EDH, or Commander, has a unique history that makes it different from other Magic formats. It all began in the early 2000s when a group of players wanted to inject more fun, variety, and creativity into their games. They wanted a format to play with iconic creatures, the Elder Dragons.
Legends – The Set that Sparked a Revolution
The pivotal moment came when the “Legends” expansion set was released in 1994. This set brought in Elder Dragons, powerful and legendary creatures. These five colossal beings quickly became fan favourites for their power and lore.
Legends sparked a revolution. Players loved majestic creatures and built decks around them. Players can only have one copy of each Elder Dragon, preventing decks solely based on them.
The Elder Dragons – Pioneers of the Format
In the early EDH days, players embraced deck-building challenges with Elder Dragons. This marked the birth of what we now know as the Elder Dragon Highlander format. In EDH, players choose a legendary creature as commander and build a deck around its colour.
The commander not only represents a central theme for the deck but also acts as a focal point for the game. You can play it from the command zone, and it shapes the strategies and interactions in the match.
The Unique Rules of Elder Dragon Highlander
One of the core rules of EDH is the Singleton Rule. In EDH, you can only have one copy of each card, unlike other Magic formats where you can have up to four copies. This EDH rule promotes diverse and creative deck building, so no two decks are the same.
The Commander – A Guiding Force
The commander is the heart and soul of your EDH deck. It defines the colours your deck can use, as determined by its colour identity. The commander starts the game in the command zone and can be cast from there. If it would be put into a graveyard, exile, or library, you can choose to return it to the command zone instead.
In EDH, your commander adds strategy and consistency to the game. It’s always available and serves as a powerful tool that shapes the game.
Starting Life Total
In most Magic formats, players start with 20 lives. However, in EDH, your starting life total is 40. This change in life total not only prolongs the game but also allows for more epic and dynamic battles. It allows players to explore more elaborate strategies and interactions while maintaining a sense of balance.
Your commander’s colour identity determines which cards can be included in your deck. If your commander has a blue and black colour identity, your deck can only have blue, black, or colourless cards. This restriction encourages players to explore the depth of the Magic colour pie, forcing them to think creatively when building their decks.
Deck Construction in Elder Dragon Highlander
Selecting your commander is a crucial decision in EDH. Your choice determines your deck’s colours and impacts your overall strategy. Some commanders are known for their aggressive playstyle, while others are more control-oriented. Choosing a commander that fits your playstyle and deck concept is important.
Singleton Deck Building
The Singleton Rule extends to all non-basic cards in your deck. You can’t have more than one copy of any non-basic card. This rule promotes deck diversity and ensures that no game of EDH plays out exactly like the last. It challenges players to find unique card choices and synergies. In case you are interested in this type of article, here is our top recommended article: What is the Strongest Commander in MTG?
The 100-Card Limit
EDH decks consist of exactly 100 cards, including your commander. This card limit makes deck construction more complex. You need to choose cards carefully to fit your strategy and game plan. Every card in your deck should serve a purpose, making each draw and decision critical.
Land Base – The Foundation of Your Deck
Your land base is essential to the success of your EDH deck. Your land base is crucial for your EDH deck. It determines the colours needed for your commander’s abilities and overall strategy. Some commanders may require specific lands or land types to maximize their potential.
The Command Zone – A Special Place
The command zone is unique in EDH, holding your commander until you decide to cast it. Your commander comes back here if it leaves the battlefield or goes to your graveyard. This zone adds a dynamic element to gameplay. Your commander is always available to lead or cast spells.
The Mulligan Rule
The Mulligan rule in EDH offers a bit of leniency. If your initial hand doesn’t suit your strategy, you may take a free mulligan with one less card in your hand. This rule prevents boring games and gives players a fair chance to find the cards they need.
Gameplay Dynamics
The command zone is not just a unique zone in EDH; it’s a strategic focal point. The cost to cast your commander increases by 2 colourless mana each time it returns to the command zone. This tax promotes wise choices, as repeated casting gets too costly.
