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Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a multiplayer format for Magic: the Gathering that combines the thrill of deckbuilding with the excitement of social interaction. Unlike other formats, Commander allows you to play with unique legendary creatures as your leaders and encourages the creation of diverse and flavorful decks. With its captivating gameplay and boundless possibilities, Commander has become one of the most popular formats in Magic, attracting players of all skill levels and backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and strategies to embark on your Commander journey and experience the unparalleled joys it has to offer.
Before delving into the intricate world of Commander, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental rules that govern this vibrant format. Commander is played with a deck of exactly 100 cards, led by a legendary creature that serves as your commander. Your commander starts the game in the “command zone,” a special area outside of your deck and battlefield. When cast, your commander enters the battlefield from the command zone and can be repeatedly cast throughout the game by paying its mana cost plus an additional two generic mana. However, each time your commander dies, it returns to the command zone instead of the graveyard. This unique mechanic adds a layer of strategy and resilience to Commander, allowing you to continuously redeploy your commander and leverage its abilities.
The choice of your commander is paramount in Commander, as it shapes the identity and playstyle of your deck. Commanders possess diverse abilities, ranging from mana generation to creature summoning to battlefield manipulation. When selecting a commander, consider your preferred playstyle and the synergy between your commander’s abilities and the cards in your deck. For example, if you enjoy controlling the battlefield and manipulating your opponents’ strategies, a commander with abilities that grant you card draw or countermagic would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer aggressive strategies that overwhelm your opponents with creatures, a commander with abilities that boost your creatures’ power or grant them evasion would be more effective. The possibilities are endless, and part of the charm of Commander lies in exploring the myriad combinations of commanders and deck archetypes.
Gathering Your Commander Arsenal
The foundation of any Commander game lies in your arsenal of cards, carefully curated to align with your chosen commander and strategy. Assembling this arsenal is a journey that requires both strategic planning and a touch of serendipity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you gather the cards you need to unleash your inner commander:
1. Choose a Commander
Your commander is the heart of your deck, setting the tone for its gameplay and overarching strategy. Take the time to explore the vast selection of legendary creatures and planeswalkers in the Commander format. Consider their abilities, color identity, and potential synergies with other cards in your deck.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a commander:
- Color Identity: Determine the commander’s color identity, as this will restrict the nonland cards you can include in your deck.
- Casting Cost: Aim for a commander with a reasonable casting cost, ensuring you can summon it reliably throughout the game.
- Abilities: Analyze the commander’s abilities and consider how they align with your desired playstyle and strategy.
- Popularity: Research the popularity of potential commanders. High-demand commanders may drive up card prices or make it harder to find specific cards.
2. Build a Deck Around Your Commander
Once you’ve chosen your commander, begin crafting a deck that supports its strengths and compensates for its weaknesses. Consider the following principles:
- Synergy: Select cards that interact well with each other and your commander’s abilities.
- Mana Base: Ensure a consistent mana base that can support your commander’s casting cost.
- Removal: Include cards that can remove threats posed by opponents’ creatures or spells.
- Card Draw: Incorporate cards that allow you to draw additional cards, fueling your strategies and maintaining hand size.
3. Acquire the Cards
With your decklist in hand, embark on the quest to acquire the cards you need. Utilize various platforms such as online marketplaces, local game stores, and trading events. Be patient and persistent, as finding specific cards may take some time and effort.
The following table provides a snapshot of potential sources for acquiring Commander cards:
| Source | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| Online Marketplaces (eBay, TCGPlayer, etc.) | Wide selection, competitive prices | Shipping costs, availability issues |
| Local Game Stores | Physical browsing, community connections | Limited selection, higher prices |
| Trading Events | Opportunity to barter, socialize | Availability dependent on attendees |
Selecting the Ideal Commander
Choosing the perfect commander is crucial in Commander as it sets the tone for your deck and defines your playstyle. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your commander:
Mana Cost
The mana cost of your commander will determine how quickly you can cast it and start building your board presence. Lower-cost commanders allow you to ramp faster and deploy threats early, while higher-cost commanders provide more powerful abilities but require more mana to cast.
