How to Play Commander: A Beginner's Guide to MTG’s Most Popular Format

Galloping Goons

Commander (also known as EDH, or Elder Dragon Highlander) is one of the most popular and exciting formats in Magic: The Gathering (MTG). It’s a casual, multiplayer format that encourages creativity and social interaction while offering endless possibilities for deck-building and gameplay. If you’re new to Commander or considering jumping into the format, this guide will walk you through the essential rules, strategies, and tips to get you started.

What is Commander?

Commander is a 100-card format where players build decks around a legendary creature, known as the Commander, which is the focal point of your deck. The format is multiplayer-focused, typically played with 3-5 players, and emphasizes fun, interaction, and creativity. Unlike other formats, each deck can only have one copy of any card (except for basic lands), which leads to highly diverse and unique decks.

Basic Rules of Commander

Before diving into deck-building and strategies, let’s cover the basic rules of Commander:

  1. Deck Construction

    • 100 cards: Your deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including your Commander.
    • Commander: You choose a legendary creature or planeswalker (for specific formats) to be your Commander. This card is placed in a special area called the Command Zone and can be cast from there during the game.
    • Singleton Format: With a few exceptions (like basic lands), you can only have one copy of any card in your deck.
    • Colors: The colors of your Commander define the colors of cards you can include in your deck. For example, a red and green Commander only allows cards that are red, green, or colorless.

  2. Starting Life Total
    Players start with 40 life points in Commander, rather than the standard 20 in other formats like Standard or Modern.

  3. Commander Damage
    One unique rule in Commander is Commander damage. If a player takes 21 points of damage from the same Commander over the course of the game, they lose, regardless of their life total.

  4. Multiplayer Format
    Commander is almost always played as a multiplayer format, with most games having 3-5 players. The focus is on interaction and creating a dynamic, fun experience for everyone.

Choosing Your Commander

Your Commander will be the centerpiece of your deck and strategy, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your playstyle. When picking a Commander, consider these factors:

  • Color Identity: Your Commander’s colors dictate the types of spells and strategies available to you. Some Commanders have access to multiple colors, while others are mono-colored.
  • Abilities: Pay attention to what your Commander’s abilities do and how they can synergize with other cards in your deck. Do they ramp mana? Do they generate tokens? Do they deal damage or draw cards?
  • Playstyle: Do you prefer aggressive, fast-paced strategies or slow, grindy control decks? Your Commander’s strengths can guide your deck’s overall strategy.

Building Your Commander Deck

Once you’ve selected your Commander, it’s time to build your deck. Here are the key components to consider:

Mana Base
A good mana base is crucial for ensuring that you can cast your spells efficiently. The number of lands you’ll need depends on your deck’s colors and mana curve. Generally, you’ll want around 36 lands for a balanced deck, but it can vary based on your strategy.

Ramp
If you plan to cast big spells or creatures, mana ramp is essential. Look for cards that help you accelerate your mana base, such as mana rocks or spell-based ramp spells.

Card Draw
Having a steady flow of cards is important in Commander, where you’ll need to be prepared for a variety of situations. Include cards that help you draw additional cards or provide card advantage.

Removal and Interaction
Since Commander is a multiplayer format, having cards that can remove opponents' threats is crucial. Be sure to include a healthy mix of creature removal, enchantment/artifact removal, and counterspells.

Synergies and Combos
Commander decks often revolve around synergies between your Commander and other cards in your deck. Look for cards that synergize well with your Commander’s abilities. Additionally, combos—powerful interactions between cards that result in a win—are a common part of the format.

Win Conditions
While Commander is about fun and creativity, you still need a way to win the game! Consider how your deck can win—whether through overwhelming your opponents with creatures, casting massive spells, or draining life with powerful combos.

Gameplay Tips for Commander

Here are some general tips to help you succeed at the table:

Multiplayer Dynamics
Commander is a multiplayer game, and alliances and politics can play a huge role in the outcome. Keep an eye on your opponents and be aware of any potential threats. Sometimes, working with others to take down the most powerful player can be the key to victory.

Think Long-Term
Unlike other formats, Commander games tend to be longer. This means you’ll need to plan for the long game, ensuring you have enough value and resources to last through multiple turns.

Be Adaptable
Multiplayer games can change quickly, and what works one turn may not be effective the next. Be flexible with your strategy and be ready to adapt based on how the game develops.

Politics and Diplomacy
In Commander, you can often influence how the game unfolds by making deals or negotiating with your opponents. However, be cautious—people won’t always honor deals, and it can backfire if you don’t play carefully.

Respect the Table
Commander is all about having fun, so make sure you’re playing in a way that’s enjoyable for everyone. Don’t play in a way that’s overly competitive or disruptive to others’ enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Commander is one of the most fun and dynamic formats in Magic: The Gathering, offering endless possibilities for deck-building and play. Whether you're building a deck to celebrate your favorite legendary creature or crafting intricate combos, there’s always something exciting in Commander. As you gain experience and try different strategies, you’ll discover new ways to make your deck unique and your games unforgettable. So, grab your deck, gather your friends, and enjoy the adventure that is Commander!

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