Welcome to the world of MTG Commander! If you’re new to this exciting multiplayer format or looking to brush up on your skills, you’ve come to the right place. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the rules, strategies, and deckbuilding tips for MTG Commander. So, whether you’re a seasoned Magic: The Gathering player or a newcomer to the game, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of MTG Commander together!
MTG Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander or EDH, is a multiplayer format that revolves around building a deck of 99 cards centered around a legendary creature – your commander. The process begins by choosing a legendary creature with a color identity, which determines the colors of mana you can include in your deck. The deck follows a singleton rule, allowing for only one copy of each card (with a few exceptions).
The objective of MTG Commander is to reduce your opponents’ life totals to zero, starting with each player at 40 life. But it’s not just about dealing regular damage! Commanders can also deal commander damage, with 21 or more commander damage resulting in a player’s defeat. Building a commander deck requires careful consideration of your commander’s abilities and synergies, as well as selecting cards that support your chosen strategy.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the gameplay strategies and best MTG Commander cards in the next section. Stay tuned!
How to Play MTG Commander?
In a game of MTG Commander, each player starts with 40 life and takes turns playing cards and using their commander’s abilities. The game is played in a multiplayer setting, with two to six players. The focus of the game is on multiplayer interaction and strategic decision-making.
During gameplay, players use a combination of lands, creatures, spells, and artifacts to gain an advantage over their opponents. The goal is to reduce your opponents’ life totals to zero while protecting your own. This requires careful planning and execution of commander gameplay strategies.
The Role of Commanders:
Commanders play a pivotal role in MTG Commander. They are legendary creatures that lead your deck and have special abilities that can significantly impact the game. Your commander starts the game in the command zone and can be cast from there for its mana cost plus an additional two mana for each time it has already been cast during the game.
Additionally, commanders are an integral part of commander damage, a unique rule in MTG Commander. If a player is dealt 21 or more combat damage by a single commander, they lose the game. This rule adds an extra layer of strategic depth and encourages players to protect their commanders.
Best MTG Commander Cards:
Choosing the best MTG commander cards for your deck involves considering the abilities and synergies of your commander, as well as the overall strategy of your deck. There are various card types that can be integral to a successful commander deck:
- Powerful Creatures: Commanders with strong combat abilities or unique effects can serve as the focal point of your deck’s strategy. Look for creatures that can dominate the battlefield.
- Disruptive Spells: Cards that disrupt opponents’ strategies, such as counterspells, removal spells, or board wipes, can help you gain control of the game and defend your position.
- Card Advantage: Spells that draw you additional cards or allow you to search your library for specific cards can provide you with options and keep your hand full.
- Ramp and Mana Acceleration: Cards that offer mana acceleration or allow you to generate additional resources can help you cast spells earlier or play higher-costed cards.
It’s important to note that the best MTG commander cards will vary depending on the specific commander and deck strategy. Each commander offers unique possibilities, and the best cards will be those that synergize with your chosen commander’s abilities and support your overall gameplay plan.
Building Your Commander Deck
When constructing your commander deck, it’s crucial to consider your commander’s unique abilities and the overall strategy you wish to pursue. To achieve a well-rounded and competitive deck, it’s essential to maintain a balance between different types of cards, including creatures, spells, and mana sources. Additionally, paying close attention to your commander’s color identity and selecting cards that align with those colors will enhance the synergies within your deck.
Furthermore, it’s important to be aware of the MTG Commander banlist, which prohibits certain cards from being played due to their power level or game-breaking abilities. By adhering to the banlist restrictions, you ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay experiences.
To assist you in building a successful commander deck, here are some valuable tips:
- Choose the right commander: Select a legendary creature that not only suits your playstyle but also aligns with your chosen strategy. Consider their abilities and how they synergize with the rest of your deck.
- Establish a clear game plan: Define the main objective of your deck, whether it’s aggressive combat, control, or combo-oriented. Outline the core strategy and build your deck around it.
- Include a range of card types: Ensure your deck contains a good mix of creatures, spells, and mana sources. This diversity will allow you to handle different situations effectively.
- Focus on synergy: Seek cards that complement your commander’s abilities and enhance your strategy. Look for cards that create synergistic interactions and combos within your deck.
- Manage your mana curve: Construct your deck in a way that provides a balanced distribution of mana costs. Having a well-curved mana curve will ensure you have access to spells at different stages of the game.
- Consider your local metagame: Take into account the playing environment and the types of decks you are likely to encounter. Adapt your deck to address common strategies and threats.
- Playtest and iterate: Regularly playtest your commander deck to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Adjust your deck based on your experiences and the evolving metagame.
