Unleashing the Dual Threat: Mastering Partner Commanders in Magic: The Gathering
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Yes, absolutely! You can play with two commanders in a game of Commander (EDH) if they both have the Partner ability, or if one has the “Choose a Background” ability. This opens up a fascinating world of deck-building possibilities and strategic gameplay, allowing you to craft unique strategies and dominate the battlefield with a dynamic duo leading the charge.
Diving Deep into Partner Commanders
The Partner mechanic fundamentally alters the landscape of Commander, allowing you to select two legendary creatures with the specific “Partner” keyword or a legendary creature and a background enchantment as your commanders. This immediately impacts your deck construction, as your library shrinks to 98 cards (instead of 99). It also significantly broadens your color identity, giving you access to a wider range of spells and strategies. Each commander is treated individually for commander tax and commander damage.
Partner vs. Partner With
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between “Partner” and “Partner With [Name]“. Creatures with the simpler “Partner” ability can be paired with any other legendary creature that also has the “Partner” ability. This allows for maximum flexibility in deck building and strategic pairings.
However, creatures with “Partner With [Name]” are much more restrictive. They can only be paired with the specific legendary creature named on their card. While this might seem limiting, these pairings are often designed with synergistic abilities that make them powerful together.
The Power of Color Identity
When you have two commanders, the color identity of your deck is determined by the combined color identities of both commanders. This means that your deck can include any card that shares a color with either of your commanders. For instance, if you have a commander that is Blue and a commander that is Red, your deck can contain Blue, Red, and colorless cards. This opens up exciting opportunities to build decks with unique color combinations and diverse strategies.
FAQ: Your Questions About Partner Commanders Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand the nuances of playing with partner commanders:
1. Do both partner commanders start in the command zone?
Yes, both partner commanders begin the game in the command zone, just like a single commander would. This allows you to cast them as soon as you have the mana available, establishing your board presence early on.
2. Do partner commanders both go to the command zone when they die?
If either of your partner commanders would be put into your graveyard, exile, hand, or library from anywhere, you can choose to return it to the command zone instead. This is crucial for maintaining access to your commanders throughout the game.
3. Do partner commanders share commander damage?
No, partner commanders do not share commander damage. Each commander tracks its damage separately. A player loses the game if they have been dealt 21 or more combat damage from a single commander over the course of the game. Therefore, your opponents need to be wary of both commanders dealing damage.
4. Are partner commanders each subject to commander tax?
Yes, each partner commander is subject to its own commander tax. This means that the cost to cast a commander increases by {2} for each previous time it has been cast from the command zone. The tax is calculated individually for each commander.
5. Can you have partner commanders and a background?
No. You can have commanders with the Partner ability, or one creature with the “Choose a Background” ability and a background enchantment, but you cannot combine these rules to have three commanders. “Choose a background” and “partner” use similar rules, each working as the second commander. You are able to have only two.
6. How many cards can you have in a partner commander deck?
A Commander deck must be exactly 100 cards, including your commander(s). If you have two partner commanders, your library consists of 98 other cards.
7. Can partner commanders be different colors?
Yes, you can choose partner commanders of different colors. The color identity of your deck is then determined by the combined color identities of both commanders. This allows for diverse and strategically advantageous combinations.
8. Can “partner with” cards be your commander?
Yes, the “Partner with [Name]” ability allows those specific creatures to be your commander. It is important to remember that you must have the pair together to be able to play them as your commander.
9. Can planeswalkers be commanders with the partner ability?
No. A planeswalker can only be a commander if it specifically states on the card, “this card can be your commander.” Only legendary creatures can be partner commanders.
10. Can I exile a commander?
Yes, you can exile a commander with a spell or ability. However, the owner of that commander can choose to put it back into the command zone instead of leaving it in exile.
11. Can you have two Faceless Ones as your commanders?
In a Commander Draft which uses Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate booster packs, you may use two copies of Faceless One as your commanders.
12. Why is Commander so fun?
Commander’s multiplayer nature allows for complex social dynamics and strategic gameplay. The higher life total allows players time to develop their boards, leading to memorable card combinations and interactions. You can learn more about games and social interactions at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. What is the best Commander deck ratio?
While there is no hard and fast rule, a good starting point is around 33 to 42 lands, a balance of creatures and spells, and cards that provide card draw, ramp, and removal. Balance is key to a consistent and effective deck.
14. Can friends forever partner with partner commanders?
No. “Friends forever” is essentially the same as “Partner” but they are not compatible with each other. This means you cannot combine a commander with Friends Forever and a commander with Partner.
15. Who are the most popular partner commanders in Magic: The Gathering?
Some of the most popular and powerful partner commanders include:
- Tymna the Weaver
- Thrasios, Triton Hero
- Kraum, Ludevic’s Opus
- Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh
- Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Mastering the Dual Command
Playing with partner commanders is a rewarding experience that offers a unique spin on the Commander format. By understanding the rules, nuances, and strategic possibilities that come with this mechanic, you can build powerful and synergistic decks that will challenge and delight your opponents. So, embrace the dual command and unleash the power of partnership on the battlefield!