Do Commanders Count Towards Deck Size? A Comprehensive Guide to Commander Deck Building
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The burning question for many new and even seasoned Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players delving into the Commander format is a seemingly simple one: Do commanders count towards the 100-card deck size? The direct answer is a resounding yes, they do. Your commander, or commanders if you have partners, are integral parts of your 100-card deck. This means that when building a Commander deck, you must ensure that the commander(s) is included in the final count of 100 cards.
This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s crucial for understanding the fundamental rules of the format. Unlike other constructed formats where you have a specific deck size and then a separate sideboard, Commander has a fixed limit of 100 cards, and the commander is one of those cards. The way your commander interacts with your deck – always available to cast from the command zone (after the first cast and its associated tax) – sets it apart and makes it different to the other 99 cards.
Commander Deck Construction Essentials
The 100-Card Rule
The cornerstone of Commander deck building is the 100-card requirement. This rule dictates that a Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards. There are no exceptions to this rule. No more and no less. This includes your commander or commanders, meaning if you are playing a single commander, you need an additional 99 cards in your deck.
Partner Commanders and Deck Size
If you’re playing with partner commanders, the rule remains the same. Your two commanders count as two of your 100 cards, meaning you will only need 98 additional cards to complete your deck. The combined color identity of your partner commanders dictates which cards can be included in the 98 remaining card slots. This adds an extra layer of complexity and strategic depth to deck building. Both commanders start in the command zone, but are treated as individual cards in game play.
Singleton Format
Another crucial rule in the commander format is the singleton rule. With the exception of basic lands, you can only have one copy of any card within the deck. For most cases, the singleton rule also applies to the commander(s), which means you cannot have two copies of the same commander in your deck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Commander Deck Size
To provide even more clarity and assistance, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding commander deck size and related rules:
1. What happens if my deck has less than or more than 100 cards?
A deck that is not exactly 100 cards is not legal for play in Commander. Ensure before starting a game your count is exactly 100 cards, including your commander(s).
2. Do partner commanders count as one or two cards?
Partner commanders count as two cards towards your total deck size. You need 98 additional cards to complete the deck.
3. How many lands should I have in my Commander deck?
The number of lands in a Commander deck varies but typically falls between 35-42. The amount varies based on the mana ramp capabilities and synergy your deck has with lands. Some heavy landfall decks might have more lands – sometimes up to 50.
4. Can I use a Planeswalker as my commander?
Yes, certain Planeswalkers can be commanders. They must have the text, “[CARDNAME] can be your commander”. This overrides the general rule that only legendary creatures can be commanders.
5. Can I use colorless cards in my Commander deck?
Colorless cards are allowed in Commander decks, as long as their mana symbols do not violate your commander’s color identity. Your deck is bound by the color symbols on your commander’s card(s).
6. What happens if my commander is removed from the battlefield?
The owner of the commander chooses if it goes to the command zone or the graveyard/exile/hand etc. If it goes to the command zone, the next time you cast it the cost will increase by two colorless mana. If it doesn’t go to the command zone, it can be played from where it has been removed.
7. What is the “commander tax”?
The commander tax is an additional cost of two colorless mana added to the mana cost of your commander each time it is cast from the command zone after its initial cast.
8. Can I reduce commander tax?
Yes, cost reduction effects like affinity can reduce the commander tax but apply after the increase.
9. Can my commander be exiled?
Yes, a commander can be exiled. However, their owner can choose to have them returned to the command zone instead.
10. Can I have two commanders if neither has “partner”?
No, you can only have two commanders if both cards have the ability “partner.”
11. What is Rule 11 in Commander?
Commander Rule 11 states that the only cards that can be brought from outside the game are Companions, under certain circumstances.
12. Can I use multiple copies of the same card in a Commander deck?
The rules of the Commander format enforce the singleton nature of cards. You cannot have multiple copies of a card except basic lands in your deck.
13. Can you play Commander in a 1v1 format?
Yes, Duel Commander is a 1v1 variant of Commander with a starting life total of 20 instead of the normal 40.
14. Can I have a companion in Commander?
Yes, you can include one companion in your Commander deck, provided your deck meets the companion’s deck-building requirements. A companion is not part of the 100-card deck.
15. Is a melded commander still a commander?
Yes, a melded commander is still your commander. If a commander card and its partner card are melded in game play, the resulting melded card is considered to be your commander.
Conclusion
Understanding the core deck building rules of Commander, specifically that the commander(s) counts toward the 100 card total, is essential for any player wanting to jump into this format. From ensuring you have exactly 100 cards, to handling partner commanders, and understanding the nuances of the command zone, all contribute to a well-rounded and enjoyable play experience. By understanding these rules and regularly revisiting them, you will find deck building easier and enjoy the intricacies of the game even more. Happy gaming!