Dina, Soul Steeper | Life Gain / Life Drain | Commander | EDH | Budget | Cut-Rate Commander

Cut-Rate Commander - Episode 8 - Featuring Dina, Soul Steeper.
Strixhaven's own Tea Coinsure is joining us today, helming a deck that focuses on life gain and life drain, using a multitude of life gain effects to keep our life total nice and padded while sucking the life right out of our opponents.
Let me know if the comments below if you agree with my choices and/or what you would add to the deck instead. Also, let me know know who you would like to see next by voting on in the comments on the three choices of commander listed at the end of the video. .
And as usual, be sure to like and subscribe if you want to see more content like this in the future.
Deck URL - www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/3956...
All art used is copyright of Wizards of the Coast
Giveway Link: kingsumo.com/g/5nghsg/grazzet...

[@GrazzetMTG]

Giveaway Link: kingsumo.com/g/5nghsg/grazzet-mtg-ultrapro-satin-tower-deck-box-giveaway Be sure to Like, Comment and Subscribe if you liked the video and would like me to make content like this in the future. Also, make sure you stick around until the end of the video to see what commanders are up to vote for a future Cut-Rate Commander Video and let me know who you want to see in the comments.

[@kartr4166]

I keep getting a 404 error when i try to click the link

[@GrazzetMTG]

So sorry about that - minor technical difficulty on my part. Just had some people test and it seems to be working now.

[@MonoDeFuegoX13]

Ooopooo

[@kartr4166]

A Killian, Ink Duelist would be a cool commander to build around i think!

[@GrazzetMTG]

2nd vote for Killian - lets see if he can actually make it to the summit this week. Should be a fun build around though - time to dust off my copies of Hex and Dregs of Sorrow.

[@Paul24mny]

Great video! Having the cards shown is a nice touch, as some deck techs, people show the sleeved cards and it’s hard to read them. Also, I really liked that you built it budget, but also showed how you would upgrade it, which I find lacking from some other budget deck techs. I would suggest maybe adding what you would cut out to slot in for each upgrade.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the feedback - I was initially going to be including a swap out portion in the deck techs decided instead just let people know what cards could also work in this build and see what works for them, since different cards just mess better for different people/playgroups. Still, if more people want that, I'd be more than happy to oblige.

[@Charlie_Wolf]

​@@GrazzetMTG is there a cut list yet? 👀

[@rosearmor45]

That was an incredible video.

[@generalbb4077]

Fantastic job! I love how you break down your decks and organize your videos. I will look forward to watching your content whenever you upload it. Thank you!

[@generalbb4077]

Also, given that there are already some Killian votes from other viewers, I'll throw in another Killian vote

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the kind words and I hope you keep enjoying the content. Its looks like Killian is taking this one by a landslide, so hopefully he'll be the next commander up after Codie.

[@yankmyarea]

Currently building my first EDH deck with Dina, thanks for the video! I love the CMC organization/cards on screen.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Glad you enjoyed the video and best of luck to you with your first EDH deck!

[@grovestreet1520]

Really love your content. Please keep it up! These videos are great

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoy them.

[@permafrost2064]

I just came across your channel while looking for a some ideas for a Kardur deck. I really enjoy your format and budget friendly decks, especially in a time where it seems that commander deck techs are falling off the map.

[@machiavelli7546]

Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@GrazzetMTG]

Codie's up next so I hope you like yourself some spell slinging nonsense.

[@AYooo_Its_D]

Thanks for breakdown of each individual card! might swap her for belodros as the commander her synergies are crazy

[@GrazzetMTG]

Glad you enjoyed it - Dina is a powerhouse, especially considering she is a uncommon.

[@mtgaddiction4726]

Amazing video! I just suscribed!

[@GrazzetMTG]

Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the sub!

[@jonnas9365]

Amazing video bro, keep the good content

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and glad you enjoyed it.

[@tatz717]

I like your videos, good low budget templates to start from, or even play with to feel out whether you like a deck or not. One request would be to highlight some replacement suggestions for the sidegrades or upgrades. It can be a tough call as to whether to replace a similar card or take one out to beef up one effect over another.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the feedback. I have thought about it, but ultimately decided that each person will find what works for them better than I could dictate - so just offering the cards and letting them play with what works for them just felt better (for me in any case).

[@eliaszbojko2559]

Yo, love the deckbuilding style and philosophy and how it is kept butdget but the sidegrades or upgrades are actually meaningful. It shows you have played and understand the game well. Been really enjoying your dina deck and just build the quintorius one. Please keep it up, take breaks, or whatever you need to do man. You've reinvigorated my love for the game.

[@GrazzetMTG]

I appreciate the support very much and am glad that your enjoying the content so far! It warms my heart to know that you've rediscover the love of the game in part to my work and I wish you all the lick in your future games!

