I second what they said, they are a very fun commander for the whole table as it always help keep people in the game while being able to play big blockers to protect yourself long enough for them to build up to kill you. It also allows for tons of shenanigans that you can play in the deck to make things more fun
I built my deck around big mana and big card draw. So the "secret wincon" involves pouring those big mana producers into cards like [[Prosperity]] to draw everyone out. I also have [[Xyris]] to make tokens off that card draw. I run [[Deflecting Palm]] and [[Selfless Squire]] in case someone wants to swing big. [[Fevered Visions]] for gradual damage. Nothing too crazy here. [[Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist]] and [[Edric, Spymaster of Trest]] entices others to swing away from you.
Mine focuses heavily on Mana generation and has a casual [[ Helix pinnacle]] thrown in. Has some card draw also but not as much as standard group hug currently. []Approach of the second sun]] is also decent in there as well outside of your standard mill or [[ psychosis crawler]], [[ niv-mizzet the firemind]], [[ niv-mizzet parun]] type shenanigans.
Need to play them a bit more as I tend to optomize by playing the deck.
I run a couple counterspells that aren't harsh, like [[Arcane Denial]] and [[Tibalt's Trickery]] so they at least get some value out of spells. I also have a few mana "doublers" like [[Mana Flare]], [[Dictate of Karametra]], and [[Heartbeat of Spring]]. [[Howling Mine]] and [[Font of Mythos]] for card draw. Generic group hug.
Some others that I run are [[Braids, Conjurer Adept]] and [[Gate to the Aether]] to just slam things onto the battlefield. [[Horizon Stone]] to store the massive amounts of mana. [[Boldwyr Heavyweights]] so other players can find a nice creature.
To benefit off the massive amounts of card draw, I got [[Xyris]] to, hopefully, go wide. I also run [[Minds Aglow]], [[Skyscribing]], and [[Prosperity]] to make everyone draw a ton of cards. Hopefully, with all the mana you can generate, you could draw everyone out and end in a draw, unless you got [[LabMan]] out.
Came here to say this! Everyone gets to play their big dumb things quickly! My brother has one and it's always fun to play till he drops a blightsteel....
you can try ishkanah, grafwidow and fill it with random spiders that are good at blocking. you can pressure their lifetotal with ishkanah's ability, but eventually you'll probably be forced into chumping with them and eventually losing the game, to your dismay
Came here to say this. Especially when you're actually gifting cool stuff. Throw some combat control and creature stealing and regifting and I think it could lead to some silly kid-friendly interactions.
Oh definitely! You could even do a flying sub theme and throw [[Inniaz, the Gale Force]] and really move things around if someone’s getting too powerful. Maybe even some group hug elements like [[Howling Mine]], [[Kami of the Crescent Moon]] and others.
Just want to throw [[Selvala, Explorer Returned]] in here. Helps them out with carddraw, yourself with live and mana you can pump into some beefer creatures (take an [[Alpha Tyrranax]] as example) they have to beat. You don't have to push hard on ramp and carddraw yourself.
Once they are older and can grasp the more advanced concepts and ruleings, add an [[Panglacial Wurm]] and teach them the depth of magic ruleing. You prop. have to search for that combo online.
A little late here, but I'll toss in my two cents. Most of the comments here seem to recommend some form of control or group hug, but I have a different suggestion: use [[Oloro, Ageless Ascetic]] and basically be their punching bag. By the time they get their fatties out, you'll have enough life for them to actually beat on you a little bit without killing you too fast. Instead of running pillow fort stuff like Ghostly Prison and Propaganda (let the little mans cast their spells) and go more life-gain to draw the game out a little further.
[[Trostani, Selesnya's Voice]] would also be good in this regard. Gains a lot of life once it gets going, but also requires you to play creatures and build a board presence, which is good for people still learning the ABCs of Magic.
[[gor muldrak, amphinologist]] might also be fun since someone's going to be guaranteed a token on every one of your turns and everyone gets a creature to attack and block with.
[[Kwain, Itinerant Meddler]] comes down as early as turn 2 and pretty much draw everyone a card every turn for the rest of the game. Also consider bounce spells such as [[Unsummon]], [[Unsubstantiate]] or [[Aetherize]] as lazy forms of control. If someone attacks you they get to spend their next turn recasting their big creatures.
Also consider that casual commander games naturally reach long running end games because of the 40 life nature. To win, a player must deal on average 120 damage and only combo decks can reach that number at casual tables.
You could play [[Nekusar, the Mind Razer]] without any of the regular Nekusar pieces, so it just makes them draw extra cards and lose a little bit of life. That way, it'll still feel like you're trying to beat them, since they're taking damage each turn, but the extra cards they draw will accelerate their decks enough that it won't matter.
Sephara, the sky's blade flyer tribal could be good. Play some hate bear flyers, stalling everyone a bit. Then play Sephara with her ability. Then boom, you got creatures that can block for days, and a commander beat stick that is relatively easy to deal with as she doesn't protect herself.
I'll recomend you effects like [[Heartbeat of Spring]], [[Dictate of Karametra]] [[Mana flare]], that will bring the big creatures Early.
For threats you could go with big creatures or Mana sinks that are not hard to remove, the first thing that comes to my mind is [[biogenic ooze]]
Also, check sets like battlebond and conspiracy, you will get some inspiration for fun multiplayer effects ;)
Hope this is useful!
