Is Commander the Best Magic Format?
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The question of whether Commander is the best Magic: The Gathering format is subjective, yet it’s a conversation dominating the MTG community. While no single answer will satisfy every player, Commander’s massive popularity and unique appeal suggest it holds a special place in the hearts of many. The short answer? For casual, social, and creative deck-building, Commander arguably is the best format. But for cutthroat competition or quick matches, other formats might be more suitable. Let’s delve deeper into why Commander reigns supreme for a large portion of the player base and explore its pros and cons.
Why Commander’s Popularity is Soaring
Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), has steadily climbed the ranks to become MTG’s most popular format. Several factors contribute to its dominance:
Social Gaming at its Core
Unlike many other formats focusing on strict competition, Commander prioritizes social interaction. It’s designed for multiplayer games, fostering an environment where players can strategize, negotiate, and even engage in a little table talk banter. These social aspects make it enjoyable for groups of friends or playing at local game stores. Commander was designed with the social aspect of the game in mind, to be able to sit around with your friends or your play group at your local game store and have fun.
Unleashing Creativity and Individuality
In Commander, players build a 100-card singleton deck (no card repeated except basic lands) around a legendary creature, the “Commander”. This unique limitation inspires creativity and diverse strategies. Players can express their individuality through their deck’s theme and the unique combo’s they can create. This deck building element can really allow you to show off your deck-building, piloting, and even political skills.
Approachable for New Players
Commander’s lower power levels compared to formats like Standard make it a great starting point for new players. Games tend to develop slower, offering more opportunities to understand how different cards interact, reducing the likelihood of being overwhelmed by aggressive early-game tactics. It provides a relaxed environment to learn the ropes, where making mistakes is more forgiving. This format is a great jumping-off point for new Magic players and those returning to the game.
Format Diversity
Commander’s popularity is not due to being the only format. In fact, Magic: The Gathering’s diverse range of formats sets it apart from its TCG rivals like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh. There are many ways to play MTG, and each brings a unique spin to the game’s three decade-old formula.
Commander’s Drawbacks
Despite its many positives, Commander isn’t without its flaws:
Lengthy Games
Commander games tend to be much longer than other formats. While some players find this a benefit, allowing time for complex strategies to unfold, it might deter those who prefer shorter, quicker games.
Potential for Inconsistent Play
The singleton nature of the format can result in a variance in play. Sometimes players might not draw the cards they need, which can lead to frustrating situations. Relying on a specific combo and not drawing it can be tiresome to a player.
Not Designed for Pure Competition
Although there are competitive Commander (cEDH) tournaments, the core of Commander lies in its casual nature. Players seeking highly competitive, well-balanced formats might find it lacking. Commander is a casual format. However, there are Commander tournaments – these are technically competitive EDH (cEDH) games.
The Verdict
Ultimately, whether Commander is the “best” format depends on individual preferences. It’s a format built around creativity, social interaction, and slower-paced gameplay. If these aspects resonate with you, then yes, Commander might just be the best format for you. However, players looking for pure competition or quick matches might find more enjoyment in other formats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Commander format:
1. What is the official Commander format?
The official Commander format is a singleton format maintained by an outside entity, not directly by Wizards of the Coast. The mechanics are derived from a fan-created format known as “Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH)”.
2. How many players can play Commander?
Typically, Commander is designed for multiplayer games with three to four players. However, Duel Commander is a two-player variant with modified rules.
3. What is Duel Commander?
Duel Commander is a 1v1 variant of Commander. The life total is reduced to 20 to promote aggressive play. Each player is given 20 minutes per match and each match is best of 1 game.
4. What cards are banned in Commander?
A number of cards are banned in Commander due to their potential to create unfair or broken strategies. Some notable examples include: Primeval Titan, Fastbond, Tolarian Academy, Hullbreacher, and Flash. Many cards are also banned only as a commander such as: Edgar Markov, and Emry, Lurker of the Loch.
5. Why is Flash banned in Commander?
Flash was banned due to its ability to be abused in competitive EDH (cEDH), leading to overpowered combos, most notably Flash Hulk decks.
6. What is the best starting life total in Commander?
The standard starting life total in Commander is 40 for multiplayer games. Duel Commander uses 20 to encourage faster games.
7. What is Rule 0 in Commander?
Rule 0 is an unofficial rule that allows players to modify game rules in non-competitive games. All players must agree to the modifications before the game begins. It’s essentially house rules for Commander.
8. What is a good land ratio in a Commander deck?
Typically for a commander deck you will need 35-40 lands. For commanders or decks that rely heavily on landfall mechanics, or just lands in general, aim for 45-50.
9. What are some must-have cards in Commander?
Some popular and powerful cards often seen in Commander decks include: Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, Chaos Warp, Rhystic Study, and Swiftfoot Boots.
10. What is the easiest Magic format to play?
While opinions can vary, Standard format, played with current legal sets, is often considered among the easiest to learn.
11. Are the Walking Dead cards legal in Commander?
Yes, new cards from “The Walking Dead” crossover are legal in Commander but not in formats such as Standard.
12. What is cEDH?
cEDH stands for competitive EDH. This variant of Commander prioritizes optimization and fast, powerful wins, aiming to win tournaments.
13. What is the least played commander?
Some of the least-played commanders include: Sun Quan, Lord of Wu, Dragonlord Kolaghan, and Kalitas, Bloodchief of Ghet.
14. Why are some cards banned in commander?
Cards are generally banned from play if they enable a deck or play style that heavily skews the play environment. If a card is legal, players either must be playing it, or must be specifically targeting it with their own strategies.
15. Can you play Commander with 2 players?
Yes, you can play Commander with 2 players using the format called Duel Commander.