Are Commander Legends Cards Legal in Pioneer?
The short answer is a resounding no. Cards from the Commander Legends sets, including both the original Commander Legends and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate, are not legal for play in the Pioneer format. This is a common point of confusion for many Magic: The Gathering players, given the proliferation of supplemental sets in recent years. The card legality rules for Magic can be complex, so let’s delve into the specifics and clarify why these sets are excluded from Pioneer.
Understanding Pioneer Legality
Pioneer is an eternal format, which means that it allows cards from a wide range of sets. However, it’s not an “anything goes” format. Pioneer’s legality specifically starts with the release of the 2012 set Return to Ravnica and includes all premiere sets released since then. Crucially, Commander Legends and other supplemental sets designed primarily for Commander do not qualify as premier sets.
The defining factor is whether a set is designed for Standard rotation. Premiere sets rotate out of Standard after a couple of years, ensuring a fresh metagame. Sets like Commander Legends are designed to be standalone products and do not follow this cycle. As a result, they are not integrated into the Standard rotation or, consequently, Pioneer legality.
Commander Legends: Designed for Commander
The Commander Legends sets are specifically designed for the Commander format, which is a singleton format known for its multiplayer games and emphasis on casual, social gameplay. As such, the card design and power level within these sets are tailored for the Commander experience. Many cards within these sets would potentially cause significant power imbalances in a more competitive constructed format like Pioneer.
The legality of Commander Legends cards is generally confined to Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. These formats have broader card pools and rules that allow for the kinds of interactions and power levels commonly found in sets like Commander Legends. These cards are, however, not legal in Standard, Pioneer, or Modern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions to provide even greater clarity about Pioneer legality and the place of Commander Legends cards within the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem.
Is Commander Legends Pioneer Legal?
To reiterate, no. Commander Legends cards are not legal in the Pioneer format. They are designed for Commander, Legacy, and Vintage formats, and their unique characteristics and power level aren’t a good fit for Pioneer.
What Formats Are Commander Legends Cards Legal In?
Commander Legends cards are legal in the Commander, Legacy, and Vintage formats. They are not legal in Standard, Pioneer, or Modern.
What Qualifies a Set as Pioneer Legal?
For a set to be legal in Pioneer, it must be a premiere set released after Return to Ravnica in 2012. Pioneer includes all cards from these sets (unless they are specifically banned).
What is a “Premiere Set”?
A premiere set is a standard-legal expansion that rotates out of standard after two years of its release date and is sold in booster packs at your local game stores. These are the main sets that are used for Standard, Pioneer, and Modern play. Commander Legends is not one of them.
Are Commander Precon Decks Pioneer Legal?
Cards from Commander preconstructed decks are subject to the same legality rules as other supplemental sets. They are not legal in Pioneer unless they are reprints from legal sets.
Is Dominaria United legal in Pioneer?
Yes, cards with the DMU set code from Dominaria United are legal in Standard, Pioneer, and Modern, as well as in Commander. It was a premiere set and is therefore part of the Pioneer card pool.
Is Battle for Baldur’s Gate legal in Pioneer?
Battle for Baldur’s Gate cards with the CLB set code are not legal in Pioneer. Like the original Commander Legends, it was designed specifically for the Commander format and thus is only legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage.
What is the Start Date for Pioneer Legality?
The Pioneer format’s legal card pool begins with the release of Return to Ravnica in 2012 and continues with every premiere set released after it.
What Cards Are Banned in Pioneer?
Several cards are banned in Pioneer to maintain a healthy format. Some of the banned cards include Balustrade Spy, Bloodstained Mire, Expressive Iteration, Inverter of Truth, and Walking Ballista. For a complete list, it’s best to consult the official Pioneer ban list maintained by Wizards of the Coast.
Is Sol Ring Legal in Pioneer?
Although Sol Ring is a powerful card, it is not banned in Pioneer. However, it should be noted that Sol Ring was specifically not included in any of the premiere sets required to make a card legal in the Pioneer format.
Are Fetch Lands Legal in Pioneer?
Fetch lands like Bloodstained Mire and Flooded Strand are banned in Pioneer. This decision was made to limit the power level of mana bases in the format.
Is Lightning Bolt Legal in Pioneer?
Lightning Bolt, a staple in many formats, is not legal in Pioneer. It was printed before the 2012 cut-off date, and therefore never became legal in Pioneer.
Are Challenger Decks Pioneer Legal?
Pioneer Challenger Decks are designed to be ready to play and competitive at the local level right out of the box. They consist entirely of cards previously printed in Standard legal sets, making them Pioneer legal if played in that format.
What Makes Commander the Most Popular Format?
Commander‘s popularity comes from its casual, multiplayer nature, emphasis on social interaction, and the variety of different deck-building opportunities that it presents to players. It offers a unique experience compared to more structured formats like Standard or Pioneer.
Why are some cards banned in Pioneer?
Cards are banned in Pioneer to promote format health. Typically, cards that break the game or reduce strategy are banned from play.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the legality of cards in different Magic: The Gathering formats is essential for any player. Commander Legends cards are fantastic for Commander, but they do not have a place in Pioneer. By grasping the nuances of card legality, players can ensure they are playing within the rules of each format, and thereby have better enjoyment from the game. Remember to always check the official resources for the most up-to-date rulings and ban lists.