Building a Removal Package for Commander: How Much Is Enough?

Removal is what separates a functional deck from one that dies to the first threat it can't block. Here's how to build a removal package that handles anything.

The Magic Number: 10-12

Most Commander decks should run 10-12 interaction pieces: - 5-7 targeted removal (creature, artifact, enchantment) - 2-3 board wipes (mass removal) - 2-3 counterspells (if in blue) or additional targeted removal

Targeted Removal by Color

White - Swords to Plowshares (exile creature, 1 mana) - Path to Exile (exile creature, 1 mana) - Generous Gift (destroy any permanent, 3 mana)

Blue - Counterspell (counter anything, 2 mana) - Reality Shift (exile creature, 2 mana) - Cyclonic Rift (bounce, or overload for one-sided board wipe)

Black - Go for the Throat (destroy creature, 2 mana) - Feed the Swarm (destroy creature or enchantment, 2 mana) - Deadly Rollick (free with commander, exile creature)

Red - Chaos Warp (tuck any permanent, 3 mana) - Blasphemous Act (13 damage to all creatures, often 1 mana) - Vandalblast (destroy artifact, or overload for all opponents' artifacts)

Green - Beast Within (destroy any permanent, 3 mana) - Nature's Claim (destroy artifact/enchantment, 1 mana) - Krosan Grip (split second, can't be countered, destroy artifact/enchantment)

Board Wipes

Run 2-3 board wipes. More if you're a control deck. Options by color: - White: Wrath of God, Farewell, Austere Command - Black: Toxic Deluge, Damnation, Black Sun's Zenith - Red: Blasphemous Act, Chain Reaction - Multi: Merciless Eviction, Supreme Verdict

When to Use Removal

Don't waste removal on non-threatening permanents. Save it for: 1. Something that's about to win the game 2. Something that shuts down your strategy specifically 3. Something that's generating overwhelming value

Let opponents deal with each other's threats when possible. You only have 10 removal spells — make them count.

Our AI builder includes an appropriate removal package based on your colors and strategy.