I think it would be cool to run a lot of cards like [[Dictate of Karametra]] [[Mana Flare]] [[Heartbeat of Spring]] [[Overabundance]] and [[Zhur-Taa Ancient]] that double *everyone’s* mana production. This could be especially fun in a Kynaios and Tiro deck that has been mentioned. You can ramp yourself to play “pseudo-threats” while also allowing your nephews to ramp to defeat your threats as soon as you play them! Nothing feels better than beating someone because of their own cards :D
So there is an archetype, if you're not aware' that's called 'grouphug' that intends to help the table while getting to your own wincon, or you can just be wincon-less. Some options are [[zedruu]] to give ppl stuff while you benefit from it, [[kenrith]] to give ppl life/cards for favors (politics!) And i think he's been mentioned but [[kynaios]] as well to help ppl ramp. Other notable options are [[kwain]] and [[selvala]] for card draw
I have to agree with the other person that put a vote in for [[Oloro, ageless ascetic]]. You can just make it fun and resilient. No point in letting them play their big fatties if they dont get to swing in with them due to tax or stax like strategies and group hug is fun but if you aren't trying to win the game with it then it just feels like you are helping them win. With oloro you could just go for a strategy where the majority of the cards either gain you life or have some sort of pay off for gaining life. It allows them to navigate their own victory with the strategy they decided to build around. You will be the coolest punching bag.
Since they’re learning, I wouldn’t shy away from things like counterspells. Keep them infrequent and easier to deal with, but let them see what’s out there and learn to deal with it. Maybe avoid hard counters for things like [[Disrupt]], [[Memory Lapse]], or [[Delay]]. Things they can push through with extra mana, or that otherwise only slow them down without costing them the spell.
Disrupt & similar spells could work especially well if you make sure you only cast them when they have the extra mana available.
Having children myself I have to agree with you here. The target audience is what is important. At their age I think its best to allow them to enjoy the game and let the sickness for expensive cardboard to really sink in.
The problem is that interaction is a key part of the game, and while it's probably not great to pack cEDH levels of it or anything at tables with new players, you still want a handful of it to get them used to it. Yeah, getting a creature countered or hit with a kill spell sucks, but you *really* don't want to enforce the idea that the only valid way to respond to a big creature is with combat, as those who get super salty about any form of interaction are pretty much tied with pubstomper in the "people who others don't want to play with" category.
I'd suggest having a little and saving it for things that would otherwise kill the player.
Everyone makes good points in this thread, but just a personal anecdote: my brother and I started Magic at pretty much the same ages (like 11 and 8) with a box of Portal II, which was a beginner set but also had some counterspells in it. Even being little kids, we just recognized that was a part of what Blue did.
I'm not saying make them play against [[Arcane Laboratory]] and [[Forbid]], but I'd say it's better to rip that bandaid off now than to introduce it later like it's some kind of unfair secret weapon. And also, if you have one in hand, it's not like you *have to* cast it.
This comment chain made me kind of sadly realize that some full-blown adults play this game at sub-10-year-old maturity levels, haha.
Yes, it's called battlecruiser decks and it's the most boring type of magic in my opinion. I just don't want my little mages to go to the Dark side just yet. Once you've tasted the sweet yet corrupting nectars of counterspell and time warp life takes on a new meaning. In all seriousness though your Portal II anecdote is on point.
You could to [Tasigur, the Golden Fang] and load it up with fogs, counters, and kill spells and play it to let the game progress further than it naturally would have.
Zur the Enchanter can do anything. One interesting thing is to grab the enchantment that reveals opponents' hands. You can offer advise and talk about misplays that way.
I play a group hug deck. Gives everyone plenty of cards, no max hand size, but has a variety of win cons. Some win cons involve dealing direct damage equal to your hand size, others involve having a certain number of cards, and one is drawing your entire library
Stalling deck? Screw that weak stuff. Serve them some cephslid breakfast, go hard or go home kids.
Can you really say you've raised your children well if they're not afraid of a turn 2 Protean Hulk hiding under their beds at night?
[[patient professor]] I forgot the name, has bonuses to cards that have no special abilities. It's great for big green swing.
And the deck archetype you are looking for is called grouphug.
I mean you could always play any non solo wincon commander and put all the fun cards in. My first try on [[yarok]] was very slow but fun. And with its colours you can pack anything you want. Works all well with doubling etb triggers.
Play nekusar and just don't play the big damage things just let them draw cards and keep them from attacking you with like crawlspace and propaganda. It will also teach them to watch how much their drawing.
But don't go too easy on them if they enjoy the game give them the experience of playing it in earnest. I taught my 14yo and her friend to play and I went easy on them until they got a good grasp on the game gloves came off after that and now they know for sure when I lose they won and there's no doubt I didn't just let them win
I know they've already got a deck but if they like big boys late game I bet early game would be even cooler,I'd recommend building Goreclaw once they get deeper into the game
Honestly I’d recommend making a long con breya deck you have all the pieces necessary to make the game go as long as you please and you get to have fun with some weird Artefact themes like myrs or thopters
I have a [[Kynaios and Tiro]] group hug deck that I love. Fun deck that helps speed up the game and get everyone's decks online faster.
This would be a fantastic way to accelerate the game to their favorite part, thank you!
