A control strategy that restricts what opponents can do by taxing or denying their resources. Named after Smokestack, stax decks make the game miserable for everyone else at the table — then win through the wreckage.
How Stax Works
Stax doesn’t counter spells or remove threats — it prevents opponents from casting spells or deploying threats in the first place. Land destruction, mana taxes, sacrifice effects, and tap-down effects all contribute to a “soft lock” where opponents technically can play but practically can’t.
Key Stax Pieces
- Mana denial — Winter Orb, Static Orb, Stasis
- Tax effects — Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, Sphere of Resistance
- Sacrifice pressure — Smokestack, Grave Pact
- Board locks — Drannith Magistrate, Aven Mindcensor
Stax in Commander
Stax is one of Commander’s most powerful — and most controversial — strategies. It warps the entire table’s game plan around dealing with your lock pieces. Popular stax commanders include Derevi, Empyrial Tactician and Grand Arbiter Augustin IV.
Social Considerations
Stax is a valid strategy but can make games unfun for opponents. Communicate with your playgroup about power level expectations. If you’re playing stax, win quickly once the lock is established — nobody enjoys watching someone slowly assemble a lock with no win condition.