Marrow-Gnawer
$32.17

Playstyle & Strategy

Rats 22% Rat Colony 22% Tokens 16% Aggro 6% Relentless Rats 4%

Mono-black Rat swarm that sacrifices a Rat to multiply the horde, then pumps the fear army for a lethal attack.

Marrow-Gnawer gives all Rats fear, so they can only be blocked by black or artifact creatures. Tap him and sacrifice a Rat to create X 1/1 Rat tokens, where X is the number of Rats you control when the ability resolves. With five Rats out, sacrificing one makes four more. The deck plays many copies of Rat Colony and other cheap Rats, then turns the swarm into either one large attack or sacrifice value.

In the recorded games, multiple Rat Colonies grew each other while Marrow-Gnawer doubled the board, and the swarm pressured the table early. Obelisk of Urd naming Rat produced fear attackers as big as 11/1. Skullclamp drew piles of cards off tokens, The Meathook Massacre drained the table, and Piper of the Swarm and Lord Skitter, Sewer King added more bodies. Patriarch's Bidding brought the Rats back after a wipe. Board wipes like Damnation and Bontu's Last Reckoning were the real problem, though the Rats often rebuilt quickly. Black creatures and artifact blockers also ignore fear.

How it feels to play against

Mildly Annoying Some frustrating moments but still fun.

Popularity

Format Staple Extremely popular, see it regularly at tables.

Ranking

#243 Current Rank

#246 Last Week

#141 Past 2 Years

14,497 Decks

Links & Decks

Buy Marrow-Gnawer

TCGplayer $17.99 Card Kingdom $24.99 Mana Pool $24.85

Cardmarket €0.99

View Average Decklist

Videos

Commander gameplay videos featuring Marrow-Gnawer.

Kuja vs Negan vs Marrow-Gnawer vs Miirym Sentinel Wyrm | Bracket 3 EDH Commander Gameplay

New Cards

Fresh cards from recent sets that players are experimenting with in Marrow-Gnawer decks.

Rank Rat

+3% Synergy in 7% of decks $0.24

De-evolve

+1% Synergy in 1% of decks $1.92

Hall of Echoes

0% Synergy in 1% of decks $2.36

Cast Away Doubt

0% Synergy in 1% of decks $0.24

Multiply by Zero

-1% Synergy in 1% of decks $0.29

High Synergy Cards

Cards that work exceptionally well with Marrow-Gnawer's abilities and overall game plan.

Piper of the Swarm

+75% Synergy in 82% of decks $2.34

Pack Rat

+73% Synergy in 79% of decks $3.11

Karumonix, the Rat King

+72% Synergy in 77% of decks $0.85

Rat Colony

+69% Synergy in 75% of decks $5.06

Ogre Slumlord

+68% Synergy in 77% of decks $0.37

Swarmyard

+64% Synergy in 70% of decks $5.70

Lord Skitter, Sewer King

+56% Synergy in 64% of decks $4.51

Herald's Horn

+47% Synergy in 53% of decks $3.05

Thrumming Stone

+40% Synergy in 45% of decks $21.26

Rat King, Verminister

+40% Synergy in 43% of decks $0.72

Top Cards

The most popular and reliable cards that form the backbone of successful Marrow-Gnawer decks.

Piper of the Swarm

+75% Synergy in 82% of decks $2.34

Pack Rat

+73% Synergy in 79% of decks $3.11

Karumonix, the Rat King

+72% Synergy in 77% of decks $0.85

Rat Colony

+69% Synergy in 75% of decks $5.06

Ogre Slumlord

+68% Synergy in 77% of decks $0.37

Lord Skitter, Sewer King

+56% Synergy in 64% of decks $4.51

Skullclamp

+37% Synergy in 61% of decks $4.86

Bontu's Monument

+34% Synergy in 63% of decks $4.47

Jet Medallion

+3% Synergy in 66% of decks $15.00

Dark Ritual

-4% Synergy in 63% of decks $8.15

Game Changers

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

Demonic Tutor

+5% Synergy in 32% of decks $64.43

Vampiric Tutor

+3% Synergy in 24% of decks $51.77

Bolas's Citadel

-1% Synergy in 26% of decks $15.17

Ancient Tomb

-4% Synergy in 7% of decks $125.91

Necropotence

-5% Synergy in 9% of decks $38.71

Creatures

Essential creatures that complement Marrow-Gnawer's strategy through synergy, utility, or raw power.

