What is MTG EDH (Commander)?

Galloping Goons

MTG EDH, or Commander, is a multiplayer format where each player builds a deck of 100 cards, with only one copy of each card allowed (except for basic lands). The most important part of a Commander deck is the commander, a legendary creature that starts in the command zone and defines your deck’s color identity and strategy. The format focuses on fun, creative gameplay, making it ideal for casual games and large multiplayer groups.

In EDH, players usually engage in multiplayer games, often with four or more participants, where alliances, politics, and strategic thinking are just as important as raw power. It’s a format that encourages experimentation, personalization, and social interaction, making it a fan favorite.

Key Elements of a Commander Deck

Commander (The Heart of Your Deck)
The commander is the face of your deck and will dictate your overall strategy. When choosing a commander, consider their abilities, mana cost, and how their powers complement the deck’s theme. Your commander determines your deck’s color identity, so a careful selection can open up unique strategies.

Pro Tip: Look for a commander whose abilities synergize well with your preferred playstyle.

Deck Construction Rules

    • 100 Cards: Including your commander, your deck must have exactly 100 cards.
    • Singleton Rule: You can only include one copy of each non-basic card in your deck (except for basic lands).
    • Color Identity: Your commander’s color identity dictates the colors you can use in your deck. A commander with a color identity of white, blue, and red, for example, limits your deck to cards that are in those colors.

Mana Base
A solid mana base is crucial in Commander, allowing you to reliably cast your spells. Ensure your deck has a diverse selection of lands, mana rocks, and other artifacts that help with mana generation. This ensures you can ramp into your powerful cards, even in a multiplayer setting.

Pro Tip: Don’t overlook basic lands. While non-basic lands and mana rocks are helpful, a healthy mix of basic lands and color-fixing options will ensure smoother gameplay.

Card Types and Synergies
Synergy is key in Commander. Your deck’s cards should work together to create a cohesive strategy. Consider incorporating cards that interact well with your commander, whether that’s ramping, protecting your creatures, or drawing cards.

Important card types to consider:

    • Creatures: A strong creature base is often central to a Commander deck, especially if your commander interacts with creatures.
    • Instants & Sorceries: These spells provide removal, card draw, or ways to interact with opponents.
    • Enchantments & Artifacts: Often used to boost your strategy or synergize with your commander’s abilities.
    • Planeswalkers: Though less common in Commander, they can be powerful additions when they fit your deck’s strategy.

Win Conditions
Commander games can be won in many different ways. Whether you plan to build an overwhelming army, control the game, or assemble a powerful combo, having a clear win condition is crucial. Think about how your commander and deck can lead you to victory and ensure that your deck supports your desired outcome.

Building Your First Commander Deck

Step 1: Choose Your Commander
Your commander is the central figure of your deck. Choose one whose abilities you enjoy and that align with your preferred playstyle.

Step 2: Plan Your Strategy
Once you've selected your commander, determine the type of strategy you want to employ. If your commander generates tokens, consider including cards that enhance those tokens or allow you to benefit from them. The goal is to make your deck more efficient and cohesive.

Step 3: Fill Your Deck with Synergistic Cards
Populate your deck with cards that complement your commander’s abilities. If your commander relies on creatures, make sure you include cards that support creature-based strategies, like ways to protect them or deal damage to opponents’ creatures.

Step 4: Ensure Your Deck Is Well-Rounded
While synergy is important, ensure your deck can handle a variety of threats. Make sure to include removal spells, card draw, ramp, and ways to interact with other players. Flexibility is key to success in a multiplayer format like Commander.

The History of Commander (EDH) and Its Rise in Popularity

Origins of EDH

Commander, initially known as EDH, was created in the early 1990s as a homebrew multiplayer format by Magic players in Vancouver. The format gained traction because it allowed players to experience Magic in a more casual, social setting. EDH emphasized the use of a legendary creature (the commander), along with a deck of 100 singleton cards, which added a unique strategic challenge.

Although EDH wasn’t officially recognized by Wizards of the Coast at first, it quickly became popular among Magic players due to its creativity and social nature. In 2011, Wizards officially embraced the format by releasing pre-constructed Commander decks, marking a significant turning point in its rise to fame.

Commander vs. Standard: A Shift in Popularity

Over the past decade, Commander has eclipsed Standard as the most popular format in MTG, and its meteoric rise can be attributed to several factors:

  • Social and Casual Play
    Commander’s multiplayer format encourages social interaction, making it a much more laid-back experience than the highly competitive, one-on-one nature of Standard. Players can form temporary alliances, engage in politics, and share the experience with friends.
  • Eternal Format
    Unlike Standard, where cards rotate in and out of the format every year, Commander is an eternal format, meaning cards stay legal indefinitely. This gives players the opportunity to build long-lasting decks and enjoy the game without worrying about their cards becoming obsolete.
  • Variety and Creativity
    Commander allows for a vast range of deck types and strategies. Whether you’re into tribal synergies, spell-slinging combos, or massive creatures, there’s a Commander deck for everyone. The format's flexibility encourages creativity, making it an ideal choice for players who enjoy customizing their decks.
  • Online Communities and Streaming
    Channels like The Command Zone on YouTube, and Twitch have boosted Commander’s visibility. Popular Magic streamers and content creators have helped educate players, showcase exciting Commander gameplay, and build a vibrant community around the format.
  • Pre-Constructed Decks
    Wizards has also made Commander more accessible by releasing pre-constructed decks. These decks are designed to be ready to play out of the box, making it easy for new players to dive into the format without the need for extensive deck-building knowledge.

Commander’s Unprecedented Popularity Today

Commander is now the most popular format in Magic: The Gathering, with a massive following both in person and online. Its fun, social, and creative nature continues to attract players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're playing with friends or engaging in larger, multiplayer games, Commander offers a unique Magic experience that no other format can match.

In conclusion, MTG EDH has evolved from a niche multiplayer format to the heart of the Magic: The Gathering community. With its focus on creativity, social gameplay, and strategic depth, Commander remains the go-to format for Magic enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, Commander offers endless possibilities for building, playing, and enjoying Magic.

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