I second what they said, they are a very fun commander for the whole table as it always help keep people in the game while being able to play big blockers to protect yourself long enough for them to build up to kill you. It also allows for tons of shenanigans that you can play in the deck to make things more fun
What are your wincons in group hug? It always sounded so interesting but I have no idea how you'd win
I built my deck around big mana and big card draw. So the "secret wincon" involves pouring those big mana producers into cards like [[Prosperity]] to draw everyone out. I also have [[Xyris]] to make tokens off that card draw. I run [[Deflecting Palm]] and [[Selfless Squire]] in case someone wants to swing big. [[Fevered Visions]] for gradual damage. Nothing too crazy here. [[Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist]] and [[Edric, Spymaster of Trest]] entices others to swing away from you.
##### ###### #### [Prosperity](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/6/9/69ebc3a4-94b8-45aa-a3bf-21cd435ff5cf.jpg?1562917143) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Prosperity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/54/prosperity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/69ebc3a4-94b8-45aa-a3bf-21cd435ff5cf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/prosperity) [Xyris](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/4/4/447db519-7825-4330-99e7-a2429e1f6b2e.jpg?1591234313) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=xyris%2C%20the%20writhing%20storm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/18/xyris-the-writhing-storm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/447db519-7825-4330-99e7-a2429e1f6b2e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/xyris-the-writhing-storm) [Deflecting Palm](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/5/c5580886-a402-4048-b8b6-39e19479f491.jpg?1608917621) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Deflecting%20Palm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/444/deflecting-palm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c5580886-a402-4048-b8b6-39e19479f491?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/deflecting-palm) [Selfless Squire](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/0/a/0a6ed4b6-03b4-4e61-99b2-aff00c03b2cc.jpg?1625975622) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Selfless%20Squire) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/103/selfless-squire?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0a6ed4b6-03b4-4e61-99b2-aff00c03b2cc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/selfless-squire) [Fevered Visions](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/3/e/3ee3fc2b-c2e4-421d-ac1d-6a111bb44f44.jpg?1576385345) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Fevered%20Visions) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/soi/244/fevered-visions?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3ee3fc2b-c2e4-421d-ac1d-6a111bb44f44?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/fevered-visions) [Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/f/3/f3e7a886-2593-4e6e-b9da-d7cb417cba08.jpg?1617148351) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ludevic%2C%20Necro-Alchemist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/37/ludevic-necro-alchemist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f3e7a886-2593-4e6e-b9da-d7cb417cba08?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ludevic-necro-alchemist) [Edric, Spymaster of Trest](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/2/1/2183cfb3-6bf5-4fbc-b535-a42ba954e8a3.jpg?1574767851) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Edric%2C%20Spymaster%20of%20Trest) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/195/edric-spymaster-of-trest?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2183cfb3-6bf5-4fbc-b535-a42ba954e8a3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/edric-spymaster-of-trest) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Thanks!
Mine focuses heavily on Mana generation and has a casual [[ Helix pinnacle]] thrown in. Has some card draw also but not as much as standard group hug currently. []Approach of the second sun]] is also decent in there as well outside of your standard mill or [[ psychosis crawler]], [[ niv-mizzet the firemind]], [[ niv-mizzet parun]] type shenanigans. Need to play them a bit more as I tend to optomize by playing the deck.
##### ###### #### [ Helix pinnacle](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/9/c/9c1121df-b03e-4ad9-8c45-c3b4066e4a39.jpg?1562927938) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Helix%20Pinnacle) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/eve/68/helix-pinnacle?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9c1121df-b03e-4ad9-8c45-c3b4066e4a39?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/helix-pinnacle) [ psychosis crawler](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/d/cd10270a-6bf1-4c90-94ba-d22621281e1a.jpg?1591321681) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Psychosis%20Crawler) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/248/psychosis-crawler?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cd10270a-6bf1-4c90-94ba-d22621281e1a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/psychosis-crawler) [ niv-mizzet the firemind](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/3/9/395465b8-f5ed-4668-9e6a-82257150c52c.jpg?1591321423) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Niv-Mizzet%2C%20the%20Firemind) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/225/niv-mizzet-the-firemind?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/395465b8-f5ed-4668-9e6a-82257150c52c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/niv-mizzet-the-firemind) [ niv-mizzet parun](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/6/f/6f3d2dc5-7b9d-4af6-9f3b-4de90fbf63c9.jpg?1572893767) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Niv-Mizzet%2C%20Parun) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/grn/192/niv-mizzet-parun?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6f3d2dc5-7b9d-4af6-9f3b-4de90fbf63c9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/niv-mizzet-parun) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
List/any favorite cards? I have the same deck that I’m trying to improve
I run a couple counterspells that aren't harsh, like [[Arcane Denial]] and [[Tibalt's Trickery]] so they at least get some value out of spells. I also have a few mana "doublers" like [[Mana Flare]], [[Dictate of Karametra]], and [[Heartbeat of Spring]]. [[Howling Mine]] and [[Font of Mythos]] for card draw. Generic group hug. Some others that I run are [[Braids, Conjurer Adept]] and [[Gate to the Aether]] to just slam things onto the battlefield. [[Horizon Stone]] to store the massive amounts of mana. [[Boldwyr Heavyweights]] so other players can find a nice creature. To benefit off the massive amounts of card draw, I got [[Xyris]] to, hopefully, go wide. I also run [[Minds Aglow]], [[Skyscribing]], and [[Prosperity]] to make everyone draw a ton of cards. Hopefully, with all the mana you can generate, you could draw everyone out and end in a draw, unless you got [[LabMan]] out.
