Rubinia Soulsinger is a legendary Bant (Green, White, and Blue) commander that allows you to steal your opponents' creatures, making her a powerful tool in control and political decks.
If wielded correctly, she can cause chaos, paranoia, and hilarity at any Commander table. Let’s dive into the best way to build around her and the five essential cards that will make your opponents sigh dramatically.
Part 1: Control Through Creature Theft
Rubinia’s strength lies in her ability to "temporarily" (air quotes heavily implied) steal creatures. By tapping her, you gain control of an opponent’s creature until she untaps. To fully exploit this, your deck should focus on:
Clone Synergies: Cards that copy Rubinia or other creatures on the board ensure sure you have a level field or can steal more creatures per turn.
Flicker Effects: If you exile and return a creature you stole correctly, guess what? It no longer belongs to your opponent.
Political Play: Since you don’t destroy creatures outright, you can use Rubinia to negotiate with the table. "I could take your biggest creature... or you could do me a favor and I won’t. Your call."
Part 2: Defensive and Taxing Strategies
Because you may become a target after stealing creatures, using protective enchantments like Ghostly Prison and Propaganda can deter attacks. Low cost counterspells and removal also help maintain board control. Turn it into a big game of follow the leader.
5 Cards You NEED to Include
Here are the top 5 cards you need to make Rubinia Soulsinger the most annoying commander your pod has ever played against.
1. Conjurer's Closet - Peekaboo!
Conjurer's Closet is one of the most essential card in the deck. Where most bounce cards return creatures back to their owners, Conjurer's Closet specifically states that creatures return under YOUR control.
This is not so fun for your "friends". The cards you steal with Rubinia and bounce with your closet are no longer under the purview of your commander. This allows you to untap Rubinia and yoink another creature. Rinse and repeat.
2. Agent of Treachery - I'll take that
Agent of Treachery is decently expensive for his power but with something like Conjurer's Closet his ability becomes an absolute menace. Not only does he steal a permanent, you know, any thing that isn't an instant or sorcery, but he does this any time he enters the battlefield.
And card draw!? With a deck built around thievery, controlling 3 creatures you don't own is easy, and now you get 3 cards every turn to pile on the pressure.
3. Ghostly Prison / Propaganda - Both? Both!
I think it's fair to say that no one likes being attacked. It's probably the biggest thing most players are trying to stop while playing. Bant is really good at taxing players for so much as glancing at you.
With Ghostly Prison and Propaganda, opponents will have to pay 4 mana (if you have both on the board) to even attempt an attack. This not only slows the game down pretty significantly but it takes some of the pressure off of you. You become the expensive date and your opponents are on an Olive Garden budget.
4. Beguiler of Wills - And I'll do it again!
Beguiler of Wills is that friend you just can't say no to. With the uncanny ability to charm creatures away based on the sheer force of persuasion, she turns your opponent’s army into your personal goon squad.
The best part? There’s no expiration date on her mind control. No “until end of turn,” no “give it back when I untap.” Nope—she just takes creatures. The more creatures you control, the stronger she becomes, making her the magical equivalent of a social media influencer.
5. Illusionist's Bracers - Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun
With all of the cards switching sides it may seem like a busy pod. But let's turn it up a bit more. Illusionist's Bracers doubles activated abilities of the creatures it's attached to. Rubinia? Steal 2 creatures. Beguiler? Same story, different lady.
The point is your opponents are not allowed to have nice things. Ever. For the entire game.
Rubinia Soulsinger Final Thoughts: That's Mine Now
Rubinia Soulsinger is one of the best sneaky commanders—part control, part theft, and all-around upsetting. Whether you’re flickering creatures into oblivion, untapping to maximize your theft potential, or just making deals at the table to avoid becoming Public Enemy number 1 (which you absolutely will be), she guarantees a wild and entertaining game. Just remember: possessions may be temporary, but Rubinia’s sticky fingers are forever.
You can check out the best builds for Rubinia over at EDHRec and buy the cards to build her from our friends at TCG Player!
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