<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Time and Tide" href="#" target="_blank">Time and Tide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CGeorge+Pratt%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">George Pratt</a></em></p>
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<p>Hello, and welcome to <em>Am I the Bolas</em>?<strong> This week, I forget!</strong></p>
<p>This column is for all of you out there who have ever played some <em>Magic </em>and wondered if you were the bad guy. I'm here to take in your story with all of its nuances so I can bring some clarity to all those asking, "Am I the Bolas?"</p>
<p>I'm ready to hear you out and offer advice. All you have to do is email amithebolas@gmail.com with your story, a pseudonym you want to use, and of course, only include details you don't mind in the column! You might see your story below one day.</p>
<p>I'm Mike Carrozza. Here's a Magic card!</p>
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<p><i>If it weren't for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zoraline, Cosmos Caller" href="#" target="_blank">Zoraline, Cosmos Caller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, this card would only be in 193 decks instead of 494. Wow! Lots of cards in this game, huh?</i></p>
<p>(Post edited for brevity, clarity, and then some.)</p>
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<h2>SUBMISSION</h2>
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<p><em>Hello Mike,</em></p>
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<p><em>Reading your column on EDHREC reminded me of an encounter I had at my LGS a good while ago mainly between myself and another player a little after </em>Modern Horizons 3<em> and its respective Commander decks came out.</em></p>
<p><em>I was in a game of Commander at my LGS at which I am a regular but with a random pod instead of good friends. I was playing my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ayara, First of Locthwain" href="#" target="_blank">Ayara, First of Locthwain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck, a mono-black aristocrats deck that was specifically tooled around devotion payoffs, be it <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx" href="#" target="_blank">Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or synergistic payoffs, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abhorrent Overlord" href="#" target="_blank">Abhorrent Overlord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. (And naturally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gray Merchant of Asphodel" href="#" target="_blank">Gary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>).</em></p>
<p><em>One player had an upgraded precon with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azlask, the Swelling Scourge" href="#" target="_blank">Azlask, the Swelling Scourge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. All went well enough until the Azlask player got gotten enough colorless ramp together to put out a fairly early <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ugin, the Spirit Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Ugin, the Spirit Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, where he was poised to one-sidedly exile the board of all permanents.</em></p>
<p><em>Before he activated Ugin, I asked if he would be willing to leave my five-mana enchantment, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawn of the Dead" href="#" target="_blank">Dawn of the Dead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> up, given that all the creatures in play would be gone activation where X is equal to four. He quickly, and smugly, refused. I then informed him if he was committed to completely wiping everyone else's board, I would remove his commander. He deemed that acceptable. He wiped everything five mana value or less.</em></p>
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<p><em>My turn followed his. I played the removal I had in my hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oubliette" href="#" target="_blank">Oubliette</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The Azlask player, unused to phasing or removal that locked down a commander rather than sending it back to the command zone, was astonished to find that Azlask was phased out for as long as I controlled the enchantment.</em></p>
<p><em>The rest of the game proceeded fairly quickly, with the other two players, in no way feeling generous to the Azlask player who wiped their boards, too, began to hard focus on him, first playing creatures, then swinging his way and finishing off Ugin. Lacking enchantment removal himself, the Azlask player never got his commander back and was the first to be removed the game, and was visibly irritated by the end of the game - quickly packing his things and parting with a 'it's been fun, it's been real, but it hasn't been real fun' - possibly exacerbated by the fact I ended up winning in the end.</em></p>
<p><em>Am I the Bolas for not telling him just what kind of removal I happened to have in my hand? For his strong ramp start, it seemed fairly likely he was expecting to just be able to replay Azlask again. He didn't seem new to Magic, just not familiar with something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oubliette" href="#" target="_blank">Oubliette</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</em></p>
<p><em>Sincerely,</em><br />
<em>DontPassGo</em></p>
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<h2>VERDICT</h2>
<p>Thank you for writing and asking me to weigh in on your story. As I mention every week, if folks don't write to me, there's no column, so if you, the reader, want to send me a story, whether it's your own or one from Reddit or a friend's, please send it to amithebolas@gmail.com and I'll get to it here.</p>
<p>Short one for today! No, you're not the Bolas for playing a really good piece of removal. Your opponent literally just used removal for everything in play they didn't control. Using one bit of removal is totally fair. Locking out a commander can be brutal, but it happens. Not to mention, looking at Asklask, you have to wonder if there was a backup plan in place at all. It's a commander that anthems for WUBRG, and Eldrazi Scions and Spawns get Annihilator. Whoa, sounds like more removal.</p>
