Can Commander Decks Have a Sideboard? The Definitive Guide

The answer, in short, is it depends on your playgroup. While the official rules of Commander (also known as EDH, or Elder Dragon Highlander) don’t explicitly support or encourage the use of a sideboard in the traditional sense, the social contract that underpins the format makes it a far more nuanced topic. The spirit of Commander revolves around fun, inclusive gameplay, and player agreement overrides strict rule adherence in many casual settings. Let’s dive into the intricacies of Commander sideboards.

The Official Stance: No Sideboard (Mostly)

Officially, Commander has no dedicated sideboard in the way that Constructed formats like Standard or Modern do. This means you don’t automatically have a 15-card pool to swap in and out between games within a match. However, there’s a crucial exception: the Companion mechanic. If your Commander and deck building conform to the requirements of a Companion, that Companion lives “outside the game” and can be considered a de facto sideboard card.

Outside of Companions, cards that let you fetch other cards from “outside the game,” like Wishes (e.g., Living Wish), Spawnsire of Ulamog, or planeswalkers like Karn, the Great Creator, don’t function in Commander as they would in other formats. They cannot retrieve cards from your collection.

The Social Contract: When Sideboards Become Acceptable

Here’s where things get interesting. Commander is fundamentally a social format. It’s about playing with friends, enjoying a shared experience, and building memorable narratives. This means the social contract is paramount. If your playgroup agrees to allow sideboards, then by all means, utilize them!

This agreement can take many forms:

• Full Sideboards: A traditional 15-card sideboard for swapping cards between games.
• Limited Sideboards: A smaller sideboard (e.g., 5 or 10 cards) with agreed-upon restrictions.
• Themed Sideboards: A sideboard specifically for adjusting your deck against certain types of strategies (e.g., a “hate bears” sideboard for combating combo decks).
• Pre-Game Adjustment: Allowing players to make a few swaps before the first game based on the known strategies of other players.

Crucially, any use of a sideboard in Commander should be discussed and agreed upon before the games begin. Transparency is key. No one wants to be surprised by a sudden, unsanctioned deck transformation.

Arguments For and Against Sideboards in Commander

Arguments For:

• Increased Deck Diversity: Sideboards allow decks to be more focused in their primary strategy while still having answers to problematic strategies.
• Metagame Adaptation: A sideboard can help a deck adapt to the evolving metagame of a specific playgroup.
• More Strategic Gameplay: Knowing that players can adapt their decks can lead to more thoughtful deckbuilding and gameplay decisions.
• Addressing Power Imbalances: A sideboard can help level the playing field if there are significant power disparities between decks in a playgroup.

Arguments Against:

• Complexity: Sideboards add another layer of complexity to deckbuilding and gameplay.
• Time Consumption: Sideboarding between games can slow down the overall play experience.
• Dilution of Theme: Over-reliance on sideboards can detract from the unique, thematic elements of Commander decks.
• Potential for Abuse: Without clear guidelines, sideboards can be used to create “silver bullet” solutions that invalidate entire strategies.

Navigating the Sideboard Conversation

When proposing the use of sideboards in your playgroup, consider the following:

• Clearly Define the Rules: Be specific about the size of the sideboard, any restrictions on card types, and when and how sideboarding can occur.
• Prioritize Fun and Inclusivity: Make sure the use of sideboards enhances the overall play experience and doesn’t create unnecessary stress or conflict.
• Be Flexible: Be willing to adjust the rules based on the feedback of other players.
• Emphasize Communication: Open and honest communication is essential for maintaining a healthy playgroup dynamic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Commander Sideboards

1. Can I use Wishes to get cards from outside the game in Commander?

No, Wishes (like Living Wish, Burning Wish, etc.) cannot retrieve cards from outside the game in Commander, unless you have a playgroup-sanctioned sideboard. They essentially do nothing.

2. Does the Companion mechanic allow me to have a “sideboard” card?

Yes, the Companion mechanic is the only official way to have a card that starts the game outside your deck and can be brought into the game if your deckbuilding meets its criteria.

3. Are there any cards that specifically mention sideboards that work in Commander?

No, there aren’t any cards that inherently function with a sideboard in the official rules of Commander. Their effects are negated unless you are using a home-brewed sideboard rule within your playgroup.

4. What happens if my playgroup doesn’t agree on using sideboards?

If your playgroup is divided, it’s best to err on the side of caution and adhere to the official rules, meaning no sideboards beyond the Companion mechanic.

5. Can I use a sideboard in a competitive Commander (cEDH) tournament?

Typically, no. Competitive EDH tournaments usually adhere to the strict official rules, which do not allow for sideboards. Always check the tournament rules beforehand.

6. Is it legal to have a “wishboard” in Commander if my playgroup allows sideboards?

A “wishboard” (a sideboard specifically designed for Wish cards) is perfectly acceptable if your playgroup has agreed to allow sideboards in general.

7. If my Commander is also my Companion, do I still need 99 other cards in my deck?

Yes. Your Commander/Companion still counts as one of the 100 cards required for your Commander deck. You need 99 additional cards.

8. Are “silver bullet” cards considered bad in Commander sideboards?

While technically legal if your playgroup allows sideboards, heavily relying on “silver bullet” cards can be frowned upon as it can lead to less diverse and less fun gameplay experiences. Consider your playgroup’s preferences.

9. Can my sideboard include cards that don’t match my commander’s color identity?

No. Any sideboard cards, if allowed by your playgroup, must adhere to the color identity rules of your commander.

10. What if I have a split Commander pair, can I have more colors in my sideboard?

Yes, provided your playgroup allows a sideboard. If you have partner commanders with different color identities, the cards in your sideboard need to adhere to both color identities.

11. Is it considered bad etiquette to change my entire strategy with my sideboard?

It can be. Drastically changing your deck’s strategy between games might frustrate other players. Communicate your intentions and avoid excessive, unexpected transformations.

12. Can I use oversized Commander cards if I have a sideboard?

Oversized commander cards have no bearing on whether you can have a sideboard or not. You must still have the normal sized card available too.

13. What are some good examples of cards to include in a Commander sideboard?

Good sideboard cards often include:

• Targeted Removal: Cards like Assassin’s Trophy or Generous Gift to deal with problematic permanents.
• Graveyard Hate: Cards like Rest in Peace or Grafdigger’s Cage to combat graveyard-based strategies.
• Artifact/Enchantment Hate: Cards like Stony Silence or Aura Shards to disrupt artifact or enchantment-heavy decks.
• Countermagic: Cards like Negate or Counterspell to protect your own strategy or disrupt opponents.
• Board Wipes: Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation to reset the board when behind.

14. How does sideboarding work if a new player joins the pod mid-game?

If a new player joins mid-game and your playgroup is using sideboards, they should not be penalized for not having sideboarded for the earlier games. Either allow them to sideboard before their first game, or waive the sideboard rule for them.

15. Where can I learn more about Commander strategy and deckbuilding?

You can explore a wealth of resources online, including websites dedicated to Commander deckbuilding, strategy articles, and videos. Additionally, consider joining online forums or local game stores to connect with other Commander players. And don’t forget to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and discussion on the educational and social aspects of gaming.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a sideboard in Commander rests with your playgroup. Prioritize communication, transparency, and a shared commitment to fun and inclusive gameplay. By embracing the social contract and tailoring the rules to your group’s preferences, you can create a Commander experience that is both enjoyable and engaging for everyone involved.