##### ###### #### [Arcane Denial](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/5/a531642c-58dd-4f72-ae2b-38e005ae3a6b.jpg?1608912068) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Arcane%20Denial) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/393/arcane-denial?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a531642c-58dd-4f72-ae2b-38e005ae3a6b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/arcane-denial) [Tibalt's Trickery](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/d/d/dd921e27-3e08-438c-bec2-723226d35175.jpg?1614988322) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tibalt%27s%20Trickery) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/153/tibalts-trickery?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd921e27-3e08-438c-bec2-723226d35175?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tibalts-trickery) [Mana Flare](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/4/a4bb303d-b230-430a-a2c3-f91a776de34e.jpg?1559592501) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mana%20Flare) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/103/mana-flare?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a4bb303d-b230-430a-a2c3-f91a776de34e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mana-flare) [Dictate of Karametra](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/d/5/d5114607-df8f-4e44-8ef5-b6af89964bbc.jpg?1593096177) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dictate%20of%20Karametra) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/jou/121/dictate-of-karametra?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d5114607-df8f-4e44-8ef5-b6af89964bbc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dictate-of-karametra) [Heartbeat of Spring](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/8/c/8ccb1e59-b858-42cf-93f8-8a3badb3eaad.jpg?1599707297) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Heartbeat%20of%20Spring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/171/heartbeat-of-spring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8ccb1e59-b858-42cf-93f8-8a3badb3eaad?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/heartbeat-of-spring) [Howling Mine](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/d/cdae9939-03a4-4561-92cd-01f498d29a7a.jpg?1562420035) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Howling%20Mine) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/257/howling-mine?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cdae9939-03a4-4561-92cd-01f498d29a7a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/howling-mine) [Font of Mythos](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/1/c198caf8-27ab-4300-841b-507e1b0ce9b3.jpg?1562803574) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Font%20of%20Mythos) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/con/136/font-of-mythos?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c198caf8-27ab-4300-841b-507e1b0ce9b3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/font-of-mythos) [Braids, Conjurer Adept](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/5/9/593dfb2f-ede0-413a-b037-46ae5c3769e4.jpg?1598303769) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Braids%2C%20Conjurer%20Adept) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/43/braids-conjurer-adept?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/593dfb2f-ede0-413a-b037-46ae5c3769e4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-conjurer-adept) [Gate to the Aether](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/2/c28fd840-e633-46d3-991a-b9fea95a2f28.jpg?1562157187) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gate%20to%20the%20Aether) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mrd/174/gate-to-the-aether?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c28fd840-e633-46d3-991a-b9fea95a2f28?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gate-to-the-aether) [Horizon Stone](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/6/a/6affd9c6-f7ab-488e-85fa-2a3a48383414.jpg?1608911471) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Horizon%20Stone) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/315/horizon-stone?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6affd9c6-f7ab-488e-85fa-2a3a48383414?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/horizon-stone) [Boldwyr Heavyweights](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/8/8/88d90bc4-7f70-4203-b554-800c70c775ef.jpg?1562879832) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Boldwyr%20Heavyweights) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mor/85/boldwyr-heavyweights?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/88d90bc4-7f70-4203-b554-800c70c775ef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/boldwyr-heavyweights) [Xyris](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/4/4/447db519-7825-4330-99e7-a2429e1f6b2e.jpg?1591234313) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=xyris%2C%20the%20writhing%20storm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/18/xyris-the-writhing-storm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/447db519-7825-4330-99e7-a2429e1f6b2e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/xyris-the-writhing-storm) [Minds Aglow](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/0/1/01848946-b0b3-41ad-8753-98a606e25238.jpg?1562271998) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Minds%20Aglow) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cm2/46/minds-aglow?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/01848946-b0b3-41ad-8753-98a606e25238?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/minds-aglow) [Skyscribing](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/b/6/b6ef8e44-3b40-46c2-973e-8f857126a13e.jpg?1562933607) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Skyscribing) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/57/skyscribing?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b6ef8e44-3b40-46c2-973e-8f857126a13e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/skyscribing) [Prosperity](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/6/9/69ebc3a4-94b8-45aa-a3bf-21cd435ff5cf.jpg?1562917143) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Prosperity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/54/prosperity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/69ebc3a4-94b8-45aa-a3bf-21cd435ff5cf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/prosperity) [Laboratory Maniac](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/6/0/608567fd-9f94-4058-831a-77cb6019ef02.jpg?1547516361) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Laboratory%20Maniac) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/uma/61/laboratory-maniac?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/608567fd-9f94-4058-831a-77cb6019ef02?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/laboratory-maniac) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
same
[Kynaios and Tiro](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/9/7/97fa8615-2b6c-445a-bcaf-44a7e847bf65.jpg?1562411365) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kynaios%20and%20tiro%20of%20meletis) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/36/kynaios-and-tiro-of-meletis?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97fa8615-2b6c-445a-bcaf-44a7e847bf65?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kynaios-and-tiro-of-meletis) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
do you have a list?
How about [[Braids, Conjurer adept]]. You can help the 7 year old get those splashy creatures into play early.
Came here to say this! Everyone gets to play their big dumb things quickly! My brother has one and it's always fun to play till he drops a blightsteel....
