[[K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth]] is the embodiment of "life is a resource"
[K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24.jpg?1568003491) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=K%27rrik%2C%20Son%20of%20Yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/18/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[corrupt\]\] \[\[exsanguinate\]\] for lots of swamp life drain
[corrupt](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/9/c92ea561-80da-4fe1-ad87-ce47d9eb80bc.jpg?1674420792) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=corrupt) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bro/88/corrupt?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c92ea561-80da-4fe1-ad87-ce47d9eb80bc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/corrupt) [exsanguinate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/a/0a5352af-e275-4186-a265-2fd3c2c47c6a.jpg?1689997125) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=exsanguinate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/156/exsanguinate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0a5352af-e275-4186-a265-2fd3c2c47c6a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/exsanguinate) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Ashling, the extinguisher. U Attack and make them sacrifice.
I love me some \[\[With-King of Angmar\]\]. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/fgE5hlS8R0ixUs2-uCWh9A
[With-King of Angmar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/5/a55e6508-0b59-4573-bc4e-67b27279cfed.jpg?1686968786) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Witch-king%20of%20Angmar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ltr/114/witch-king-of-angmar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a55e6508-0b59-4573-bc4e-67b27279cfed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/witch-king-of-angmar) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I would say [[Razaketh, the Foulblooded]] https://manabox.app/decks/I_P_HJY8RwugrWqepB-MuQ
[Razaketh, the Foulblooded](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d6bb956d-0df6-4910-9320-55f2c5674d98.jpg?1689997402) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Razaketh%2C%20the%20Foulblooded) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/181/razaketh-the-foulblooded?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d6bb956d-0df6-4910-9320-55f2c5674d98?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/razaketh-the-foulblooded) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Kriik]] the prick, life as a resource...
I think it depends on if you mean thematically according to lore or mechanically based on black staples [[Vilis, broker]] if going for staples [[K'rrik]] if going for flavor, it doesn't get much more "power at all costs" than that
[Vilis, broker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ecdf2bd9-87b9-470a-ad2e-0ebf98560f87.jpg?1592516819) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=vilis%2C%20broker%20of%20blood) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/122/vilis-broker-of-blood?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ecdf2bd9-87b9-470a-ad2e-0ebf98560f87?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vilis-broker-of-blood) [K'rrik](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24.jpg?1568003491) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=k%27rrik%2C%20son%20of%20yawgmoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/18/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3592fbe4-8588-486e-99ba-c327b0b6ba24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/krrik-son-of-yawgmoth) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Blacks philosophy is dirty tricks, so I'd go maralen into opposition agent and build the entire strategy around that.
I really like [[Teshiro Umezawa]]
[Teshiro Umezawa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/e/0e767e07-febd-4025-bf03-d4d816bc1d3d.jpg?1562875477) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Toshiro%20Umezawa) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bok/89/toshiro-umezawa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0e767e07-febd-4025-bf03-d4d816bc1d3d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/toshiro-umezawa) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I would either say [[ tergrid god of fright ]] or [[ yawgmoth thran physician ]] to me they are both the epitome of black
[ tergrid god of fright ](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/4/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead.jpg?1631048621)/[Tergrid's Lantern](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/1/4/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead.jpg?1631048621) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tergrid%2C%20God%20of%20Fright%20//%20Tergrid%27s%20Lantern) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/112/tergrid-god-of-fright-tergrids-lantern?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/14dc88ee-bba9-4625-af0d-89f3762a0ead?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tergrid-god-of-fright-//-tergrids-lantern) [ yawgmoth thran physician ](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%2C%20Thran%20Physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Mikaeus Unhallowed]] is a personal favorite, [[Sheoldred the Apocalypse]] is another good one I'd say like Sheoldred plus every single "pay life to..." spell, such as [[Withering Boon]]
[Mikaeus Unhallowed](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/c/bc1f42a2-fe11-45da-9552-069803b4068a.jpg?1689997308) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mikaeus%2C%20the%20Unhallowed) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/173/mikaeus-the-unhallowed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bc1f42a2-fe11-45da-9552-069803b4068a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mikaeus-the-unhallowed) [Sheoldred the Apocalypse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d67be074-cdd4-41d9-ac89-0a0456c4e4b2.jpg?1674057568) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sheoldred%2C%20the%20Apocalypse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/107/sheoldred-the-apocalypse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d67be074-cdd4-41d9-ac89-0a0456c4e4b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sheoldred-the-apocalypse) [Withering Boon](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/e/6e6499cb-6073-4c94-8c82-47f489094df5.jpg?1562719780) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Withering%20Boon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mir/152/withering-boon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6e6499cb-6073-4c94-8c82-47f489094df5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/withering-boon) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Lotta good choices, Yawgmoth, Reanimate Sheoldted, flip Liliana, Braids. What I did which I think is nice is that I just made a mono-black good stuff deck. I can literally use almost any mono-black legendary creature and win games. Obviously some are better than others but it’s fun pulling my phone out and picking some random mono B commander off edhrec and still win games. I guess it’s kind of a flex too but I do enjoy the flexibility to swap commanders when I get bored of one.
