Is MTG Commander More Popular Than Standard? Unpacking Magic’s Most Beloved Formats

The question of whether Commander or Standard reigns supreme in the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a complex one, and the answer isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. While Standard is undeniably the most popular format on MTG Arena, boasting the largest share of games played online, Commander takes the crown for paper Magic. Commander has become the most popular MTG format and dominated the casual scene. This means that when players gather around kitchen tables, at local game stores, or at conventions, you’re more likely to find them shuffling up a 100-card singleton deck than a 60-card Standard build.

Commander: The Reigning Champion of Casual Play

Why Commander’s Popularity Exploded

Commander, originally known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), began as a fan-made format in the late 1990s. Wizards of the Coast officially adopted it in the early 2010s, and it has exploded in popularity since then. Several key factors contribute to Commander’s widespread appeal:

• Casual Nature: Commander is, at its core, a casual format. This makes it easier for new players to approach than competitive formats like Standard. The social aspect is paramount, emphasizing fun and interaction over cutthroat competition.
• Deckbuilding Freedom: The 100-card singleton rule (only one copy of each card, except basic lands) forces players to be creative and resourceful. This leads to unique and diverse deck archetypes.
• Political Intrigue: The format is primarily played with four players, each starting with 40 life. This creates a dynamic and often chaotic environment where alliances are formed, broken, and reformed.
• Lower Power Levels: Games tend to be slower and more forgiving, giving new players time to learn and develop their strategies.
• Format for Beginners: Commander is a great jumping-off point for new Magic players and those returning to the game

Commander’s Unique Appeal

Commander is all about big, splashy plays and creating memorable moments. The higher life totals and multiplayer aspect allow for “insane card combinations and massively powerful interactions.” This contrasts sharply with the faster, more linear gameplay often found in Standard.

Standard: The Arena King and Gateway to Competitive MTG

The Digital Dominance of Standard

While Commander thrives in the physical realm, Standard remains king on MTG Arena. This is largely due to the game’s structure, which incentivizes players to build Standard-legal decks and compete in ranked play. It is the most popular format on MTG Arena, accounting for the largest share of games played in the various queues.

What is Standard?

Standard is a rotating format consisting of the most recent sets of MTG cards. This keeps the format fresh and dynamic, requiring players to constantly update their decks to stay competitive. The format’s core characteristics include:

• 60-Card Decks: Players construct decks of at least 60 cards, with up to four copies of each card (except basic lands).
• 20 Life: Games begin with players at 20 life.
• Faster Gameplay: Standard games tend to be shorter and more focused on efficiency and aggression.
• Competitive Focus: Standard is a popular format for competitive play, from local game store tournaments to high-level events.
• Easier to Approach Standard also tends to have lower power levels and the fact that games are slower makes them friendlier for new players, as they’re less likely to be demolished by an aggressive opponent in the first few turns.

Standard vs. Commander: A Matter of Preference

Ultimately, the choice between Commander and Standard comes down to personal preference. Standard appeals to players who enjoy:

• Competitive play
• Dynamic, ever-changing metagames
• Faster, more streamlined gameplay
• The digital convenience of MTG Arena

Commander, on the other hand, is a better fit for players who value:

• Social interaction
• Creative deckbuilding
• Big, splashy plays
• A more relaxed and casual experience
• A multiplayer format where players construct 100-card decks, with each card (except basic lands) appearing no more than once

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Commander a good format for beginners? Yes! Commander’s casual nature and slower pace make it a great entry point for new players. It’s also relatively easy to build a Commander deck.

2. Is Commander more expensive than Standard? It depends. While a budget Commander deck can be built relatively cheaply, high-end Commander decks can become very expensive due to the inclusion of rare and sought-after cards.

3. Can I use my Commander deck in Standard? No, Commander decks are not legal in Standard due to the different deck size requirements and card pool restrictions. Most commander deck have cards in them that are not standard legal.

4. What is the power level of Commander decks? Commander power levels vary widely. Some decks are designed for casual play, while others are highly optimized and competitive.

5. Are there competitive Commander tournaments? Yes, while Commander is primarily a casual format, there are competitive variations (often referred to as cEDH) with optimized decks and strategic gameplay.

6. How does Commander differ from other formats? Commander differs from other constructed Magic formats, require a minimum 60-card deck and player’s begin with 20 life. Additionally, Standard games are relatively short, lasting about 20 minutes. Commander games, on the other hand, can go anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Standard is also a competitive format.

7. What are some popular Commander archetypes? Popular archetypes include tribal decks (e.g., Elves, Goblins), control decks, combo decks, and Voltron decks (decks focused on equipping and enchanting the commander).

8. How many players can play Commander? Commander is primarily played with four players, each with their own deck.

9. When did Commander become popular? Commander debuted as a fan-made format in the late 1990s called Elder Dragon Highlander, also called EDH or Highlander for short.

10. What is the least played commander? Sun Quan, Lord of Wu.

11. Can you play Commander 1v1? Casual format that can be enjoyed by everyone. Cards in this format do not rotate.

12. Is Standard a 1V1 format? Standard, as well as most constructed Magic formats, require a minimum 60-card deck and player’s begin with 20 life.

13. What kind of people play Magic? Social Gamers – They just want to play with others. They also know that sometimes playing decks around big effects will win just often enough for everyone to have a turn. Adrenaline Junkies – They thrive on playing spells with unpredictable effects.

14. What is Commander also called? Commander debuted as a fan-made format in the late 1990s called Elder Dragon Highlander, also called EDH or Highlander for short.

15. Why is Commander so fun? Commander players begin the game with 40 life and face up to three opponents at the table. Not only does this add to the casual nature of the game, it provides players with the ability to pull off insane card combinations and massively powerful interactions – often without ending the game.

The Future of MTG Formats

Both Commander and Standard continue to be vibrant and evolving formats within the MTG ecosystem. While Standard remains a crucial gateway to competitive play and thrives on MTG Arena, Commander’s enduring popularity as a casual, social format solidifies its place as the most widely played form of paper Magic. The enduring success of both formats speaks to the versatility and depth of Magic: The Gathering as a whole, ensuring there’s a way to play for every type of player.

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