<p>It's a bummer to lose your commander to a lock Aura like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Darksteel Mutation" href="#" target="_blank">Darksteel Mutation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oubliette" href="#" target="_blank">Oubliette</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It's unfortunate, but it happens. It can be a fun puzzle to try to find your way out from under a card like that. Most games where that's happened to a commander that's important to my game plan, it's made me rethink some of the deck's inclusions or shown which cards are standouts for this particular situation. It's a bit of a blessing and a good way to get to tinkering with a deck.</p>
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<p>Getting off to an explosive start and then getting an all-timer banger seven-drop planeswalker to board wipe in a way that keeps your board in tact is definitely going to attract some negative attention. What was your opponent expecting? A round of applause? Archenemy games happen naturally in pods all over the world. The issue is that when you pop off this hard and slam on the reset button for just your opponents, you have to realize that you are now the biggest obstacle in the way for <em>each</em> of your opponents. If you cannot accept that you're a problem and take it in stride, you can never have a good time.</p>
<p>If someone ever told me <em>"it's been fun, it's been real, but it hasn't been real fun" </em>I would ask them to elaborate on why. It's not like I would disagree in this instance, but I think an exit line like that is coward behavior. You can still be civil, thank folks for the game, and move on. Saying something like this feels like a conversation <em>starter</em> to me. Let's unpack that, pal. Was it not "real fun" because you were denied the steamrolling you expected? Was your experience with a multiplayer game impacted by the presence of three other <em>individuals</em> having their own experience at a table with you? Take a damn second to get outside yourself and consider that perhaps there was real fun had by others who were given an enemy to band together over. You can be part of this celebration, too. If you choose to be, that is.</p>
<p>There are people out there who need a quick shake to remind them that an attitude adjustment could make your nights out at an LGS a lot more fun.</p>
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Am I the Bolas? - "Real Fun"

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CIsis%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Isis</a></em></p>
<p>When the <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changer</a> list was first released, players were quick to notice that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was firmly planted among some of the strongest cards in the format. There's no denying that this spell is incredibly powerful, especially since it's been the go-to sweeper for blue mages since the early days of Commander.</p>
<p>Even though it's officially reached staple status, there's still a few budget options out there that can take its place.</p>
<p>My name is <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, and it's my goal to show you some great spells that you can reach for if you're looking to Bracket down a deck, or you just need more interaction on a budget. While the cards I'll cover today can't completely replace Rift, they can still add the desired effect you're looking for, without breaking your bank.</p>
<p>Let's get right into it by looking at this blue powerhouse first and foremost.</p>
<h2>Cyclonic Rift</h2>
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<p>There's no doubt about it, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an incredibly powerful, game warping spell. It has the versatility to hit only one target, while also having the ability to wipe everyone else's boards clean off the table. The instant speed nature of it makes for huge blowouts, since it can halt someone's entire turn in its tracks.</p>
<p>When I started to think about budget replacements for this card, a few important qualifiers came to mind. Each option had to be able to be cast at instant speed, and they all needed to be mono-blue. With both of those things in mind, I was able to find good comparisons for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that didn't come close to costing the same amount as this Game Changer.</p>
<p>In fact, if you were to buy all nine cards I'm about cover here, it would only run you about $10, which is a steal compared to this staple. So, without further ado, let's get right into the list!</p>
<h2>Evacuation</h2>
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<p>Let's kick things off with my personal favorite budget replacement for Rift, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evacuation" href="#" target="_blank">Evacuation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This five-mana instant bounces all creatures to their owners' hands, which makes this great to cast on the end step before your turn. It's also cheap enough that you could cast it on your own turn, and then re-deploy some of your threats all over again in the late game.</p>
<p>The best thing going for this spell is that price tag. Having a solid option that costs less than a dollar ensures that you can pick up a few copies of the card to have on hand for the next time you have a blue deck that needs a sweeper.</p>
<h2>Desynchronization</h2>
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<p>Next up, we have a bounce spell that fits right in with any deck built around artifacts, legends, or Sagas. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Desynchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Desynchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> returns each nonland permanent that's not historic to their owners hands, which could leave you relatively untouched in the right list.</p>
<p>Another big benefit of this card is the fact that it only costs four to cast. Holding up that amount of mana is something that several blue strategies like to do anyway, so having the option to fire off a board wipe at any point is a lot of power to play with.</p>
<h2>Perplexing Test</h2>
