Can You Have an Attraction Deck in Commander?
Yes, absolutely! You can have an Attraction deck in Commander. This exciting addition to the format comes from the Unfinity set and adds a unique layer of gameplay. The introduction of Attractions has caused a lot of buzz and debate, but they are officially legal and ready to be incorporated into your Commander strategies. This article will clarify how Attraction decks work in Commander, their legality, and other critical aspects you need to know to leverage them effectively in your games.
What are Attraction Cards?
Attraction cards are a new card type introduced in the Unfinity set. These aren’t your typical Magic cards; they reside in their own special deck, separate from your main 100-card Commander deck. Unlike most cards that are played directly, Attractions are “visited” through a die roll mechanic. Each Attraction card has a “visit ability” that triggers when the roll matches a lit number on the card. These abilities often provide unique effects that add an element of unpredictability and fun to the game.
How Do Attraction Decks Work in Commander?
Your Attraction deck is constructed separately from your main Commander deck. Here’s how it works:
- Separate Deck: Your Attraction deck is not part of your 100-card Commander deck. It exists alongside it, usually kept near your play area.
- Singleton Rule: Much like your Commander deck, your Attraction deck must adhere to the singleton rule. This means you can only include one copy of each unique Attraction card, regardless of variations in text or lit numbers.
- Minimum Size: In Constructed formats like Commander, your Attraction deck must contain at least ten Attraction cards. There is no maximum, giving you flexibility in building your deck.
- Visiting Attractions: At the beginning of your first main phase, you roll a six-sided die to visit your Attractions. If the result matches a lit number on an Attraction you control, that Attraction’s visit ability triggers.
Legality of Attractions in Commander
One of the most significant aspects of Unfinity is its unusual approach to legality. Unlike previous “Un” sets, which were strictly silver-bordered and not legal in any sanctioned format, many of the Unfinity cards, including Attractions, are black-bordered and legal in eternal formats like Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. This means you can incorporate them directly into your favorite Commander decks.
However, there’s a crucial caveat: some Unfinity cards have a holographic acorn stamp. These acorn-stamped cards are not legal in Commander. The legality is determined by the card’s name and the presence of the acorn stamp.
Non-Acorn Stamped Attractions
The majority of Attraction cards (21 out of 35 total) do not have the holographic acorn stamp and are therefore fully legal for use in Commander. This provides a substantial pool of attractions to use in your decks.
Strategies with Attraction Decks
Attraction decks offer a unique and exciting addition to Commander. Here are some strategic considerations:
- Deck Construction: Since you have a minimum requirement of ten attractions in your attraction deck, and no maximum, consider varying the lit numbers and abilities to suit your strategies. A good mix will lead to more consistent visits.
- Dice Rolling: While dice rolls are random, having multiple Attractions with different lit numbers can help increase the likelihood of visiting an Attraction each turn.
- Visit Effects: Some visit effects are more powerful or advantageous than others. Choose Attractions that align with your gameplan and enhance your deck’s overall strategy.
- Sinergy: Consider your main deck. While the Attraction deck is separate, think about if any spells or cards in your main deck will compliment the effects of your attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Attraction Cards Part of My Commander Deck?
No, Attraction cards are not part of your main Commander deck. They form a separate deck that you keep alongside your regular 100-card deck. This means your Commander deck must still have exactly 100 cards including your commander.
2. How Many Attraction Cards Can I Have in My Attraction Deck?
You must have at least ten Attraction cards in your Attraction deck for Constructed formats like Commander. There is no maximum number you can have, however it is recommend that you have more than ten to reduce the chances of running through all of your attractions.
3. Are Acorn-Stamped Attraction Cards Legal in Commander?
No, Attraction cards with the holographic acorn stamp are not legal in Commander. Only those without the acorn stamp are allowed.
4. How Do I Visit an Attraction?
At the beginning of your first main phase on each of your turns, you roll a six-sided die. If the number rolled matches a lit number on an Attraction card you control, that Attraction has been visited, and its visit ability triggers.
5. Do I Need a Special Tool for Rolling to Visit My Attractions?
No, you simply need a standard six-sided die to roll for visiting your Attractions.
6. What is the Singleton Rule for Attraction Decks?
Similar to your Commander deck, your Attraction deck must be “Singleton,” meaning you can have no more than one copy of any specific named card, even if those copies have different text or lit numbers.
7. Are Unfinity Cards Other Than Attractions Legal in Commander?
Yes, Unfinity cards without acorn stamps are legal in Commander. This includes a variety of card types, expanding the possibilities for deck building.
8. Are Unfinity Stickers Legal in Commander?
Yes, Stickers from Unfinity are legal in Commander as long as the card does not have an acorn stamp. Stickers enhance gameplay by altering the properties of cards already in play.
9. What Happens if I Roll the Same Number on Multiple Attractions?
If you roll a number that is lit on more than one of your Attractions, each of those Attractions is visited, and their visit abilities trigger.
10. Can I Run Out of Attractions During a Game?
It is possible, though unlikely, to run out of Attractions. If this happens, you would simply no longer be able to roll to visit attractions. This is why it is often recommended that you play more attractions than the minimum requirement of 10.
11. Is Myra the Magnificent Legal in Commander?
Yes, Myra the Magnificent is legal in Commander, regardless of the stamp she has. This provides a unique commander to use with attraction-based decks.
12. Can I Control Another Player’s Attractions?
In most cases, you can only visit Attractions you control. However, certain cards may introduce effects that allow you to interact with another player’s attractions.
13. Is There a Limit on How Many Times an Attraction Can Be Visited?
No, there is no limit on how many times an Attraction can be visited during the course of a game.
14. How Do I Get a List of Legal Unfinity Cards in Commander?
You can find the list of legal Unfinity cards on the official Magic: The Gathering website or by checking your preferred online database for card legality in Commander. Be sure to verify that cards don’t have the acorn stamp before use.
15. What are the Advantages of Playing an Attraction Deck?
Attraction decks introduce a unique, somewhat random, and potentially powerful layer to Commander games. They offer unpredictable effects that can disrupt your opponents’ plans or provide you with valuable advantages, enhancing your strategic options. They are a great way to spice up your games and add some additional fun.
Conclusion
The introduction of Attractions and their subsequent legality in Commander has opened a new chapter in Magic: The Gathering. Attraction decks offer exciting possibilities for deck construction, strategic gameplay, and are overall a very fun addition to the game. Keep in mind that these cards need to follow the same rules as your main deck, especially regarding acorn stamps. So go forth, build your Attraction deck, and start rolling for fun!