Is EDH and Commander the Same?

EDH and Commander are essentially the same format of Magic: The Gathering, with EDH being the original name given by the community and Commander being the officially recognized name adopted by Wizards of the Coast. The two terms are often used interchangeably, referring to a casual multiplayer format of Magic: The Gathering that emphasizes social interaction, creativity, and fun, with a few key differences setting it apart from other MTG formats, including a 100-card deck limit and a Commander, or legendary creature, that serves as the centerpiece of the deck.

Understanding EDH and Commander

To delve deeper into the world of EDH and Commander, it’s essential to address some frequently asked questions that can provide a comprehensive understanding of this beloved MTG format.

FAQs

1. What is EDH in Magic: The Gathering? EDH, or Elder Dragon Highlander, is the original name for what is now officially known as Commander, a format of Magic: The Gathering that focuses on multiplayer games with an emphasis on social interaction and fun.
2. Why is it called EDH? It’s called EDH because it’s a Highlander deck, meaning each card in the deck must be unique, except for basic lands, and it features a legendary creature as the Commander.
3. What is the difference between EDH and cEDH? While EDH prioritizes enjoyable gameplay experiences for all players, with winning being a secondary goal, cEDH (competitive EDH) focuses on winning first, with the gameplay experience being secondary.
4. Is EDH the same as Commander? Yes, EDH and Commander are the same, with Commander being the official name adopted by Wizards of the Coast, and EDH being the community-driven name that originated the format.
5. What makes a card a Commander? A card can be a Commander if it is a legendary creature or if it states “This card can be your Commander” on it.
6. Can a Planeswalker be a Commander? Some Planeswalkers can be Commanders, but only if the card explicitly states “[CARDNAME] can be your Commander“.
7. What happens when a Commander dies? When a Commander dies or is exiled, it can be returned to the command zone, allowing it to be cast again.
8. Who is the strongest Commander in MTG? The strength of a Commander can vary depending on the deck and playstyle, but popular choices include Teysa Karlov, The Ur-Dragon, and Shirei, Shizo’s Caretaker.
9. What is the difference between a Commander deck and a regular MTG deck? A Commander deck has a 100-card limit, with each card (except basic lands) being unique, whereas a regular MTG deck has a 60-card limit with a maximum of four copies of any given card.
10. What is Rule 0 in Commander EDH? Rule 0 is an unofficial rule that allows players to modify the game’s rules for a non-competitive game, as long as all players agree to the changes beforehand.
11. Are Warhammer cards legal in Commander? Yes, Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks cards are legal for play in Commander, Vintage, and Legacy formats.
12. Why is Commander the most popular MTG format? Commander offers players the most freedom in terms of deck-building and gameplay, making it a favorite among those who enjoy creativity and social interaction in MTG.
13. Can you play MTG Commander 1v1? Yes, Duel Commander is a format of Commander played between two players, with each player starting at 20 life and having 20 minutes per match.
14. Are cards banned in Commander? Yes, some cards are banned in Commander due to their potential to disrupt the balance of the game or cause issues with gameplay, as determined by the Commander Rules Committee.
15. Is Flash banned in Commander? Yes, Flash is banned in Commander due to its potential to be abused and disrupt the natural flow of the game, making it too powerful for the format.