App icon for MTG Life Counter: Lotus
MTG Life Counter: Lotus Track life and commander damage for up to 10 players
Launch

Gaius van Baelsar
Price tag $0.13

Legendary CreatureHuman Soldier

Magic color symbol for B
Mono-Black

Playstyle & Strategy

How it feels to play against

Fair Game Interactive and enjoyable to play against.

Popularity

Niche Pick Less common, brings surprise factor.

Ranking

#2871 Current Rank
#2779 Last Week
#3676 Last Month

New Cards

Fresh cards from recent sets that players are experimenting with in Gaius van Baelsar decks.

Archenemy's Charm Archenemy's Charm
+6% Synergy $1.29
Xu-Ifit, Osteoharmonist Xu-Ifit, Osteoharmonist
+5% Synergy $0.30
Umbral Collar Zealot Umbral Collar Zealot
-1% Synergy $0.68

High Synergy Cards

Cards that work exceptionally well with Gaius van Baelsar's abilities and overall game plan.

Zodiark, Umbral God Zodiark, Umbral God
+55% Synergy $0.48
Morbid Opportunist Morbid Opportunist
+53% Synergy $0.26
Conjurer's Closet Conjurer's Closet
+46% Synergy $3.39
Plaguecrafter Plaguecrafter
+45% Synergy $0.42
Accursed Marauder Accursed Marauder
+45% Synergy $0.23
Merciless Executioner Merciless Executioner
+41% Synergy $0.43
Blood Artist Blood Artist
+39% Synergy $1.79
Nine-Lives Familiar Nine-Lives Familiar
+37% Synergy $1.41
Bastion of Remembrance Bastion of Remembrance
+36% Synergy $0.26
Demon's Disciple Demon's Disciple
+36% Synergy $0.26

Top Cards

The most popular and reliable cards that form the backbone of successful Gaius van Baelsar decks.

Not Dead After All Not Dead After All
+33% Synergy $1.01
Syr Konrad, the Grim Syr Konrad, the Grim
+32% Synergy $0.48
Zulaport Cutthroat Zulaport Cutthroat
+28% Synergy $3.15
Solemn Simulacrum Solemn Simulacrum
+28% Synergy $0.25
The Darkness Crystal The Darkness Crystal
+28% Synergy $2.95
Fleshbag Marauder Fleshbag Marauder
+28% Synergy $0.19
Reassembling Skeleton Reassembling Skeleton
+27% Synergy $0.16
Deadly Dispute Deadly Dispute
+21% Synergy $0.40
Sign in Blood Sign in Blood
+15% Synergy $0.40
Jet Medallion Jet Medallion
+2% Synergy $8.26

Game Changers

Powerful cards that can single-handedly turn the tide of a game when resolved.

Braids, Cabal Minion Braids, Cabal Minion
+16% Synergy $0.45
Tergrid, God of Fright Tergrid's Lantern Tergrid, God of Fright
+5% Synergy $20.50
Necropotence Necropotence
-3% Synergy $16.20
Demonic Tutor Demonic Tutor
-7% Synergy $53.10
Vampiric Tutor Vampiric Tutor
-9% Synergy $59.87

Creatures

Essential creatures that complement Gaius van Baelsar's strategy through synergy, utility, or raw power.

