Do You Draw if You Go First in Commander? Understanding the First Turn Draw Rule
The question of whether you draw a card on your first turn in Commander (EDH), especially when you go first, is a common point of confusion for both newcomers and experienced players. The short, direct answer is: It depends. The rule governing first-turn draws in Commander hinges on whether you’re playing a 1v1 game or a multiplayer game.
In a 1v1 Commander game, the player who goes first skips their draw step on their first turn. They do not draw a card. However, if you’re in a multiplayer game (three or more players), every player, including the first player, does draw a card on their first turn. This difference can drastically impact opening hands and early game strategies. Understanding this nuance is crucial to playing Commander effectively.
Commander’s Unique Draw Rule
Magic: The Gathering rules are designed to accommodate different game formats. Commander has its own unique set of rules, which often differ slightly from standard Constructed play. The rule governing the first-turn draw is a prime example.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 1v1 Commander: The player taking the first turn does not draw a card during their first turn. This is a concession to the inherent advantage of going first. Skipping the draw means that while the first player gets a head start on deploying threats, they do so with one less card in hand compared to their opponent, thus balancing the turn advantage.
- Multiplayer Commander: In multiplayer games (typically 3-4 players, but sometimes more), every player draws a card on their first turn. This is because, in multiplayer scenarios, going first is not as overwhelming of an advantage. The presence of multiple opponents tends to level the playing field, so the first player drawing a card is designed to maintain the pace of the game.
Why The Difference?
This rule differentiation exists primarily to balance the game. In 1v1 scenarios, the first turn advantage can often be too powerful without any checks. By not drawing a card, the first player is forced to be more strategic with the resources they already have in their opening hand. In multiplayer games, the first player doesn’t inherently hold as much of an advantage. Multiple opponents can and often do cooperate to keep the first player in check. The presence of multiple threats from various players also means that the slight advantage of going first is minimized and doesn’t significantly alter the game balance if they draw that card.
Strategic Implications
Knowing whether you draw a card on your first turn has huge strategic implications. When you go first in a 1v1 Commander game, you must consider that you’re working with one less card than your opponent. This means carefully planning your first play, possibly aiming to establish early board control or disrupting your opponent’s plans. In a multiplayer game, everyone draws their card, meaning you have to take the board state into account with more threats right off the bat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Drawing on the First Turn in Commander
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify and expand upon this rule and its nuances:
1. Does the first player draw in a 1v1 Commander game?
No, the first player does not draw on their first turn in a 1v1 Commander game. They skip their draw step.
2. Do all players draw on the first turn in multiplayer Commander?
Yes, in multiplayer Commander (3 or more players), every player draws a card on their first turn.
3. What is the official rule number regarding first turn draw in Commander?
The specific rule can be found in the comprehensive Magic rules under 103.7a, 103.7b, and 103.7c which detail the first turn draw rules for 2 player games, 2 headed giant and then other multiplayer games.
4. What happens if I go second in a 1v1 Commander game?
If you go second in a 1v1 game, you will draw a card during your first draw step, as normal. This means you start with eight cards in hand, while your opponent will begin with seven cards.
5. How does this rule affect my opening hand decisions?
Knowing that you do not draw a card on your first turn if you go first in a 1v1 game means that your opening seven-card hand will be your total hand size at the start of your first turn. Choose cards wisely that you can use on your first turn. In multiplayer scenarios where everyone draws, consider how your starting hand will interact with potential threats from other players.
6. If I mulligan, does the draw rule change?
No, the first-turn draw rule remains consistent regardless of mulligans. In 1v1, the first player still skips their first draw even after mulligans, and in multiplayer, every player still draws on their first turn, also after mulligans.
7. Can I use a card to draw on my first turn if I’m the first player in 1v1?
Yes, a card that allows you to draw, such as an instant, can be played to draw additional cards even when it is your first turn in a 1v1 match. This rule only dictates the draw step, not the ability to draw from card effects.
8. Does this draw rule also apply to Two-Headed Giant Commander?
Yes, it does. In Two-Headed Giant Commander, the team that goes first skips the draw step of their first turn (rule 103.7b), just like in 1v1.
9. How do mana rocks affect going first in a 1v1 game when you don’t draw?
When you go first in 1v1 and do not draw, mana rocks become more potent. Having access to early mana acceleration can help you deploy early threats and gain an advantage. This is why some decks rely heavily on early mana rocks.
10. Is the first-turn draw rule the same in all formats of MTG?
No, other formats like Standard or Modern follow different draw rules on the first turn, where the first player skips the draw step of their first turn. Commander’s multiplayer format exceptions makes this rule unique.
11. What does “skipping your draw step” mean?
Skipping your draw step means you completely bypass the draw step of your turn on your first turn if you go first in 1v1. You do not get to draw a card at all.
12. Does this rule apply on MTG Arena or Magic Online?
Yes, these draw rules are programmed into MTG Arena and Magic Online for the Commander format. The system automatically applies the correct rule based on whether the game is 1v1 or multiplayer.
13. Can a commander’s activated ability draw me a card on my first turn in a 1v1 game?
Yes, an activated ability of your commander or any card that lets you draw a card would allow you to draw a card even on your first turn if you’re the first player in 1v1. It’s only the normal draw step of your first turn that you skip.
14. How can I use this knowledge to my advantage in Commander?
Understanding this draw rule allows you to strategize effectively. In 1v1, prioritize playing mana rocks or tempo cards if you go first. In multiplayer, be aware that all players start with more cards and prepare for a more immediate threat potential.
15. Does this rule apply to all variants of Commander?
While it’s a core rule in the standard Commander format, specific house rules or variations within playgroups could adjust this. If this happens, you should clarify before starting the game. However, the official rules will always state that in 1v1, the first player skips their draw step and in multiplayer, the first player draws a card.
Final Thoughts
The first-turn draw rule in Commander might seem like a small detail, but it significantly impacts game dynamics, especially in 1v1 matches. Knowing whether you do or do not draw a card on your first turn is the first step toward making more informed decisions on how to navigate the complexities of the format and strategize to secure your victory. Always clarify with your playgroup if there are any specific house rules, and may your commanders lead you to glorious wins!