Is Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer Legal in Commander? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: No, Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer is not legal in the standard Commander format. This might come as a surprise to some, given its prevalence in other formats like Modern and its popularity overall. While it’s not a legal commander, it’s important to understand why, and also to delve into related rules and alternative Commander formats where it is legal.
The Ban Hammer Falls: Why Ragavan is Banned
Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer is a powerful one-mana creature known for its ability to generate Treasure tokens and potentially cast cards from your opponents’ decks. While these abilities are powerful in 1v1 scenarios, they become especially problematic in multi-player Commander. In the format, the ability to generate extra mana and steal resources across several players was considered too disruptive for the format’s intended social and balanced experience.
The Commander Rules Committee (CRC) made the decision to ban Ragavan not because it is a single game breaking strategy, but it is that it was too powerful to not be included in decks. Banning cards such as Emrakul that would be added to almost every deck is to make the deck building process less restrictive.
Exploring the Nuances of Commander and Its Variants
It’s crucial to understand that “Commander” isn’t one monolithic entity. Different variations of the format have different rules and banned lists. The most common, multiplayer Commander, has a particular set of rules enforced by the Commander Rules Committee. However, alternative versions like Duel Commander have their own specific rulesets. In Duel Commander, a 1v1 version of commander, Ragavan was banned.
Ragavan in Other Formats
Ragavan’s legality status varies across formats, including Historic Brawl. In Historic Brawl, Ragavan is not only legal, but it’s also one of the format’s most popular and powerful commanders.
This difference underscores the importance of understanding which ruleset you’re playing under. What is legal in one format can be banned in another for different reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ragavan and Commander
Is Ragavan legal as a Commander in standard multiplayer Commander?
No, Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer is not legal as a Commander in the standard multiplayer Commander format due to the ban by the Commander Rules Committee. It is not legal in the 99 of your deck either.
Why was Ragavan banned in Commander?
Ragavan was banned in standard Commander due to its powerful combination of card advantage, mana generation, and disruption in a multiplayer setting. The decision was made to maintain the intended social and balanced nature of the format.
Is Ragavan banned in all Commander formats?
No, Ragavan is not banned in all Commander formats. It is banned in standard multiplayer Commander and in Duel Commander. However, it remains legal in some formats like Historic Brawl, where it is considered a powerful commander.
What is Duel Commander?
Duel Commander is a 1v1 variant of Commander with its own unique ruleset and banned list. Ragavan is banned in Duel Commander, alongside other cards that are not legal in standard commander.
Can I use Ragavan in the 99 of my Commander deck?
No. The ban on Ragavan applies to both the commander slot and to inclusion in the 99. You cannot include it in your deck in standard multiplayer commander.
What makes Ragavan so strong?
Ragavan’s strength stems from its ability to generate Treasure tokens, providing extra mana, and potentially cast spells from your opponents’ decks. This combination makes it a powerful card advantage engine, especially in the early game.
Does Ragavan ignore Commander tax?
No, Ragavan does not ignore commander tax. Like any other commander, you will need to pay the commander tax each time you recast Ragavan from the command zone after it has been put in a graveyard.
Can I play lands with Ragavan’s triggered ability?
No, Ragavan’s ability only allows you to cast spell cards, not play lands. It does not allow you to put a land from your opponents hand or deck into play.
Is Ragavan legal in Historic Brawl?
Yes, Ragavan is legal and is a popular and powerful commander in Historic Brawl. The rules and banned list for Historic Brawl differ from standard Commander.
What other cards are banned in standard Commander?
The list of banned cards in standard Commander is extensive, including cards like Ancestral Recall, Black Lotus, Biorhythm, Braids, Cabal Minion, Chaos Orb, Channel, Coalition Victory, and many others. The Commander Rules Committee regularly reviews and updates this list.
Why are cards like Ancestral Recall and Black Lotus banned?
Cards like Ancestral Recall and Black Lotus are banned because they are exceptionally powerful cards that would be overly dominant in the format if left unchecked. These cards create such a power level and consistency to decks that they become very unfun and can ruin the overall experience of the game.
Why is Biorhythm banned in Commander?
Biorhythm is banned in Commander because it was deemed problematic, especially with the power creep in creatures, as it was easily abused as a kill condition, and therefore became a must include in most green decks.
Why is Chaos Orb banned in Commander?
Chaos Orb is banned because it requires physical dexterity to use, which may be difficult for some players, and also because of the issues surrounding physical actions with the card.
Is Protean Hulk banned in Commander?
No, Protean Hulk is not currently banned in Commander. It was banned at one time but was later unbanned by the Commander Rules Committee. It does see play in combo decks in the format.
Where can I find the complete list of banned cards in standard Commander?
The most up-to-date list of banned cards for standard Commander can be found on the official website of the Commander Rules Committee.
Final Thoughts
Ragavan’s ban in standard Commander highlights the delicate balance the Commander Rules Committee strives to maintain. While this powerful card might shine in other formats, its presence in standard Commander was deemed too disruptive for the format’s intended experience. Understanding these nuances is essential for any player looking to navigate the various formats of Magic: The Gathering. Knowing the difference between standard multiplayer Commander, Duel Commander and other formats like Historic Brawl will help you play your game to its fullest potential.