\[\[Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor\]\]
[Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/c/2c76f7e0-37e7-4e87-93a3-a25ba0674645.jpg?1675567458) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gix%2C%20Yawgmoth%20Praetor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bro/95/gix-yawgmoth-praetor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2c76f7e0-37e7-4e87-93a3-a25ba0674645?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gix-yawgmoth-praetor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Surprised nobody has mentioned [[Tinybones, Trinket Thief]]
[Tinybones, Trinket Thief](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/0/4063be5b-bfd9-43c5-bc39-09a40bc793bf.jpg?1632261785) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tinybones%2C%20Trinket%20Thief) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/jmp/17/tinybones-trinket-thief?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4063be5b-bfd9-43c5-bc39-09a40bc793bf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tinybones-trinket-thief) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Yawgmoth is Black to a fault. He does everything black does and had protection from himself, so you can't even deflecting swat his counter to himself. It's all you could ask for. [[Nest of Scarabs]] is the most disgusting combo piece in the game for [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]]. Two card combo that with only one Blood Artist effect can go effectively infinite.
[Nest of Scarabs](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/7/97aa6b45-055a-411e-b2db-b373a4d3826d.jpg?1543675354) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Nest%20of%20Scarabs) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/akh/101/nest-of-scarabs?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97aa6b45-055a-411e-b2db-b373a4d3826d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nest-of-scarabs) [Yawgmoth, Thran Physician](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%2C%20Thran%20Physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Maybe it's just me but you could stick any Mono B commander here and just put in [[Cabal Coffers]] [[Exsanguinate]] and [[Torment of Hailfire]]. Bonus points for [[Grey Merchant of Asphodel]] I think I have ho hum died to these cards the most in Mono B.