By incorporating these commander deck building tips and staying within the banlist restrictions, you’ll be well-equipped to create a formidable and enjoyable deck that reflects your personal style and strategy.
| Card Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Creatures | 25 |
| Spells | 30 |
| Mana Sources | 15 |
Exploring MTG Commander Strategies
MTG Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), offers a diverse array of strategies and playstyles for avid players to explore. Each strategy presents its own unique approach to the game, allowing you to tailor your gameplay experience to your preferences and playstyle. This section will delve into some of the most popular strategies used in MTG Commander, including aggressive strategies, control strategies, and combo strategies.
Aggressive Strategies:
In MTG Commander, aggressive strategies revolve around dealing large amounts of combat damage with your commander or creatures. These strategies focus on quickly reducing your opponents’ life totals and establishing dominance on the battlefield. Aggressive decks often include creatures with powerful abilities and strong combat stats, enabling them to overwhelm opponents with speed and force. By putting pressure on your opponents and maintaining a relentless assault, you can quickly establish control of the game.
Control Strategies:
Control strategies in MTG Commander revolve around using counterspells, removal spells, and other reactive cards to disrupt opponents’ plans and maintain control of the game. These decks aim to slow down the game and prevent opponents from executing their strategies effectively. By denying your opponents’ resources and thwarting their plans, you can gradually gain the upper hand and dictate the flow of the game. Control strategies require careful planning and precise timing to effectively neutralize threats and emerge victorious.
Combo Strategies:
Combo strategies in MTG Commander involve assembling specific combinations of cards that generate powerful and game-winning effects. These decks aim to create synergistic interactions between multiple cards, often resulting in a decisive victory or a game-changing advantage. Combo decks typically include multiple pieces that work together harmoniously, allowing you to execute intricate sequences and unleash devastating combinations. Successful combo strategies require careful deck construction, proactive searching for combo pieces, and the ability to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.
As a commander player, it is essential to choose a strategy that aligns with your playstyle and the abilities of your chosen commander. Whether you prefer an aggressive playstyle that focuses on dealing heavy combat damage, a control-oriented approach that disrupts opponents’ plans, or an intricate combo strategy that assembles powerful card combinations, MTG Commander offers a vast range of strategies for you to explore. Experiment with different strategies, refine your deck, and find the playstyle that resonates most with you.
Resources for MTG Commander Players
As an MTG Commander player, it’s essential to have access to valuable resources that can assist you in building and improving your deck. By utilizing these resources, you can enhance your strategy, discover the best MTG Commander cards, and connect with a community of like-minded players.
1. EDHREC
One of the go-to websites for MTG Commander enthusiasts is EDHREC. This platform provides comprehensive information on popular commanders and the best cards that synergize well with them. By exploring EDHREC, you can gain valuable insights into various MTG Commander strategies and find inspiration for your own deckbuilding.
2. Community Forums and Social Media Groups
Engaging with the MTG Commander community is a fantastic way to exchange ideas, share strategies, and connect with other passionate players. Joining community forums and participating in social media groups allows you to ask questions, seek advice, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the format.
Here are some popular forums and social media groups you can explore:
- MTG Salvation Commander Forums
- Reddit – r/EDH
- Facebook Groups: “MTG Commander Club” and “Commander Society”
3. Card Releases and Strategy Updates
To create the best MTG Commander deck, it’s crucial to continuously seek knowledge and stay updated on new card releases and evolving strategies. Keep an eye on official MTG websites and social media channels for announcements about new card sets and expansions that could introduce exciting additions to your deck.
Additionally, consider following popular content creators and YouTube channels that specialize in MTG Commander. These creators often showcase innovative decks and provide in-depth analysis of card choices and strategies.
4. Local Game Stores and Events
Local game stores and MTG Commander events offer invaluable opportunities to engage with the MTG community, meet fellow players, and learn from experienced enthusiasts. Attending tournaments and events can expose you to different playstyles and strategies, allowing you to refine your own skills and deckbuilding techniques.
Now equipped with these resources, you can continue your journey in the world of MTG Commander, discover effective strategies, and build a formidable deck that reflects your playstyle and preferences.
Conclusion
MTG Commander is a highly popular and dynamic format that offers a unique and enjoyable multiplayer experience. With a deep understanding of the rules, strategic thinking, and deckbuilding expertise, you can dive into the fascinating world of MTG Commander and create your own powerful and exciting decks.
Whether you prefer aggressive combat strategies that overwhelm your opponents with unstoppable forces, clever control tactics that disrupt their plans, or the thrill of executing intricate combo-centric gameplay, MTG Commander has endless possibilities to explore. The key to success lies in discovering the best MTG Commander cards that synergize well with your chosen strategies.
By leveraging the right resources, such as online communities and resources like EDHREC, you can gather valuable insights and inspiration for your competitive MTG Commander deck. Stay up-to-date with new card releases and the ever-evolving meta, and let your creativity shine as you build a deck capable of dominating the battlefield.
So don’t hesitate – grab your legendary creature, assemble your loyal friends, and embark on an exhilarating journey in the world of MTG Commander. May the best deck prevail!