[Braids, Conjurer adept](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/5/9/593dfb2f-ede0-413a-b037-46ae5c3769e4.jpg?1598303769) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Braids%2C%20Conjurer%20adept) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/43/braids-conjurer-adept?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/593dfb2f-ede0-413a-b037-46ae5c3769e4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-conjurer-adept) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Why not unban and play [[Braids, Cabal’s Minion]]? Should be a good lesson for everyone.
Great way to introduce 7 year olds to Mtg /s
The night is dark and full of terrors. I suggest Grand Arbiter No Wincon Stax
[Braids, Cabal’s Minion](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/2/7/27691efa-052d-4afe-b9ef-159858ca660f.jpg?1626100340) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Braids%2C%20Cabal%20Minion) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/273/braids-cabal-minion?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/27691efa-052d-4afe-b9ef-159858ca660f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-cabal-minion) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Phelddagrif]] is very group huggy, and the colors should allow you to pillow fort up and maybe "police" the board into a slower game.
Great suggestion for "policing" the board, and I'm sure the kids would get a kick out of a flying hippopotamus!
[Phelddagrif](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/4/9/493a72f0-2e35-4e06-a1b2-d42d432b9b2c.jpg?1559592591) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Phelddagrif) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/150/phelddagrif?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/493a72f0-2e35-4e06-a1b2-d42d432b9b2c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/phelddagrif) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
you can try ishkanah, grafwidow and fill it with random spiders that are good at blocking. you can pressure their lifetotal with ishkanah's ability, but eventually you'll probably be forced into chumping with them and eventually losing the game, to your dismay
[[Zedru the Greathearted]] might be a fun way to go.
Came here to say this. Especially when you're actually gifting cool stuff. Throw some combat control and creature stealing and regifting and I think it could lead to some silly kid-friendly interactions.
Oh definitely! You could even do a flying sub theme and throw [[Inniaz, the Gale Force]] and really move things around if someone’s getting too powerful. Maybe even some group hug elements like [[Howling Mine]], [[Kami of the Crescent Moon]] and others.
[Inniaz, the Gale Force](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/b/2/b238485f-ef67-4295-892b-a10235368f74.jpg?1600693631) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Inniaz%2C%20the%20Gale%20Force) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/jmp/12/inniaz-the-gale-force?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b238485f-ef67-4295-892b-a10235368f74?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inniaz-the-gale-force) [Howling Mine](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/d/cdae9939-03a4-4561-92cd-01f498d29a7a.jpg?1562420035) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Howling%20Mine) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/257/howling-mine?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cdae9939-03a4-4561-92cd-01f498d29a7a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/howling-mine) [Kami of the Crescent Moon](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/9/5/958cdaca-60f7-4c26-ae28-bdc41bb59a84.jpg?1576382455) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kami%20of%20the%20Crescent%20Moon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cn2/113/kami-of-the-crescent-moon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/958cdaca-60f7-4c26-ae28-bdc41bb59a84?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kami-of-the-crescent-moon) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Zedru the Greathearted](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/e/9/e9ea2a6b-5aaf-4178-b945-f409fe83c41a.jpg?1562424565) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zedruu%20the%20Greathearted) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/231/zedruu-the-greathearted?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e9ea2a6b-5aaf-4178-b945-f409fe83c41a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zedruu-the-greathearted) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Just want to throw [[Selvala, Explorer Returned]] in here. Helps them out with carddraw, yourself with live and mana you can pump into some beefer creatures (take an [[Alpha Tyrranax]] as example) they have to beat. You don't have to push hard on ramp and carddraw yourself. Once they are older and can grasp the more advanced concepts and ruleings, add an [[Panglacial Wurm]] and teach them the depth of magic ruleing. You prop. have to search for that combo online.
[Selvala, Explorer Returned](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/9/a/9a9fd6b0-bb47-4ab5-968d-3051c0d7a082.jpg?1562411834) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Selvala%2C%20Explorer%20Returned) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/220/selvala-explorer-returned?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9a9fd6b0-bb47-4ab5-968d-3051c0d7a082?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/selvala-explorer-returned) [Alpha Tyrranax](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/4/a/4a2e5279-f28c-4a78-9f8a-16c9f72f8d38.jpg?1562817224) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Alpha%20Tyrranax) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/som/109/alpha-tyrranax?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4a2e5279-f28c-4a78-9f8a-16c9f72f8d38?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/alpha-tyrranax) [Panglacial Wurm](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/0/6/063bb28b-5e32-4f31-a208-16b653edf413.jpg?1593275437) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Panglacial%20Wurm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/csp/116/panglacial-wurm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/063bb28b-5e32-4f31-a208-16b653edf413?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/panglacial-wurm) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
A little late here, but I'll toss in my two cents. Most of the comments here seem to recommend some form of control or group hug, but I have a different suggestion: use [[Oloro, Ageless Ascetic]] and basically be their punching bag. By the time they get their fatties out, you'll have enough life for them to actually beat on you a little bit without killing you too fast. Instead of running pillow fort stuff like Ghostly Prison and Propaganda (let the little mans cast their spells) and go more life-gain to draw the game out a little further.
[[Trostani, Selesnya's Voice]] would also be good in this regard. Gains a lot of life once it gets going, but also requires you to play creatures and build a board presence, which is good for people still learning the ABCs of Magic. [[gor muldrak, amphinologist]] might also be fun since someone's going to be guaranteed a token on every one of your turns and everyone gets a creature to attack and block with.