Color Identity
The color identity of your commander restricts the cards you can include in your deck. Choose a commander with colors that support your desired playstyle and allow you to access specific cards and synergies. Consider the availability of mana fixing to support your chosen color identity.
Abilities
The abilities of your commander will define your deck’s capabilities. Some commanders focus on card draw, others on creature summoning, and others on disrupting your opponents. Evaluate the abilities that best align with your preferred playstyle and the strategy you intend to pursue.
Ability Type |
Description |
|---|---|
| Card Draw | Generates additional cards in hand, providing fuel for spells and strategies. |
| Creature Summoning | Enables you to quickly populate the battlefield with creatures, overwhelming your opponents with numbers. |
| Disruption | Interferes with your opponents’ plans, countering spells, destroying creatures, or gaining control of their permanents. |
Mastering Land Management
One of the most important aspects of playing Commander is managing your mana base. With each player starting with only 40 life, even a single turn of mana issues can have devastating consequences. By understanding the principles of land management, you can ensure that you have the resources you need to cast your spells on time and dominate the game.
1. Play the Right Number of Lands
The number of lands you play depends on several factors, including the mana curve of your deck, the number of mana-producing creatures or artifacts you have, and the average casting cost of your spells. A good rule of thumb is to start with 36-38 lands and adjust as needed.
2. Choose the Right Lands
Not all lands are created equal. Some lands produce more mana than others, while others provide additional benefits, such as card draw or life gain. When building your mana base, consider the mana requirements of your deck and the types of effects you want to have access to.
3. Use Land-Producing Spells and Artifacts
In addition to playing lands, you can also use spells and artifacts that produce mana. These can be especially helpful in the early game, when you may not have enough lands to cast your spells. Some popular land-producing spells include Rampant Growth and Kodama’s Reach, while Sol Ring and Arcane Signet are common mana-producing artifacts.
4. Manage Your Land Drops Effectively
The way you manage your land drops can have a significant impact on your game. Here are some tips for maximizing the effectiveness of your land drops:
| Turn | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Always play a land, if possible. |
| 2 | If you have a choice, play a land that produces multiple colors of mana. |
| 3-4 | Start ramping, if possible. Play land-producing spells or artifacts to increase your mana production. |
| 5+ | Continue to play lands as needed, but be careful not to flood out. |
Combat Strategy and Tactics
Positioning
Proper positioning is crucial in Commander. Keep your commander safe by shielding it with other creatures or playing defensive cards. Simultaneously, position your attackers to maximize damage output and minimize losses.
Threat Assessment
Identify the most threatening threats on the board and prioritize them. Focus your resources on eliminating high-value targets that pose a significant danger to your game plan.
Card Advantage
Gaining and maintaining card advantage is essential in Commander. Play cards that generate additional cards, such as card draw spells or creatures with enters-the-battlefield abilities that allow you to draw. This enables you to replenish your hand and respond to your opponents more effectively.
Protecting Your Commander
Your commander is your cornerstone. Protect it from removal by equipping it with indestructible cards, counterspells, or creatures that can redirect damage. Avoiding commander damage is also crucial, as multiple losses can lead to defeat.
Board Control
Gaining and retaining control of the board is vital. Use cards that sweep away opposing creatures, such as board wipes or mass removal spells. This allows you to dominate the battleground and prevent your opponents from overwhelming you with their own forces.
| Board Wipe Types |
|---|
| Creature-based wipes |
| Noncreature permanent wipes |
| Mass land destruction |
| Graveyard wipes |
| Hand disruption |
Card Selection and Draw Mechanics
Filtering
When building a Commander deck, it’s important to include cards that allow you to filter through your library and select the specific cards you need. These cards can be used to find lands, creatures, spells, or even specific cards with certain abilities.
Card Draw
Card draw is essential for keeping your hand full and increasing your options. There are a variety of ways to draw cards in Commander, including:
Spells
Many cards in Magic: The Gathering allow you to draw cards directly. These spells can be used to replenish your hand after playing multiple cards, or to find specific cards you need.
