Kenrith the Returned King Commander Deck

Welcome to the ultimate guide on building a Kenrith the Returned King Commander deck! In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of creating a powerful and synergistic deck centered around Kenrith, a versatile and powerful commander from Magic: The Gathering's Throne of Eldraine set. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the Commander format, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to create a deck that not only showcases Kenrith's abilities but also provides a fun and engaging gameplay experience.

Understanding Kenrith the Returned King

Kenrith the Returned King is a five-color legendary creature that offers a wealth of strategic options for players. His abilities allow you to draw cards, gain life, distribute +1/+1 counters, and even return creatures from the graveyard to the battlefield. This versatility makes him an excellent choice for a Commander deck, as you can tailor your strategy to fit your playstyle and your playgroup's dynamics.

Kenrith's Abilities

Kenrith has the following abilities:

• 1 Generic, 1 White: Target player gains 5 life.
• 1 Generic, 1 Blue: Draw a card.
• 1 Generic, 1 Black: Return target creature from your graveyard to the battlefield.
• 1 Generic, 1 Red: Kenrith the Returned King deals 1 damage to any target.
• 1 Generic, 1 Green: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

These abilities allow for a wide range of strategies, from life gain and card draw to creature recursion and direct damage. This flexibility is what makes Kenrith such an appealing commander for many players.

Building Your Kenrith Commander Deck

When building a Kenrith the Returned King Commander deck, it's essential to focus on synergy and balance. With access to all five colors, you have the freedom to explore various themes and strategies. Here are some key considerations for building your deck:

Choosing Your Strategy

Before you start selecting cards, it's crucial to decide on the primary strategy you want your deck to pursue. Here are a few popular strategies that work well with Kenrith:

• Life Gain: Focus on cards that gain life to take advantage of Kenrith's life-gaining ability and build a resilient board state.
• Token Generation: Create a swarm of creatures to overwhelm your opponents while utilizing Kenrith's ability to distribute +1/+1 counters.
• Control: Use counterspells and removal to control the board while leveraging Kenrith's card draw and recursion abilities.
• Reanimation: Build a deck that focuses on returning powerful creatures from the graveyard, maximizing Kenrith's graveyard recursion ability.

Card Selection

Once you've decided on a strategy, it's time to select the cards that will make up your deck. Here are some categories of cards to consider:

Creatures

Creatures are the backbone of any Commander deck. Look for creatures that synergize with your chosen strategy. For example:

• Life Gain Creatures: Soul Warden, Ajani's Pridemate, and Archangel of Thune are excellent choices.
• Token Creatures: Cards like Elspeth, Sun's Champion and Trojan Horse can help you generate board presence.
• Reanimation Targets: Powerful creatures such as Grave Titan and Avenger of Zendikar can be great targets for Kenrith's recursion ability.

Spells

Spells can provide additional support for your strategy. Consider including:

• Card Draw: Rhystic Study, Divination, and Fact or Fiction can help you maintain card advantage.
• Removal: Include spells like Path to Exile, Wrath of God, and Counterspell to control the board.
• Utility Spells: Cards like Farseek and Cultivate can help ramp your mana and fix your colors.

Enchantments and Artifacts

Enchantments and artifacts can provide additional value and synergy. Look for cards like:

• Enchantments: Underworld Connections for card draw and Sensei's Divining Top for card manipulation.
• Artifacts: Sol Ring for ramp and Chromatic Lantern for mana fixing.

Mana Base

With a five-color deck, your mana base is crucial. Include a mix of basic lands, dual lands, and mana-fixing lands. Cards like Command Tower, Fabled Passage, and City of Brass can help ensure you have the mana you need to cast your spells.

Sample Kenrith the Returned King Decklist

To give you a head start, here is a sample decklist for a Kenrith the Returned King Commander deck focused on life gain and creature synergy:

Creatures (30)

• Kenrith, the Returned King
• Soul Warden
• Ajani's Pridemate
• Archangel of Thune
• Serra Ascendant
• Sunscorch Regent
• Grave Titan
• Avenger of Zendikar
• Elspeth, Sun's Champion
• Trojan Horse
• Rift Sweeper
• Sun Titan
• Angels of Serenity
• Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
• Terra Stomper

Spells (20)

• Wrath of God
• Path to Exile
• Counterspell
• Rhystic Study
• Farseek
• Cultivate
• Divination
• Fact or Fiction
• Return to Dust
• Heroic Intervention

Enchantments and Artifacts (10)

• Underworld Connections
• Sensei's Divining Top
• Sol Ring
• Chromatic Lantern
• Mirari's Wake
• Collective Voyage
• Smothering Tithe

Land (40)

• Command Tower
• Fabled Passage
• City of Brass
• Reflecting Pool
• Allied Fetch Lands
• Basic Lands (Plains, Islands, Swamps, Mountains, Forests)

Gameplay Tips

Now that you have your deck built, it's time to dive into gameplay. Here are some tips to maximize your effectiveness when playing Kenrith the Returned King:

Early Game

In the early game, focus on ramping your mana and establishing your board presence. Play cards that generate tokens or gain life, and use Kenrith's abilities to draw cards and gain life. Remember to protect Kenrith, as he is your commander and central to your strategy.

Mid Game

As the game progresses into the mid-game, start to utilize Kenrith's abilities more aggressively. Use his card draw to maintain card advantage and deploy your more powerful creatures. Look for opportunities to use his graveyard recursion ability to bring back key creatures that may have been removed.

Late Game

In the late game, aim to overwhelm your opponents with a massive board state. Use Kenrith's ability to distribute +1/+1 counters and take advantage of any life gain you have accumulated. Be mindful of your opponents' strategies, and be ready to counter their threats or remove key blockers.

Common Opponents and Strategies

Understanding your opponents is crucial in Commander. Here are some common strategies you may encounter and how to counter them:

Aggro Decks

Aggressive decks can be a significant threat, especially in the early game. Use your removal spells wisely to eliminate key threats and stabilize your life total. Cards that gain life quickly will help you stay in the game.

Control Decks

Control decks often rely on counterspells and board wipes to maintain control. It’s essential to play around their counterspells by baiting them with low-impact spells before casting your big threats. Keep your card advantage high to outlast their resources.

Combo Decks

Combo decks can win the game very quickly if left unchecked. Keep an eye on your opponents' key pieces, and don't be afraid to use removal spells or counter spells to disrupt their combos. Maintaining board presence will also help you pressure them into playing defensively.

Conclusion

Building a Kenrith the Returned King Commander deck can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore a wide range of strategies and playstyles. With his versatile abilities, Kenrith can adapt to various situations, making him a formidable commander in any game. Whether you choose to focus on life gain, token generation, control, or reanimation, the key is to build a deck that reflects your unique playstyle and engages your playgroup.

As you play and refine your deck, you'll discover new synergies and strategies that can enhance your gameplay. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust your deck as you learn more about the format and your opponents' strategies. Happy gaming!

Call to Action

Are you ready to take your Kenrith the Returned King Commander deck to the next level? Share your thoughts, strategies, and experiences in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with your fellow Magic: The Gathering players. For more tips, tricks, and deck-building strategies, check out Wizards of the Coast and EDHREC.

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