Planeswalkers in Commander: A Comprehensive Guide
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The allure of Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering is undeniable, these powerful beings add a layer of strategic depth and narrative richness to any game. So, how many of these iconic figures can you cram into your Commander deck? The answer is simple: there’s no hard limit on the number of Planeswalkers you can include, provided you adhere to the format’s fundamental rules. This means respecting the singleton rule (only one copy of each non-basic land card) and adhering to your commander’s color identity.
Understanding the Basics
Color Identity
Your commander’s color identity dictates which colors of cards can be included in your deck. For instance, if your commander is a mono-blue creature, your deck can only contain blue cards, colorless cards, and lands that produce blue or colorless mana. This constraint applies to Planeswalkers as well. Any Planeswalker with a color in its mana cost or rules text that doesn’t match your commander’s color identity is off-limits.
The Singleton Rule
Commander is a singleton format, meaning you can only have one copy of any card that isn’t a basic land (Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, and Forest). This rule applies to Planeswalkers just as it does to creatures, artifacts, enchantments, and instants. You can’t have multiple copies of the same Planeswalker card in your deck unless it’s a basic land.
The Planeswalker Uniqueness Rule (Not Really a Rule!)
It’s crucial to understand the Planeswalker uniqueness rule, often called the “Planeswalker Legend Rule.” This rule states that if you control two or more Planeswalkers with the same name (e.g., two different Jace Planeswalkers), you must choose one to keep and put the others into your graveyard. However, you can control multiple different Planeswalkers, even if they share a subtype. For example, you can have both Jace Beleren and Jace, the Mind Sculptor on the battlefield simultaneously. The important thing is they have different full names.
Commander-Specific Considerations
Planeswalkers as Commanders
While most Planeswalkers cannot be commanders, certain ones have the specific text: “[CARDNAME] can be your commander.” These Planeswalkers are exceptions to the rule that commanders must be legendary creatures. If a Planeswalker has this text, you can build your entire deck around its abilities and strategic synergies.
Oathbreaker: A Planeswalker-Centric Format
For those looking for an alternative format with a greater focus on Planeswalkers, consider Oathbreaker. In Oathbreaker, you choose a Planeswalker as your commander and pair it with a signature spell (an instant or sorcery). This creates a unique gameplay experience centered on Planeswalker abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about including Planeswalkers in your Commander decks:
1. Can I have multiple Planeswalkers on the battlefield at the same time?
Yes, you can have as many different Planeswalkers on the battlefield as you can cast and maintain, provided they don’t share the same name. The “Planeswalker uniqueness rule” only applies to Planeswalkers with identical names, not subtypes.
2. Can my commander be a Planeswalker?
Only if the Planeswalker card specifically states that it “can be your commander.” Otherwise, your commander must be a legendary creature.
3. Does the singleton rule apply to Planeswalkers?
Yes, the singleton rule applies to all non-basic land cards in your Commander deck, including Planeswalkers.
4. What happens if I control two Planeswalkers with the same name?
Due to the “Planeswalker uniqueness rule,” you must choose one to keep and put the other into your graveyard.
5. Can I use a Planeswalker of any color in my deck?
No, your deck must adhere to your commander’s color identity. Planeswalkers must align with the colors of your commander or be colorless.
6. Can I use a “Partner” commander strategy to include more Planeswalkers?
While having two commanders with the Partner ability doesn’t directly affect how many Planeswalkers you can include in your deck (still limited by color identity and the singleton rule), it does provide more flexibility in deck-building and strategic options.
7. Does Deathtouch work on Planeswalkers?
No, Deathtouch only affects creatures. To damage a Planeswalker, you typically need to attack them directly with creatures, use spells or abilities that specifically target Planeswalkers, or redirect damage from a creature to a Planeswalker.
8. Can I activate multiple loyalty abilities at once?
You can activate one loyalty ability per Planeswalker you control each turn, during a time when you could cast a sorcery. If you control multiple Planeswalkers, you can activate one ability on each.
9. What is the “Legendary Planeswalker” rule?
The term “Legendary Planeswalker rule” is slightly misleading, as the correct term is the “Planeswalker uniqueness rule”. This rule states that if you control more than one Planeswalker with the same name, you must choose one and put the other into your graveyard.
10. Why aren’t all Planeswalkers legal commanders?
The design decision to limit which Planeswalkers can be commanders is intentional. It allows for a balanced gameplay experience, focusing the format’s identity on legendary creatures while providing unique exceptions for specific Planeswalkers.
11. How does “Doubling Season” interact with Planeswalkers?
Doubling Season doubles the number of loyalty counters a Planeswalker enters the battlefield with. However, it does not double the number of loyalty counters you add when activating a loyalty ability.
12. Can I copy a Planeswalker?
Yes, certain spells and abilities can copy Planeswalkers. When you copy a Planeswalker, the copy enters the battlefield as a new permanent, subject to the “Planeswalker uniqueness rule.”
13. Can I use a Lightning Bolt to target a Planeswalker?
Yes, spells like Lightning Bolt that target “any target” can target Planeswalkers, unless a card in play prevents it.
14. What happens if I “flicker” a Planeswalker?
If you “flicker” a Planeswalker (exile it and return it to the battlefield), it enters as a new permanent. This allows you to activate a loyalty ability again on the same turn, bypassing the one-ability-per-turn restriction.
15. Are Planeswalkers considered “spells” when I cast them?
Yes, casting a Planeswalker puts it on the stack like any other spell. Players can respond to it with instants or activated abilities before it resolves and enters the battlefield. Playing a land does not count as casting a spell.
Strategic Considerations for Planeswalkers in Commander
Incorporating Planeswalkers into your Commander deck requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Consider the following:
- Synergies: Choose Planeswalkers that synergize with your commander’s abilities and your deck’s overall strategy.
- Protection: Include cards that protect your Planeswalkers from removal spells and combat damage.
- Value Generation: Focus on Planeswalkers that provide card advantage, mana ramp, or other valuable resources.
- Win Conditions: Select Planeswalkers that can help you close out games, either through direct damage, controlling the board, or achieving specific game-winning conditions.
Planeswalkers and Games Learning
Understanding the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, including the strategic use of Planeswalkers, offers valuable cognitive benefits. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. These skills translate well to various aspects of life and learning, demonstrating the educational potential of games. The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores these connections and promotes the use of games as tools for education and personal development. GamesLearningSociety.org emphasizes how complex games like Magic: The Gathering can foster intellectual growth.
Conclusion
While there is no limit to the number of Planeswalkers you can include in your Commander deck, adherence to color identity and the singleton rule are paramount. Understanding the nuances of the “Planeswalker uniqueness rule” and strategic synergies will enable you to build powerful and engaging Planeswalker-centric Commander decks. So, go forth and harness the power of these iconic beings to dominate the battlefield!