Is Commander a Competitive Format?
Commander is a casual format by philosophy, making it easier to approach than other constructed formats, but it can also be competitive when played with a different social contract, known as cEDH (competitive EDH), where the goal is to have fun by doing everything possible to win. The competitive aspect of Commander is evident in Commander tournaments, which technically are cEDH games, but the format’s casual nature and singleton rules make it an excellent jumping-off point for new Magic: The Gathering players and those returning to the game.
What is Commander?
Commander is a supplemental Magic: The Gathering card game product with mechanics derived from the fan-created format known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), and its official format is the only sanctioned format maintained by an outside entity other than Wizards of the Coast.
FAQs
1. Is Commander an official format?
Commander is a series of supplemental Magic: the Gathering card game products, and its official format is the only sanctioned format maintained by an outside entity other than Wizards of the Coast.
2. What is the difference between EDH and cEDH?
cEDH (competitive EDH) is not a separate format from EDH, and it uses the same rules and banlist, but cEDH flips the roles of winning and resonant gameplay experiences.
3. Is Commander expensive?
Magic: The Gathering can be an expensive hobby, especially Commander, but there are budget alternatives for every powerful game piece.
4. Can you play Commander 1v1?
Duel Commander is a form of 1v1 Commander played in paper, with life totals of 20 to encourage aggressive strategies, while multiplayer Commander has a starting life total of 40.
5. What is the most played MTG format?
Commander is the most popular format in Magic: The Gathering, challenging players to show off their deck-building, piloting, and political skills.
6. Why is Commander format so popular?
Commander tends to have lower power levels than formats like Standard, and the fact that games are slower makes them friendlier for new players.
7. How is Commander different from Standard?
Commander has a 100-card limit, with only one card of the same name (except basic lands), while Standard has a 60-card deck with a limit of four cards of the same name (except basic lands).
8. Can a Planeswalker be a Commander?
Some planeswalkers are unique in that they have the line “[CARDNAME] can be your commander,” which is an exception to the rule that your commander must be a legendary creature.
9. What is the easiest Magic format to play?
Standard is probably the easiest to start with, and with many LGS stabilizing after the 2020 pandemic, Paper Magic is finally accessible again.
10. Is MTG the hardest card game?
Magic: The Gathering is a challenging cerebral exercise, and thanks to a new scientific study, we know that it’s actually the most complex known real-world game.
11. What is the best 2-player Magic format?
Winston Draft is primarily a two-player format and is best with two players but can be played by up to four.
12. How many players do you need for Commander?
This format is for four players per game, and deck sizes are 99 cards + 1 commander card.
13. Why was Flash banned in Commander?
Flash finally ended up on the ban list in 2020, breaking up the Flash Hulk combo once again, as a result of the presence of Flash Hulk decks in cEDH (competitive EDH).
14. Can I use LOTR cards in Commander?
The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth cards with the LTR set code are permitted in the Modern format, as well as in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage.
15. Who is the strongest MTG Commander?
One of the strongest Commanders is Teysa Karlov, followed by The Ur-Dragon, Shirei, Shizo’s Caretaker, and Razaketh, The Foulblooded, among others.