Hidden Gems for Judith, Carnage Connoisseur

Welcome to another edition of Hidden Gems, where we dig into Magic’s archives to find potentially overlooked cards for Commander. Today, we’re looking at the Rakdos spellslinger all-star, Judith, Carnage Connoisseur.

Overall, the cards listed over at EDHREC offer a very sound shell. Play lots of small spells - black ones like Not Dead After All to protect Judith and red ones that do damage to lots of creatures, like Blazing Volley. Gone are the days of paying nine mana for a Plague Wind. In this economy? No thank you. I’ll take Judy and one red, please.

Judith, Carnage Connoisseur	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.95
Judith, Carnage Connoisseur (Showcase)	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.72
Not Dead After All	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.50
Blazing Volley	CardKingdom $0.49	TCGPlayer $0.21

But the most popular cards listed still leave some strategic holes. Here are my four suggestions to help round out the deck.

#1. Erebos, God of the Dead

If an opponent can gain lots of life, Judith and her army of imps might not be able to compensate. For this reason, it would be smart to include ways to prevent this. Erebos is a difficult card to remove and its life-gain prevention doesn’t affect you. As an added bonus, he can turn all your life gain into more cards. I don’t know what religions they have on Ravnica, but I have a feeling Ms. Carnage Connoisseur might be looking to convert.

Erebos, God of the Dead	CardKingdom $12.99	TCGPlayer $13.32
Erebos, God of the Dead	CardKingdom	TCGPlayer $22.15

#2. Sudden Spoiling

How do you solve a problem like Maria? (Maria is my nickname for all cards with indestructible or protection from black/red.) As mighty as deathtouch spells might be, there are plenty of threats that can circumvent their little, deadly touches. But Judith’s prayers to Erebos are answered in the form of Sudden Spoiling. It can’t be countered (thanks Split Second), removes abilities, and makes an opponent’s creatures 0/2s - which are just small enough for a devil token to block and kill. Hallelujah!

Sudden Spoiling	CardKingdom $2.79	TCGPlayer $2.28
Sudden Spoiling	CardKingdom $2.29	TCGPlayer $2.00
Sudden Spoiling	CardKingdom $2.49	TCGPlayer $1.96

#3. Darkness

Maybe it’s the old-school player in me, but I love a card so far out of the color pie that your opponents won’t see it coming. Hello Darkness, my old friend! Some games are won on the back of a well-timed Fog, and Darkness is especially effective as the combat move they won’t see coming. And as a one-mana instant, it gets along splendidly with every card in the deck that cares about casting an instant or sorcery. Come to the dark side - we have Fogs.

Darkness	CardKingdom $9.49	TCGPlayer $9.07
Darkness	CardKingdom $11.99	TCGPlayer $7.99
Darkness	CardKingdom	TCGPlayer $4.37

#4. Infernal Sovereign

Lastly, let’s talk card draw. There are a million and one options, but Infernal Sovereign can cycle through your deck of cheap spells with the best of them. The life loss is negligible when Judith is around because they’re in love. Recycle is a historically powerful card and has a black alternate in Null Profusion, but Infernal Sovereign won’t cut your hand size down to two.  And that’s why we like him.

Infernal Sovereign	CardKingdom $1.49	TCGPlayer $1.06
Infernal Sovereign (Extended Art)	CardKingdom $1.79	TCGPlayer $1.00

That’s all for this episode. Until next time, may Erebos grant all your wishes. And don’t forget to check out our Premium membership for more entertainment and Magic market insights!

Further Reading:

When Magic Products Fail

Karlov Manor Guild Leader Variants For Your Collection

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