What is Commander Format in Magic: The Gathering

Diving into the world of Magic: The Gathering can be as thrilling as it is complex, especially when you’re learning what is Commander, one of the game’s most beloved formats. If you’ve been itching to explore this social and strategic side of MTG but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning player looking to refresh your skills, understanding the basics of Commander is crucial for a rewarding gameplay experience.

Commander stands out for its unique deck-building rules and the freedom it offers players to experiment with their favorite cards, even those not typically seen in competitive play. It’s a format that encourages creativity and personal expression through your deck, making each game a new adventure. Ready to build your deck and dive into the action? Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a Commander aficionado.

Key Takeaways

• • Understanding Commander Basics: Commander, or Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a unique Magic: The Gathering format emphasizing social interaction, creative deck building for 100-card decks, and strategy around a single “Commander” card.

• • Deck Building Choices: Players can opt for Pre-Constructed (Pre-Con) decks for ease or build custom decks for personalized strategies, ranging from mono to five-color decks, each with its own set of challenges and creative potentials.

• • Selecting a Commander: The choice of commander is central to your deck’s identity, influencing its theme, strategy, and the cards you can include; this decision shapes the entire deck-building process.

• • Gameplay Rules: Key rules include a 100-card deck including the commander, adherence to the commander’s color identity, a no duplicates rule (except basic lands), starting with 40 life, and the unique commander damage rule for victory conditions.

• • Resources for Enhancements: Resources like EDHREC, Archidekt, TappedOut, TCGPlayer, and Card Kingdom are invaluable for deck inspiration, building, testing, and acquiring cards, facilitating both new and experienced players in the Commander format.

• • Community and Creativity: The essence of Commander lies in its community-driven nature, promoting fun, strategic depth, and creative expression through personalized deck building and social gameplay.

What is Commander?

Commander, often referred to by its original name, Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a format of Magic: The Gathering that emphasizes social interaction, creativity, and a varied play experience. Unlike standard MTG formats, Commander games are played with decks of 100 cards, including one unique “Commander” card that influences your entire deck’s strategy. This format allows for an incredibly diverse gameplay experience, catering to those who enjoy a mix of strategy, unpredictability, and camaraderie.

Is Commander the Same as EDH?

Absolutely, Commander and EDH refer to the same game format. The name “Elder Dragon Highlander” originates from the format’s early days when decks were built around one of the five original Elder Dragon cards and the rule “there can only be one” of each card in your deck, akin to the Highlander film series. The format was officially adopted by Wizards of the Coast and renamed “Commander”, yet both names are used interchangeably by the community today. This renaming helped unify the game’s branding, but at its core, whether you call it Commander or EDH, the captivating essence of the format remains unchanged.

When Did Commander Start?

The roots of Commander trace back to the early 2000s when it was devised by a group of friends looking for a new way to enjoy Magic: The Gathering. It was designed to be played in a more social, multiplayer setting, which starkly contrasted the competitive nature of typical MTG formats at the time. Wizards of the Coast officially recognized Commander as a format in 2011, which propelled its popularity to unprecedented levels. The official endorsement led to the release of dedicated Commander decks, giving players pre-constructed options to join in the fun immediately. Since its inception, Commander has seen numerous expansions and iterations, continually growing its fan base and evolving with each new MTG release.

Choosing Your Deck Colors

Choosing between a Pre-Constructed (Pre-Con) deck and building a custom deck from scratch is a crucial decision in the Commander format, affecting your gameplay, strategy, and enjoyment. Both options have their benefits, and understanding their differences is essential for making an informed choice. Along that, the colors of your deck and Commander will determine the cards you may use.

Mono Color Decks

Mono color decks in Commander have a straightforward mana base, making them an ideal choice if you’re new to the format or if you prefer simplicity. Pre-Con decks in this category often showcase the strengths and thematic elements of their respective colors, offering a cohesive experience straight out of the box.

On the other hand, creating a custom mono color deck allows you to dive deep into the color’s identity, selecting cards that perfectly align with your strategy and playstyle. While the mana base might be simpler, the challenge lies in overcoming the limitations of a single color, creating opportunities for creativity and unique deck-building.

2 Color Decks

Two-color decks introduce more complexity and versatility, opening up a broader range of strategies and card interactions. Pre-Con decks in this space typically balance the strengths and weaknesses of their colors, providing a solid foundation for newcomers or those looking to explore a new color combination.

Building a custom two-color deck, you’ll have the flexibility to fine-tune the synergy between the colors, catering to your strategic preferences. This path requires a more thoughtful approach to the mana base and card selection, ensuring you can consistently cast your spells and leverage the full potential of your color pair.