Abilities
Some cards have abilities that allow you to draw cards when certain conditions are met. These abilities can be triggered by playing cards, casting spells, or attacking with creatures.
Card Effects
Many cards have effects that can draw you cards. These effects can be found on creatures, enchantments, artifacts, and lands.
Table: Examples of Card Selection and Draw Mechanics
| Card Type | Example | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Creature | Phyrexian Arena | Draw a card at the beginning of your upkeep. |
| Enchantment | Rhystic Study | Whenever an opponent casts a noncreature spell, draw a card. |
| Artifact | Skullclamp | Whenever you sacrifice a creature, draw two cards. |
| Land | Temple of Epiphany | Tap: Add 1 mana of any color. Draw a card if you cast a spell this turn. |
Political Alliances and Diplomacy
Collaboration and Negotiation
In Commander, forming alliances with other players is crucial. Discuss strategies, negotiate trades, and assist each other to gain advantages. Communication and trust are essential for successful alliances.
Threats and Deterrents
Recognizing potential threats and employing deterrents is equally important. Threatening to attack or disrupt an opponent’s strategy can deter them from targeting you. Keep your opponents in check, but avoid unnecessary aggression.
Value Assessment
Assess the value of different targets. Consider the cards in your opponents’ decks, their board positions, and the potential impact of attacking or leaving them alone. Prioritize and choose targets wisely.
Lines of Communication
Establishing open channels of communication is essential. Engage with other players, ask questions, and convey your intentions. This fosters understanding and minimizes misunderstandings.
Table Manners
Respect the social norms of the game. Avoid excessive gloating, poor sportsmanship, and unnecessary distractions. Maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere.
Political Networking
Build relationships with other players beyond the game. Attend local tournaments, participate in online forums, and engage in discussions. Expand your network to gather information, share strategies, and find potential allies.
Endgame Strategies and Win Conditions
Commander Damage
Commander damage represents a direct threat to each opponent. Once a player has taken 21 points of damage from the same Commander, they lose the game. This strategy requires consistently casting the Commander and protecting It for multiple combat phases as the game progresses.
Infinite Combos
Some card combinations can create a loop that generates infinite mana, damage, or card draw. These combos can end the game immediately for the player who executes it.
Mill
Mill strategies aim to exile all of a player’s cards from their library. When a player has no cards left to draw, they lose the game.
Control
Control decks focus on preventing opponents from executing their game plans. They use counterspells, removal spells, and board wipes to neutralize threats and disrupt the flow of the game.
Aggro
Aggro decks aim to overwhelm opponents with a rapid stream of creatures. They focus on dealing damage quickly and consistently to reduce opponents’ life totals.
Group Hug
Group hug decks share resources and benefits with opponents. By providing value to all players, they create a complex political landscape that can lead to unexpected alliances and opportunities.
Stax
Stax decks aim to lock down opponents’ resources and prevent them from playing the game effectively. They use cards such as Humility, Armageddon, and Grand Abolisher to disrupt mana bases, board states, and card draw.
Alternative Win Conditions
| Card Name | Win Condition |
|---|---|
| Thassa’s Oracle | Have no cards in hand and library. |
| Approach of the Second Sun | Cast the spell twice. |
| Helix Pinnacle | Pay 1 life for each card you draw. |
Navigating the Commander Meta
The Commander meta is constantly evolving, with new decks and strategies emerging all the time. It can be difficult to keep up, but there are a few things you can do to stay ahead of the curve:
1. Read Up
There are a number of great resources available online that can help you learn about the Commander meta. Some popular websites include EDHREC, Commander Central, and MTG Salvation. These websites provide decklists, tips, and articles from experienced Commander players.
2. Watch Videos
Another great way to learn about the Commander meta is to watch videos of people playing the game. There are a number of popular Commander content creators on YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. Watching these videos can give you a good idea of what’s good and what’s not in the current meta.
