Is Emrakul Legal in Commander? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer to the question of whether Emrakul is legal in Commander isn’t straightforward across the board. It depends on which Emrakul you’re talking about. Emrakul, the Aeons Torn is currently banned in the Commander format. However, Emrakul, the Promised End is legal. This distinction is crucial for Commander players looking to harness the Eldrazi power. Let’s delve deeper into why one is banned and the other isn’t, along with other frequently asked questions about card legality in Commander.
Diving into Emrakul’s Commander Status
The original Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, is on the Commander banned list for a good reason. Its combination of protection from colored spells, flying, trample, and the infamous “take an extra turn” ability upon casting creates a massive advantage that is often game-ending. In a singleton format like Commander, where consistency is naturally lower, resolving Emrakul often leads to a swift victory, reducing the interactive and social aspect that defines the format. It’s simply too dominant and restricts deckbuilding diversity.
Emrakul, the Promised End, while still powerful, is not considered ban-worthy in the same way. While it does allow you to control an opponent during their turn, it lacks the protection of the original and is much more vulnerable to removal. Its effect, while potent, is temporary and doesn’t immediately win the game. Therefore, it doesn’t create the same level of oppressive gameplay as Emrakul, the Aeons Torn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Card Legality in Commander
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the complex landscape of card legality in the Commander format:
1. What determines card legality in Commander?
The Commander card pool is vast, including nearly all regulation-sized Magic cards printed by Wizards of the Coast. However, there are some key exceptions:
- Silver-bordered cards: Cards designed for humor and not tournament play (from sets like Unhinged and Unstable) are not legal.
- Gold-bordered cards: These are cards from World Championship decks and are not tournament legal.
- Cards with acorn-shaped security stamps: These cards are also designed for casual play and are not legal in Commander.
- Banned List: Cards explicitly listed on the Commander Banned List are, of course, illegal. This list is maintained by the Rules Committee and is updated periodically.
2. Are there any other types of cards that are illegal?
Yes, there are some less common categories:
- Cards referencing “playing for ante”: These cards are banned due to legal and ethical concerns around gambling.
- Cards deemed racially or culturally offensive: Wizards of the Coast has banned cards whose art, text, name, or combination thereof are deemed racially or culturally insensitive.
3. What sets are legal for Commander?
Essentially, every main set released by Wizards of the Coast, barring the exclusions listed above (silver borders, etc.) is legal for Commander. This includes everything from Alpha to the latest sets.
4. Why are some cards banned in Commander?
Cards are banned in Commander for a variety of reasons, generally falling under the categories of:
- Power Level: Cards that are simply too powerful and consistently lead to non-interactive, oppressive gameplay. Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, falls squarely into this category.
- Game Warping Effects: Cards that drastically alter the nature of the game, often leading to unfun or degenerate play patterns.
- Logistical Issues: Cards that create long, complex board states or require excessive tracking, slowing down the game.
- Unfair Early Advantage: Cards that give a player an overwhelming advantage early in the game, hindering other players’ ability to participate.
5. Is Emrakul, the Promised End banned in any other formats?
No. Emrakul, the Promised End was banned in Standard for a period but is currently legal in all other formats where it’s card set is legal, including Modern, Legacy, and Vintage.
6. Can I use a banned card if my playgroup allows it?
Absolutely. Commander is, at its heart, a social format. If your playgroup agrees to allow a banned card, you are free to do so. However, remember that this is a deviation from the official rules, and you shouldn’t expect to be able to use that card in organized Commander events.
7. Is every card legal as a Commander?
No. Some cards are banned specifically as Commanders, meaning they can be in the 99 of your deck, but can’t be used as the commander itself. These bans typically target cards whose abilities are particularly problematic when consistently available throughout the game.
8. Why is Primeval Titan banned in Commander?
Primeval Titan is banned due to its ability to repeatedly fetch powerful lands, creating significant mana advantage and overwhelming board states. In a format where land ramp is already prevalent, Primeval Titan exacerbates the problem, leading to predictable and dominant strategies.
9. Why is Iona, Shield of Emeria banned in Commander?
Iona, Shield of Emeria is banned because it can completely shut down entire decks based on a single color. While it costs nine mana, its ability to lock out an opponent from playing spells in their deck’s primary color is seen as too oppressive and non-interactive.
10. Why is Hullbreacher banned in Commander?
Hullbreacher is banned for its ability to punish players for drawing cards, turning wheel effects into one-sided advantages for the controller of Hullbreacher. This shuts down common draw strategies and generates overwhelming card and mana advantage.
11. Why is Sylvan Primordial banned in Commander?
Sylvan Primordial’s enter-the-battlefield effect, which destroys a noncreature permanent of each opponent and fetches a forest to the battlefield, is considered too powerful and easily abusable with blink and reanimation effects. Its repetitive removal and ramp create an unfair advantage.
12. What is the role of the Commander Rules Committee?
The Commander Rules Committee is responsible for maintaining the rules and banned list of the Commander format. They monitor the format for balance and enjoyment, making adjustments as needed. They often solicit feedback from the community to inform their decisions.
13. Where can I find the latest Commander banned list?
The most up-to-date Commander Banned List can be found on the official website, usually on the Wizards of the Coast website. Make sure to always check for the most recent list before building or modifying your Commander decks.
14. If a card is banned in other formats, does that mean it is also banned in Commander?
Not necessarily. Card bans are format-specific. For example, a card banned in Modern might be perfectly legal in Commander, and vice-versa. Each format has its own unique considerations and balance points.
15. Can I suggest cards to be added or removed from the Commander banned list?
Yes, you can! The Commander Rules Committee actively seeks feedback from the community. You can usually find forums or social media channels where you can express your opinions and concerns about card legality. Participating in these discussions can help shape the future of the Commander format. You can also learn more about the game and the community through resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores the educational and social aspects of gaming.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of card legality in Commander is essential for enjoying the format to its fullest. While Emrakul, the Aeons Torn remains a forbidden threat, Emrakul, the Promised End offers a legal avenue to explore the power of the Eldrazi. Staying informed about the banned list and the reasoning behind it will help you build decks that are both powerful and respectful of the social contract that defines Commander. Happy brewing!