Gravelighter Gravelighter
+36% Synergy $0.19
Mortician Beetle Mortician Beetle
+34% Synergy $0.50
Zenos yae Galvus Shinryu, Transcendent Rival Zenos yae Galvus
+30% Synergy $0.51
Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER Sephiroth, One-Winged Angel Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER
+30% Synergy $31.12
Archfiend of Depravity Archfiend of Depravity
+28% Synergy $8.18
Midnight Reaper Midnight Reaper
+26% Synergy $0.28
Fumulus, the Infestation Fumulus, the Infestation
+25% Synergy $5.19
Wasteland Raider Wasteland Raider
+25% Synergy $0.23
Ravenous Chupacabra Ravenous Chupacabra
+21% Synergy $0.31
Vogar, Necropolis Tyrant Vogar, Necropolis Tyrant
+21% Synergy $7.49
Archfiend of the Dross Archfiend of the Dross
+21% Synergy $0.26
Falkenrath Noble Falkenrath Noble
+20% Synergy $0.13
Noxious Gearhulk Noxious Gearhulk
+19% Synergy $0.61
Massacre Wurm Massacre Wurm
+18% Synergy $1.40
Sheoldred, Whispering One Sheoldred, Whispering One
+18% Synergy $15.19
Abyssal Gorestalker Abyssal Gorestalker
+17% Synergy $0.06
Ogre Slumlord Ogre Slumlord
+16% Synergy $0.26
Grim Haruspex Grim Haruspex
+16% Synergy $2.24
Ozox, the Clattering King Ozox, the Clattering King
+16% Synergy $0.23
Dark Confidant Dark Confidant
+15% Synergy $4.79
Leaden Myr Leaden Myr
+15% Synergy $0.45
Jecht, Reluctant Guardian Braska's Final Aeon Jecht, Reluctant Guardian
+15% Synergy $0.36
Butcher of Malakir Butcher of Malakir
+14% Synergy $0.28
Pitiless Plunderer Pitiless Plunderer
+13% Synergy $1.98
Boggart Trawler Boggart Bog Boggart Trawler
+13% Synergy $1.08
Summon: Primal Odin Summon: Primal Odin
+13% Synergy $1.23
Goremand Goremand
+13% Synergy $0.07
Namazu Trader Namazu Trader
+13% Synergy $0.04
Chain Devil Chain Devil
+12% Synergy $0.10
Tonberry Tonberry
+12% Synergy $0.19
Marionette Apprentice Marionette Apprentice
+11% Synergy $1.17
Doomed Dissenter Doomed Dissenter
+11% Synergy $0.06
Vincent Valentine Galian Beast Vincent Valentine
+10% Synergy $0.96
Woe Strider Woe Strider
+9% Synergy $0.21
Al Bhed Salvagers Al Bhed Salvagers
+9% Synergy $0.12
Ahriman Ahriman
+9% Synergy $0.08
Junji, the Midnight Sky Junji, the Midnight Sky
+8% Synergy $0.61
Rune-Scarred Demon Rune-Scarred Demon
+8% Synergy $0.47
Slum Reaper Slum Reaper
+8% Synergy $0.10
Vile Mutilator Vile Mutilator
+8% Synergy $0.12
Hecteyes Hecteyes
+7% Synergy $0.06
Mirkwood Bats Mirkwood Bats
+4% Synergy $0.63
Abhorrent Overlord Abhorrent Overlord
+4% Synergy $0.54
Braids, Arisen Nightmare Braids, Arisen Nightmare
+3% Synergy $2.27
Sheoldred, the Apocalypse Sheoldred, the Apocalypse
+3% Synergy $65.84
Ayara, First of Locthwain Ayara, First of Locthwain
0% Synergy $4.72
Phyrexian Obliterator Phyrexian Obliterator
-2% Synergy $6.07
Viscera Seer Viscera Seer
-3% Synergy $0.54
Gray Merchant of Asphodel Gray Merchant of Asphodel
-22% Synergy $1.18
Crypt Ghast Crypt Ghast
-26% Synergy $13.56

Instants

Key instant-speed responses for protection, removal, and keeping Gaius van Baelsar safe.

Supernatural Stamina Supernatural Stamina
+32% Synergy $0.13
Malakir Rebirth Malakir Mire Malakir Rebirth
+26% Synergy $8.42
Undying Malice Undying Malice
+26% Synergy $0.60
Sheoldred's Edict Sheoldred's Edict
+25% Synergy $1.00
Feign Death Feign Death
+23% Synergy $0.77
Undying Evil Undying Evil
+23% Synergy $0.37
Soul Shatter Soul Shatter
+14% Synergy $2.99
Deadly Rollick Deadly Rollick
+12% Synergy $18.70
Tergrid's Shadow Tergrid's Shadow
+12% Synergy $0.07
Ashnod's Intervention Ashnod's Intervention
+12% Synergy $0.13
Overkill Overkill
+9% Synergy $0.24
Demonic Gifts Demonic Gifts
+8% Synergy $0.10
Fake Your Own Death Fake Your Own Death
+7% Synergy $0.06
Nasty End Nasty End
+6% Synergy $0.11
Armor of Shadows Armor of Shadows
+6% Synergy $0.14
Tainted Strike Tainted Strike
+6% Synergy $1.55
Lethal Scheme Lethal Scheme
+6% Synergy $0.24
Snuff Out Snuff Out
+5% Synergy $16.57
Doom Blade Doom Blade
+5% Synergy $0.19
Sephiroth's Intervention Sephiroth's Intervention
+5% Synergy $0.10
Fight On! Fight On!
+2% Synergy $0.10
Flare of Malice Flare of Malice
+1% Synergy $3.04
Vincent's Limit Break Vincent's Limit Break
+1% Synergy $0.08
Murder Murder
-1% Synergy $0.04
Village Rites Village Rites
-2% Synergy $0.24
Tragic Slip Tragic Slip
-3% Synergy $0.14
Corrupted Conviction Corrupted Conviction
-3% Synergy $0.24
Infernal Grasp Infernal Grasp
-4% Synergy $0.30
Withering Torment Withering Torment
-5% Synergy $2.57
Fell the Profane Fell Mire Fell the Profane
-5% Synergy $4.97
Defile Defile
-8% Synergy $0.60
Dark Ritual Dark Ritual
-35% Synergy $3.59

