Can You Play Commander with Jumpstart? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can definitely play Commander with Jumpstart! While not designed as a traditional Commander product, the flexibility of Jumpstart makes it perfectly compatible with the format, offering a fun and accessible way to jump into a Commander game. This article will delve into exactly how Jumpstart can be used in Commander, along with answers to 15 frequently asked questions to clarify everything.
Jumpstart and Commander: A Perfect Match?
The core premise of Jumpstart is simple: you grab two themed booster packs, shuffle them together, and you have a ready-to-play deck. The magic happens when you consider the various themes and possibilities offered across different Jumpstart sets. This mechanic translates surprisingly well to Commander, where a variety of strategies and synergies are paramount.
The key difference with Jumpstart Commander play is that you aren’t necessarily building a deck from scratch, as you would with a standard Commander deck. Instead, you are combining two pre-constructed “halves” that each function with a core theme and often include a thematic commander creature. These themes, such as “Zombies”, “Dragons”, or “Spirits”, often align well with potential Commander strategies. Because the cards in Jumpstart are legal in most formats, you can use the lands in the Jumpstart packs, the 2 rare cards, and all other cards with your commander. You can mix and match these packets before you start a game, allowing you to enjoy a different gameplay experience each time. The fun lies in discovering how different themes interact and seeing what synergies you can create.
Understanding Jumpstart in a Commander Context
When incorporating Jumpstart into Commander, remember the following:
- Pre-constructed halves: Each Jumpstart booster provides a themed “half” of a Commander deck, making it simple to start playing.
- Legal Cards: Most Jumpstart cards are legal in Commander, as they’re often reprints or new cards that are also legal in eternal formats, like Legacy and Vintage. However, you always need to verify card legality if there are concerns.
- No Additional Lands Needed: Like regular Jumpstart games, you don’t need to add any additional lands. Each Jumpstart booster contains the necessary lands for its specific theme to function.
- Deck Size: You do not get to use the standard 99 card commander rule, as Jumpstart will not produce a 99 card deck.
Jumpstart provides a brilliant way to get into Commander without the initial hurdle of deckbuilding. It allows new players to grasp the concept of a themed deck, and it is an awesome product for veterans who are looking for a fresh take on a classic format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing Commander with Jumpstart, designed to further clarify any doubts and deepen your understanding of this approach.
1. Are all Jumpstart cards legal in Commander?
Generally, yes. Most Jumpstart cards, including both reprints and new cards, are legal in Commander. If a Jumpstart product is tied to a Standard release (like Dominaria United), the cards will usually be legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern, and, of course, Commander. There may be exceptions for cards specifically banned in Commander. Always double-check card legality if you’re unsure.
2. Can you mix Jumpstart boosters from different sets?
Absolutely! Mixing Jumpstart boosters from different sets is part of the fun! This allows for incredible deck-building opportunities and enables you to explore a vast range of synergies. You can combine Jumpstart 2022 with March of the Machine Jumpstart, for example. The more diverse your Jumpstart collection, the more creative you can be with your games.
3. Do Jumpstart boosters include the lands needed to play?
Yes, Jumpstart boosters include all the lands you need to play. Unlike draft or sealed, you don’t need to add any additional lands. Each pack comes with enough land to support the theme, often featuring lands with a foil treatment.
4. Are Jumpstart boosters good for growing a Commander collection?
Many players find Jumpstart boosters excellent for growing a Commander collection. The themes are often relevant to Commander, providing useful cards and potential commanders for various strategies. The potential for valuable rares and foils also helps build up a good card pool. If you aren’t sure what deck you want to build next, this can also give you inspiration, especially when you open a rare commander creature.
5. How many Jumpstart boosters are in a booster box?
A standard Jumpstart booster box contains 24 booster packs. Each pack follows a specific theme.
6. Can I use Jumpstart as my only way to play Commander?
Yes, you can use Jumpstart as your only way to play Commander, if you choose to. It is designed as a good starting point and a good way to vary up your gameplay experiences without building a new 99 card deck. As your collection and your experience grows, you will likely find ways to integrate Jumpstart into the more traditional formats.
7. Are there any banned cards from Jumpstart in Commander?
It is unlikely that any new Jumpstart card would be banned in Commander right away. Commander banlists are usually reserved for cards that have already been on the market and have been tested by the community. The most recent bans in Commander have been Winota, Joiner of Forces and Yuriko, the Tiger’s Shadow as a commander only. Flash was also banned due to its presence in cEDH. If you play Commander with the Jumpstart mechanic, make sure to check all the card’s legalities on the WotC official website.
8. Does Jumpstart teach new players about deck building?
Absolutely! Jumpstart‘s design helps new players learn basic deck construction without needing to build from scratch. They can see how specific themes work and how different card types support a central strategy. This makes Jumpstart a fantastic introductory product.
9. Do I need to stick to a single theme when using Jumpstart in Commander?
No. You are completely free to mix and match as you see fit. You can use any combination of themes to create a unique Commander experience. The only restriction you have to adhere to is the color identity of your commander in terms of the cards you’re using.
10. Can I use the Companion mechanic with Jumpstart Commander?
The Companion mechanic is legal in Commander. You must meet your companion’s specific deck-building requirement with your two Jumpstart packs combined, excluding your companion. Your companion does not count towards your deck’s size.
11. Are Unfinity cards legal in Jumpstart Commander?
Unfinity cards without the acorn stamp are legal in Commander. This includes cards used in your Jumpstart deck. Therefore, many of the Unfinity cards are legal in Jumpstart Commander play.
12. Are Sliver cards legal in Jumpstart Commander?
Slivers are legal in Commander, as they are usually regular-sized, black- and white-bordered cards. You can use them in your Jumpstart Commander deck.
13. Does Jumpstart have a mana cost or additional cost?
Jumpstart is not an additional cost, it’s a keyword ability found on instants and sorceries, allowing you to cast those spells from your graveyard by discarding a card. Therefore, when you’re playing Jumpstart Commander, there’s no additional cost to this mechanic, as long as it’s not written in the cards themselves.
14. Is the game Jumpstart safe for children?
The online learning game, JumpStart, is certified by kidSAFE. It is a completely safe and secure online environment where students can interact, explore and learn. While this isn’t a physical game, this should help alleviate any concerns regarding the brand’s security and reputation.
15. Can Jumpstart cards be used in Modern?
The new cards introduced in Jumpstart are typically not legal in Standard, Pioneer, or Modern, but they are legal in eternal formats like Legacy, Vintage, and Commander. This means that you cannot use Jumpstart cards in your Modern decks.
Conclusion
Playing Commander with Jumpstart cards opens up a realm of exciting and accessible gameplay. Its flexibility, ease of access, and capacity for variety make it a superb option for both newcomers and seasoned players. By mixing and matching themed boosters, you can explore new synergies, challenge your deck-building skills, and have an awesome time playing Magic: The Gathering. So grab a few Jumpstart boosters and get ready to experience Commander in a brand new way!