3. Play Online
One of the best ways to learn about the Commander meta is to play online. There are a number of online platforms that allow you to play Commander with people from all over the world. This is a great way to test out new decks and strategies, and to get feedback from other players.
4. Talk to Other Players
One of the best ways to learn about the Commander meta is to talk to other players. Attend local tournaments and game nights, and strike up conversations with other Commander enthusiasts. Sharing tips and ideas can help you all improve your understanding of the game.
5. Experiment
The best way to find out what works and what doesn’t in the Commander meta is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try out new decks and strategies. The more you play, the more you’ll learn about the game and the meta.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Lose
Losing is a part of Commander. Don’t get discouraged if you lose a few games. Just use each loss as an opportunity to learn and improve.
7. Have Fun
Commander is a game, so make sure you’re having fun. Don’t take it too seriously, and don’t forget to enjoy the social aspect of the game.
8. Join a Commander League
Many local game stores have Commander leagues. These leagues are a great way to play Commander on a regular basis and to meet other players in your area.
9. Stay Up-to-Date on the Banned List
The Commander Rules Committee (RC) maintains a banned list for Commander. This list includes cards that are considered to be too powerful or disruptive for the format. The banned list is updated periodically, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes.
| Banned Cards |
|---|
| Ancestral Recall |
| Black Lotus |
| Time Walk |
Tips for Enhanced Gameplay
1. Choose a Commander that Complements Your Playstyle
The right commander can elevate your gameplay experience. Consider your preferred strategies, colors, and card types when selecting one.
2. Build a Cohesive Deck
Ensure your deck synergizes with your commander’s abilities. Choose cards that support its strategy and minimize weaknesses.
3. Leverage Card Draw and Ramp
Gain access to more cards and mana to keep your strategies flowing. Include cards that draw additional cards or accelerate your mana production.
4. Prioritize Interaction
Control the battlefield with removal, counterspells, or disruptive effects. Protect your threats and hinder your opponents’ plans.
5. Plan for the Long Game
Commander is a marathon, not a sprint. Pack late-game threats, resilience, and ways to recover from setbacks.
6. Manage Your Commander Damage
Be mindful of how often you cast your commander. Each time you do, you increase its “commander tax,” making it more costly to recast.
7. Don’t Neglect Basic Land
Ensure you have a solid mana base to support your deck’s casting costs. Include a mix of basic lands and mana-fixing effects.
8. Be Diplomatic
Commander is a social format. Build relationships, make alliances, and negotiate when possible. Diplomacy can lead to unexpected outcomes.
9. Experiment with Variations
Don’t be afraid to tweak your deck and try different strategies. Experiment with different commanders, colors, or card combinations to keep gameplay fresh.
10. Understanding the Commander’s Tax:
| Number of Times Commander Cast | Mana Cost Increase |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 6 |
| 4+ | 8 |
When you cast your commander from the command zone, it enters the battlefield with a “commander tax.” This tax increases each time you cast it from the command zone.
How To Play Commander
Commander is a multiplayer format for Magic: The Gathering that uses a 100-card singleton deck and a legendary creature as your commander. The goal of the game is to be the last player standing by either dealing 21 combat damage to each of your opponents or by casting a spell that wins the game outright.
To play Commander, you will need a deck of 100 cards, a legendary creature to be your commander, and a way to track your life total. You can also use a variety of other cards, such as creatures, spells, and artifacts, to help you win the game.
The game begins by each player shuffling their deck and drawing seven cards. Players then take turns playing cards from their hands, casting spells, and attacking their opponents. The game ends when one player is defeated or when a player casts a spell that wins the game.
People Also Ask
How many players can play Commander?
Commander can be played with 2-6 players.
What is the best way to build a Commander deck?
There are many different ways to build a Commander deck, but the most important thing is to choose a commander that you like and that fits your playstyle. Once you have chosen a commander, you can start building your deck around it by adding cards that synergize with it.
What are some of the best cards to play in Commander?
There are many great cards to play in Commander, but some of the most popular include:
- Sol Ring
- Mana Crypt
- Command Tower
- Cyclonic Rift
- Swords to Plowshares
