How to Play With Secret Lair x Garfield Cards in Commander
By Secret Lair | Magic: The Gathering | Official Online Store | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to build and play a Garfield Commander deck using Secret Lair x Garfield cards. Step-by-step guide covers deck construction, gameplay tips, and common mistakes.
Quick answer
To play with Secret Lair x Garfield cards in Commander, treat each Garfield card as a functional reprint with new art and use them in the 99 of a deck that matches their color identity. Start by checking the color identity of your Garfield cards, then build a Commander deck around a legendary creature that shares those colors. The Garfield cards themselves are not legendary, so they cannot be your commander, but they can be powerful role-players in the right shell.
Check color identity and format legality
Before you sleeve up any Garfield card, verify its color identity and whether it is legal in Commander. Secret Lair x Garfield cards are reprints of existing Magic cards with new art, so their color identity is determined by the original card's mana cost and rules text. For example, if a Garfield card is a reprint of a mono-black card, it belongs in a mono-black Commander deck. You can find the original card name in the fine print at the bottom of the card. Use that name to look up its color identity on a database like Scryfall or Gatherer. All Secret Lair x Garfield cards are legal in Commander as long as the original card is legal. None are banned unless the original is banned.
Choose a commander that supports the Garfield strategy
Garfield cards from Secret Lair tend to lean into themes of laziness, appetite, and cynicism, but mechanically they are just reprints. Look at the original cards to understand what they do. For instance, if a Garfield card is a reprint of a card that draws cards or gains life, you want a commander that rewards those actions. A commander like Ayara, First of Locthwain or Korvold, Fae-Cursed King can benefit from sacrifice or token themes that some Garfield cards might support. However, without knowing the exact reprints, the safest approach is to pick a commander that matches the color identity and general strategy of the original cards. If you are unsure, start with a generic value commander in those colors.
Build the deck with a clear game plan
Once you have your commander, build the rest of the deck to support your chosen strategy. Include mana ramp, card draw, removal, and a win condition. The Garfield cards should slot into the deck where their original counterparts would. For example, if a Garfield card is a reprint of a board wipe, it belongs in a control shell. If it is a reprint of a big creature, it might be a finisher. Do not force every Garfield card into the same deck; only include the ones that fit your plan. A common mistake is jamming all Garfield cards into one deck regardless of synergy, which leads to inconsistent draws. Instead, treat them as individual tools. If you want to showcase multiple Garfield cards, consider building a deck that can support a variety of effects, such as a five-color deck, but that comes with its own mana base challenges.
Play the deck and adapt to your pod
When you sit down to play, communicate with your pod about what your deck does. Some players might be excited to see Garfield cards, others might not care. Either way, play to your deck's strengths. If your Garfield cards are reprints of powerful staples, use them at key moments. If they are more casual, use them to generate value over time. Pay attention to how your pod reacts; if they target you because of a particular Garfield card, consider whether it is worth the heat. A common mistake is overextending into a board wipe because you got excited about playing a Garfield card. Always hold back interaction or a backup plan. After the game, review which Garfield cards performed well and which felt clunky. Swap out the underperformers for more synergistic cards.
Step-by-step: playing Garfield cards in Commander
- Identify the original card for each Garfield reprint: Look at the bottom of each Secret Lair x Garfield card to find the original card name. Use that name to check color identity, mana cost, and rules text on a card database. This tells you exactly what the card does in game. Checkpoint: Write down the original names so you can quickly reference them during deckbuilding.
- Pick a commander that matches the color identity: Your commander must include all colors of the Garfield cards you want to play. For example, if a Garfield card is red, your commander must have red in its color identity. Choose a commander that also supports the overall strategy of those original cards. Checkpoint: Verify that every card in your deck, including Garfield cards, falls within your commander's color identity.
- Assemble the deck with a balanced curve: Include enough lands, ramp, draw, and interaction. Slot Garfield cards into roles that match their original effects. Do not overload on high-cost cards just because they are Garfield-themed. Aim for a curve that lets you play spells on turns two through five. Checkpoint: Goldfish your deck a few times to ensure you can cast your Garfield cards without mana issues.
- Practice playing the deck and note interactions: Play several games with the deck. Pay attention to which Garfield cards overperform or underperform. Note any synergies with your commander or other cards. Adjust the deck by swapping out weak cards for stronger ones. Checkpoint: After three games, decide if any Garfield cards need to be replaced.
- Communicate with your playgroup: Let your pod know you are playing Garfield cards. Some players may have house rules about proxies or alters, but Secret Lair cards are official Magic cards, so they are generally allowed. If someone mistakes them for un-cards, explain that they are reprints with new art. Checkpoint: Confirm with your group before the game to avoid misunderstandings.
Garfield Secret Lair products for Commander
- Secret Lair x Garfield: As Intended: Secret Lair x Garfield: As Intended is a non-foil drop inspired by Magic’s earliest playtest cards and clipped newspaper-and-magazine art. This version offers a retro, playtest-style aesthetic that stands out in a deck, and the non-foil printing is often preferred for consistent shuffling and less curling over time.
- Secret Lair x Garfield: As Intended Foil Edition: Secret Lair x Garfield: As Intended Foil Edition features the same cards in foil. Foil cards can be more prone to curling depending on humidity, so if you prioritize deck longevity and easy shuffling, the non-foil As Intended may be a better fit for frequent Commander play.
- Secret Lair x Garfield: Motivationally Challenged: Secret Lair x Garfield: Motivationally Challenged includes cards with art by Caleb Meurer and Greg Schigiel, themed around Garfield’s disdain for motivational posters. These cards add a humorous, cynical flavor to your deck, which can be a fun conversation starter in casual Commander pods, but they are still functional reprints, so evaluate them based on their original card effects.
