While Spinning Darkness can't hit players, the bonus life it gives you while killing a creature essentially for free is priceless
They are intended for casual play or decorative purposes
The four-mana Dimir colored 4/4 with lifelink and ward 1 (I'd prefer 2 for that casting cost) has an ETB ability to look at a hand and then force a discard and draw
For this matchup I board differently if Im on the play or the draw, so this is how I board if Im on the play: Red decks generally go big post board, especially when on the draw, so I like siding out Fatal Push on the play because theyll most likely be more of a midrange deck and you get to establish a board presence before they do
It just so happens that one Toby Elliott, he also of the Commander RC, is sitting over my shoulder at the moment (hes come to Florida to help me heal up)
Ravenous Chupacabra Black is also spoiled for choice when it comes to removal