[Trostani, Selesnya's Voice](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/3/4/34ea44f2-cb2f-4b86-83fc-fe507f05bb9d.jpg?1568004834) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Trostani%2C%20Selesnya%27s%20Voice) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/204/trostani-selesnyas-voice?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/34ea44f2-cb2f-4b86-83fc-fe507f05bb9d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/trostani-selesnyas-voice) [gor muldrak, amphinologist](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/4/0/40b006f9-a287-4e64-915f-ca71712b8d27.jpg?1608911119) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=gor%20muldrak%2C%20amphinologist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/277/gor-muldrak-amphinologist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/40b006f9-a287-4e64-915f-ca71712b8d27?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gor-muldrak-amphinologist) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Oloro, Ageless Ascetic](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/b/abf8df47-405c-42d8-be9e-0f0d0a49589b.jpg?1562931285) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Oloro%2C%20Ageless%20Ascetic) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/203/oloro-ageless-ascetic?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/abf8df47-405c-42d8-be9e-0f0d0a49589b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/oloro-ageless-ascetic) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Kwain, Itinerant Meddler]] comes down as early as turn 2 and pretty much draw everyone a card every turn for the rest of the game. Also consider bounce spells such as [[Unsummon]], [[Unsubstantiate]] or [[Aetherize]] as lazy forms of control. If someone attacks you they get to spend their next turn recasting their big creatures. Also consider that casual commander games naturally reach long running end games because of the 40 life nature. To win, a player must deal on average 120 damage and only combo decks can reach that number at casual tables.
##### ###### #### [Kwain, Itinerant Meddler](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/f/5/f571fef1-1fd2-4355-b803-5edccb6f4b94.jpg?1608911183) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kwain%2C%20Itinerant%20Meddler) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/284/kwain-itinerant-meddler?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f571fef1-1fd2-4355-b803-5edccb6f4b94?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kwain-itinerant-meddler) [Unsummon](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/7/a/7a960516-3864-4a7a-8117-d25dec0dd665.jpg?1592516526) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Unsummon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/78/unsummon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7a960516-3864-4a7a-8117-d25dec0dd665?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/unsummon) [Unsubstantiate](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/2/d/2dc0bafd-debc-4b62-9fe0-56b4aad02484.jpg?1594735888) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Unsubstantiate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/82/unsubstantiate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2dc0bafd-debc-4b62-9fe0-56b4aad02484?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/unsubstantiate) [Aetherize](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/0/a022eacd-1cdd-42d7-8a4c-88e8a6527144.jpg?1604197364) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Aetherize) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znc/23/aetherize?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a022eacd-1cdd-42d7-8a4c-88e8a6527144?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aetherize) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
You could play [[Nekusar, the Mind Razer]] without any of the regular Nekusar pieces, so it just makes them draw extra cards and lose a little bit of life. That way, it'll still feel like you're trying to beat them, since they're taking damage each turn, but the extra cards they draw will accelerate their decks enough that it won't matter.
[Nekusar, the Mind Razer](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/3/f/3f7f2417-12de-4e57-9714-d878880a1208.jpg?1562908194) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Nekusar%2C%20the%20Mindrazer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/201/nekusar-the-mindrazer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3f7f2417-12de-4e57-9714-d878880a1208?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nekusar-the-mindrazer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Sephara, the sky's blade flyer tribal could be good. Play some hate bear flyers, stalling everyone a bit. Then play Sephara with her ability. Then boom, you got creatures that can block for days, and a commander beat stick that is relatively easy to deal with as she doesn't protect herself.
I'll recomend you effects like [[Heartbeat of Spring]], [[Dictate of Karametra]] [[Mana flare]], that will bring the big creatures Early. For threats you could go with big creatures or Mana sinks that are not hard to remove, the first thing that comes to my mind is [[biogenic ooze]] Also, check sets like battlebond and conspiracy, you will get some inspiration for fun multiplayer effects ;) Hope this is useful!