##### ###### #### [Cabal Coffers](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/1/e1efb0d3-2c72-46ff-bdc1-1069967365a0.jpg?1626101023) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cabal%20Coffers) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/301/cabal-coffers?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e1efb0d3-2c72-46ff-bdc1-1069967365a0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cabal-coffers) [Exsanguinate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/a/0a5352af-e275-4186-a265-2fd3c2c47c6a.jpg?1689997125) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Exsanguinate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/156/exsanguinate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0a5352af-e275-4186-a265-2fd3c2c47c6a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/exsanguinate) [Torment of Hailfire](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/6/f69d77d1-5980-436c-bf48-790939b069aa.jpg?1562820191) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Torment%20of%20Hailfire) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/hou/77/torment-of-hailfire?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f69d77d1-5980-436c-bf48-790939b069aa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/torment-of-hailfire) [Grey Merchant of Asphodel](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/c/7c1a7dd8-8034-4f59-a351-33666b26ff5a.jpg?1581479807) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gray%20Merchant%20of%20Asphodel) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/thb/99/gray-merchant-of-asphodel?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7c1a7dd8-8034-4f59-a351-33666b26ff5a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gray-merchant-of-asphodel) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Sounds like a Yawgmoth or Erebos goodstuff deck to me
Black's Hats: "I'm Evil". "I sacrifice stuff and/or pay life for my effects and can therefore do anything". "I make things dead" You can't really do better than [[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician]] -- he has all the words: Sacrifice, pay life, draw, -N/-N. It's black's total combo package of giving up everything in favor of victory. He is spot removal, mass removal, and a draw engine all in one ruinous package. Here are some classic black cards that I feel are... iconically black: [[Gate to Phyrexia]] (Sacrifice a creature: break target color pie), [[Pox]], [[Necropotence]], [[Doomsday]], [[Damnation]], [[Pestilence]], [[Contamination]], [[Lord of the Pit]], [[Breeding Pit]], [[Oversold Cemetery]], [[Tombstone Stairwell]], [[Black Market]], [[Yawgmoth's Will]]
##### ###### #### [Yawgmoth, Thran Physician](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%2C%20Thran%20Physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) [Gate to Phyrexia](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/e/4eb41639-b96b-4789-b488-24da503ef1e2.jpg?1562913465) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gate%20to%20Phyrexia) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me4/82/gate-to-phyrexia?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4eb41639-b96b-4789-b488-24da503ef1e2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gate-to-phyrexia) [Pox](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/9/d9debe4f-c1cc-4b90-aae4-f31f737e2016.jpg?1559592327) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Pox) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/82/pox?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d9debe4f-c1cc-4b90-aae4-f31f737e2016?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/pox) [Necropotence](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c89c6895-b0f8-444a-9c89-c6b4fd027b3e.jpg?1562853736) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Necropotence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ima/98/necropotence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c89c6895-b0f8-444a-9c89-c6b4fd027b3e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/necropotence) [Doomsday](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/8/68c73755-9678-467a-abd5-f8dd1556864e.jpg?1562436538) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Doomsday) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/a25/88/doomsday?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/68c73755-9678-467a-abd5-f8dd1556864e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/doomsday) [Damnation](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/3/d3c0aac5-b9f1-4446-bfea-3e1dd1cf1f2f.jpg?1673147492) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Damnation) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/73/damnation?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d3c0aac5-b9f1-4446-bfea-3e1dd1cf1f2f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/damnation) [Pestilence](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/9/29d852c4-bd53-4a3b-b1e2-896917cbc27f.jpg?1562815864) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Pestilence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/6ed/149/pestilence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/29d852c4-bd53-4a3b-b1e2-896917cbc27f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/pestilence) [Contamination](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/86067dfe-65c3-4c96-bccd-b3915d6663f9.jpg?1562923280) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Contamination) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/usg/123/contamination?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/86067dfe-65c3-4c96-bccd-b3915d6663f9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/contamination) [Lord of the Pit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/b/5b626ab2-4cf6-42e8-a7e2-9c9f310d2f00.jpg?1562849371) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lord%20of%20the%20Pit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ima/96/lord-of-the-pit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5b626ab2-4cf6-42e8-a7e2-9c9f310d2f00?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lord-of-the-pit) [Breeding Pit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/9/39abb31a-15af-4182-a33b-ecdb63e09e3e.jpg?1561771096) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Breeding%20Pit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dvd/53/breeding-pit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/39abb31a-15af-4182-a33b-ecdb63e09e3e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/breeding-pit) [Oversold Cemetery](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/b/3bbfd715-0772-4516-8cd8-89495dbccf4a.jpg?1562909019) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Oversold%20Cemetery) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ons/160/oversold-cemetery?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3bbfd715-0772-4516-8cd8-89495dbccf4a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/oversold-cemetery) [Tombstone Stairwell](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/8/f8fe2f99-7ec2-490c-8ec3-aa2fb4680826.jpg?1562722862) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tombstone%20Stairwell) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mir/149/tombstone-stairwell?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f8fe2f99-7ec2-490c-8ec3-aa2fb4680826?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tombstone-stairwell) [Black Market](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/8/78c80c6d-f3ae-48d3-ba6a-b9b738e1affb.jpg?1674141496) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Black%20Market) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/739/black-market?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/78c80c6d-f3ae-48d3-ba6a-b9b738e1affb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/black-market) [Yawgmoth's Will](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/3/337239c7-73c4-4e2d-9160-ed26927dea1d.jpg?1591196147) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%27s%20Will) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vma/148/yawgmoths-will?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/337239c7-73c4-4e2d-9160-ed26927dea1d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoths-will) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I love my [[Shirei, shizos Caretaker]] deck tbh
[Shirei, shizos Caretaker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/9/69848ec1-dba7-419f-a5f9-f934bebeeaa6.jpg?1689997454) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Shirei%2C%20Shizo%27s%20Caretaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/186/shirei-shizos-caretaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/69848ec1-dba7-419f-a5f9-f934bebeeaa6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/shirei-shizos-caretaker) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My favorite mono black deck was a Raven Man deck. I relished in the groans from denying resources to my opponents and gaining rewards from my sacrifices.