Rat King, Verminister

+40% Synergy in 43% of decks $0.72

Crypt Rats

+38% Synergy in 43% of decks $0.56

Species Specialist

+38% Synergy in 42% of decks $9.84

Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni

+38% Synergy in 41% of decks $12.81

Persistent Marshstalker

+35% Synergy in 39% of decks $0.31

Typhoid Rats

+33% Synergy in 37% of decks $0.20

Tangled Colony

+31% Synergy in 34% of decks $0.76

Ayara, First of Locthwain

+30% Synergy in 56% of decks $6.05

Voracious Vermin

+29% Synergy in 33% of decks $0.34

Lord Skitter's Butcher

+29% Synergy in 32% of decks $0.31

Mirkwood Bats

+27% Synergy in 36% of decks $1.76

Gnat Miser

+26% Synergy in 29% of decks $0.82

Rat King, Pale Piper

+23% Synergy in 27% of decks $0.35

Chittering Witch

+21% Synergy in 26% of decks $0.28

Rancid Rats

+19% Synergy in 22% of decks $0.29

Burglar Rat

+19% Synergy in 30% of decks $0.28

Nashi, Moon Sage's Scion

+19% Synergy in 23% of decks $3.10

Relentless Rats

+17% Synergy in 19% of decks $4.17

Twisted Sewer-Witch

+15% Synergy in 17% of decks $0.32

Wave of Rats

+15% Synergy in 17% of decks $3.23

Locust Miser

+14% Synergy in 16% of decks $4.09

Nezumi Graverobber

+14% Synergy in 16% of decks $0.51

Ravenous Rats

+13% Synergy in 15% of decks $0.61

Blightbelly Rat

+12% Synergy in 16% of decks $0.31

Crashing Drawbridge

+12% Synergy in 15% of decks $0.97

Ruin Rat

+11% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.23

Drainpipe Vermin

+11% Synergy in 12% of decks $0.32

Engine Rat

+10% Synergy in 12% of decks $0.29

Nezumi Prowler

+10% Synergy in 12% of decks $0.30

Old Flitterfang

+9% Synergy in 11% of decks $0.38

Stronghold Rats

+9% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.49

Nezumi Bone-Reader

+9% Synergy in 11% of decks $0.26

Ichor Rats

+8% Synergy in 12% of decks $3.06

Gnawing Vermin

+8% Synergy in 10% of decks $0.30

Undercity Dire Rat

+7% Synergy in 10% of decks $0.19

Okiba-Gang Shinobi

+7% Synergy in 9% of decks $1.19

Adaptive Automaton

+7% Synergy in 8% of decks $0.72

Septic Rats

+7% Synergy in 9% of decks $0.51

Skullsnatcher

+6% Synergy in 7% of decks $1.22

Marvin, Murderous Mimic

+6% Synergy in 8% of decks $4.77

Innocuous Rat

+6% Synergy in 7% of decks $0.22

Mukotai Ambusher

+5% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.22

Nezumi Informant

+4% Synergy in 11% of decks $0.35

Rotting Rats

+3% Synergy in 6% of decks $1.59

Roaming Throne

+3% Synergy in 6% of decks $49.48

Zulaport Cutthroat

-4% Synergy in 19% of decks $1.42

Blood Artist

-13% Synergy in 18% of decks $3.08

Pitiless Plunderer

-15% Synergy in 6% of decks $3.76

Crypt Ghast

-19% Synergy in 27% of decks $17.69

Gray Merchant of Asphodel

-33% Synergy in 17% of decks $5.19

Instants

Key instant-speed responses for protection, removal, and keeping Marrow-Gnawer safe.

