The Covert Blue MageHow it works & interactions with other cards

Breaking the Deck Limit

The primary unique feature of The Covert Blue Mage is its ability to override the standard 100-card deck limit in Commander. While typical Commander decks must be exactly 100 cards, this legendary creature allows your starting deck to contain any number of cards beyond that maximum. This ability functions during the deckbuilding process as long as The Covert Blue Mage is designated as your commander.

Entering the Field

When The Covert Blue Mage enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you create a colorless Equipment artifact token named Covert Sunglasses. This token provides the equipped creature with a powerful evasion ability: it can't be blocked. To move these sunglasses between creatures, you must pay the equip cost of {2} and one hybrid {W/U} mana (either White or Blue).

Common Strategic Mistakes

One common mistake is assuming this card increases the minimum deck size; you still need at least 100 cards. Additionally, remember that while your deck can be larger, a larger library decreases the consistency of drawing specific combo pieces. Finally, the Covert Sunglasses token is created only when the creature enters the battlefield, so if the token is destroyed, you will need to find a way to blink or recast your commander to get a new pair.

When to Play It

This commander is ideal for players who enjoy 'Battle of Wits' style strategies or decks that utilize their library as a resource. It is also excellent in metas where mill strategies are prevalent, as a 200-card deck is significantly harder to empty than a standard one. Use the Sunglasses to ensure The Covert Blue Mage or another high-value attacker can deal combat damage without interference.

Interaction examples

Double the Gear

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Rogue' chosen, its ability will apply to The Covert Blue Mage. When The Covert Blue Mage enters the battlefield, its triggered ability triggers twice. You will resolve each trigger separately, resulting in the creation of two Covert Sunglasses tokens instead of just one.

Ramping in a Large Deck

Solemn Simulacrum

In a deck with more than 100 cards, maintaining mana consistency is vital. When you cast Solemn Simulacrum, you search your large library for a basic land to put onto the battlefield. Even with a 150-card deck, the 'shuffle' instruction ensures your deck remains randomized after searching, and the Sunglasses from your commander can later be equipped to the Simulacrum to guarantee a safe attack.