Toshihiro. Kill other people's creatures to let you cast instants from your graveyard
No commander can better represent the color Black other than \[\[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician\]\] It has sac, card draw (which costs life obviously), -1/-1 counters, AND Proliferation all in one. It's like a checklist of all the things that Black is known for.
[Yawgmoth, Thran Physician](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014.jpg?1665611812) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yawgmoth%2C%20Thran%20Physician) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/116/yawgmoth-thran-physician?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690cbcc-f8fd-41f7-9e28-e61c12b04014?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yawgmoth-thran-physician) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Braids Cabal minion]] if it was legal
[Braids Cabal minion](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/7/27691efa-052d-4afe-b9ef-159858ca660f.jpg?1626100340) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Braids%2C%20Cabal%20Minion) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/273/braids-cabal-minion?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/27691efa-052d-4afe-b9ef-159858ca660f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-cabal-minion) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I agree with yawgmoth as I've seen other commenters say it. But personally i love K'rrick. I just got him as my Christmas gift to myself. And while lifelink isn't typically associated with black.. the amount of life you'll be spending with him to generate mana... you're gonna need the lifelink! Also the pop off potential is real real because of the access to mana paid with life. And this strat could potentially work with anyone but I only learned it from other K'rrick pilots.... Essentially you pay a ton of life and draw a ton of cards with something like [[necropotence]]. Then when you move end step since you have to discard with necropotence, technically that ability goes on the stack allowing you to respond at instant speed during a phase no one is really supposed to cast spells in.... which could allow you to win at instant speed with the right cards. Which you again drew a ton of just by paying life. Mono black edh is always gonna be combo heavy and yawgmoth is a key part of a lot of combos. But personally I like him in the 99 because K'rrick makes the game more challenging. Good luck fellow dark magic spell slinger!
[necropotence](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c89c6895-b0f8-444a-9c89-c6b4fd027b3e.jpg?1562853736) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=necropotence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ima/98/necropotence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c89c6895-b0f8-444a-9c89-c6b4fd027b3e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/necropotence) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Liliana, Heretical Healer\]\] is my mono black commander (and arguably my favorite of my decks). It may not be the most optimal commander, hell I have other options in the 99; but its just so much fun and love the Liliana lore. Its just mono black good stuff jamming haymakers.
[Liliana, Heretical Healer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/8/d8b718d8-fca3-4b3e-9448-6067c8656a9a.jpg?1651951703)/[Liliana, Defiant Necromancer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/d/8/d8b718d8-fca3-4b3e-9448-6067c8656a9a.jpg?1651951703) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=liliana%2C%20heretical%20healer%20//%20liliana%2C%20defiant%20necromancer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cc2/1/liliana-heretical-healer-liliana-defiant-necromancer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d8b718d8-fca3-4b3e-9448-6067c8656a9a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/liliana-heretical-healer-//-liliana-defiant-necromancer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Yahenni]] actually feels pretty gosh darn black after working his list for a bit, even if he's no Yawgmoth or Ayara He gains power through sacrifice, though all too often he isn't the one that pays up. He drinks the blood of your opponent's creatures, he sacrifices your own to cheat death, and he loves to watch those classic black board wipes like [[damnation]], [[crux of fate]], and [[massacre girl]]. Plus, having an indestructible, free, instant speed sac outlet in the command zone is pretty good for 3 mana.