[@pablocastillo5396]

Nice deck Mr. Grazzet, looks really fun and sinergistic. Killian's ability looks exploitable and powerful, and i'm sure you'll come up with a "killer" deck to follow suit, so my vote goes for him. Cheers and stay safe!

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the feedback - And that's one more vote for Killian, so it looks like it may be his time to shine.

[@disfunkshin]

Nice decktech, I have so many of these cards not being used :D I think Killian and Zimone are the easy choices, I would love to see how you build Quintorius. I watched your Koll decktech a few weeks back and liked it, but I forgot to sub and couldn't remember the channel name. Luckily I remembered where I found you, the budgetbrews subreddit. Anyways, good vids, Thanks.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Yeah, you'll usually see me hanging around reddit and posting my work there over the weekend. Glad to hear you liked the build and we'll see if Quintorius can catch up to Killian at this point.

[@sohodt1]

Great video and deck

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks for the feedback - glad you enjoyed it!

[@frederickarkari5845]

I have Dina that came in a pack but I wasn't quite sure what to do with her. Thanks for this!

[@GrazzetMTG]

Glad the deck tech helped inspire some builds for you.

[@DetritusRelated]

Love it! Especially the "If you want to get a piece of cardboard instead of a ps5" bit. Staff of the Wild Magus/Staff of the Death Magus can trigger off Forest/Swamps we have come into play or Green/Black spells we cast. Chalice of Life is a pet card of mine I used to use with Uncle Karlov but may be worth cutting for something with more drain. Roots of Life + Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth is a brutal combo but the latter card isn't really budget: I'd use Sylvan Scrying/Expedition Map just to find Urborg. Deathreap Ritual/Phyrexian Arena are 2 other sources of card draw that are budget/not so budget respectively. Tablet of the Guilds, Fountain of Renewal, Sun Droplet (this is with EVERY player's upkeep fyi), Golem's Heart, Paradise Plume (you can name blue or red if one player is playing storm) are all decent budget options. Dogged Pursuit, Ill-Gotten Inheritance, and Retreat to Kazandu offer more options. Lastly, Golgari Guildgate may be worth running for the sake of making Sanctum of Stone Fangs ping for 2 instead of 1. Oh and if you really want to get degenerate, Life and Limb + Sporemound offers infinite saporlings and if Dina and Jaddi Offshoot or their various clones are online then it's GG.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Good suggestions - though a fair number of these would be well our of budget. Still, they would make for good includes in higher priced builds!

[@DetritusRelated]

@@GrazzetMTG Yeah, although the budget alternative to Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth would be Blanket of Night. Forgot about that one in the OP. Also, the last tidbit I'll add is that for ~$9 currently, Chain of Smog goes infinite with Witherbloom Apprentice, just keep targeting yourself. Doesn't matter if you don't have any cards in hand. Thanks for the videos!

[@barrysetser3909]

Stop me before I make another Dina deck! Already have two (one is your design), but way deep into designing yet another one. She curiously occupies the spot as my personal favorite commander.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Can't have too many Dina builds!

[@Tehstampede]

Its crazy that you made such a cohesive and focused deck list for under $100

[@GrazzetMTG]

It's not easy, but I strive to get as much bang for my buck as possible - A deck shouldn't be bad just because it budget after all.

[@akira-qr4qm]

100 bucks for an edh deck is so easy. Just don't use any broken staple card like Rhystic Study and you'll struggle to go over 100

[@MG-yh5qn]

No exquisite blood?? Op combo there😊

[@jarihusso1750]

My weekends seems to be deck building on the kitchen table and I am loving it! By the way I got "Tendrils of Agony" and "Weather the Storm" from boosters. So can Chat or Grazzet give ideas how to get this deck go WROOooommm!? My vote goes to Killian, Ink Duelist and Diamond Vallye joke was golden.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Hey, so long as you having fun and staying safe, there's no better way to spend a weekend than brewing new decks. If you want a more "fair" way to use storm - Plumb the Forbidden and a wide enough board can get you a decent storm count, though build may then need to lean more into tokens,

[@HanDaimond]

People build Dina EDH deck to drain their opponent's life and gain some effortlessly. I've build it because Dina is beautiful. We are not the same. Thanks for the video

[@GrazzetMTG]

I see you and Captain Kirk share the same fondness for green ladies! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@armandoacosta9828]

Black or green. Haha, nice one.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Glad you enjoyed my tea humor!

[@caydelionhardt9085]

Severed strands is really nice in this deck imho it gives us removal sac outlet and life gain

[@GrazzetMTG]

Not a bad pick at all - it ticks all the boxes with a sac outlet, life gain and removal at a low cost. Its a tad bit slow being a sorcery but we can't have everything.