Sorceries

Important sorcery spells that advance Gaius van Baelsar's game plan and control the board.

Read the Bones Read the Bones
+20% Synergy $0.25
Mire in Misery Mire in Misery
+18% Synergy $0.59
Torment of Hailfire Torment of Hailfire
+14% Synergy $20.49
Virtus's Maneuver Virtus's Maneuver
+12% Synergy $0.82
Mandate of Abaddon Mandate of Abaddon
+12% Synergy $4.65
Night's Whisper Night's Whisper
+11% Synergy $0.40
Fraying Omnipotence Fraying Omnipotence
+11% Synergy $0.63
Make an Example Make an Example
+11% Synergy $5.77
Blasphemous Edict Blasphemous Edict
+9% Synergy $4.65
The Final Days The Final Days
+9% Synergy $0.14
Taste of Death Taste of Death
+9% Synergy $0.36
Rankle's Prank Rankle's Prank
+8% Synergy $0.25
Army of the Damned Army of the Damned
+8% Synergy $0.74
Innocent Blood Innocent Blood
+8% Synergy $0.29
Cornered by Black Mages Cornered by Black Mages
+8% Synergy $0.13
Deadly Embrace Deadly Embrace
+8% Synergy $0.39
Barter in Blood Barter in Blood
+8% Synergy $0.09
Poison the Waters Poison the Waters
+8% Synergy $0.09
Doomsday Confluence Doomsday Confluence
+8% Synergy $0.19
Exsanguinate Exsanguinate
+7% Synergy $0.28
Resentful Revelation Resentful Revelation
+7% Synergy $0.10
Final Act Final Act
+7% Synergy $1.25
Crux of Fate Crux of Fate
+7% Synergy $2.37
Necrotic Hex Necrotic Hex
+7% Synergy $0.23
Evil Reawakened Evil Reawakened
+7% Synergy $0.09
Rush of Dread Rush of Dread
+5% Synergy $0.28
Profane Tutor Profane Tutor
+4% Synergy $3.85
Will of the Abzan Will of the Abzan
+4% Synergy $6.65
Decree of Pain Decree of Pain
+3% Synergy $0.23
Living Death Living Death
+2% Synergy $2.37
Insatiable Avarice Insatiable Avarice
+1% Synergy $1.95
Grim Tutor Grim Tutor
+1% Synergy $20.09
Victimize Victimize
-3% Synergy $0.44
Mutilate Mutilate
-3% Synergy $1.70
Rise of the Dark Realms Rise of the Dark Realms
-3% Synergy $3.50
Toxic Deluge Toxic Deluge
-6% Synergy $5.79
Diabolic Intent Diabolic Intent
-6% Synergy $10.83
Bubbling Muck Bubbling Muck
-7% Synergy $2.61
Reanimate Reanimate
-15% Synergy $5.15
Feed the Swarm Feed the Swarm
-22% Synergy $0.23

Utility Artifacts

Versatile artifacts that provide ongoing value, card selection, or strategic advantages.

