Partner Commanders and Commander Damage: Untangling the Rules
Yes, partner commanders deal separate Commander damage. This is a core rule in the Commander format, and understanding it is crucial for successful gameplay. Each partner keeps an independent tally of combat damage dealt to each opponent. An opponent loses the game only if they’ve taken 21 or more combat damage from a single commander.
Understanding the Commander Damage Rule
Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a popular Magic: The Gathering format that emphasizes social gameplay, deck-building creativity, and memorable moments. A key element of the format is Commander damage, a special rule that can lead to unique game endings.
The basic Commander damage rule states that if a player is dealt 21 or more combat damage by a single commander over the course of the game, that player loses. This is in addition to the normal loss conditions like having zero life or being unable to draw a card.
How Partners Complicate Things (and Make Them More Interesting!)
The introduction of the “Partner” mechanic added a fascinating layer to Commander. Partner allows you to have two commanders instead of one, expanding deck-building options and strategic possibilities. However, it also requires a clear understanding of how Commander damage interacts with two commanders.
Each commander with partner tracks damage separately. If you have Commander A and Commander B, an opponent needs to take 21 combat damage from Commander A and 21 combat damage from Commander B to lose the game to Commander damage from both commanders. Damage from them is not combined.
This separate tracking opens up new strategies. It’s harder to eliminate opponents with Commander damage, but you have more avenues of attack. You can focus one commander on one player, or spread the damage around the table. This adds complexity and strategic depth to partner commander games.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partner Commanders and Damage
Here are some common questions that often arise when dealing with partner commanders and Commander damage:
1. Does commander damage stack between partner commanders?
No. Commander damage is specific to each commander. You must deal 21 combat damage with one specific commander to cause a player to lose. Commander damage dealt by your two partner commanders is tracked separately.
2. If I steal an opponent’s commander multiple times, does the damage accumulate?
Yes! Each stolen instance of an opponent’s commander contributes to the cumulative commander damage from that specific card. If you steal their commander multiple times in a game, you continue to add damage to that commander’s total against its original owner.
3. Does commander damage have to be from one commander?
Absolutely. Commander damage is specific to each Commander/Player pairing. It’s not combined across all commanders on the battlefield. A player can lose if they are dealt 21 points of combat damage by their own commander (if it’s under someone else’s control).
4. How do you keep track of commander damage with partners?
You need to track damage for each commander separately. It’s helpful to use a method like a notepad, dice on your life counter, or even an app to clearly distinguish the damage dealt by each commander to each opponent. Clear communication and consistent tracking are key to avoiding confusion.
5. Can my commander deal commander damage to myself?
Yes, the rules state that a player who takes 21 or more points of combat damage from a single commander loses the game, including their own commander if it’s stolen and used against them.
6. Is commander damage separate from life total?
Yes. Commander damage is an additional win condition in Commander. Even if a player gains life, the damage total from each commander persists.
7. Who is responsible for keeping track of commander damage?
While it’s a shared responsibility, the attacking player (the controller of the commander) is generally considered responsible for declaring and keeping track of the commander damage they are dealing. Both players should be aware of the damage being dealt and confirm the totals to avoid discrepancies.
8. Does a stolen commander still do commander damage?
Yes. A stolen commander retains its identity, and any combat damage it deals continues to count toward the 21-damage threshold for that specific commander against its original owner.
9. Does a morphed Commander do Commander damage?
A morphed or manifested commander is still considered a commander. Commander damage from that specific card will count toward the 21 damage total, regardless of its face-down state.
10. Does preventing damage stop Commander damage?
Yes, preventing combat damage also prevents Commander damage. Cards or abilities that grant protection from a color or prevent damage will protect a player from Commander damage. If an effect says damage can’t be prevented, then Commander damage is still applied, even if no life total change occurs.
11. Can you steal an opponent’s Commander?
Yes! Many spells and abilities allow you to take control of an opponent’s commander. Be aware that if the commander dies while under your control, the owner can choose to return it to the command zone.
12. What is the commander damage rule in 1v1 Commander?
The Commander damage rule remains the same in 1v1 Commander. A player loses if they take 21 combat damage from a single commander.
13. Does gratuitous violence double commander damage?
Yes. If a creature with Gratuitous Violence equipped deals combat damage, then the commander damage is doubled. If an 8/8 commander deals damage to an opponent, then the damage becomes 16.
14. Does Blanka deal commander damage?
No, Blanka does not deal commander damage, however, if you target Blanka with a pump spell such as +2/+2, Blanka would deal 2 damage to each opponent. But Blanka’s activated abilities do not add commander damage.
15. Can Planeswalker commanders deal commander damage?
No, Planeswalker commanders cannot deal commander damage. Commander damage is defined as combat damage, and Planeswalkers cannot attack. Their loyalty abilities do not contribute to commander damage totals.
Commander is a complex and rewarding format. If you’re interested in learning more about game rules and the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
We hope this guide has clarified the rules surrounding partner commanders and Commander damage! Happy playing!