Does Oathbreaker Have Commander Tax? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Oathbreaker does indeed have a commander tax. Just like in Commander, when you cast your Oathbreaker from the command zone after it has been removed, you must pay an additional two colourless mana for each previous time it’s been cast from the command zone that game. This rule is in place to prevent players from repeatedly casting their Oathbreaker without any increasing cost, thus maintaining a balanced and strategic gameplay experience.
Understanding the Oathbreaker Format
Oathbreaker is a popular MTG format that offers a unique twist on the traditional Commander experience. Instead of a legendary creature, you choose a planeswalker as your Oathbreaker, along with a signature spell that this planeswalker loves to cast. The deckbuilding rules are also different, with Oathbreaker decks consisting of exactly 60 cards (including the Oathbreaker and Signature Spell), and players starting with 20 life.
The Role of Commander Tax in Oathbreaker
The inclusion of commander tax in Oathbreaker is a key factor in balancing the format. Without it, players could repeatedly cast their Oathbreaker, gaining a significant advantage over time. The commander tax ensures that recasting your Oathbreaker becomes increasingly expensive, forcing you to make strategic decisions about when and how to deploy your planeswalker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Oathbreaker
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Oathbreaker format to provide you with a deeper understanding:
1. What is an Oathbreaker in MTG?
An Oathbreaker is a planeswalker card that you choose as your commander for an Oathbreaker deck. Your Oathbreaker dictates the color identity of your deck, and you can cast it from the command zone, paying the commander tax each time it returns.
2. What is a Signature Spell?
A Signature Spell is an instant or sorcery card that you choose to pair with your Oathbreaker. This spell starts in the command zone and can be cast alongside your Oathbreaker. Note that your signature spell is subject to the same commander tax!
3. How many cards are in an Oathbreaker deck?
An Oathbreaker deck must contain exactly 60 cards, including the Oathbreaker and the Signature Spell. This differs from Commander, which uses a 100-card deck.
4. How much life do you start with in Oathbreaker?
Players start with 20 life in Oathbreaker. This is lower than the 40 life in Commander, leading to faster and more aggressive gameplay.
5. Is Commander damage a win condition in Oathbreaker?
No, commander damage is not a win condition in Oathbreaker. You win by reducing your opponent’s life total to zero or by other traditional win conditions.
6. Can double-faced cards be Oathbreakers?
Yes, double-faced cards can be your Oathbreaker, as long as the front face of the card has the type Planeswalker.
7. Are all Planeswalkers legal as Oathbreakers?
Almost all planeswalkers are legal as Oathbreakers, but there may be some banned planeswalkers. Always check the current ban list before building your deck.
8. Are all Instants and Sorceries legal as Signature Spells?
Most instants and sorceries are legal as Signature Spells, but certain cards are banned. Check the current ban list to ensure your chosen spell is legal.
9. Does “your commander” refer to my Oathbreaker?
Yes, in the context of Oathbreaker, cards that refer to “your commander” instead refer to “your Oathbreaker“.
10. Why are some cards banned in Oathbreaker?
Cards are banned in Oathbreaker to maintain a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience. Sol Ring, Mana Crypt, and other powerful cards are banned because they can lead to overly dominant strategies. Some planeswalkers like Saheeli have been banned because their combinations with certain spells prove to be too powerful.
11. Is Oathbreaker an eternal format?
Yes, Oathbreaker is an eternal format, meaning you can use almost every card ever printed in Magic: The Gathering. However, there are some banned cards that you cannot include in your deck.
12. Does Command Sphere work in Oathbreaker?
Yes, Command Sphere works in Oathbreaker. It functions similarly to how it does in Commander, providing mana fixing based on your color identity.
13. What happens if my Oathbreaker is a creature?
The general rule of thumb for this edge case is that if your commander is not a planeswalker (for example, Shorikai), the game looks at the cards you would use as your Oathbreaker to determine the color identity for your deck.
14. Are Companion cards legal in Oathbreaker?
Yes, Companion cards are legal in Oathbreaker. You can include them in your deck, following the normal deckbuilding restrictions.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and rules?
Organizations like the Games Learning Society offer valuable resources and insights into the design principles behind games, including Magic: The Gathering. You can explore their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intricacies of game design and rules.
Oathbreaker vs. Commander: Key Differences
While Oathbreaker borrows some elements from Commander, such as the commander tax, it also has several key differences:
- Oathbreaker uses a planeswalker and a signature spell instead of a legendary creature.
- Oathbreaker decks have 60 cards instead of 100.
- Players start with 20 life instead of 40.
- Commander damage is not a win condition in Oathbreaker.
These differences lead to a faster, more aggressive, and more focused gameplay experience compared to Commander.
Final Thoughts
Oathbreaker is an exciting and dynamic format that offers a unique way to play Magic: The Gathering. Understanding the rules, including the commander tax, is crucial for building competitive and enjoyable decks. By utilizing the information provided in this guide, you can confidently dive into the world of Oathbreaker and start crafting your own powerful strategies.