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Budget Alternatives to Make an Example

Looking for a functional budget replacement for Make an Example ($10.14)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Versatile Deck Staple power for a fraction of the cost.

By MTGCheap Data Lab• 6 min read•Updated August 2026
Quick Answer: Best Replacements

Top 3 Substitutes for Make an Example at a Glance

Original Price: $10.14
BEST OVERALL

Mire in Misery

$0.68Save 93%

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and costs 2 less mana (2 MV vs 4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #removal-sacrifice.

82% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Barter in Blood

$0.20Save 98%

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and shares the exact same mana value (4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #spot-removal.

85% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

Myrkul's Edict

$0.24Save 98%

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and costs 2 less mana (2 MV vs 4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #removal-sacrifice.

81% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for Make an Example (Sorcery)

Make an Example

Sorcery
$10.14 Market
Each opponent separates the creatures they control into two piles. For each opponent, you choose one of their piles. Each opponent sacrifices the creatures in their chosen pile. (Piles can be empty.)
Why It's Expensive: Make an Example is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining versatile deck staple mechanics.
#divvy#multi-removal#removal-creature#removal-sacrifice#spot-removal#sweeper-one-sided

How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)

Direct financial comparison between Make an Example and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
Make an Example (Original)Sorcery$10.14——100% (Baseline)
#1 Mire in MiserySorcery (2 MV)$0.68$9.4693%82% Match
#2 Myrkul's EdictSorcery (2 MV)$0.24$9.9098%81% Match
#3 Virtus's ManeuverSorcery (3 MV)$0.90$9.2491%80% Match
#4 Barter in BloodSorcery (4 MV)$0.20$9.9498%85% Match
#5 Rankle's PrankSorcery (4 MV)$0.40$9.7496%84% Match
#6 Innocent BloodSorcery (1 MV)$0.44$9.7096%83% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Make an Example

Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.

#1

Mire in Misery

(Sorcery • 2 MV)
$0.68Save 93%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Mire in Misery (Sorcery)
82% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Each opponent sacrifices a creature or enchantment of their choice.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and costs 2 less mana (2 MV vs 4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #removal-sacrifice.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.68 (93% savings over Make an Example)
  • • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • • Faster casting curve (2 MV vs 4 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 82% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#multi-removal#removal-creature#removal-sacrifice#spot-removal
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

Myrkul's Edict

(Sorcery • 2 MV)
$0.24Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Myrkul's Edict (Sorcery)
81% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Roll a d20. 1—9 | Choose an opponent. That player sacrifices a creature of their choice. 10—19 | Each opponent sacrifices a creature of their choice. 20 | Each opponent sacrifices a creature with the greatest power among creatures that player controls.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and costs 2 less mana (2 MV vs 4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #removal-sacrifice.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.24 (98% savings over Make an Example)
  • • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • • Faster casting curve (2 MV vs 4 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 81% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#multi-removal#removal-creature#removal-sacrifice#spot-removal
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Virtus's Maneuver

(Sorcery • 3 MV)
$0.90Save 91%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Virtus's Maneuver (Sorcery)
80% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

For each player, choose friend or foe. Each friend returns a creature card from their graveyard to their hand. Each foe sacrifices a creature of their choice.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and costs 1 less mana (3 MV vs 4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #removal-sacrifice.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.90 (91% savings over Make an Example)
  • • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • • Faster casting curve (3 MV vs 4 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 80% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#multi-removal#removal-creature#removal-sacrifice#spot-removal
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Barter in Blood

(Sorcery • 4 MV)
$0.20Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Barter in Blood (Sorcery)
85% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Each player sacrifices two creatures of their choice.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and shares the exact same mana value (4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #spot-removal.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.20 (98% savings over Make an Example)
  • • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 85% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#multi-removal#removal-creature#spot-removal
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Rankle's Prank

(Sorcery • 4 MV)
$0.40Save 96%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Rankle's Prank (Sorcery)
84% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Choose one or more — • Each player discards two cards. • Each player loses 4 life. • Each player sacrifices two creatures of their choice.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and shares the exact same mana value (4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #spot-removal.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.40 (96% savings over Make an Example)
  • • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 84% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#multi-removal#removal-creature#spot-removal
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Innocent Blood

(Sorcery • 1 MV)
$0.44Save 96%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Innocent Blood (Sorcery)
83% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Each player sacrifices a creature of their choice.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Make an Example's Sorcery card type and costs 3 less mana (1 MV vs 4 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #multi-removal, #removal-creature, #spot-removal.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.44 (96% savings over Make an Example)
  • • Fills the Sorcery curve slot cleanly
  • • Faster casting curve (1 MV vs 4 MV)
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 83% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#multi-removal#removal-creature#spot-removal
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.

Competitive / High Velocity
Mire in Misery

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Make an Example's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Barter in Blood

Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.

Synergy-Driven Strategies
Myrkul's Edict

Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is Make an Example Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Make an Example's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $10.14 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About Make an Example Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to Make an Example?+

Mire in Misery ($0.68) is the best overall alternative to Make an Example ($10.14), saving $9.46 (93% savings) with a 82% functional vector match.

What cards are like Make an Example in MTG?+

Cards like Make an Example include Mire in Misery ($0.68), Myrkul's Edict ($0.24), Virtus's Maneuver ($0.90), Barter in Blood ($0.20). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for Make an Example?+

Barter in Blood ($0.20) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 98% compared to Make an Example.

Why would a player want a replacement for Make an Example?+

At $10.14, Make an Example represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.

When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to Make an Example?+

In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.

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