Kolaghan's Command MTG Card


Provides card advantage through versatile two-mode effects that disrupt opponents and recover resources. Instant speed allows for strategic plays, disrupting opponents’ turns and salvaging key creatures. Its mana cost and specificity may restrict use to certain multicolor decks in MTG.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Choose two — • Return target creature card from your graveyard to your hand. • Target player discards a card. • Destroy target artifact. • Kolaghan's Command deals 2 damage to target creature or player.


Cards like Kolaghan's Command

Kolaghan’s Command is a versatile and impactful card in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Mirroring its multipurpose nature is another spell in the same vein – Cryptic Command. Both these commands offer a suite of options, but Kolaghan’s Command is distinct with its combination of direct damage, card retrieval, and disruption. It’s more narrowly focused compared to Cryptic Command’s broader, yet more flexible, control capabilities.

Carrying a similar flexibility is Atarka’s Command, a choice card among players looking for both aggressive and land-based strategies. While it lacks the direct disruption of Kolaghan’s Command, it compensates with the potential for increased damage output and land acceleration. Despite these differences, Atarka’s Command shares the same dual-color identity and instant speed, making it a formidable comparison.

In assessing these cards side by side, one can see that Kolaghan’s Command maintains its position as a powerful tool, particularly in formats where its targeted discard and artifact destruction can significantly impact the game. Its particular blend of abilities makes it a card that many players turn to for its unique combination of direct impact and strategic versatility in Magic: The Gathering.

Cryptic Command - MTG Card versions
Atarka's Command - MTG Card versions
Cryptic Command - MTG Card versions
Atarka's Command - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Kolaghan's Command by color, type and mana cost

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Auger Spree - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Kolaghan's Command. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos ScamRakdos Scam ModernRakdos ScamModern Preliminary 2024-05-10
Niv to LightNiv to Light PioneerNiv to LightPioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-10
Rakdos TransmogrifyRakdos Transmogrify PioneerRakdos TransmogrifyPioneer League 2024-05-11
Grixis Death's ShadowGrixis Death's Shadow ModernDeath's ShadowModern Showcase Challenge 2024-05-11

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kolaghan’s Command offers a two-for-one deal, giving players the ability to disrupt an opponent’s hand while retrieving a creature from their own graveyard, or alternatively dealing damage while destroying an enemy artifact. This versatility ensures a consistent edge over opponents by affecting multiple elements of the game.

Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct form of resource acceleration, this command’s ability to return a key creature from the graveyard to the hand can rapidly reaccelerate your board presence. This indirect advantage keeps the pressure up and opponents on the defensive.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Kolaghan’s Command can be a surprise factor during an opponent’s turn. Interrupting strategies, forcing discards, or salvaging crucial creatures after a board wipe can turn the tides of a match, making it a tactical asset in many situations.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kolaghan’s Command can compel an opponent to discard a card, this is only beneficial if the opponent has a valuable card in hand. Otherwise, the discard may inadvertently help your opponent by getting rid of a card they don’t need, or it might be ineffective against decks that capitalize on graveyard strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Kolaghan’s Command has a specific mana cost that includes both black and red, which may not be easily accommodated in decks that do not run these colors. This can limit its flexibility and restrict it to multicolored decks that can handle the mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, including one black and one red, Kolaghan’s Command is considered to have a relatively high mana cost for the effects it provides. There are instances where a player might prefer a card that costs less and offers a more targeted effect for the situation at hand.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Kolaghan’s Command is a multifaceted tool that slips into numerous deck archetypes with ease. Its ability to target creatures, return cards from the graveyard, and disrupt an opponent’s hand makes it a valuable asset in both aggressive and control strategies.

Combo Potential: The card pairs remarkably well with strategies that capitalize on discarding or recurring spells. It seamlessly combines with cards that benefit from casting instants or using the graveyard as a resource, amplifying its overall impact on the game.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifacts are commonplace, Kolaghan’s Command shines by providing a direct answer to such threats. Additionally, its versatility ensures it remains a relevant choice across various meta shifts, confirming its worth as a lasting inclusion in your collection.


How to beat

Kolaghan’s Command is a dynamic and versatile Magic: The Gathering card that can disrupt your strategy in multiple ways. With its ability to cause direct damage, force discard, revive creatures, and destroy artifacts, it can pose a significant challenge. To overcome this card, consider employing strategies that minimize its impact. The first approach is focusing on having a resilient hand by using spells that increase your hand size or cards that provide card advantage. You can also safeguard your key permanents by using hexproof or indestructible creatures, which are less vulnerable to Kolaghan’s Command’s modes.

Another effective tactic is to play around the discard effect. Keeping cards in hand that are less critical or have flashback can mitigate the loss from the forced discard. Furthermore, deploying artifacts with abilities that trigger upon hitting the graveyard or that can be recast from there reduces the effectiveness of the artifact destruction mode. By anticipating and buffering against the various modes of Kolaghan’s Command, maintaining card advantage, and protecting key resources, you can deftly navigate around the card’s powerful commands and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricacies of Kolaghan’s Command can set you apart in the MTG realm. Its potential to swing games with its versatile set of modes challenges players to think critically about its application. Whether you’re retrieving a game-changing creature or disrupting your opponent’s plans, understanding the best scenarios to deploy this command enhances your strategic repertoire. Embrace its strengths and mitigate its cons to maximize your deck’s performance. For tips on integrating this dynamic card into your deck effectively and tactics to use against it, join us on BurnMana for deeper insights and strategies. Start optimizing your gameplay today!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kolaghan's Command MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dragons of Tarkir, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Kolaghan's Command and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kolaghan's Command Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1023012015NormalBlackAlex Horley-Orlandelli
22015-03-27Dragons of TarkirDTK 2242015NormalBlackDaarken
32015-03-28Dragons of Tarkir PromosPDTK 224s2015NormalBlackDaarken
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14452015NormalBlackDaarken
52020-09-26The ListPLST DTK-2242015NormalBlackDaarken
62021-05-27Historic Anthology 5HA5 202015NormalBlackDaarken
72022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 5152015NormalBlackDaarken
82022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 2392015NormalBlackDaarken
92022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3812015NormalBorderlessAlex Horley-Orlandelli
102024-06-14Modern Horizons 3 CommanderM3C 2682015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kolaghan's Command has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
BrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kolaghan's Command card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2015-02-25 As the spell resolves, follow the instructions of the modes you chose in the order they are printed on the card. For example, if you chose the second and fourth modes of Ojutai’s Command, you would gain 4 life and then draw a card. (The order won’t matter in most cases.)
2015-02-25 If a Command is copied, the effect that creates the copy will usually allow you to choose new targets for the copy, but you can’t choose new modes.
2015-02-25 If all targets for the chosen modes become illegal before the Command resolves, the spell won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. If at least one target is still legal, the spell will resolve but will have no effect on any illegal targets.
2015-02-25 You can choose a mode only if you can choose legal targets for that mode. Ignore the targeting requirements for modes that aren’t chosen. For example, you can cast Ojutai’s Command without targeting a creature spell provided you don’t choose the third mode.
2015-02-25 You choose the two modes as you cast the spell. You must choose two different modes. Once modes are chosen, they can’t be changed.