Village Rites

+21% Synergy in 48% of decks $0.54

Rat Out

+11% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.27

Corrupted Conviction

+9% Synergy in 22% of decks $0.33

Murder

+7% Synergy in 17% of decks $0.25

Deadly Dispute

+7% Synergy in 35% of decks $0.30

Hero's Downfall

+5% Synergy in 12% of decks $0.29

Go for the Throat

+4% Synergy in 27% of decks $0.66

Altar's Reap

+4% Synergy in 7% of decks $0.38

Gravepurge

+4% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.17

Vampiric Tutor

+3% Synergy in 24% of decks $51.77

Doom Blade

+2% Synergy in 9% of decks $0.32

Tragic Slip

+1% Synergy in 21% of decks $0.31

Plumb the Forbidden

+1% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.38

Defile

+0% Synergy in 36% of decks $1.08

Sudden Spoiling

+0% Synergy in 8% of decks $6.57

Culling the Weak

+0% Synergy in 19% of decks $8.54

Force of Despair

-1% Synergy in 6% of decks $6.40

Infernal Grasp

-4% Synergy in 21% of decks $0.29

Deadly Rollick

-4% Synergy in 21% of decks $27.21

Consuming Corruption

-9% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.32

Cabal Ritual

-9% Synergy in 9% of decks $15.86

Fell the Profane

-11% Synergy in 9% of decks $5.48

Malakir Rebirth

-13% Synergy in 11% of decks $12.09

Imp's Mischief

-13% Synergy in 13% of decks $10.27

Withering Torment

-14% Synergy in 18% of decks $1.35

Sorceries

Important sorcery spells that advance Marrow-Gnawer's game plan and control the board.