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<p>I hope you've been studying, because it's time for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Perplexing Test" href="#" target="_blank">Perplexing Test</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is perfect for any token deck you might have in your arsenal, since it can feel like a one-sided board wipe in a list the pumps out a wide team of creatures.</p>
<p>It can also be used very proactively, since you can wait until the very last minute to fire it off. Simply move to combat, attack with your whole board, and see if anyone has tricks to play. Then, when the time is right, you can go for a full blowout that no one will be ready for.</p>
<h2>Zimone's Hypothesis</h2>
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<p>Here's a card that makes for a very interesting conundrum to solve. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zimone&#039;s Hypothesis" href="#" target="_blank">Zimone&#039;s Hypothesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> puts a counter on a creature, then bounces everything with even or odd power on the board. Which may seem a little specific, but I think it'll perform well in several popular architypes, such as <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/spellslinger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spellslinger</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/plus-1-plus-1-counters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">+1/+1 Counters</a> and even <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/tokens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Token</a> lists.</p>
<p>Another tricky thing you can do with this card is put that counter on a creature an opponent controls, which would change its power to odd or even, ensuring it gets swept up with the rest of the board.</p>
<h2>Engulf the Shore</h2>
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<p>This option will likely only fit in a mono-blue deck, but it's still worth a mention here. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Engulf the Shore" href="#" target="_blank">Engulf the Shore</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> bounces everything that has toughness less than or equal to the number of Islands you control, and only costs four mana. While this may be a little narrow in its uses, it's still a very powerful spell to have in your back pocket.</p>
<p>Be sure to keep this in mind if you're working on a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/toughness-matters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toughness Matters</a> deck, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcades, the Strategist" href="#" target="_blank">Arcades, the Strategist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plagon, Lord of the Beach" href="#" target="_blank">Plagon, Lord of the Beach</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Since Engulf the Shore bounces based on the size of a creature's uh... <em>rear end</em>... this could wipe away a lot of small creatures in order to turn your good defense into a powerful offense.</p>
<h2>Bounce Those Attackers</h2>
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<p>If your playgroup has a lot of aggressive players, then <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherize" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherspouts" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherspouts</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are the spells for you. These cards do two beneficial things for you: they get rid of all attacking creatures coming at you, and also installs a little bit of fear in your opponents whenever they move to combat.</p>
<p>Sometimes making a player think twice about attacking you is all you need for them to send their team somewhere else. The more times you bounce someone's board after they try taking you out of the game, the less likely it'll be that they'll send things your way in the future.</p>
<h2>Corner Cases</h2>
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<p>Finally, we have two corner case examples of this kind of effect. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Devastation Tide" href="#" target="_blank">Devastation Tide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can <em>possibly</em> be cast at instant speed, if you happen to draw it as your first card on another player's turn. Which could work out if you have a deck that consistently puts cards in your hand.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Filter Out" href="#" target="_blank">Filter Out</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may not bounce creatures, but it does hit everything else for only three mana. If you have a list that floods the board with critters, and doesn't care too much about other permanent types, then this could be a nice silver bullet to have at your disposal.</p>
<h2>My Final Thoughts on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>Well, there you have it, my picks for nine great budget cards that you can use to replace <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I know that these spells can't completely match the power level of this Game Changer, but they can still put in a lot of work for the right deck. If you're looking for more cheap replacements for expensive staples, you can check out my lists for <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/budget-replacements-for-smothering-tithe-in-commander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smothering Tithe</a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/budget-replacements-for-doubling-season-in-commander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Doubling Season</a> right now.</p>
<p>Also, if you want to see more budget content from me, you can check out my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thepillowfort" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pillow Fort</a>, where it's my mission to make <em>Magic</em> more accessible for everyone. On top of fun deck techs, I also do video versions of some of the topics I cover in my articles here on EDHREC.</p>
<p>Speaking of this list, did I miss any good budget alternatives? Let me know, in the comments below.</p>


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