Yes, You Absolutely Can Draft Commander Masters! A Comprehensive Guide
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Commander Masters is not just a set for constructing pre-made Commander decks; it’s a fantastic experience designed for drafting. This means you can gather with friends (or at your local game store), open booster packs, and build a Commander deck on the spot, leading to unique and unpredictable gameplay experiences. Forget your usual finely-tuned deck; drafting Commander Masters injects a potent shot of spontaneity and deck-building ingenuity into your Commander games! Let’s dive into the specifics and answer all your burning questions.
What is Commander Masters Draft?
Commander Masters draft is a specially designed format that allows players to build Commander decks from Draft Boosters. Unlike traditional Commander where you construct decks beforehand, in draft, you open packs, pick cards, and create a deck as you go. This format emphasizes on-the-spot deck building, creative card combinations, and a level playing field for everyone involved. It’s Commander, but with a thrilling twist. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) could even analyze this format as a case study in emergent strategy and social dynamics!
The Core Mechanics: How Commander Masters Draft Works
Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements:
- Booster Packs: You’ll typically use three Draft Boosters per player. Commander Masters Draft Boosters contain 20 cards each, unlike typical draft boosters.
- Drafting: Players sit in a circle (ideally in a pod of four to eight players) and open one booster pack. Instead of picking one card at a time, players pick two cards simultaneously. The remaining cards are passed to the next player, and the process repeats until all cards are drafted.
- Deckbuilding: After drafting, you’ll construct a 60-card deck. This includes your Commander(s) and the lands you add to the deck. A common guideline is to include around 25-28 lands. Remember, you can include multiples of the same card in your deck.
- Commander Identity: During the draft, all single-color and colorless legends are treated as having the “partner” ability, even if it’s not explicitly printed on the card. This enables you to pair two single-color commanders to achieve your desired color combination.
- Gameplay: Commander Masters draft games are typically played in a multiplayer format with 3-4 players, consistent with usual Commander play.
Commander Masters Draft: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions asked about Commander Masters draft, fully answered for your convenience:
How many players are ideal for a Commander Masters draft pod?
Ideally, a Commander Masters draft pod should consist of four to eight players. If you have six or more players, splitting into two separate games after drafting is a great idea.
How many cards do I draft at a time in Commander Masters?
In Commander Masters draft, you draft two cards at a time from each booster pack. This speeds up the drafting process and allows for more strategic decisions.
How many cards should be in my Commander Masters draft deck?
Your final Commander Masters draft deck must contain at least 60 cards. This includes your commander(s) and the lands you add to the deck.
How many lands should I include in my Commander Masters draft deck?
A general rule of thumb is to include between 25 to 28 lands in your 60-card Commander Masters draft deck. Adjust this number based on your deck’s mana curve and overall strategy.
Can I play multiple copies of the same card in my Commander Masters draft deck?
Yes, you can play more than one copy of a card in your Commander Masters draft deck. This deviates from traditional Commander rules, where you’re normally limited to one copy of each card (excluding basic lands).
What is the “partner” rule in Commander Masters draft?
During the draft, all single-color and colorless legendary creatures are considered to have the “partner” ability, even if the card doesn’t explicitly state it. This lets you pair two single-color commanders to create your deck’s color identity.
How does Commander Masters draft differ from traditional Commander?
The main difference is in how you build your deck. In traditional Commander, you construct your deck beforehand. In Commander Masters draft, you build your deck from the cards you draft during the event.
What happens if I don’t draft a legendary creature to use as my commander?
With the change to single colored and colorless legends becoming partner during draft, you should always be able to draft a commander combination. This is vital, as you can not play your deck without a commander, if you are unable to draft one, the pod should allow a re-draft.
Can I use pre-constructed Commander decks in a Commander Masters draft?
No. The whole point of Commander Masters draft is to build your deck from scratch using the cards you draft during the event. Pre-constructed decks are not allowed.
How do I determine my deck’s color identity in Commander Masters draft?
Your deck’s color identity is determined by the colors of mana symbols that appear on your commander(s). You can only include cards in your deck that match your commander(s)’ color identity.
What is the “Rule 0” in Commander, and how does it apply to Commander Masters draft?
“Rule 0” is an informal rule in Commander that allows players to mutually agree to modify certain rules for their game. This could apply to issues with commanders or cards within the draft. But should always be discussed with your pod.
What’s the best strategy for drafting in Commander Masters?
Prioritize drafting a solid commander or commander pairing early on. Also, focus on building a balanced deck with a good mix of creatures, spells, and mana ramp. Keeping an eye on the archetypes of the cards in your color combination is key.
How much does it typically cost to participate in a Commander Masters draft event?
The cost can vary depending on your local game store (LGS), but it’s typically around $60. This often includes the cost of the three Draft Boosters you’ll use for the draft. Some stores also offer prize support based on your performance.
Are the Commander Masters preconstructed decks legal in Commander draft?
No. The preconstructed Commander decks are not legal in Commander draft. Draft is meant to build a unique deck from the drafted cards.
Is Commander Masters draft a good way to get into Commander?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic way to learn about different cards, deck-building strategies, and the social aspect of Commander. The fact that everyone starts on a level playing field makes it less intimidating for new players. Plus, the unpredictability of drafting creates memorable and exciting gameplay experiences. This format also hones skills that can translate to other strategy games; Games Learning Society would likely agree!
Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos and Draft!
Commander Masters draft is a dynamic and engaging way to experience Magic: The Gathering’s most popular format. The blend of strategic drafting, on-the-spot deck building, and multiplayer gameplay makes for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. So, gather your friends, head to your local game store, and dive into the exciting world of Commander Masters draft! You might just discover your new favorite way to play Commander.