Can You Use Secret Lair Cards in Commander? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can absolutely use most Secret Lair cards in Commander. However, there are important nuances and exceptions to this rule, which we’ll explore in detail. The short answer is that, generally, if a card is legal in the format based on its printing, then the specific art from a Secret Lair release doesn’t change its legality. But, as with many things in Magic: The Gathering, the devil is in the details.
Secret Lair and Format Legality
The Basics
Secret Lair is a special product line from Wizards of the Coast featuring unique artwork, styles, and sometimes even brand-new cards. These drops often contain reprints of existing cards with alternate art, themed sets, or even crossovers with other universes. Because the majority of Secret Lair drops are reprints, their legality hinges primarily on the original printing of the card.
Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is an eternal format. This means that almost every card ever printed in Magic: The Gathering history is eligible for play with some key exceptions. This includes all sets, and more importantly, most Secret Lair cards.
Key Points to Remember
- Reprint Legality: If a card is legal in Commander, a reprint of that card in a Secret Lair drop is also legal. The alternate art or foiling of a Secret Lair card doesn’t change its legality in any way. For example, if a card like “Sol Ring” is legal in Commander (and it is), a Secret Lair version of it is equally legal.
- New Cards: Secret Lairs occasionally introduce entirely new cards. These cards are legal in the same formats as other new Magic cards, usually in eternal formats like Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. Some of the crossover Universes Beyond drops fall under this category.
- Color Identity: Remember, Commander decks have a specific color identity, which is determined by the colors in your commander card’s mana cost. All cards in your deck have to adhere to the commander’s color identity, and this rule applies to all cards in Secret Lair drops used in a deck. If a card in a Secret Lair has a color indicator that falls outside the color identity of your commander, it cannot be used in your deck.
- Banned List: Cards that are on the official Commander ban list are, of course, not allowed regardless of how they’re printed or where they originate. This holds true for Secret Lair variants. A banned card remains banned regardless of the art or its Secret Lair designation.
Exceptions and Nuances
While Secret Lair cards are generally usable in Commander, there are a few situations where you need to pay closer attention.
- Universes Beyond: Some Secret Lairs include cards from crossover universes like Warhammer 40,000 or The Walking Dead. These cards are typically legal in Commander, but it’s worth double-checking the specific card if you’re unsure. As long as a Universes Beyond card has a back design that has the normal Magic the Gathering design and not the special back of a card from another game, it is legal in Commander.
- Silver-Bordered & Acorn Cards: “Silver-bordered” cards (from the Un-sets) and cards with an acorn symbol are considered joke cards, often involving mechanics that are not applicable to traditional Magic play. They are not legal in any sanctioned format, including Commander, no matter the source. If a Secret Lair has these, they cannot be used in any legal tournament or format.
- Commander-Specific Bans: While less common, there have been times where specific cards have been banned from being used as commanders, but not banned from a deck, such as Dihada, Binder of Wills. Secret Lair versions of these cards remain banned as commanders.
Understanding the Impact of Secret Lairs
The primary purpose of Secret Lairs is to provide unique or alternate versions of cards, not to alter their legality in different formats. The beauty of Commander lies in the creativity that comes from a diverse array of cards. These unique styles bring that creativity to the game, allowing for cards that stand out from standard prints.
The Secret Lair line has also significantly impacted the cost and availability of many cards. If you’re just looking to play and want to pick up specific cards for cheap, it may not be ideal to buy an entire Secret Lair when you might be able to purchase single cards for far less.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Secret Lair cards tournament legal?
Yes, Secret Lair cards are tournament legal in their respective formats, including Commander, as long as the card itself is legal in that format. The different art or foiling doesn’t change its legality.
2. Can I use Secret Lair cards in Standard?
Generally, no. Unless the card in the Secret Lair is also printed in a legal Standard set, you cannot use it in Standard. Many Secret Lair drops contain reprints that are not part of the current Standard rotation.
3. Are new Secret Lair cards legal in Commander?
Yes, new cards that are created specifically for a Secret Lair drop are legal in Commander and other eternal formats like Legacy and Vintage. These new cards usually don’t get a printing in Standard.
4. What happens if my Secret Lair card is banned in Commander?
If the base card is banned in Commander, any Secret Lair version of that card is also banned. A card being banned is independent of the art or where it comes from.
5. Are Universes Beyond Secret Lair cards legal in Commander?
Yes, most Universes Beyond cards in Secret Lairs are legal in Commander and other eternal formats. Double-check the specific card to be sure.
6. Can I use silver-bordered Secret Lair cards in Commander?
No. Silver-bordered and acorn-stamped cards are not legal in any sanctioned format, including Commander, so these are never legal in Commander.
7. Does the Secret Lair version of a card change its color identity?
No, the printing of a card in a Secret Lair does not change the card’s color identity.
8. Can I use a Secret Lair Commander as my commander?
If a Secret Lair card is of a valid legendary creature, you can use it as your commander, provided it does not otherwise break any rules like a ban.
9. Do Secret Lair cards count towards my deck size in Commander?
Yes, Secret Lair cards count towards your 99 card deck requirement just like any other Magic card.
10. Are any cards specifically banned because they are from Secret Lairs?
No. No cards are banned simply because they are printed in a Secret Lair. The legality is based on the cards themselves, not their place of printing.
11. How can I check if a specific Secret Lair card is legal in Commander?
Check the official Commander ban list or use online resources that list the legal cards. Always base your legality on the main printing of the card, and not on a specific version.
12. What are Secret Lair bonus cards?
Secret Lair bonus cards are extra cards that are included in some Secret Lair drops. These cards are usually reprints with alternate art. They are legal in Commander as long as the original printing is also legal.
13. Are Unfinity cards legal in Commander?
“Eternal” Unfinity cards (those without the acorn stamp) are legal in Commander.
14. Can I use fake or proxy Secret Lair cards in tournaments?
No. Fake or proxy cards, even if printed to look like Secret Lair cards, are never legal in official tournaments.
15. Is buying Secret Lairs worth it just for tournament play?
This depends on your needs. If you are interested in the special art or want many cards from a particular Secret Lair, buying the whole drop might make sense. If you only need a single card, purchasing the specific cards from secondary markets may be a better choice.
By understanding these basic rules, nuances and FAQs, you can enjoy your Secret Lair cards in Commander without any legality concerns. Happy gaming!