Does Commander Damage from Different Players Stack? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding no. Commander damage is specific to each individual commander. Damage dealt by one player’s commander does not contribute to the commander damage dealt by another player’s commander, even if they are both targeting the same opponent. To defeat a player through commander damage, that player must take 21 or more combat damage from a single commander over the course of the game.

Understanding Commander Damage in Detail

Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a multiplayer format where players construct 100-card decks around a legendary creature, the commander. This format has a unique win condition: commander damage. While the normal win conditions apply (reducing an opponent’s life to zero, milling their library, etc.), commander damage offers an alternative route to victory.

The rule is simple, yet crucial: if a player is dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game, that player loses the game. This is separate from normal life total loss. It’s important to emphasize “the same commander.” If an opponent takes 20 damage from your commander and then 20 damage from another player’s commander, they are still at risk, but have not yet lost to commander damage.

This mechanic adds an interesting layer of strategy. Players often try to protect themselves from specific commanders known for their aggressive potential while also planning their own commander-based assaults. It also encourages interaction and political maneuvering within the multiplayer setting. The Games Learning Society explores similar dynamics in game design and social interaction through games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Key Considerations

• Tracking is Key: Players are responsible for keeping track of the commander damage dealt to them by each opposing commander. This can become complex in multiplayer games, so using a notepad, dice, or a dedicated app is highly recommended.

• Combat Damage Only: Commander damage only applies to combat damage. Damage dealt by non-combat sources, such as spells or triggered abilities, does not count as commander damage.

• Cumulative, But Separate: Damage is cumulative throughout the game, but it’s crucial to reiterate that the damage dealt by each individual commander is tracked separately.

• Stolen Commanders: If you steal an opponent’s commander and deal damage with it to another player, it counts as commander damage dealt by that specific commander.

• Life Gain Doesn’t Reset: Gaining life does not reduce the amount of commander damage you have taken. It is tracked independently of your life total.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Commander Damage

Here are some frequently asked questions about Commander damage to provide further clarity and address common misconceptions:

1. Does commander damage from different commanders stack together?

No. If you take 10 commander damage from Commander A and 11 commander damage from Commander B, you haven’t lost to commander damage. You need 21 damage from a single commander.

2. Is commander damage separate for each player?

Yes. Every player needs to track commander damage dealt to them individually, by each opposing commander. Player A tracking damage from Player B’s Commander is different than Player A tracking damage from Player C’s Commander.

3. How does stealing a commander affect commander damage?

If you gain control of an opponent’s commander and deal combat damage with it, that damage still counts as damage from that specific commander. It doesn’t suddenly reset or become damage from your commander.

4. Can you proliferate commander damage?

No. Proliferate only adds counters, and commander damage isn’t tracked with counters.

5. What happens if a player deals 21 combat damage with my commander after stealing it?

If a player steals your commander and deals 21 combat damage to you with it, you lose the game due to commander damage from that specific commander – your own commander.

6. Does commander damage reset if a commander is exiled and then recast?

No, commander damage does not reset. The game remembers that the commander has already dealt damage to the player. The damage is tracked per commander, not per cast.

7. Does commander damage count if the commander is no longer a creature?

Commander damage is only from combat damage. The card has to be a creature dealing combat damage for it to count.

8. Can a commander deal commander damage to itself?

Yes, if a player were to somehow attack themself with their commander and deal 21 combat damage to themself with that commander, they would lose the game to commander damage.

9. Does commander damage only apply in multiplayer games?

Commander damage applies in all Commander games, including 1v1 Duel Commander.

10. What if a commander deals non-combat damage (like a triggered ability that deals damage)?

Only combat damage from the commander counts as commander damage. Other sources of damage, even from the commander, don’t count toward the 21 damage threshold.

11. Does preventing damage stop commander damage?

Yes, if damage is prevented by an effect like protection, or a damage prevention spell, that damage won’t be applied, and won’t contribute to the commander damage total.

12. How do you keep track of commander damage in a multiplayer game?

Players typically use pen and paper, dice, or dedicated apps to track the commander damage they have received from each opponent’s commander. It’s essential to be accurate to avoid disputes.

13. Is commander damage considered combat damage for other effects?

Yes, commander damage is combat damage, so any triggered abilities or effects that trigger upon dealing combat damage will also trigger when a commander deals commander damage.

14. Does lifelink on a commander affect commander damage?

Yes, lifelink on a commander still works as normal. It doesn’t change the fact that the damage dealt is still commander damage, and it still counts towards the 21 damage threshold.

15. If a player has multiple commanders due to the partner ability, do they each track damage separately?

Yes, each commander with the partner ability tracks commander damage separately. You need 21 combat damage from one specific commander to lose the game.

Understanding the nuances of commander damage is essential for success in the Commander format. Mastering this aspect of the game will undoubtedly improve your strategic decision-making and give you a competitive edge.