Panharmonicon Panharmonicon
+28% Synergy $5.39
Blade of Selves Blade of Selves
+25% Synergy $3.66
Wayfarer's Bauble Wayfarer's Bauble
+22% Synergy $0.26
Buster Sword Buster Sword
+21% Synergy $35.04
Ninja's Blades Ninja's Blades
+17% Synergy $0.40
Mithril Coat Mithril Coat
+12% Synergy $18.25
Magitek Scythe Magitek Scythe
+12% Synergy $0.32
Fireshrieker Fireshrieker
+11% Synergy $0.27
Portal to Phyrexia Portal to Phyrexia
+11% Synergy $23.88
Dark Knight's Greatsword Dark Knight's Greatsword
+10% Synergy $0.10
Expedition Map Expedition Map
+9% Synergy $0.84
Colossus Hammer Colossus Hammer
+9% Synergy $1.76
Reaper's Talisman Reaper's Talisman
+8% Synergy $0.15
Reaper's Scythe Reaper's Scythe
+8% Synergy $0.17
Tome of Legends Tome of Legends
+8% Synergy $0.25
Black Mage's Rod Black Mage's Rod
+8% Synergy $0.14
Strionic Resonator Strionic Resonator
+7% Synergy $7.16
Nightmare Lash Nightmare Lash
+6% Synergy $2.78
Blackblade Reforged Blackblade Reforged
+6% Synergy $2.28
Brotherhood Regalia Brotherhood Regalia
+6% Synergy $8.78
Skullclamp Skullclamp
+5% Synergy $4.78
Vat of Rebirth Vat of Rebirth
+5% Synergy $0.20
Tarrian's Soulcleaver Tarrian's Soulcleaver
+5% Synergy $1.20
Elixir Elixir
+5% Synergy $0.13
Bontu's Monument Bontu's Monument
+3% Synergy $4.86
Whispersilk Cloak Whispersilk Cloak
+3% Synergy $2.18
Whip of Erebos Whip of Erebos
-2% Synergy $6.99
Ashnod's Altar Ashnod's Altar
-6% Synergy $8.35
The Masamune The Masamune
-7% Synergy $0.91
Lightning Greaves Lightning Greaves
-16% Synergy $4.54
Swiftfoot Boots Swiftfoot Boots
-18% Synergy $1.32

Enchantments

Powerful enchantments that support Gaius van Baelsar's strategy and create lasting battlefield effects.

Meathook Massacre II Meathook Massacre II
+23% Synergy $1.87
Grave Pact Grave Pact
+16% Synergy $20.40
Kaya's Ghostform Kaya's Ghostform
+16% Synergy $0.96
Necrosynthesis Necrosynthesis
+16% Synergy $0.10
Fungal Fortitude Fungal Fortitude
+16% Synergy $0.12
Demonic Lore Demonic Lore
+13% Synergy $0.11
Treacherous Blessing Treacherous Blessing
+12% Synergy $0.18
Minion's Return Minion's Return
+12% Synergy $0.23
Eye of Nidhogg Eye of Nidhogg
+12% Synergy $0.28
Grievous Wound Grievous Wound
+11% Synergy $0.35
Oversold Cemetery Oversold Cemetery
+8% Synergy $1.06
Sidequest: Hunt the Mark Yiazmat, Ultimate Mark Sidequest: Hunt the Mark
+8% Synergy $0.13
Demonic Vigor Demonic Vigor
+8% Synergy $0.12
Demonic Pact Demonic Pact
+8% Synergy $0.55
Sadistic Glee Sadistic Glee
+8% Synergy $1.58
Shadows of the Past Shadows of the Past
+8% Synergy $0.40
Scavenger's Talent Scavenger's Talent
+8% Synergy $0.75
Unholy Indenture Unholy Indenture
+8% Synergy $0.12
Dictate of Erebos Dictate of Erebos
+7% Synergy $15.38
The Sibsig Ceremony The Sibsig Ceremony
+7% Synergy $0.25
Warlock Class Warlock Class
+7% Synergy $0.16
Open the Graves Open the Graves
+5% Synergy $0.44
Hopeless Nightmare Hopeless Nightmare
+4% Synergy $0.23
Revel in Riches Revel in Riches
+4% Synergy $15.71
Vampiric Rites Vampiric Rites
+3% Synergy $0.17
Black Market Black Market
0% Synergy $3.70
Black Market Connections Black Market Connections
-1% Synergy $12.37
Bloodchief Ascension Bloodchief Ascension
-1% Synergy $17.76
Bitterblossom Bitterblossom
-4% Synergy $21.01
Animate Dead Animate Dead
-5% Synergy $6.56
Phyrexian Arena Phyrexian Arena
-14% Synergy $2.48

Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers that work alongside Gaius van Baelsar to provide ongoing value and board presence.

