Commander, also called EDH, is a fun and special way to play Magic: The Gathering. It offers new ways to play, focusing on creativity, socializing, and deck building. If you’re new to Commander, this guide will help you learn deck building and become a skilled player.
Understanding the Basics
Commander is a multiplayer version of Magic: The Gathering. Each player has a commander, a legendary creature that starts in the command zone. The main goal is to make your opponents lose all their lives or get rid of their commanders.
Deck Size and Singleton Rule
Commander decks have 100 cards and no duplicate names, except for basic lands. This singleton rule makes each game unique and challenging.
Command Zone and Commander Tax
Your commander starts the game in the command zone and can be cast from there. However, each time you cast your commander, it becomes more expensive. The commander tax goes up by 2 colourless mana when your commander returns to the command zone.
Choosing Your Commander
Your commander is the focal point of your deck. It’s a legendary creature, and its colours determine the colours you can use in your deck. Choose a commander that aligns with your preferred playstyle.
Theme and Strategy
Consider the theme and strategy you want for your deck. Do you want to build an aggressive, control, or combo-oriented deck? Your commander should support your chosen strategy.
Personal Preference
Your commander should be a creature you enjoy playing with. Having a personal connection to your commander makes the game more enjoyable.
Building Your Deck
A well-structured mana base is crucial for a successful Commander deck. Make sure you have a mix of land with the right colours and add mana rocks and ramp spells to get more mana.
Card Draw and Selection
Commander games tend to be longer and more chaotic, so card drawing and selection are vital to maintaining your hand and finding the cards you need when you need them.
Removal and Interaction
Use different spells and cards to remove threats and control the board. Targeted removal, board wipes, and counterspells can be game-changing.
Win Conditions
Make sure your deck has different ways to win and know what those winning conditions are. Your deck can have combos, big creatures, or unique win conditions.
Synergy and Combos
Find cards that work well with your commander’s abilities. Create combinations to gain an advantage over your opponents.
Protection
Make sure to keep your commander safe and have a backup plan if you can’t use them for any reason. In case you are interested in this type of article, here is our top recommended article: Exploring Unique Edh Themes for Your Deck
Deckbuilding Strategies
Aggro starts aim to win fast with aggressive creatures and pressure opponents. Choose a commander that supports this strategy. Include cards to boost your creatures’ power and toughness.
Control
A control deck thwarts foes, counters threats, and controls the board. Control commanders often have abilities that hinder opponents’ strategies.
Combo
Combo decks win by combining specific cards for powerful effects or infinite loops. Choose a commander and cards that enable your combo and protect it from disruption.
Midrange
Midrange decks strike a balance between aggro and control. They use versatile cards to out-value opponents and adapt to game situations.
Deck Tuning and Playtesting
Don’t be discouraged if your deck doesn’t perform well initially. Commander decks often require iteration and fine-tuning to reach their full potential.
Playtesting
Playtest your deck against various opponents to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. This will help you understand how your deck functions in different scenarios.
Budget Considerations
You can build a competitive Commander deck on a budget. Research and identify affordable card options that align with your deck’s strategy.
Expanding Your Collection
Consider purchasing pre-constructed Commander decks to kickstart your collection. These decks often contain valuable cards and can be upgraded over time.
Trading and Buying Singles
Trading and buying cards is a good way to get the specific ones you want for your deck. Use online marketplaces and local game stores for trading and purchases.
Set Releases and Reprints
Keep up with new Magic releases and reprints to find powerful cards for your Commander deck.
Social Dynamics
Before playing Commander with a new group, discuss house rules and the power level of decks to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
Politics
Commander often involves political negotiations with other players. Learn to navigate alliances and rivalries to gain an advantage in the game.
Sportsmanship
Maintain good sportsmanship during games. Commander is fun; being respectful to others makes for a great gaming time.
Building Your Commander Community
Go to your nearby game store to meet Commander players, join events, and be a part of the Magic community.
Online Communities
Join online forums, social media groups, and Discord servers dedicated to Commander. Join online communities to talk about decks, share experiences, and find playgroups.
Final Thoughts:
Commander is a format that encourages creativity, social interaction, and strategic thinking. Building your first Commander deck can be rewarding. As you get more familiar, explore advanced techniques and strategies. Commander is all about fun, so enjoy, make friends, and create great gaming memories.
