Blue-green (Simic) is one of the strongest color pairs in Magic: The Gathering, combining green’s unmatched ramp with blue’s card draw and counterspells. The result is a deck that out-resources everyone, then wins with big threats. Here’s how to build the best blue-green deck, with the top commanders and staples.
Best Simic commander: Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy
Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy is widely regarded as the best Simic commander. He doubles the mana from your nonland sources and gives you a powerful outlet for all that mana — capable of fair value or fast combo finishes. It’s the premier choice for a high-power blue-green deck.
Best value engine: Aesi / Tatyova
Aesi, Tyrant of Gyre Strait and Tatyova, Benthic Druid turn extra land drops into a stream of cards. Built around landfall and ramp, they keep your hand full and your board growing — the classic Simic ‘value engine’ game plan that grinds opponents out.
The ramp package
Simic’s core is acceleration. Run cheap ramp like Growth Spiral, Rampant Growth, Farseek, Cultivate, and Three Visits, plus mana rocks Sol Ring and Arcane Signet. Getting ahead on mana lets you cast threats and answers a turn or two before your opponents.
The card-draw package
Blue keeps the gas flowing. Staples like Growth Spiral (ramp + draw), Mystic Remora, Rhystic Study, and Beast Whisperer refill your hand so you never run out of plays — the heart of the Simic value plan.
Build tips
- Ramp first: aim for 10-12 ramp pieces so you reliably hit your expensive threats early.
- Draw to refuel: pair ramp with strong card-draw engines so you don’t run out of gas.
- Protect your engine: blue’s counterspells and bounce keep your commander and value pieces safe.
- Win condition: big creatures, a mana-sink commander like Kinnan, or a combo — pick one and build toward it.