Cast cheap setup spells early, then lean on high-mana-value spells that can be cast for less than their printed cost.
Mana spent is not the Amass number. Cost reductions and alternative costs change cost paid, not the spell's mana value.Commander IntelligenceMarket trends
Saruman, the White Hand
Coverage4 out of 5Based on strategy, synergy, version, and market-intelligence coverage.Support cards17 cards
Saruman is strongest when cheap spells keep the deck moving and discounted high-mana-value spells make a large Orc Army without paying the full printed cost.
Market Summary
Saruman, the White Hand market checks
Price and supply agreeMarket status17Cards monitored8Active signals6Supply pressure6Higher confidenceJul 24, 2026Last market update
Price and supply agree: Underworld Breach is the first card to verify because Underworld Breach: rising price over the 7d window (+14%).
Commander Overview
How This Commander Plays
Saruman turns every noncreature spell into military production. Cheap spells create steady Army growth, while discounted high-mana-value spells produce massive Amass triggers without requiring their full printed cost.
Core Game Plan
- Develop Grixis mana and interaction.
- Resolve Saruman with protection or a follow-up spell.
- Cast noncreature spells to create or enlarge an Army.
- Use reductions and alternative costs to maximize Amass per mana spent.
- Protect the Army or grant evasion and trample.
- Recast qualifying spells from graveyard or exile.
- Finish through Army combat, power conversion, spell payoffs, sacrifice loops, or a verified combo.
Key Mechanics
raw: noncreature spellsraw: cast triggersraw: mana valueraw: amassraw: amass Orcsplus-one-plus-one-counters
Build Paths
Use cantrips, rituals, and spell velocity to trigger Saruman repeatedly in one turn.
Storm copies are not cast, so only the original storm spell and other spells actually cast trigger Saruman.Use Saruman as an Army engine, then protect the Orc Army with ward, evasion, and counter support.
Amass does not automatically create another Army if an Army already exists.Convert a large Army or repeated Orcish Bowmasters loops into sacrifice value, damage, cards, or mill.
Sacrifice support is a conversion branch, not proof of market movement by itself.One exact Commander Spellbook combo is imported for review: Saruman, the White Hand plus Phyrexian Altar, Chthonian Nightmare, and Orcish Bowmasters. Do not abbreviate it to three cards or publish generic Grixis combos without.
Commander Market Impact
Market checks tied to this commander
See which Commander-related cards are showing meaningful price, supply, liquidity, or marketplace changes.
17cards monitored8active signals6supply checks
Rising PriceTHBUnderworld BreachWhy players care: Escape engineMarket read: Price movement has support from current market evidence. Still check the exact printing, condition, and seller depth before comparing versions.NeoPrice$12.53Inventory113 copiesPrice confidenceHIGH
Demand may be risingLTCRelic of SauronWhy players care: Precon ramp and fixingMarket read: Price movement has support from current market evidence. Still check the exact printing, condition, and seller depth before comparing versions.NeoPrice$10.86Inventory169 copiesPrice confidenceHIGH
Rising PriceLTROrcish BowmastersWhy players care: Combo creature and Army pressureMarket read: Orcish Bowmasters: rising price over the 30d window (+17%).NeoPrice$49.69Inventory112 copiesPrice confidenceHIGH
Rising Price2X2Phyrexian AltarWhy players care: Sacrifice and mana outletMarket read: Phyrexian Altar: rising price over the 7d window (+13%).NeoPrice$63.90Inventory81 copiesPrice confidenceHIGHCards To Watch
Cards to check first
Start with a short list, then open synergies or upgrades for the full card set.
Chthonian NightmareEnergy recursion combo pieceView card ->
In the Darkness Bind ThemSaga and Amass supportView card ->
Mauhúr, Uruk-hai CaptainArmy and Orc counter amplifierView card ->
Summons of SarumanPrecon X spell and recursionView card ->
Orcish BowmastersCombo creature and Army pressureView card ->Continue Exploring
Where to go after this page
Keep the next step specific: card fit, upgrade path, market signal, or another commander.
What To Check Next
Next checks
Check exact Saruman print rows, Orcish Bowmasters, Chthonian Nightmare, Phyrexian Altar, discounted spell baskets, Amass Orcs support, TCGplayer condition pricing, CardTrader seller depth, Card Kingdom validation, and whether the version warning remains active.