Patriarch's Bidding

+34% Synergy in 39% of decks $3.77

Kindred Dominance

+31% Synergy in 36% of decks $4.37

Echoing Return

+29% Synergy in 32% of decks $0.23

Swarmyard Massacre

+27% Synergy in 30% of decks $4.83

Revenge of the Rats

+27% Synergy in 30% of decks $0.31

Crippling Fear

+18% Synergy in 21% of decks $2.79

Bloodline Bidding

+16% Synergy in 21% of decks $2.26

Plague of Vermin

+14% Synergy in 17% of decks $20.09

Secret Salvage

+10% Synergy in 12% of decks $0.39

Diabolic Tutor

+6% Synergy in 20% of decks $2.34

Pact of the Serpent

+5% Synergy in 7% of decks $1.21

Demonic Tutor

+5% Synergy in 32% of decks $64.43

Lab Rats

+5% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.34

Haunting Voyage

+4% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.35

Diabolic Intent

+4% Synergy in 20% of decks $16.69

Fell

+2% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.37

Eaten Alive

+1% Synergy in 5% of decks $0.25

In Garruk's Wake

+1% Synergy in 5% of decks $3.05

Read the Bones

+0% Synergy in 16% of decks $0.33

Grim Tutor

0% Synergy in 10% of decks $25.28

Living Death

-2% Synergy in 8% of decks $5.49

-3% Synergy in 32% of decks $3.67

Insatiable Avarice

-5% Synergy in 5% of decks $5.34

Damnation

-5% Synergy in 14% of decks $21.70

Blasphemous Edict

-6% Synergy in 9% of decks $4.69

Bubbling Muck

-8% Synergy in 8% of decks $6.10

Torment of Hailfire

-8% Synergy in 6% of decks $34.15

Night's Whisper

-9% Synergy in 17% of decks $0.24

Feed the Swarm

-9% Synergy in 41% of decks $0.22

Mutilate

-9% Synergy in 5% of decks $2.22

Victimize

-14% Synergy in 14% of decks $1.50

Exsanguinate

-15% Synergy in 9% of decks $0.42

Toxic Deluge

-22% Synergy in 15% of decks $5.31

Reanimate

-29% Synergy in 12% of decks $10.65

Utility Artifacts

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

Herald's Horn

+47% Synergy in 53% of decks $3.05

Thrumming Stone

+40% Synergy in 45% of decks $21.26

Vanquisher's Banner

+37% Synergy in 41% of decks $4.53

Coat of Arms

+32% Synergy in 35% of decks $17.79

Door of Destinies

+22% Synergy in 25% of decks $2.84

Banner of Kinship

+18% Synergy in 20% of decks $8.05

Eldrazi Monument

+15% Synergy in 17% of decks $10.93

Sting, the Glinting Dagger

+12% Synergy in 14% of decks $2.29

Chronicle of Victory

+11% Synergy in 14% of decks $22.83

Thousand-Year Elixir

+11% Synergy in 13% of decks $17.79

Akroma's Memorial

+6% Synergy in 8% of decks $34.35

Mirror Box

+6% Synergy in 8% of decks $4.46

Icon of Ancestry

+6% Synergy in 7% of decks $0.38

Illusionist's Bracers

+6% Synergy in 7% of decks $6.03

Lightning Greaves

+5% Synergy in 39% of decks $2.97

Magewright's Stone

+5% Synergy in 6% of decks $9.54

Whip of Erebos

+4% Synergy in 16% of decks $10.15

Altar of the Brood

+4% Synergy in 6% of decks $9.57

Gathering Stone

+3% Synergy in 5% of decks $0.39

Ashnod's Altar

+1% Synergy in 21% of decks $16.06

Phyrexian Altar

0% Synergy in 14% of decks $56.42

Bolas's Citadel

-1% Synergy in 26% of decks $15.17

Swiftfoot Boots

-3% Synergy in 28% of decks $1.86

The Darkness Crystal

-10% Synergy in 10% of decks $5.02

Enchantments

Powerful enchantments that support Marrow-Gnawer's strategy and create lasting battlefield effects.

Haunted One

+28% Synergy in 31% of decks $4.95

Grave Pact

+17% Synergy in 37% of decks $34.14

Bad Moon

+14% Synergy in 18% of decks $4.89

Black Market

+12% Synergy in 33% of decks $5.95

Vampiric Rites

+6% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.14

Dictate of Erebos

+6% Synergy in 17% of decks $16.76

Tribute to Horobi

+5% Synergy in 7% of decks $0.25

Attrition

+3% Synergy in 7% of decks $18.47

Contamination

+3% Synergy in 7% of decks $17.71

Oversold Cemetery

+2% Synergy in 9% of decks $2.57

Cover of Darkness

+2% Synergy in 6% of decks $21.66

Phyrexian Arena

+2% Synergy in 41% of decks $2.84

The Meathook Massacre

-2% Synergy in 15% of decks $26.28

Bastion of Remembrance

-4% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.36

Necropotence

-5% Synergy in 9% of decks $38.71

Black Market Connections

-8% Synergy in 17% of decks $12.85

Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers that work alongside Marrow-Gnawer to provide ongoing value and board presence.

