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The Chain Veil, a powerful artifact from Magic: The Gathering, is a staple in many competitive decks due to its ability to dramatically increase a player's mana and spellcasting potential. Its synergy with commanders like Teferi, Temporal Archmage or Jori En, Ruin Diver makes it a sought-after inclusion in formats like Commander and Legacy. While not every deck benefits from its effects, those that do often rely on it as a key component for combo strategies or overwhelming board states. Players frequently debate its inclusion, weighing its immense power against the risk of drawing it at the wrong time. As a result, decks that include the Chain Veil are often finely tuned to maximize its potential while minimizing drawbacks.
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What You'll Learn
- Chain Veil in Preconstructed Decks: Check if Wizards of the Coast includes it in pre-built Commander decks
- EDH/Commander Decks: Popular in competitive or combo-focused Commander decks for infinite mana
- Custom Decks: Often added to custom decks running blue or combo strategies
- Budget Decks: Rarely included due to its high price, but substitutes exist
- Legacy/Vintage Decks: Occasionally used in Legacy or Vintage for fast mana combos
Chain Veil in Preconstructed Decks: Check if Wizards of the Coast includes it in pre-built Commander decks
Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Magic: The Gathering, has a long history of crafting preconstructed Commander decks that cater to a wide range of playstyles and strategies. These decks often include powerful, synergistic cards that provide a solid foundation for players looking to dive into the format. However, the inclusion of *Chain Veil* in these pre-built decks is a rare occurrence, despite its reputation as a potent artifact in the right hands. *Chain Veil* allows players to untap their commander during each of their untap steps, enabling multiple activations per turn—a mechanic that can quickly spiral into game-winning combos. Given its potential for dominance, Wizards of the Coast appears to exercise caution when considering its inclusion in preconstructed products.
Analyzing recent Commander precons reveals a trend: *Chain Veil* is conspicuously absent from most, if not all, of these decks. For instance, the 2022 Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate decks and the 2023 Commander Masters precons do not feature *Chain Veil* in their 100-card lists. This omission suggests that Wizards prioritizes accessibility and balance over raw power in their pre-built offerings. While *Chain Veil* is a beloved card among seasoned players, its inclusion could alienate newer players or disrupt the intended power level of the deck. Instead, Wizards often opts for cards that encourage interaction and gradual strategy development, rather than enabling explosive, combo-oriented gameplay.
For players seeking to include *Chain Veil* in their Commander decks, the absence from precons means they must acquire it separately. This artifact is typically found in supplemental sets or as a reprint in products like *Secret Lair* or *Mystery Booster*. Its rarity and demand often make it a moderately priced card, though not prohibitively expensive. Players looking to experiment with *Chain Veil* should pair it with commanders that benefit from repeated activations, such as *Teferi, Temporal Archmage* or *Jori En, Ruin Diver*. However, caution is advised: *Chain Veil* can draw significant attention at the table, making its wielder a prime target for removal.
Instructively, if Wizards were to include *Chain Veil* in a future precon, it would likely be in a deck designed around a specific theme or mechanic that could handle its power level. For example, a deck focused on artifact synergy or infinite mana combos might be a suitable home for *Chain Veil*. Until then, players should view *Chain Veil* as a card to seek out individually rather than expect in pre-built products. Its absence from precons underscores Wizards’ commitment to creating balanced, approachable Commander decks that appeal to a broad audience, rather than catering exclusively to high-power, competitive playstyles.
Ultimately, the exclusion of *Chain Veil* from preconstructed Commander decks is a deliberate design choice that reflects Wizards of the Coast’s priorities. While it may disappoint some players, it ensures that precons remain accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. For those determined to wield *Chain Veil*, the journey to acquire and build around it becomes part of the experience—a testament to the card’s allure and the creativity it inspires in deckbuilding.
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EDH/Commander Decks: Popular in competitive or combo-focused Commander decks for infinite mana
In the realm of competitive and combo-focused Commander decks, The Chain Veil emerges as a potent artifact, often serving as the linchpin for infinite mana combos. This legendary artifact allows its controller to cast an additional spell during each of their turns, provided they pay the cumulative upkeep cost of sacrificing permanents. While its upkeep can be daunting, its synergy with specific commanders and engines transforms it into a game-ending tool. Decks helmed by commanders like Teferi, Temporal Archmage, Jori En, Ruin Diver, or Rashmi, Eternities Crafter frequently include The Chain Veil to exploit its ability to generate multiple spells in a single turn, often leading to infinite mana or storm combos.
To illustrate, consider a Teferi, Temporal Archmage deck. By pairing The Chain Veil with Mana Crypt, Sol Ring, and Jeweled Lotus, players can generate enough mana to cast Teferi multiple times in one turn. Each activation untaps the artifacts, creating a loop of infinite colorless mana. Adding Dramatic Reversal and Isochron Scepter further refines this combo, enabling infinite blue mana and drawing the entire deck. The Chain Veil’s role here is critical—it provides the extra spell slot needed to initiate and sustain the loop, turning a finite board state into a game-winning engine.
