Are Precon Commander Decks Good? A Deep Dive for Magic: The Gathering Enthusiasts

Absolutely! For the vast majority of players, preconstructed (precon) Commander decks are excellent. They offer a readily accessible entry point into the immensely popular Commander format, providing a balanced, playable deck right out of the box. They’re a fantastic resource for new players learning the ropes, a convenient option for experienced players looking to expand their collection or quickly jump into a game, and, let’s face it, a generally budget-friendly way to enjoy Magic: The Gathering’s social, strategic masterpiece. Let’s delve deeper into why precons deserve their place in the hearts (and collections) of Commander players everywhere.

The Allure of the Precon: Why They Work

Precons have evolved significantly over the years. Wizards of the Coast has clearly put a lot of effort into crafting decks that are not only functional but also thematic and, crucially, fun. Here’s what makes them so appealing:

• Accessibility for New Players: Building a Commander deck from scratch can be incredibly daunting. The sheer card pool, the intricacies of mana curves, and the unique multiplayer dynamics of the format can overwhelm newcomers. Precons provide a structured learning experience, guiding players through core mechanics and strategic concepts without the need for extensive deckbuilding knowledge. Many, as the article states, are designed with specific archetypes in mind, like Zombies or Flying creatures, making the learning curve even smoother.

• Balanced Gameplay: One of the biggest advantages of precons is that they’re generally designed to play well against each other. This creates a more “fair” and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. While some precons are undeniably more powerful than others (more on that later), the internal balance within a particular set is usually quite good.

• Value for Money: Considering the price of individual cards, precons offer remarkable value. You’re getting 100 cards, including a legendary creature (the Commander), lands, and a variety of spells and creatures, for a fraction of what it would cost to assemble a similar deck from scratch. Even better, precons often include a handful of cards that are valuable staples in the Commander format, further boosting their overall worth.

• Strategic Inspiration: Even experienced players can benefit from precons. They can serve as a foundation for future deckbuilding projects, providing a core of synergistic cards that can be upgraded and customized over time. They also expose players to new strategies and archetypes they might not have considered otherwise.

• Thematic Resonance: Precons are often built around a specific theme or strategy, which adds to their appeal. Whether it’s a deck focused on tribal synergies (like Elves or Dragons), graveyard recursion, or token generation, precons offer a variety of ways to express your personal playstyle.

Beyond the Box: Upgrading and Customizing

The real magic happens when you start tweaking and upgrading your precon. The deck provides a solid foundation, but the possibilities for customization are endless. Consider these steps:

1. Identify Weaknesses: Play the deck a few times and identify its weaknesses. Is it too slow? Does it lack removal? Does it struggle against certain types of decks?

2. Prioritize Upgrades: Focus on addressing the most pressing weaknesses first. Adding more ramp spells (cards that generate extra mana), targeted removal (cards that destroy specific threats), or card draw (cards that allow you to draw more cards) can significantly improve the deck’s performance.

3. Synergistic Additions: Look for cards that synergize well with the deck’s existing strategy. If you’re playing a tribal deck, add more creatures of that type. If you’re playing a graveyard deck, add more cards that put creatures into your graveyard and bring them back.

4. Commander Synergy: Your Commander is the heart of your deck. Make sure your upgrades complement your Commander’s abilities and enhance its effectiveness.

5. Budget Considerations: Upgrading a precon doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of powerful and affordable cards that can significantly improve the deck’s performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about precon Commander decks, to further guide you on your Magic: The Gathering journey.

1. Which are the most powerful Precon Commander decks ever released?

Some of the most consistently ranked powerful precons include decks like “Draconic Domination”, “Necron Dynasties”, and certain iterations of the “Upgrades Unleashed” decks. The power level often depends on the format and the meta, but these generally hold their own.

2. Are prebuilt MTG decks (precons) good for beginners?

Absolutely. Precons are excellent for new players. They provide a ready-to-play deck without the complexities of deckbuilding, offering a smooth entry into the game.

3. What is the best precon for beginners to learn Commander?

Decks like “Guided by Nature” and the “Undead Unleashed” are often recommended due to their straightforward strategies and clear game plans, allowing new players to grasp core concepts.

4. Are all Commander decks legal in the Commander format?

Yes, all Commander decks are legal as long as they adhere to the format’s card legality rules, which exclude cards on the ban list and “silver-bordered” or “acorn” cards.

5. How much does a precon Commander deck typically cost?

Generally, precon Commander decks cost around $40 at release online, and slightly more if purchased at a local game store (LGS). Prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability.

6. What is a good land count for a Commander deck, including precons?

While 36 lands is a common recommendation, a good starting point for precons, and most custom decks, is around 35-38 lands. Adjust based on your deck’s mana curve and ramp spells.

7. How much life does each player start with in a Commander game?

In Commander, each player starts with 40 life.

8. Are dragon decks good in Commander? Can precons help with this?

Yes, dragon decks are viable and popular in Commander. Precons like “Draconic Domination” provide a solid base for a dragon-themed deck that can be upgraded over time.

9. Are Planeswalker decks worth buying, especially for Commander?

While Planeswalker decks are generally aimed at standard play and new players, some of the included cards might find a home in Commander decks, but they aren’t preconstructed specifically for Commander. They make a great starting point for a casual player and someone brand new to the game.

10. What is the best way to upgrade a Commander precon on a budget?

Focus on adding inexpensive but impactful cards that synergize with your Commander and the deck’s strategy. Look for budget-friendly ramp, removal, and card draw options.

11. How can I find reviews and ratings of different Commander precons?

Websites like MTGGoldfish, EDHREC, and various YouTube channels dedicated to Magic: The Gathering often provide reviews and ratings of Commander precons.

12. What if I don’t like the Commander in a precon? Can I change it?

Absolutely! You can change the Commander to any other legendary creature that fits the deck’s color identity. This is a great way to customize the deck to your liking.

13. Where can I learn more about deckbuilding strategies for Commander?

Websites like EDHREC, Tolarian Community College on YouTube, and various Magic: The Gathering forums and communities offer a wealth of information on deckbuilding strategies for Commander.

14. Are there resources for teaching Magic: The Gathering in educational settings?

Yes, there are. Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Their website has a multitude of resources that combine the power of games and education, something crucial when it comes to teaching complex games such as Magic: The Gathering. GamesLearningSociety.org has the insights you need.

15. How can I find local Commander groups and events?

Check with your local game store (LGS), online forums, and social media groups dedicated to Magic: The Gathering to find local Commander groups and events.

Conclusion: Embrace the Precon

Preconstructed Commander decks are a valuable asset to the Magic: The Gathering community. They offer an accessible, affordable, and enjoyable way to experience the Commander format. Whether you’re a new player looking to learn the ropes or an experienced player looking for a convenient and fun way to play, precons are definitely worth considering. So, grab a precon, gather your friends, and get ready for some epic Commander battles!