Magic: The Gathering players have long debated which black cards deserve a spot in their 99-card commander decks or 60-card constructed formats. A new ranking from Draftsim has settled the argument—at least for now—by listing the 47 best black cards in the game, ranked by power, versatility, and competitive impact. Whether you're a seasoned spike or a casual brewer, this list is your shortcut to optimizing your black mana base.

The Cream of the Crop: Black's Most Powerful Spells

Draftsim's ranking places iconic removal and card advantage spells at the top, reflecting black's core identity as the color of sacrifice, death, and overwhelming efficiency. Cards like Demonic Tutor and Vampiric Tutor are mainstays, offering unmatched consistency by fetching any card from your library for a cheap mana cost. These are the glue that holds black decks together, and their high ranking comes as no surprise to veteran players.

But the list isn't just about tutors. Black's best creatures and planeswalkers also make the cut, including game-ending threats that can swing a board state in a single turn. The ranking weighs both competitive play and casual appeal, ensuring that even budget-friendly options receive recognition if they perform well in the right shell.

Removal and Disruption: The Black Player's Bread and Butter

Black has always excelled at destroying creatures, and the ranking highlights the most efficient removal spells ever printed. Fatal Push, Path to Exile's dark counterpart, is a one-mana answer to most early threats, while Thoughtseize strips your opponent's hand before they can even play. These cards are the reason black is feared at competitive tables—they create virtual card advantage by eliminating threats before they hit the battlefield.

  • Single-target removal: Cards like Go for the Throat and Murder offer flexible answers at instant speed.
  • Board wipes: Damnation and Wrath of God variants reset the battlefield, punishing go-wide strategies.
  • Hand disruption: Inquisition of Kozilek and Duress provide early-game pressure against combo and control decks.

Creatures That Define the Color's Power

Black's creature suite is equally impressive, with reanimation targets and value engines that generate incremental advantages. Sheoldred, the Apocalypse is a modern powerhouse, punishing opponents for drawing cards while gaining you life—a perfect fit for grindy matchups. Grave Titan remains a classic finisher, producing zombie tokens that chump-block or swing for lethal.

The ranking also includes mana-efficient beaters like Phyrexian Obliterator, which turns your opponent's removal spells into a painful trade. These creatures are why black decks can shift from control to midrange in a heartbeat, adapting to whatever the board demands.

Planeswalkers and Utility: The Modern Additions

Planeswalkers have become staples in black decks, and Draftsim's list reflects their growing importance. Liliana of the Veil is a perennial favorite, forcing both players to discard while destroying creatures. Karn, Scion of Urza might be colorless, but his inclusion shows how black decks leverage artifact synergies to draw cards and generate tokens.

Utility lands and artifacts also deserve a mention—Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth fixes your mana, while Nirkana Revenant turns swamps into dual-purpose mana sources. These pieces round out the top 47, proving that black's strength lies in its flexibility.

How to Use This Ranking in Your Decks

Draftsim's ranking is more than a tier list—it's a deck-building guide. If you're constructing a commander deck, prioritize cards that offer repeatable value, such as Gray Merchant of Asphodel or Exsanguinate, which can drain opponents based on your devotion to black. For constructed formats, focus on the most efficient interaction and threats to keep up with the meta.

Budget players shouldn't feel left out. Many of the ranked cards have budget alternatives that perform similarly without breaking the bank. For example, Read the Bones is a budget draw spell that rivals more expensive options, and Doom Blade is a serviceable removal spell for casual play.

"The best black cards aren't just powerful—they're flexible enough to fit any strategy, from aggressive zombies to controlling reanimator decks."

Key Takeaways

  • Draftsim has ranked the 47 best black cards, highlighting staples like tutors, removal, and game-ending threats.
  • Creatures like Sheoldred, the Apocalypse and Grave Titan dominate the top tiers for their value and board presence.
  • Utility and planeswalkers are essential for modern black decks, offering card advantage and flexibility.
  • Budget alternatives exist for every card, making the list accessible to players of all budgets.

Whether you're a veteran or a new player, this ranking is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their black decks. For the full breakdown, check out the original article on Draftsim and start brewing your next undead army.