Does Your Commander Count as Being in Your Deck? Unveiling the Nuances of Commander Deck Construction
The question, “Does your commander count as being in your deck?” is a fundamental one for anyone delving into the popular Magic: The Gathering format, Commander (also known as EDH). The concise answer is a resounding yes, your commander is absolutely part of your 100-card deck. This isn’t always intuitive for new players, as the commander operates differently from other cards, often residing in the command zone rather than the library at the start of the game. However, this does not diminish its status as a counted card within your 100-card deck limit.
This crucial distinction has significant implications for deck building and strategy, and understanding its nuances is key to mastering the format. Let’s explore why this is the case and delve into related questions that often arise when players begin to engage with Commander.
Understanding the 100-Card Rule
The Core Principle of Commander Deck Construction
The bedrock of the Commander format lies in its strict deck construction rules. A Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, and this count includes the commander. This rule is explicitly stated in the official rules:
903.5a Each deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including its commander.
This single rule dictates much of the format’s unique character, ensuring a consistent deck size while allowing for a diverse range of strategies. Because the commander is part of that 100, it means that the remaining library is 99 cards. The fact your commander exists in the command zone at the start of the game might confuse new players, but it’s critical to remember that it is still part of your 100 cards.
The Commander in the Command Zone
At the beginning of a game, instead of drawing your starting hand from your library, you place your commander face up into the command zone. The command zone is a special area of the game, separate from your hand, deck, graveyard, and exile. This is where your commander lives when not on the battlefield. This separation doesn’t change the fact that the commander is counted as one of the 100 cards that make up your deck.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commander Deck Construction
To further clarify the role of your commander and deck composition, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
Can you put a commander in a deck?
While your commander is part of your 100-card deck, you do not actually shuffle it in with the rest of your library. Your Commander starts the game in the command zone, and you must choose a legendary creature or planeswalker (with the specific ability to be a commander) to build your deck around. This is central to the format, and the very act of choosing your Commander helps determine your color identity and overall deck strategy.
What happens if your commander is shuffled into your deck?
This is generally unusual. The only time your opponent can see your commander is when it’s in the command zone at the start of the game, or while it is in play. If your commander does end up shuffled in your library, your opponents wouldn’t know who it is. Unless you had a way to search it out quickly, you risk not having access to your Commander. The game continues, and nothing breaks; however, the commander is meant to be easily accessible.
Can I leave my Commander in the graveyard?
If your commander moves to the graveyard or exile, you have the choice to return it to the command zone as a state-based action, but you don’t have to. This choice occurs upon the commander entering either of these zones. If you choose not to, your commander remains in the graveyard or exile. If you do, that commander can later be cast from the command zone, usually with an increased cost (command zone tax).
Can you have two commanders in a deck?
You can indeed have two commanders if both have the ‘Partner’ ability. In this case, your library is reduced to 98 cards since both commanders start in the command zone. Each commander is treated individually for all other Commander rules, including commander damage.
Can a commander be a Planeswalker?
Yes, certain planeswalkers can be commanders, specifically those that include the text line, “[CARDNAME] can be your commander.” This is an exception to the general rule requiring the commander to be a legendary creature.
What is the commander damage rule?
Commander Damage is tracked separately for each player. If you take 21 or more points of combat damage from a single commander (regardless of who controls it), you lose the game. The damage does not combine from all commanders a player might have faced. It only applies to combat damage, not damage from spells.
Can you return commander to hand?
Yes, you can choose to return your commander to your hand rather than the command zone. If you chose the hand instead, you don’t have to pay the command zone tax when you play them, this is a common strategy that allows players to dodge commander tax.
Can you play commander 1v1?
Yes, there is a variation called Duel Commander, which is a 1v1 version. Duel Commander games typically have 20 life and a 20 minute time limit, compared to the standard 40 life total for multiplayer Commander.
Can you use colorless cards in commander?
Colorless is not a color, it’s the absence of color. If a card is colorless with no mana symbols in its rules text, it can be included in any commander deck regardless of its commander’s color identity.
Is a copy of your commander considered a commander?
A commander that’s copying another card is still a commander. However, a permanent copying a commander (for example, by using Body Double) is not considered a commander.
Can an enchantment be a commander?
Typically, enchantments cannot be commanders. They need to be legendary creatures or planeswalkers (with specific text saying so) to be a legal commander. However, many potent enchantments are frequently used in Commander decks for advantage, ramp, or control.
Do counters stay on commanders?
Counters like experience counters are placed on the player, not the commander. This means they persist even if a commander dies.
Are sideboards allowed in commander?
The Commander format normally does not have sideboards. However, a companion is the only card allowed outside of the deck, provided it meets all the relevant deck building rules.
What does rule 0 mean in commander?
Rule 0 is an unofficial agreement that allows players to modify the rules for non-competitive games. Everyone in the game needs to agree to any changes before the start. This allows for some extra flexibility in play styles.
Can you be killed by commander damage from your own commander?
Yes, you can lose if you take 21 or more combat damage from your own commander, even if it is under someone else’s control. The rule specifies the commander as the source of damage, not necessarily an opponent’s commander.
Final Thoughts
Understanding that your commander is counted as part of your 100-card deck is foundational to building legal and effective Commander decks. While its presence in the command zone at the start of the game might seem to imply otherwise, this is merely a game mechanic that allows for commander accessibility. By addressing these frequently asked questions, players can better navigate the nuances of Commander deck construction and enjoy the varied gameplay opportunities this beloved format has to offer. Remembering the 100-card limit, along with all other restrictions, is key to success.