Kambal, Consul of Allocation — Magic: The Gathering card

Kambal, Consul of Allocation

{1}{W}{B}
Legendary Creature — Human Advisor

Whenever an opponent casts a noncreature spell, that player loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.

*He has "friends" in places both high and low, and all seem to owe him favors.*

Power/Toughness: 2/3

Set Double Masters 2022
Rarity Rare
Mana Value 3
Artist Vincent Proce
Collector # 237
Scryfall

Why Play Kambal, Consul of Allocation

Kambal excels as a hate piece against spell-heavy decks, turning every noncreature spell into a 4-life swing in your favor. Deploy him early against control, combo, or burn strategies where opponents rely heavily on instants, sorceries, and artifacts to execute their game plan. The consistent life gain helps stabilize against aggressive strategies while simultaneously pressuring slower decks that can't afford to take 2 damage from every removal spell or counterspell they cast.

Format Notes

Kambal sees the most play in Commander, where his triggered ability affects multiple opponents and the longer games amplify his incremental advantage. He's occasionally featured in Modern and Pioneer sideboards as anti-combo tech, particularly effective against storm decks, Prowess strategies, and artifact-based combos. The card has never faced banning and remains a solid meta choice when noncreature spells dominate the format.

Combos & Synergies

Kambal pairs excellently with other taxing effects like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben to create a prison-style lock that makes opponents' spells both expensive and painful to cast. Tainted Remedy transforms Kambal's life gain into additional damage to opponents, doubling his punishment effect. In lifegain-matters decks, cards like Ajani's Pridemate or Archangel of Thune can capitalize on the consistent life gain triggers Kambal provides.

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Creature Modern Pioneer Commander