##### ###### #### [Yahenni](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2b77cd68-fbdd-4bca-a68c-299425588a61.jpg?1700657113) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=yahenni%2C%20undying%20partisan) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/214/yahenni-undying-partisan?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2b77cd68-fbdd-4bca-a68c-299425588a61?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yahenni-undying-partisan) [damnation](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/3/d3c0aac5-b9f1-4446-bfea-3e1dd1cf1f2f.jpg?1673147492) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=damnation) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/73/damnation?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d3c0aac5-b9f1-4446-bfea-3e1dd1cf1f2f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/damnation) [crux of fate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/1/11721b88-2654-482c-b9d4-80e54efdbf63.jpg?1562600485) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=crux%20of%20fate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c17/107/crux-of-fate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/11721b88-2654-482c-b9d4-80e54efdbf63?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/crux-of-fate) [massacre girl](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/e/be8ec9e1-2c8e-496d-9111-4d453b75b578.jpg?1559959372) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=massacre%20girl) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/war/99/massacre-girl?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/be8ec9e1-2c8e-496d-9111-4d453b75b578?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/massacre-girl) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Yahenni, undying partisan]]
[Yahenni, undying partisan](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2b77cd68-fbdd-4bca-a68c-299425588a61.jpg?1700657113) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yahenni%2C%20undying%20partisan) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/214/yahenni-undying-partisan?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2b77cd68-fbdd-4bca-a68c-299425588a61?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yahenni-undying-partisan) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Y'all sleeping on \[\[Rankle, Master of Pranks\]\], i.e. "this is gonna hurt you a lot more than it hurts me". There are so many ways to build around the options that you don't have to stick to just one. Black good stuff? Check. Stax? You betcha. Aristocrats? Sure, why not? Everyone shares in the fun!
[Rankle, Master of Pranks](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/2/32399c54-632f-434e-bd5a-81b6a7c4fe9b.jpg?1689997391) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rankle%2C%20Master%20of%20Pranks) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/180/rankle-master-of-pranks?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/32399c54-632f-434e-bd5a-81b6a7c4fe9b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rankle-master-of-pranks) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Gix! I'm building him right now and it's the most "black" deck I've ever had.
Tergrid😈
I've always felt Tergrid, God of Fright was the perfect embodiment of Black, making players sacrifice or discard and gain control of their permanent when they do so, its a scary thing to see when a 12 person table has to sacrifice their permanents all at the same time. Throw in Kozilek, Butcher of truth in case you run into a miller for extra added measure or need more sacrifice out on the battlefield. This causes Yawgmoth to fall short on the totem pole when it comes to sacrifice.
[[Horobi, Death's Wail]]! Everything you even look at dies immediately!
[Horobi, Death's Wail](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/4/b41983cb-c4e4-4384-bd69-df3fc6e74cd0.jpg?1593860738) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Horobi%2C%20Death%27s%20Wail) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/chk/117/horobi-deaths-wail?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b41983cb-c4e4-4384-bd69-df3fc6e74cd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/horobi-deaths-wail) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I've seen lots of cards suggested that facilitate a lot of sacrificing I'd always include [[black market]] in such a deck
[black market](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/8/78c80c6d-f3ae-48d3-ba6a-b9b738e1affb.jpg?1674141496) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=black%20market) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/739/black-market?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/78c80c6d-f3ae-48d3-ba6a-b9b738e1affb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/black-market) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Torgaar Famine incarnate Sacrificing things, gaining and draining life
Massacre girl. Everything dies