However, integrating The Chain Veil into a deck requires careful planning. Its cumulative upkeep demands a robust sacrifice outlet or a commander that can recoup lost resources. For instance, Muldrotha, the Gravetide decks can reanimate sacrificed permanents, mitigating the upkeep cost. Conversely, Niv-Mizzet, Parun decks leverage The Chain Veil to cast multiple wheel effects, drawing into combo pieces while fueling the commander’s damage trigger. The key is to balance the artifact’s power with the deck’s ability to handle its drawbacks, ensuring it serves as an enabler rather than a liability.
For players seeking to incorporate The Chain Veil, start by identifying a commander with inherent card advantage or resource recovery. Include efficient mana rocks like Grim Monolith and Basalt Monolith to fuel the upkeep cost while contributing to the mana pool. Pair it with spells that benefit from multiple casts, such as Blue Sun’s Zenith or Gaeas Cradle, to maximize its utility. Finally, test the deck’s resilience to disruption—ensure you have backup plans if The Chain Veil is removed, as relying solely on it can leave you vulnerable.
In conclusion, The Chain Veil is a high-risk, high-reward inclusion in competitive and combo-focused Commander decks. Its ability to generate extra spell slots makes it a cornerstone for infinite mana combos, but its upkeep demands strategic deckbuilding. By pairing it with the right commander, mana base, and sacrifice outlets, players can harness its full potential, turning it into a tool for dominance rather than a burden. Whether you’re piloting a Teferi or Muldrotha deck, The Chain Veil offers a unique pathway to victory—one that rewards precision, planning, and a deep understanding of its synergies.
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Custom Decks: Often added to custom decks running blue or combo strategies
The Chain Veil, a legendary artifact from Magic: The Gathering, is a card that demands attention in custom deckbuilding, especially within blue or combo-centric strategies. Its unique ability to grant additional turns can be a game-changer, but harnessing its power requires careful consideration and a well-crafted decklist.
Unleashing the Power of Extra Turns:
In the realm of custom decks, The Chain Veil often finds its home in blue-based strategies, where players aim to exploit its potential for multiple turns. The card's effect is straightforward yet devastating: by paying 4 life, you may take an extra turn after your current one. This mechanic is a dream for combo players, as it provides the time needed to assemble complex win conditions or overwhelm opponents with a barrage of spells. For instance, a deck running Laboratory Maniac and a plethora of draw spells can utilize The Chain Veil to draw into their entire library, ensuring a win by decking themselves while avoiding the drawback.
Building Around the Veil:
Constructing a deck around The Chain Veil involves several key considerations. Firstly, life total management is crucial. Since the artifact requires life payment, including cards that provide life gain or prevent loss, such as Sphinx's Revelation or Nebulous Maneuver, can ensure you stay in the game long enough to execute your strategy. Secondly, consistency is key. Cards like Brainstorm, Ponder, and Preordain help you find the necessary pieces, including The Chain Veil itself, to execute your combo. Finally, protection is vital. Counterspells and instant-speed removal keep your plan uninterrupted, ensuring you can resolve the artifact and take those extra turns.
A Delicate Balance:
While The Chain Veil offers immense power, it also presents a delicate balancing act. Overcommitting to the combo can leave your deck vulnerable to disruption. Therefore, a successful build should include a critical mass of enablers and backup plans. This might involve running alternative win conditions, such as a Blue-Sun's Zenith-based storm strategy or a traditional counter-burn approach, ensuring you have multiple routes to victory. Additionally, including a suite of interactive spells allows you to control the game until you're ready to unleash your extra turns.
A Custom Deckbuilder's Challenge:
Incorporating The Chain Veil into a custom deck is an enticing challenge for experienced players. It encourages creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of card interactions. The reward for mastering this artifact is a powerful and unique gameplay experience, often leaving opponents in awe (or frustration) as you take turn after turn, executing a carefully crafted plan. However, it's a fine line to tread, and deckbuilders must be cautious not to fall into the trap of building a one-trick pony. A well-rounded approach, considering various game states and potential disruptions, is essential for success.
Practical Tips for Veil Enthusiasts:
- Start with a solid blue control shell, ensuring you have the necessary tools for card advantage and protection.
- Include a mix of instant-speed draw spells and sorcery-speed card selection to maximize consistency.
- Consider running a few copies of Peer into the Abyss or similar effects to dig for The Chain Veil or your combo pieces.
- Don't neglect the sideboard; include answers to common meta strategies and potential hate cards that could disrupt your plan.
- Practice and refine your deck through playtesting, as timing and decision-making are critical with this type of strategy.