Liliana, Dreadhorde General Liliana, Dreadhorde General
+22% Synergy $6.53
Liliana, Death's Majesty Liliana, Death's Majesty
+9% Synergy $0.48
Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage
+7% Synergy $0.20
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
+5% Synergy $6.73
Liliana of the Dark Realms Liliana of the Dark Realms
-5% Synergy $5.31

Utility Lands

Non-basic lands that offer additional utility beyond just mana production.

Witch's Cottage Witch's Cottage
+19% Synergy $1.50
Midgar, City of Mako Midgar, City of Mako
+16% Synergy $2.10
Barad-dûr Barad-dûr
+14% Synergy $1.00
Rogue's Passage Rogue's Passage
+13% Synergy $0.33
Forge of Heroes Forge of Heroes
+13% Synergy $1.59
Castle Locthwain Castle Locthwain
+12% Synergy $3.91
Bojuka Bog Bojuka Bog
+10% Synergy $0.90
Vesuva Vesuva
+10% Synergy $4.22
Minas Morgul, Dark Fortress Minas Morgul, Dark Fortress
+10% Synergy $9.51
Spymaster's Vault Spymaster's Vault
+8% Synergy $1.01
Volatile Fault Volatile Fault
+8% Synergy $0.14
Sanctum of Eternity Sanctum of Eternity
+8% Synergy $6.30
High Market High Market
+7% Synergy $1.38
Terrain Generator Terrain Generator
+7% Synergy $2.98
Cabal Coffers Cabal Coffers
+5% Synergy $25.99
The Black Gate The Black Gate
+5% Synergy $8.89
Mortuary Mire Mortuary Mire
+4% Synergy $0.30
Polluted Mire Polluted Mire
+4% Synergy $0.10
Shizo, Death's Storehouse Shizo, Death's Storehouse
+3% Synergy $23.25
Thespian's Stage Thespian's Stage
+3% Synergy $0.49
Westvale Abbey Ormendahl, Profane Prince Westvale Abbey
+2% Synergy $1.08
Command Beacon Command Beacon
+1% Synergy $5.97
Temple of the False God Temple of the False God
+1% Synergy $0.15
Cabal Stronghold Cabal Stronghold
-2% Synergy $12.26
Barren Moor Barren Moor
-2% Synergy $0.15
Crypt of Agadeem Crypt of Agadeem
-2% Synergy $3.05
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
-4% Synergy $35.87
Reliquary Tower Reliquary Tower
-6% Synergy $2.59
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
-8% Synergy $7.25
War Room War Room
-8% Synergy $2.90
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
-12% Synergy $49.13
Phyrexian Tower Phyrexian Tower
-14% Synergy $19.21

Mana Artifacts

Artifacts focused on mana acceleration and color fixing for consistent gameplay.

Arcane Signet Arcane Signet
+20% Synergy $0.51
Thought Vessel Thought Vessel
+20% Synergy $1.15
Crowded Crypt Crowded Crypt
+12% Synergy $0.87
Charcoal Diamond Charcoal Diamond
+11% Synergy $0.23
Mind Stone Mind Stone
+7% Synergy $0.21
Throne of Eldraine Throne of Eldraine
+6% Synergy $20.31
Fellwar Stone Fellwar Stone
+2% Synergy $1.38
Sol Ring Sol Ring
0% Synergy $1.39
Caged Sun Caged Sun
0% Synergy $3.60
Sceptre of Eternal Glory Sceptre of Eternal Glory
-1% Synergy $15.81

Lands

The mana base foundation for Gaius van Baelsar decks, ensuring smooth and reliable mana development.

Malakir Rebirth Malakir Mire Malakir Rebirth
+26% Synergy $8.42
Demolition Field Demolition Field
+16% Synergy $0.55
Boggart Trawler Boggart Bog Boggart Trawler
+13% Synergy $1.08
Evolving Wilds Evolving Wilds
+10% Synergy $0.07
Lazotep Quarry Lazotep Quarry
+8% Synergy $3.43
Plaza of Heroes Plaza of Heroes
+8% Synergy $5.90
Myriad Landscape Myriad Landscape
+7% Synergy $0.21
Prismatic Vista Prismatic Vista
+7% Synergy $30.79
Terramorphic Expanse Terramorphic Expanse
+6% Synergy $0.18
Swamp Swamp
+5% Synergy $0.07
Fell the Profane Fell Mire Fell the Profane
-5% Synergy $4.97

Similar Commanders

The following Commanders share a similar playing style, strategy, or theme like Gaius van Baelsar.