Let’s look at some game changers! I’ve got some mixed feelings about WotC’s definition of these powerful cards. They’re staples of the format, and they’re undeniably powerful, but the Game Changer categorisation has the potential to stigmatise their use.
Or does it?
It may well be the case for some groups that by identifying and admitting the power of these cards and defining how many one can include in a deck of a specific tier, it actually gives tacit permission for their use. Go figure.
Whichever way you see it, it’s worth knowing what these cards do. Today, let’s look at Grand Arbiter Augustin IV!
Few cards in Magic: The Gathering frustrate opponents quite like Grand Arbiter Augustin IV. Originally printed in Dissension, this legendary creature has become a staple in control and stax strategies, slowing down opponents while making its own spells cheaper. But is it a brilliant control piece or a nightmare for game balance? Let’s explore.
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV is a 2/3 legendary Human Advisor with two key abilities:
White spells you cast cost {1} less to cast.
Blue spells you cast cost {1} less to cast.
Spells your opponents cast cost {1} more to cast.
This means that while your spells become cheaper, your opponents are forced to pay extra for every spell they cast, creating a taxing effect that slows down their game plan.
That does sound powerful, but why Is Grand Arbiter Augustin IV a game changer? What makes his have a warping effect on the game?
- Resource Denial: By taxing opponents, Grand Arbiter disrupts fast-paced decks, making it harder for them to execute their strategies.
- Accelerated Control: The cost reduction on white and blue spells allows for early counterspells, board wipes, and control pieces.
- Synergy with Stax Effects: Pairing Grand Arbiter with cards like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, Rhystic Study, and Propaganda creates a lockdown environment that makes it difficult for opponents to play efficiently.
Is Grand Arbiter Augustin IV too strong? He’s certainly got a reputation, being allegedly infamous for creating miserable play experiences in casual Commander games. Some players argue that:
- It slows down the game too much: The tax effect makes every spell harder to cast, leading to grindy, drawn-out matches.
- It discourages interaction: Opponents may avoid playing spells altogether, fearing the extra cost.
- It enables oppressive stax strategies: Combined with cards like Winter Orb or Stasis, Grand Arbiter can lock opponents out of the game entirely.
Of course, just because this card is out does not mean that you’re helpless. There are always ways for you, or others at your table, to deal with it. If you’re facing off against the Grand Arbiter, consider these strategies:
- Destroy It Quickly: Treat it like a priority removal target. Cards like Abrupt Decay, Cyclonic Rift, or Vandalblast can deal with it efficiently.
- Ramp Past the Tax: Using mana rocks like Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and various others can help keep a stock of colourless or flexible mana around to mitigate the tax effect. There are, of course, a ton of different ramp options.
- Counter the Stax Pieces: If Grand Arbiter is paired with oppressive stax effects, countering key pieces like Rule of Law or Static Orb can help break the lock.
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV is one of the most defining control commanders, shaping strategies that tax opponents while accelerating its own game plan. Whether you love it for its resource denial or despise it for its oppressive mechanics, there’s no denying its impact. That said, I think he’s far less oppressive in the 99 than he is in the command zone. I’m adding him to the 99 of a deck that I am currently working on, and it feels like not having that constant ability to bring him back into the game makes a huge difference. Once he’s in the 99, he’s suddenly so much more vulerable, able to be exiled or killed far more effectively.
Still, it’s a powerful card which has a massive impact on any game.
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