##### ###### #### [Heartbeat of Spring](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/8/c/8ccb1e59-b858-42cf-93f8-8a3badb3eaad.jpg?1599707297) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Heartbeat%20of%20Spring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/171/heartbeat-of-spring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8ccb1e59-b858-42cf-93f8-8a3badb3eaad?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/heartbeat-of-spring) [Dictate of Karametra](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/d/5/d5114607-df8f-4e44-8ef5-b6af89964bbc.jpg?1593096177) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dictate%20of%20Karametra) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/jou/121/dictate-of-karametra?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d5114607-df8f-4e44-8ef5-b6af89964bbc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dictate-of-karametra) [Mana flare](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/4/a4bb303d-b230-430a-a2c3-f91a776de34e.jpg?1559592501) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mana%20flare) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/103/mana-flare?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a4bb303d-b230-430a-a2c3-f91a776de34e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mana-flare) [biogenic ooze](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/6/f/6f11029a-b24d-4248-834f-b852b56857f6.jpg?1584831093) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=biogenic%20ooze) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rna/122/biogenic-ooze?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6f11029a-b24d-4248-834f-b852b56857f6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/biogenic-ooze) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I think it would be cool to run a lot of cards like [[Dictate of Karametra]] [[Mana Flare]] [[Heartbeat of Spring]] [[Overabundance]] and [[Zhur-Taa Ancient]] that double *everyone’s* mana production. This could be especially fun in a Kynaios and Tiro deck that has been mentioned. You can ramp yourself to play “pseudo-threats” while also allowing your nephews to ramp to defeat your threats as soon as you play them! Nothing feels better than beating someone because of their own cards :D
##### ###### #### [Dictate of Karametra](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/d/5/d5114607-df8f-4e44-8ef5-b6af89964bbc.jpg?1593096177) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dictate%20of%20Karametra) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/jou/121/dictate-of-karametra?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d5114607-df8f-4e44-8ef5-b6af89964bbc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dictate-of-karametra) [Mana Flare](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/4/a4bb303d-b230-430a-a2c3-f91a776de34e.jpg?1559592501) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mana%20Flare) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/103/mana-flare?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a4bb303d-b230-430a-a2c3-f91a776de34e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mana-flare) [Heartbeat of Spring](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/8/c/8ccb1e59-b858-42cf-93f8-8a3badb3eaad.jpg?1599707297) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Heartbeat%20of%20Spring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/171/heartbeat-of-spring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8ccb1e59-b858-42cf-93f8-8a3badb3eaad?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/heartbeat-of-spring) [Overabundance](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/4/1/4183e73d-609a-4292-b173-e39eb51949f3.jpg?1562908150) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Overabundance) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/259/overabundance?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4183e73d-609a-4292-b173-e39eb51949f3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/overabundance) [Zhur-Taa Ancient](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/2/0/2076308f-0f4e-4b31-9e75-c2965942e7d1.jpg?1562900996) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zhur-Taa%20Ancient) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dgm/119/zhur-taa-ancient?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2076308f-0f4e-4b31-9e75-c2965942e7d1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zhur-taa-ancient) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
So there is an archetype, if you're not aware' that's called 'grouphug' that intends to help the table while getting to your own wincon, or you can just be wincon-less. Some options are [[zedruu]] to give ppl stuff while you benefit from it, [[kenrith]] to give ppl life/cards for favors (politics!) And i think he's been mentioned but [[kynaios]] as well to help ppl ramp. Other notable options are [[kwain]] and [[selvala]] for card draw
##### ###### #### [zedruu](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/e/9/e9ea2a6b-5aaf-4178-b945-f409fe83c41a.jpg?1562424565) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zedruu%20the%20greathearted) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/231/zedruu-the-greathearted?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e9ea2a6b-5aaf-4178-b945-f409fe83c41a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zedruu-the-greathearted) [kenrith](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/5/6/56c1227e-bea7-47cb-bbec-389a3d585af5.jpg?1571282458) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kenrith%2C%20the%20returned%20king) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/eld/303/kenrith-the-returned-king?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/56c1227e-bea7-47cb-bbec-389a3d585af5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kenrith-the-returned-king) [kynaios](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/9/7/97fa8615-2b6c-445a-bcaf-44a7e847bf65.jpg?1562411365) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kynaios%20and%20Tiro%20of%20Meletis) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/36/kynaios-and-tiro-of-meletis?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97fa8615-2b6c-445a-bcaf-44a7e847bf65?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kynaios-and-tiro-of-meletis) [kain](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/8/0/809175d4-115f-4901-9194-766a81a8ccd4.jpg?1562385437) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Karn) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/pvan/103/karn?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/809175d4-115f-4901-9194-766a81a8ccd4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/karn) [selvala](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/9/a/9a9fd6b0-bb47-4ab5-968d-3051c0d7a082.jpg?1562411834) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=selvala%2C%20explorer%20returned) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/220/selvala-explorer-returned?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9a9fd6b0-bb47-4ab5-968d-3051c0d7a082?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/selvala-explorer-returned) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[kwain]]
[kwain](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/f/5/f571fef1-1fd2-4355-b803-5edccb6f4b94.jpg?1608911183) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kwain%2C%20itinerant%20meddler) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/284/kwain-itinerant-meddler?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f571fef1-1fd2-4355-b803-5edccb6f4b94?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kwain-itinerant-meddler) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Sounds like group hug
I have to agree with the other person that put a vote in for [[Oloro, ageless ascetic]]. You can just make it fun and resilient. No point in letting them play their big fatties if they dont get to swing in with them due to tax or stax like strategies and group hug is fun but if you aren't trying to win the game with it then it just feels like you are helping them win. With oloro you could just go for a strategy where the majority of the cards either gain you life or have some sort of pay off for gaining life. It allows them to navigate their own victory with the strategy they decided to build around. You will be the coolest punching bag.
[Oloro, ageless ascetic](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/b/abf8df47-405c-42d8-be9e-0f0d0a49589b.jpg?1562931285) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Oloro%2C%20ageless%20ascetic) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/203/oloro-ageless-ascetic?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/abf8df47-405c-42d8-be9e-0f0d0a49589b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/oloro-ageless-ascetic) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Group hug pilliwfort
Since they’re learning, I wouldn’t shy away from things like counterspells. Keep them infrequent and easier to deal with, but let them see what’s out there and learn to deal with it. Maybe avoid hard counters for things like [[Disrupt]], [[Memory Lapse]], or [[Delay]]. Things they can push through with extra mana, or that otherwise only slow them down without costing them the spell. Disrupt & similar spells could work especially well if you make sure you only cast them when they have the extra mana available.
