Does Commander Have to Be 4 Players? Unpacking the Truth About Magic’s Most Social Format

The quick answer is no, Commander does not have to be a 4-player game. While it’s often presented and traditionally played as a multiplayer format, the beauty of Commander lies in its flexibility and adaptability. You can enjoy Commander with two, three, five, or even more players, each variation offering a unique experience. This article dives deep into the player count aspect of Commander, exploring different scenarios and addressing common questions to help you navigate this beloved format of Magic: The Gathering.

The Default vs. The Reality: Player Counts in Commander

The Traditional 4-Player Experience

Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is deeply rooted in a social, free-for-all multiplayer experience. This is why you often hear it referred to as a 4-player game. The 4-player setting is indeed the default, where each player starts with 40 life and aims to defeat all opponents through careful deckbuilding, strategic plays, and clever politicking. This traditional format is designed to allow games to unfold over a longer period, fostering intricate interactions between players and their decks, with an approximate game duration of 20 minutes per player. However, this does not mean it is the only way to play.

Expanding the Player Count: Beyond Four

The truth is, Commander is incredibly versatile. Its rules are built in such a way that the game remains engaging with different player counts. You can definitely play Commander with 2 players or Commander with 3 players, each with its own adjustments and nuances. Moreover, the format “supports two to six players, sometimes more”, according to official sources.

• Two-Player Commander (Duel Commander): This variation is often referred to as Duel Commander and uses 20 or 30 life points. Duel Commander typically encourages more aggressive strategies. Unlike the casual nature of 4-player games, 1v1 Commander is often considered a competitive format, particularly on platforms like Magic Online. In 1v1 Commander, there is also a different banned list from multi-player Commander.
• Three-Player Commander: While three players can create an interesting dynamic, it’s often considered an awkward number. However, many players enjoy the unique interactions and shifts in alliances that a 3-player game can offer. As one source noted, “there’s never a reason to skip Magic if there are willing people at the table.”
• Five-Plus Player Commander: While possible, playing with more than four players can significantly extend the game’s duration, sometimes to hours. This is because the board state becomes more complicated and each player has more opponents to deal with.

Modifying the Game to Fit Different Player Counts

Adjusting player counts in Commander isn’t just about gathering a different number of friends; it also has implications for game dynamics. Starting life totals, for instance, vary depending on the player count, although 40 life is the standard for multiplayer games. Duel commander may start with 20 life or 30 life points.

The key is understanding that Commander’s rules are a foundation on which to build engaging and unique play experiences. The Commander Rules Committee provides the core rules, but individual groups and players have the flexibility to adapt these for their specific games, as long as everyone involved is in agreement. This is what makes the format so enjoyable and accessible to different players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Commander Player Counts

1. What is the standard deck size for Commander, regardless of player count?

Regardless of whether you’re playing with two players or six, a Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including your commander. This includes the commander card itself, and the restriction to only one copy of each card that is not a basic land.

2. Is there a hand limit in Commander?

Yes, the standard hand limit in Commander is seven cards. At the beginning of the game, each player draws seven cards. The number of players does not change this limit.

3. What’s the difference between Commander and Duel Commander?

Duel Commander is specifically a 1v1 format that often has a starting life total of 20 or 30 instead of 40. It is considered a competitive format and has a separate banned list. Commander, on the other hand, usually refers to the multiplayer format and is generally considered more casual.

4. How many cards do I draw on my first turn in 1v1 Commander?

In 1v1 Commander, if you play first, you skip your first draw step. Whereas, if you play first in a multi-player Commander you do not skip your first draw step.

5. Can I use a planeswalker as my commander?

Yes, certain planeswalkers have the ability “[CARDNAME] can be your commander”, which makes them an exception to the normal rule that a commander must be a legendary creature.

6. Are sideboards allowed in Commander?

The standard Commander format does not have sideboards. However, a companion card can exist as a quasi-sideboard, provided it meets the deck building rules.

7. Does Commander have a ban list?

Yes, Commander has its own ban list, separate from other Magic formats. The Commander Rules Committee maintains this ban list.

8. Is it normal to have long games of commander?

Yes, Commander games can last a long time, sometimes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the deck power levels and number of players. Games with more than 4 players will often run significantly longer.

9. What happens if my commander dies?

If your commander dies, it goes to the graveyard. However, when a commander changes zones, you can choose to put it back into the Command Zone.

10. What does the term cEDH mean?

cEDH refers to Competitive EDH. It is still the same format as EDH and follows the same rules and banlist, but is focused on winning as a primary goal, as opposed to casual gameplay experiences.

11. Does commander damage still count in 1v1 commander?

Yes, commander damage still counts in 1v1 Commander and follows the same rules.

12. Is the mulligan rule different in 1v1 commander?

Commander follows the same mulligan rule as competitive Magic. Additionally, the first mulligan is considered free for the game.

13. What is Commander rule 11?

Commander Rule 11 states that the only cards that are allowed to be brought in from outside the game are companions.

14. Can commander damage be prevented?

Yes, protection can prevent commander damage as well as other forms of damage. However, if something says damage cannot be prevented, that damage would still occur, even if no life total change occurs.

15. Can you play commander with 5 people?

Yes, you can play Commander with 5 people. However, be prepared for the game to run longer and for more complex board states.

Conclusion: Embrace the Flexibility of Commander

Ultimately, the beauty of Commander lies in its ability to adapt to different player counts. While the traditional 4-player experience is popular, and a standard for casual games, the rules and framework are there to support different play styles and preferences. Whether you prefer the intense focus of a duel or the social dynamics of a larger group, Commander is a format that can accommodate your needs. Understanding the nuances of different player counts and the rules behind them is what makes this format of Magic the Gathering so engaging, replayable, and perennially popular.