[@Dragoon803]

I've been looking for a multi color commander that drains life when you gain life. I just wish she had white in her colors as well. She'd be perfect at that point.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Even just being in Golgari she is still a very solid commander for the life gain/life drain gameplan - with both colors having plenty of tools to make it work. Not too shabby for a uncommon commander!

[@auwli]

Nice include with Extort! Haven't thought about that! Are you planning to do a Willodusk video?

[@GrazzetMTG]

Thanks - not to many people realize that Extort doesn't actually affect the color identity of the card, which I guess why so many people don't include it in their builds. No plans currently for a Willodusk build, only so much time to build and test the decks after all - but never say never, I may do some extra deck techs if I find myself with some extra time on my hands.

[@auwli]

@@GrazzetMTG take your time! Health > deadlines

[@younique239]

@Grazzet MTG I just found your Dina Commander video and found it very informative, do you have an idea of what the deck would look like if you choose to add in all of the Side gradeds and upgradeds (except the Diamond Valley) - Thanks for your time.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Of exact metrics I would have to do more testing (which sadly I do not have the time for) but if we're looking at quick swaps - Kazandu Nectarpot & Reassembling Skeleton are good creatures to swap out to start, as are Sanctum of Stone Fangs, Retreat to Hagra, and Natural End for non-creature spells. Hope that helps!

[@younique239]

@@GrazzetMTG Thank you for taking the time to reply, it's much appreciated. I will test out your recommendations and see how i go. By the way do you have any plans to do a Adrix and Nev, Twincasters Commander deck, - think that would an amazing episode given the flexibility of what the commander can do.

[@codyfaught3606]

Do you have a built decklist of this build?

[@landergilgemijn1423]

What about Chain of Smog to combo with witherbloom apprentice?

[@petelemoi373]

I'd like to see a video on killian

[@GrazzetMTG]

Good choice - Killian makes so many janky cards actually playable so that should be a fun build if he makes it this time.

[@zanewilkins9548]

I need exquisite blood to make it work with my playgroup bc highly competitive. go for Zamone my niece who is 11 would like to build it

[@GrazzetMTG]

If you have the money for it, Exquisite Blood is a great addition. Voting has already concluded for this video with Killian, Ink Duelist being the Winner - Zimone is still on the voting lineup however on the next video (releasing this Saturday) if you want to cast your vote there.

[@sonsysy4195]

What are your thoughts on etb sac creatures like Plague Crafter, Demon's Disciple, Merciless Executioner and Fleshbag Marauder?

[@GrazzetMTG]

They would be fine additions, as they would serve as removal that bypasses protection and procs death payoffs when our and our opponents creatures die.

[@sonsysy4195]

I have all four that I plan to include 😁

[@carnophage666]

So, what would you cut for the upgrades?

[@GrazzetMTG]

I would say that Jaddi Offshoot, Erebos's Intervention, and Find // Finality likely be the first to consider swapping our for some more powerful options.

[@carnophage666]

@@GrazzetMTG Thnx m8, nice interaction too on top of a good video. I'll make sure you get some new viewers like myself 😉

[@GrazzetMTG]

@@carnophage666 Thanks for joining the channel! Glad to here that your enjoying the content and the banter.

[@levi_svm2398]

With Thrull Parasite wouldn't it be an illegal card in the deck? Yes it is a black pip to cast however it has (white,black) in the Extort description. I can see if it was (green,black) so im confused. Im still newer to the game so if im wrong please correct me.

[@levi_svm2398]

Same with Basilica Screecher, also has white in the identity of the card. Again correct me if I'm wrong.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Good question - Extort does not count towards a cards color identity, as it only exists in the reminder text of the card. See here for a judge ruling on it - blogs.magicjudges.org/rulestips/2013/02/extort-and-commander/#:~:text=This%20question%20cropped%20up%20an,is%20a%20resounding%20'no'.

[@levi_svm2398]

Thank you for clearing that up, in the process of making the deck shown. Much obliged

[@redsabrewolf]

my vote is for quintorius.

[@GrazzetMTG]

Killian has fair lead but maybe the elephant archeologist can narrow the gap.

[@CasualMagic]

You. Forgot. Jungle. Hollow. 😖

[@GrazzetMTG]

Even though I'm a budget player, even I refuse to use the life gain taplands. In all seriousness though - I didn't feel that it was worth including since it was only a 1 time heal when more mileage could be obtained from Sapseep or High Market. Still, if you want some extra life gain in a land slot, this most certainly can do it.

[@theinfinitejourney904]

You wanna sell it to me?

[@GrazzetMTG]

Sadly I do not have a physical copy of this deck, sorry.