Are Commander Decks 100 Cards or 101?

Are you a Magic: The Gathering player looking to dive into the world of Commander? Perhaps you’ve heard the age-old debate – are Commander decks comprised of 100 cards or 101? In this comprehensive article, we will unravel the mysteries surrounding this question and provide you with a definitive answer. Prepare for a tour of the Commander deck building, its philosophy, and the pros and cons of each option.

Understanding the Basics of Commander

Before we delve into the 100 cards vs. 101 cards debate, let’s establish a solid understanding of what the Commander format is all about.

Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a unique and popular Magic: The Gathering format. It is characterized by the use of a legendary creature as the deck’s commander and a singleton rule, meaning you can have only one copy of each card (excluding basic lands) in your deck.

The singleton rule is one of the fundamental principles of Commander. It means that in your 100-card deck, you can include only one copy of each card, except basic lands. This rule encourages diversity and variety in gameplay.

The Controversy: 100 Cards vs. 101 Cards

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: are Commander decks supposed to contain 100 cards or 101? This question sparked debates among players. It comes down to personal preference and interpretation of rules.

The 100-Card Argument

1. Most players follow the rule that Commander decks should have exactly 100 cards. This interpretation is widely accepted and followed by the Magic: The Gathering community.
2. Balance and Consistency: Advocates for the 100-card deck argue that it creates a well-balanced and consistent experience for all players. It ensures that you have a reasonable chance of drawing your key cards during a game.
3. Singleton Rule Emphasis: Sticking to 100 cards accentuates the impact of the singleton rule, which is one of the defining features of the format. It promotes diversity and strategic planning.
4. Official Rules: The official Commander rules, as recognized by the format’s governing body, the Commander Rules Committee, specify a deck size of 100 cards.

The 101-Card Argument.

1. Philosophical Interpretation: Some players believe that a Commander deck should consist of 101 cards, with the additional card being the commander itself. This interpretation is rooted in the idea that the commander is distinct from the rest of the deck.
2. Variation and Flavor: Advocates for 101 cards argue that it adds an extra layer of variation and flavour to the format. It allows players to emphasize the uniqueness of their commander in their deck construction.
3. Deck-Building Freedom: The 101-card approach grants more freedom in deck building, as it allows players to include an extra card without compromising the core mechanic of singleton rule adherence.
4. House Rules: Many playgroups and casual settings adopt the 101-card option as a house rule, which further perpetuates this approach.

Commander Deck Construction: 100 Cards.

For players who prefer to adhere to the traditional interpretation of Commander deck size, here’s how you can effectively construct a 100-card deck:

1. Select Your Commander.

• Choose a legendary creature as your commander. This creature represents the central theme and identity of your deck.

2. Choose Your Strategy.

• Determine the strategy or theme of your deck. Are you going for an aggressive, control, or combo-focused approach?

3. Card Selection.

• Carefully select 99 additional cards that support your chosen strategy. Ensure you have a balance of creature spells, non-creature spells, and lands.

4. Singleton Rule.

• Remember, each non-basic land card in your deck should be unique, adhering to the singleton rule.

5. Lands.

• Include a selection of basic lands to ensure you have sufficient mana sources in your deck.

6. Mana Curve.

• Pay attention to your deck’s mana curve to ensure you have a balanced distribution of low-cost and high-cost spells.

7. Playtesting.

• Playtest your deck to fine-tune its performance and make adjustments based on your gameplay experience.

8. Sideboard.

• Be aware that Commander allows a 10-card sideboard that can be used for optional changes between games.

Related Article: What Power Level is Captain Ngathrod?

Commander Deck Construction: 101 Cards.

For those who opt for a 101-card Commander deck, consider the following guidelines:

1. The Commander as the 101st Card.

• Select a legendary creature as your commander and consider it the 101st card in your deck. This extra card symbolizes your commander’s unique presence.

2. Additional Freedom.

• You have the flexibility to include an extra card in your deck to complement your strategy or theme.

3. Singleton Rule.

• Still, ensure that each non-basic land card in your deck adheres to the singleton rule.

4. Lands.

• Include basic lands as needed for mana sources in your deck.

5. Playtesting and Sideboard.

• Similar to the 100-card deck, playtest your deck and take advantage of the 10-card sideboard for optional changes.

Advantages of a 100-Card Deck.

Advocates for the 100-card deck offer compelling reasons for sticking to this traditional interpretation:

1. Rules Consistency.

• It aligns with the widely accepted official rules, promoting consistency in Commander games.

2. Balanced Gameplay.

• 100 cards ensure a balanced and consistent gameplay experience, reducing the likelihood of drawing key cards too often.

3. Singleton Rule Emphasis.

• It highlights the significance of the singleton rule, a defining aspect of Commander.

4. Tournament Play.

• If you plan to participate in Commander tournaments, sticking to 100 cards is essential to meet the official format requirements.

Advantages of a 101-Card Deck.

• Advocates for the 101-card deck have their reasons for embracing this approach:

1. Philosophical Distinction.

• It emphasizes the distinction between the commander and the rest of the deck, adding a unique flavour to the format.

2. Deck Customization.

• The extra card offers greater customization and strategy options, enabling unique deck construction.

3. House Rules.

• In casual settings or playgroups, the 101-card option can be a fun and popular house rule.

Choosing the Right Deck Size for You.

HardUltimately, the decision between a 100-card or 101-card Commander deck comes down to your personal preference and the playgroup or tournaments you participate in. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

1. Playgroup Consensus.

• Discuss the deck size preference with your playgroup and reach a consensus. House rules often prevail in casual settings.

2. Tournament Participation.

• To compete in Commander tournaments, make sure you follow the official 100-card format.

3. Deck Identity.

• Consider the thematic and strategic identity you want to convey through your deck. The 101-card option can provide more space for customization.

4. Experimentation.

• Don’t be afraid to try both options. Experiment with a 100-card deck and a 101-card deck to see which suits your playstyle better.

Conclusion: The Choice is Yours

In the end, the debate over whether Commander decks should be 100 cards or 101 remains a matter of personal interpretation. Both options have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on your playstyle, preferences, and the specific context in which you play Commander. Whether you choose to stick to the traditional 100-card deck or embrace the 101-card philosophy, what matters most is that you enjoy the Commander format and have fun exploring the vast world of Magic: The Gathering.

So, are Commander decks 100 cards or 101? The answer is as unique as your own Magic journey – the choice is yours!