As of 2024, there are over27,000 unique cards inMagic: The Gathering. But despite the high number of cards, most formats such as Standard and Pauper include restrictions for the types of cards allowed. If you’ve found your parent’s oldMTGcards or came across some at a garage sale, chances are the cards can’t be used in a majority of the game modes that local game stores (LGS) hold events for.
One type of game mode that is an exception to this is considered the most popular game mode ofMagic: The Gathering: Commander. It’s a little different from your normalMagicduel.
How to play Commander in MTG
Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is considered the most popular (and most fun) format inMagic: The Gathering. Walk into any LGS and if there areMTGplayers, they most likely have a Commander deck. So what separates this format from the rest?
An additional rule in Commander that helps players get home at a decent hour is theCommander Damagerule. If a Commander deals at least 21 combat damage to an opponent over the course of the game, that opponent loses the game. So don’t worry, if your former friend has a field of Lifelink Angels and their health is well over 300, you don’t have to swing on them until midnight.
Other than these rules, everything plays exactly how typicalMagic: The Gatheringmodes do. So with these rules in mind, it’s time to move on to what my personal favorite part of Commander is: deckbuilding.
How to build a Commander deck in MTG
Commander decks have 40 more cards than their Standard counterparts. While that seems like it’d make for a more expensive game mode, the opposite is true. Since Commander has far fewer restrictions andbanned cards, it means that the demand for the majority of cards is much lower than that of the Standard format.
Local game stores often have boxes with unsorted cards that are perfect for filling out a Commander deck, often priced under a dollar. Online, many of these cards go for as little as a penny each. With that in mind, here are the rules for building a Commander deck inMagic: The Gathering:
Having access to nearly the entire library ofMTGcards makes putting together a cheap, well-built deck much more accessible for players. It’s worth noting that your Commander or any other card in your deck doesn’t have to be in English. You can find great deals onMTGcards in various languages by using sites such asEDHRECorScryfallwhich have many filter options that streamline your card search.
Wizards of the Coastmakes it even easier to jump into Commander by selling preconstructed (pre-con) Commander decks. Wizards has begun to increase the number of Commander precon sets every year, with 2023 having 25 Commander precons, up from past years that saw only 4-5 decks being released. These preconstructed decks provide access to Commanders that are crafted specifically for the game mode and are a solid foundation for new players.
Many guides can be found in theMTGcommunity that give ideas on how to take pre-con decks to a higher level with various budget options. However, it’s recommended that you learn how the Commander plays first so that you understand what synergies or directions that the deck can take before you begin spending money.
Why Commander over other MTG formats?
Unlike Standard, Commander decks truly feel like your own. Instead of chasing a meta where everybody plays Azorius Control and players know the exact decklist that their opponents have, Commander allows for endless possibilities. You can build around your favorite Legendary creature, your favorite tribe, or construct a deck entirely around a single win condition (such as thisexample from Commander Mechanic with the Luck Bobbleheadfrom theFalloutUniverses Beyond set).
With your first Commander deck in hand, you’re ready to join players of the most popular format inMagic: The Gathering. If you don’t have an LGS near you or you’re hesitant to put your friendships on the line with an absurd deck strategy, you’re in luck. Nowadays,MTGis easier than ever to play online, with options for every type of player. From official platforms such asMagic: The Gathering OnlineorSpellTable, to community-managed apps likeCockatriceand XMage, your cards won’t ever have a chance to collect dust.