3 Color Decks

Three-color decks in Commander are where diversity of strategy and the richness of the card pool truly shine. Pre-Con decks in this category often focus on popular or intuitive color trios, offering balanced and dynamic gameplay experiences.

However, crafting a custom three-color deck opens up a vast landscape of possibilities, encouraging you to explore less conventional strategies and combinations. The complexity of the mana base increases, demanding careful consideration to maintain consistency, but the payoff is a highly personalized and capable deck that reflects your unique approach to the game.

4 Color Decks

Venturing into four-color territory, the challenge and complexity of deck building escalate significantly. Pre-Con decks in this range are relatively rare but provide a solid starting point for players eager to explore the nuances of nearly full-spectrum Magic.

Creating a custom four-color deck is not for the faint of heart, requiring a deep understanding of the game, a meticulous approach to the mana base, and a keen eye for synergies across a wide array of cards. This endeavor allows for unparalleled creative expression and the opportunity to craft a deck with almost no boundaries.

5 Color Decks

At the zenith of color diversity, five-color decks embody the essence of Commander’s limitless potential. Pre-Con options are limited but offer a glimpse into the boundless strategies and interactions possible within a deck that taps into the full color pie.

Building a custom five-color deck is the ultimate test of your deck-building skill and creativity. Balancing a mana base that can support any card you wish to play, while weaving together synergies from across the entirety of Magic’s history, presents a thrilling and rewarding challenge. It’s a pathway to crafting a truly unique deck that stands as a testament to your mastery of the game.

Choosing Your Commander & Building Your First Deck

Selecting your commander is crucial in Commander, as it acts as the heart and soul of your deck, guiding your strategy and influencing which cards you can include based on its color identity. Choose a legendary creature that resonates with you personally, whether through lore, abilities, or art, as this choice sets the tone for your entire gameplay experience.

After selecting your commander, it’s time to build your first deck. A Commander deck requires exactly 100 cards, including your commander. This might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a fantastic opportunity to get creative with your strategy. You’ll want a good mix of creatures, spells, and lands. Here’s a simple breakdown to get you started:

• • 36-38 Lands: Ensuring you have enough mana to play your cards is crucial.

• • 15-20 Creatures: These will be your main force on the battlefield.

• • The Rest: Fill with instants, sorceries, artifacts, and enchantments that complement your commander’s abilities.

For those who prefer to skip the deck-building process, pre-constructed decks are an excellent choice. They’re ready to play right out of the box, offering a balanced mix of cards perfectly suited for beginners and those looking to get into the game quickly.

Building your deck is a personal journey and reflects your play style. Experiment with different cards and strategies to see what fits best. Remember, there’s no wrong way to build your deck in Commander—as long as you’re having fun, you’re doing it right.

The Rules

When diving into the Commander format of Magic: The Gathering, understanding the fundamental rules is crucial. These not only set the stage for gameplay but also guide your strategy, both during deck building and actual play. Here, we outline the key rules you need to keep in mind.

Your Deck

Your Commander deck should reflect your strategic preferences and play style. Here are the essentials:

• • 100 Cards: Your deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including your commander. This stipulation adds a layer of challenge and creativity to deck building.

• • Color Identity: Every card in your deck must match the color identity of your commander. This includes all mana symbols present in the card’s cost and text.

• • Unique Cards: Aside from basic lands, each card in your deck must have a different English name, ensuring a wide variety of cards and strategies.

Life Total

In Commander, each player starts with a life total of 40, a departure from the standard 20 in most MTG formats. This adjustment accounts for the multiplicity of interactions and the format’s inherently longer games.

Commander Damage

A unique aspect of Commander is the rule surrounding commander damage:

• • 21 Points: If a player is dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game, they lose. This introduces a strategic element, where a commander not only serves as your deck’s mascot but also as a potent threat.

Command Zone and Commander Tax

The command zone is a unique game zone in Commander. Here’s what you need to know:

• • Commander Access: Your commander starts the game in the command zone and can be cast from there.

• • Commander Tax: Each time your commander is sent back to the command zone, its casting cost increases by {2}. This prevents commanders from being too easily recast after being dealt with.

Your Turn

Your turn structure in Commander mirrors that of standard MTG play, consisting of the beginning, precombat main, combat, postcombat main, and ending phases. Familiarity with this flow is paramount.

Banned Cards

The Commander format has its own banned list, distinct from other MTG formats. This list is curated to maintain balance and ensure a fun, interactive gameplay experience. It’s essential to check this list while building your deck to avoid disallowed cards.

