Happy Holidays to everyone!

I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today, instead of looking at cards on the naughty list, we're focusing on the nice list. These are cards debuting in 2024 that are making a positive impact on the Commander format. For some, it's a fresh face on a familiar friend; for others, it's a complete tune-up for an archetype. Either way, these cards are spreading cheer throughout the Commander format. But before we dive in, let's start with an honorable mention.

Honorable Mention: Tenuous Truce

I can't express how much I love political cards like this. Many players shy away from making deals at the Commander table, often fearing manipulation--especially newer players. Tenuous Truce spells out the terms of the deal clearly: as long as two players don't attack each other, they both benefit. The truce can be broken, but there's no fine print to worry about. This kind of design can help a struggling player catch up and introduces positive interaction opportunities. I hope this space continues to be explored!

10) Koma, World-Eater

This card walks the line between naughty and nice. It's undeniably powerful, but compared to its predecessor, Koma, Cosmos Serpent, it feels more straightforward and honest. While Cosmos Serpent produces coils every turn and proactively controls opponents, World Eater plays differently, offering a refreshing twist on a popular design. The comparison between the two is closer than people give credit for, but I lean toward putting World Eater on the nice list for its honest approach to power.

9) Return the Favor

I'm a sucker for a good modal spell, and Return the Favor is fantastic. Copying an instant or sorcery, redirecting damage, or both? Incredible versatility! Imagine turning an opponent's Swords to Plowshares into a nightmare for them by redirecting it and copying it. And the best part? It's an uncommon, priced around $2 on CoolStuffInc. That is a steal.

8) Murmuration

There's something delightful about fan service. The card Storm Crow has long been a humorous favorite among Magic players, even inspiring Crow Storm in the parody set Unstable. Now, with Murmuration, we have a legal enchantment that serves as both an anthem and a Crow Storm every turn. It's a wonderful nod to the game's community and meme culture and decently powerful in a token deck or bird typal deck as well.

7) Dawn's Truce

Is this card a bit overrated? Maybe. Would I include it in every White deck? Probably not. But as a Heroic Intervention effect in White that grants hexproof and indestructible, it's solid. What stands out to me is its gifting mechanic. In Commander, political play often revolves around removal or attacks. Gifting adds a unique dimension to negotiations. A simple 1/1 Fish token could become a crucial blocker, while the promise of card draw can sway decisions. It is nice to be able to offer something positive in a negotiation rather than just combat or threats.

6) The Lord of Pain

It's ironic to find The Lord of Pain on the nice list, but in a four-player free-for-all deathmatch, it fits. Being able to stop life gain is essential in group slug and as the game goes on and players cast bigger and bigger spells, those hits from Lord of Pain really add up. Previously, Rakdos players leaned on Mogis, God of Slaughter or Kardur, Doomscourge as group slug commanders. With Duskmourn, we now have The Lord of Pain and Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls, breathing new life into an archetype that was beginning to lag behind.

5) Patchwork Banner

In a format obsessed with optimizing mana curves, I appreciate cards like Patchwork Banner that encourage slower, synergistic play. This three-mana mana rock also serves as an anthem for a chosen creature type, making it a staple in casual tribal decks. It's well-designed without contributing to power creep--an impressive balancing act.

4) Loot, Exuberant Explorer

Sometimes, you just want an excuse to play a pile of good Green cards. Loot, Exuberant Explorer is perfect for that. With extra land drops and free spellcasting, this card practically runs itself, making it incredibly fun to pilot. It's simple, effective, and encourages a relaxed, enjoyable playstyle.

3) Three, Steps Ahead

I love modal spells and counterspells, and this card delivers both. Some games, you'll just want to counter a spell. Other times, you might clone a creature or draw some cards. The flexibility to do one--or all--makes this card invaluable, even in pods less tolerant of mono-Blue shenanigans.

2) The Flare Cycle

I never thought I'd see a cycle of free-to-cast spells designed with such fairness, but Wizards of the Coast proved me wrong. Sacrificing a non-token creature in the spell's color creates an interesting opportunity cost (though Black decks might exploit this). These spells add a surprising twist to games while remaining balanced.

1) Ms. Bumbleflower

Group Hug is one of the most polarizing archetypes in Commander. It either accelerates one player's victory via resource flooding or creates a stalemate that frustrates the entire pod. Ms. Bumbleflower redefines the archetype by enabling targeted support. You can bolster allies against a major threat or selectively assist without overwhelming the board. This fresh, impactful approach makes it my top nice card of 2024. Until next time, happy holidays and happy gaming!