Liliana of the Dark Realms

0% Synergy in 13% of decks $9.78

Utility Lands

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

Swarmyard

+64% Synergy in 70% of decks $5.70

Three Tree City

+33% Synergy in 38% of decks $27.44

Mudflat Village

+29% Synergy in 33% of decks $0.33

Crypt of Agadeem

+5% Synergy in 17% of decks $3.56

Cabal Stronghold

+4% Synergy in 38% of decks $13.76

Mortuary Mire

+4% Synergy in 17% of decks $0.39

Witch's Cottage

+4% Synergy in 29% of decks $0.71

Cabal Coffers

+2% Synergy in 58% of decks $27.76

Westvale Abbey

+1% Synergy in 8% of decks $3.64

Bojuka Bog

+1% Synergy in 49% of decks $1.36

Castle Locthwain

-1% Synergy in 16% of decks $4.19

Temple of the False God

-1% Synergy in 6% of decks $0.32

Phyrexian Tower

-1% Synergy in 26% of decks $31.40

Barren Moor

-1% Synergy in 8% of decks $0.34

Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx

-1% Synergy in 28% of decks $44.48

Rogue's Passage

-3% Synergy in 16% of decks $0.37

Reliquary Tower

-4% Synergy in 25% of decks $4.38

War Room

-4% Synergy in 12% of decks $3.55

Ancient Tomb

-4% Synergy in 7% of decks $125.91

Takenuma, Abandoned Mire

-4% Synergy in 11% of decks $11.30

Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth

-6% Synergy in 31% of decks $51.64

Mana Artifacts

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

Patriar's Seal

+24% Synergy in 27% of decks $4.14

Patchwork Banner

+23% Synergy in 28% of decks $2.68

Heraldic Banner

+12% Synergy in 18% of decks $0.31

Gauntlet of Power

+2% Synergy in 5% of decks $4.49

Sol Ring

+1% Synergy in 87% of decks $1.21

Nyx Lotus

+0% Synergy in 6% of decks $4.77

Caged Sun

0% Synergy in 9% of decks $3.89

Commander's Sphere

-2% Synergy in 5% of decks $0.21

Throne of Eldraine

-3% Synergy in 6% of decks $29.44

Charcoal Diamond

-6% Synergy in 15% of decks $0.36

The Soul Stone

-7% Synergy in 9% of decks $76.20

Arcane Signet

-9% Synergy in 52% of decks $0.39

Thought Vessel

-12% Synergy in 11% of decks $1.87

Mind Stone

-14% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.33

Lands

The mana base foundation for Marrow-Gnawer decks, ensuring smooth and reliable mana development.

Path of Ancestry

+23% Synergy in 28% of decks $0.28

Cavern of Souls

+13% Synergy in 20% of decks $50.30

Big Apple, 3 a.m.

+10% Synergy in 13% of decks $0.35

Swamp

+2% Synergy in 98% of decks $0.11

Command Tower

+1% Synergy in 7% of decks $0.24

Myriad Landscape

-4% Synergy in 19% of decks $0.30

Fell the Profane

-11% Synergy in 9% of decks $5.48

Malakir Rebirth

-13% Synergy in 11% of decks $12.09

Marrow-Gnawer Deck Stats

Based on 14,497 Marrow-Gnawer decks.

Average Mana Curve nonland cards

Mana value	Cards
1	10
2	21
3	16
4	8
5	8
6	2
7	1

Card Types in the average deck

99 cards

Creature 35
Instant 7
Sorcery 7
Artifact 12
Enchantment 4
Land 34

Card type	Cards
Creature	35
Instant	7
Sorcery	7
Artifact	12
Enchantment	4
Land	34

Lands: 27 basic, 7 nonbasic

Decks by Bracket 2,963 decks with a bracket

1 · Exhibition

2 · Core

41%

3 · Upgraded

39%

4 · Optimized

18%

5 · cEDH

Popularity Rank monthly, #1 at the top

#1 #198

Oct 2024 · #146 Sep 2026 · #119

Month	Rank
2024-10	146
2024-11	126
2024-12	139
2025-01	124
2025-02	148
2025-03	146
2025-04	136
2025-05	139
2025-06	154
2025-07	165
2025-08	146
2025-09	153
2025-10	152
2025-11	149
2025-12	144
2026-01	132
2026-02	126
2026-03	89
2026-04	127
2026-05	161
2026-06	190
2026-07	175
2026-08	198
2026-09	119