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Gandalf, Wandering Wizard
Legendary Creature — Avatar Wizard
Ward {3} (Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays {3}.) {6}: Gandalf's owner shuffles him into their library and draws three cards.
4 / 5
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“Tax threats with Ward, draw cards by shuffling your wizard into the deck.”
Control
Intermediate
Control, Alt-win
Control, Spellslinger, Ramp
Strategy
Gandalf, Wandering Wizard is a control-focused commander that leverages his Ward ability to lock down opponents while he sits back and draws cards. His high toughness and ward make him incredibly hard to kill, letting you stabilize the board and protect your game plan. The real power comes from his second ability: you can shuffle him back into your deck and draw three cards, effectively turning him into a repeatable draw engine. This pairs beautifully with Mystical Tutor effects, cantrips, and cards that let you shuffle or rearrange your deck.
Your gameplan revolves around controlling the early game with efficient counterspells and removal while Gandalf taxes opponents' resources. Once he's established, you can activate his shuffle-draw ability repeatedly—especially if you run tutors that ensure you draw him again. This turns your command zone into a consistent source of card advantage. You'll win through a mix of control elements, tempo plays, and eventually grinding out opponents with a steady stream of cards and perhaps a few small threats or alternate win conditions like Approach of the Second Sun.
Strategy generated by Tapped Decks AI. Not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast.
Key Synergies
Budget Build
Skip pricey blue tutors like Mystical Tutor; use cheaper cantrips (Brainstorm, Ponder, Preordain) and efficient counterspells like Counterspell and Negate instead.
Signature Cards
Inclusion = % of Gandalf, Wandering Wizard decks running this card. +lift = percentage-point boost over the format average.
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