By keeping these rules in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering Commander. Remember, the spirit of Commander lies in social interaction and fun. While winning is a goal, the journey there should also be enjoyable.

Resources

Venturing into Commander, the renowned Magic: The Gathering format celebrated for its extensive depth and welcoming community? It’s essential to equip yourself with effective tools and resources. These will aid in enhancing your deck-building skills, mastering the meta effortlessly, and securing the most favorable card deals. Explore a curated list of indispensable tools every Commander player should be aware of.

EDHREC

EDHREC stands as the cornerstone for any Commander enthusiast. If you’re searching for deck inspiration, want to see what the most popular cards are for your commander, or need to find alternative cards to fit your strategy, EDHREC is your go-to. This resource aggregates data from thousands of decklists to provide recommendations on almost any commander you can think of. Not only does it show which cards are commonly used with specific commanders, but it also offers thematic deck lists, such as “Budget” and “High Power” options, allowing you to tailor your deck to your play style.

Archidekt

Moving onto Archidekt, another invaluable tool in your arsenal. It’s an intuitive, feature-rich platform for digital deckbuilding. Archidekt allows you to visualize your deck in various ways, including as a list, a mana curve graph, and even a simulation of your hand. You can directly import decklists from other users, tweak them to your preference, and the tool automatically pulls in the latest prices from major retailers so you can keep an eye on your budget. Collaboration is a key feature, enabling you to work on a deck with friends in real time.

TappedOut

TappedOut is where you can bring your deck ideas to life and then some. Beyond simply building your deck, TappedOut lets you test it against a virtual opponent, giving you insights into its performance and helping you make necessary tweaks before you commit to buying any cards. The platform has a vast database of decks submitted by users, offering a rich source of inspiration and tech choices. Community feedback is a standout feature, with an active forum and comment sections for each deck so you can get tips and advice from veteran players.

TCGPlayer

When you’re ready to start acquiring cards for your next Commander project, TCGPlayer is your ally. This marketplace connects you to countless sellers, ensuring you find the best prices for singles or sealed products. Beyond pricing, TCGPlayer offers a robust suite of tools including a collection tracker, price alerts, and a portfolio that calculates the current market value of your collection. Safe, secure, and supportive of local game stores, it’s a convenient way to support the community while building your dream deck.

Card Kingdom

Finally, there’s Card Kingdom – a respected name for both new and veteran Magic: The Gathering players. Whether it’s hard-to-find singles, custom tokens, or pre-built Commander decks, Card Kingdom likely has what you’re looking for. Their website is lauded for its user-friendly design, making your shopping experience seamless. Additionally, their customer service is top-notch, ready to address any questions or concerns. For those looking to sell or trade cards, Card Kingdom offers competitive buylist prices and trade-in options, making it easy to refresh your collection.

By leveraging these resources, you’ll not only enhance your deck-building skills but also deepen your engagement with the Commander format and its vibrant community. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to refine your strategies, these tools offer something valuable for every player.

Start Playing Commander

Arming yourself with the right tools and resources is essential to mastering Commander in Magic: The Gathering. By tapping into the wealth of knowledge and community support available, you’re setting yourself up for a rewarding experience. Remember, it’s not just about building a powerful deck but also about becoming an active participant in the Commander community. With EDHREC, Archidekt, TappedOut, TCGPlayer, and Card Kingdom at your disposal, you’ve got everything you need to start your journey. Dive in, experiment with your decks, and most importantly, enjoy the game. The world of Commander awaits, and it’s yours to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you draw on your first turn in Commander?

Yes, all players draw a card during their first turn in Commander, similar to the starting procedure in other Magic: The Gathering formats. This rule applies because Commander is typically played as a multiplayer game.

What is the starting life in Commander?

In Commander, each player starts the game with 40 life. This higher life total, compared to other formats, accommodates the multiplayer nature of the game and allows for diverse and longer-lasting gameplay.

How many cards do you start with in Commander?

A Commander deck must consist of exactly 100 cards, including the commander(s). This means at the start of the game, you will have 99 cards in your library if you’re playing with a single commander or 98 if you have 2 commanders.

What is rule 0 in Commander?

Rule 0 in Commander is a guideline encouraging players to modify the official rules as needed to best suit their local playgroup’s preferences. It emphasizes communication and agreement among players before the game begins, especially when suggesting exceptions to the standard rules.

Can you play Commander 1v1?

Yes, you can play Commander in a 1v1 format known as Duel Commander. In Duel Commander, each player starts with 20 life instead of the usual 40, catering to a more aggressive playstyle. Matches are typically best of one game, with each player having 20 minutes per match.