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Budget Decks: Rarely included due to its high price, but substitutes exist
The Chain Veil, a powerful artifact in Magic: The Gathering, often finds itself excluded from budget decks due to its steep price tag. This exclusion, however, doesn't mean players must abandon the dream of infinite turns or supercharged commanders. A world of substitutes and creative alternatives awaits those willing to think outside the reserved list.
Let's delve into the realm of budget-friendly options, exploring cards that capture the essence of The Chain Veil without breaking the bank.
Consider Ley Weaver, a mere fraction of The Chain Veil's cost, offering a similar "extra turn" mechanic albeit with a higher mana investment. While not as efficient, Ley Weaver provides a taste of the infinite turn potential at a budget-conscious price point. For a more interactive approach, Mystic Remora and Rhystic Study provide card draw engines that fuel your strategy, mimicking The Chain Veil's ability to accelerate your game plan. These substitutes, while not direct replacements, offer alternative paths to dominance without the financial burden.
Building a budget deck around The Chain Veil's absence requires a shift in strategy. Instead of relying on a single, expensive card, focus on synergy and redundancy. Incorporate multiple cards that provide similar effects, like Time Warp and Nexus of Fate, to increase your chances of achieving that coveted extra turn. Remember, budget decks thrive on creativity and resourcefulness. Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional card choices and unexpected synergies.
The key lies in understanding the core function you seek to replicate and finding affordable cards that contribute to that goal.
While substitutes exist, it's crucial to manage expectations. Budget alternatives often come with drawbacks, whether it's higher mana costs, conditional triggers, or less versatility. Accepting these limitations and building around them is essential for success. Think of it as a puzzle: finding the right combination of affordable pieces to create a cohesive and powerful strategy. With careful planning and a dash of ingenuity, you can construct a budget deck that rivals its more expensive counterparts, proving that The Chain Veil's absence doesn't have to mean the end of your infinite turn dreams.
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Legacy/Vintage Decks: Occasionally used in Legacy or Vintage for fast mana combos
In the high-stakes formats of Legacy and Vintage, where speed and efficiency reign supreme, Chain Veil finds a niche role in decks aiming to exploit fast mana combos. These formats allow for explosive starts, often leveraging artifacts like Mana Crypt, Moxen, or Lotus Petal to generate mana far beyond what’s possible in other formats. Here, Chain Veil pairs with commanders or cards like Teferi, Hero of Dominaria or Jace, Wielder of Mysteries to create infinite loops, enabling multiple turns in a row or drawing an entire deck for an instant win. The key is timing: activate Chain Veil’s ability during your first turn, when opponents are least prepared to disrupt it. However, this strategy demands precision—misplay risks leaving you vulnerable to countermagic or removal.
Consider the Teferi-Chain Veil combo in Vintage: by activating Chain Veil during Teferi’s -14 ability, you untap lands and artifacts, generating infinite mana and drawing your deck. This requires at least 8 mana (7 for Teferi’s ultimate, 1 for Chain Veil) and a way to cast both cards early, often achieved with Mox Opal, Chrome Mox, or Mana Vault. Legacy decks might use Show and Tell to cheat Chain Veil into play alongside Omniscience, immediately casting a game-ending spell. The trade-off? These decks are fragile, relying on specific card draws and vulnerable to hate like Null Rod or Dismember.
For players considering this approach, deck construction is critical. Prioritize redundancy with multiple tutors (Demonic Consultation, Vampiric Tutor) and protection (Force of Will, Pact of Negation). Artifact-heavy builds benefit from Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors for early mana, but beware land destruction. In Vintage, Paradoxical Outcome can recycle Chain Veil for repeated use, though this risks losing to Empty the Warrens or Tendrils of Agony if not executed perfectly. Legacy players should include Brainstorm and Ponder to sculpt their draws, ensuring combo pieces arrive on time.
The appeal of Chain Veil in these formats lies in its ability to warp the game’s tempo, but it’s not without drawbacks. Its high mana cost (4 colorless) and sorcery-speed activation make it a liability if not used immediately. Opponents in Legacy or Vintage are well-equipped to respond with Flusterstorm, Nature’s Claim, or even Leyline of the Void to thwart graveyard strategies. Thus, Chain Veil is best reserved for meta-specific builds where fast combos dominate, and players are confident in their ability to execute under pressure.
Ultimately, Chain Veil in Legacy or Vintage is a high-risk, high-reward inclusion, best suited for experienced pilots who thrive on precision and unpredictability. While not a staple, its potential to dominate a game makes it a fascinating tool for combo enthusiasts. Test rigorously, understand your meta, and always have a backup plan—because in these formats, one misstep can mean disaster.
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Frequently asked questions
As of the most recent releases, The Chain Veil has not been included in any official preconstructed decks from Wizards of the Coast.
No, The Chain Veil has not been featured in any official Commander preconstructed decks.
The Chain Veil has appeared in various Magic: The Gathering sets, including *From the Vault: Legends* and as a promo card, but not in any deck products.