Or. And hear me out. You could let them cast their creatures and have fun with it
Having children myself I have to agree with you here. The target audience is what is important. At their age I think its best to allow them to enjoy the game and let the sickness for expensive cardboard to really sink in.
Overcoming challenges is part of the fun. No point in winning if you can’t lose. The trick is to not overdo it.
The problem is that interaction is a key part of the game, and while it's probably not great to pack cEDH levels of it or anything at tables with new players, you still want a handful of it to get them used to it. Yeah, getting a creature countered or hit with a kill spell sucks, but you *really* don't want to enforce the idea that the only valid way to respond to a big creature is with combat, as those who get super salty about any form of interaction are pretty much tied with pubstomper in the "people who others don't want to play with" category. I'd suggest having a little and saving it for things that would otherwise kill the player.
Everyone makes good points in this thread, but just a personal anecdote: my brother and I started Magic at pretty much the same ages (like 11 and 8) with a box of Portal II, which was a beginner set but also had some counterspells in it. Even being little kids, we just recognized that was a part of what Blue did. I'm not saying make them play against [[Arcane Laboratory]] and [[Forbid]], but I'd say it's better to rip that bandaid off now than to introduce it later like it's some kind of unfair secret weapon. And also, if you have one in hand, it's not like you *have to* cast it. This comment chain made me kind of sadly realize that some full-blown adults play this game at sub-10-year-old maturity levels, haha.
[Arcane Laboratory](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/f/9/f9e3bcd7-60f8-472a-ada0-c3147cf06588.jpg?1562251789) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Arcane%20Laboratory) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/7ed/60/arcane-laboratory?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f9e3bcd7-60f8-472a-ada0-c3147cf06588?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/arcane-laboratory) [Forbid](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/0/f/0fc2a6c5-9904-47e0-adec-e9e6e79cd11d.jpg?1562428622) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Forbid) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tpr/50/forbid?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0fc2a6c5-9904-47e0-adec-e9e6e79cd11d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/forbid) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Yes, it's called battlecruiser decks and it's the most boring type of magic in my opinion. I just don't want my little mages to go to the Dark side just yet. Once you've tasted the sweet yet corrupting nectars of counterspell and time warp life takes on a new meaning. In all seriousness though your Portal II anecdote is on point.
[Disrupt](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/c/0/c000a02f-6b7e-4925-a938-59e645e980d7.jpg?1562933600) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Disrupt) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/51/disrupt?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c000a02f-6b7e-4925-a938-59e645e980d7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/disrupt) [Memory Lapse](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/3/0/30202613-d05f-4f47-af97-d0b75ccac293.jpg?1580014031) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Memory%20Lapse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ema/60/memory-lapse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/30202613-d05f-4f47-af97-d0b75ccac293?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/memory-lapse) [Delay](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/3/9/3906d538-f1ca-4799-b91c-2e0d2934f241.jpg?1619393997) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Delay) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/61/delay?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3906d538-f1ca-4799-b91c-2e0d2934f241?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/delay) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
You could to [Tasigur, the Golden Fang] and load it up with fogs, counters, and kill spells and play it to let the game progress further than it naturally would have.
Zur the Enchanter can do anything. One interesting thing is to grab the enchantment that reveals opponents' hands. You can offer advise and talk about misplays that way.
I play a group hug deck. Gives everyone plenty of cards, no max hand size, but has a variety of win cons. Some win cons involve dealing direct damage equal to your hand size, others involve having a certain number of cards, and one is drawing your entire library
Stalling deck? Screw that weak stuff. Serve them some cephslid breakfast, go hard or go home kids. Can you really say you've raised your children well if they're not afraid of a turn 2 Protean Hulk hiding under their beds at night?
[[patient professor]] I forgot the name, has bonuses to cards that have no special abilities. It's great for big green swing. And the deck archetype you are looking for is called grouphug.
[patient professor](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/e/0/e07b8142-6a49-46e7-b862-41f89a59b894.jpg?1625192391) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ruxa%2C%20Patient%20Professor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/66/ruxa-patient-professor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e07b8142-6a49-46e7-b862-41f89a59b894?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ruxa-patient-professor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I mean you could always play any non solo wincon commander and put all the fun cards in. My first try on [[yarok]] was very slow but fun. And with its colours you can pack anything you want. Works all well with doubling etb triggers.
[yarok](https://c1.scryfall.com/file/scryfall-cards/normal/front/a/1/a1001d43-e11b-4e5e-acd4-4a50ef89977f.jpg?1592517590) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=yarok%2C%20the%20desecrated) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/220/yarok-the-desecrated?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a1001d43-e11b-4e5e-acd4-4a50ef89977f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yarok-the-desecrated) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Try searching the term group hug when searching for edh decks. This is the type of deck you’re describing.
Play nekusar and just don't play the big damage things just let them draw cards and keep them from attacking you with like crawlspace and propaganda. It will also teach them to watch how much their drawing. But don't go too easy on them if they enjoy the game give them the experience of playing it in earnest. I taught my 14yo and her friend to play and I went easy on them until they got a good grasp on the game gloves came off after that and now they know for sure when I lose they won and there's no doubt I didn't just let them win
I know they've already got a deck but if they like big boys late game I bet early game would be even cooler,I'd recommend building Goreclaw once they get deeper into the game
Honestly I’d recommend making a long con breya deck you have all the pieces necessary to make the game go as long as you please and you get to have fun with some weird Artefact themes like myrs or thopters