The Legendary Creature Rule in Commander: A Comprehensive Guide
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The legendary creature rule in Commander, like in all other Magic: The Gathering formats, is straightforward but crucial: if a player controls two or more legendary permanents with the same name, that player must choose one of those permanents and put all the others into their owner’s graveyard. This is a state-based action, meaning it happens automatically whenever the game checks for such conditions, and no player can respond to it. This rule prevents players from having multiple copies of the same unique legendary character on the battlefield at once. In Commander, this applies not only to creatures but also to legendary planeswalkers and other legendary permanent types. Understanding this rule is essential for building and playing effective Commander decks. Let’s delve deeper into how this rule affects Commander gameplay and address some common questions.
Understanding the Legendary Rule in Commander
The legendary rule is designed to enforce the idea that legendary characters are unique. In the context of the game’s lore, it wouldn’t make sense to have multiple copies of, say, Gisela, the Broken Blade running around at the same time. The rule triggers immediately when a player controls multiple legendary permanents that share the same name. There is no opportunity for other players to interact with this process, meaning you can’t use an ability to save the one you want to sacrifice.
How Does It Work?
When the game checks state-based actions, usually after a spell or ability resolves, it checks for legendary permanents with the same name controlled by the same player. If such a situation is detected, that player must immediately choose which one to keep, and all the others are placed in their owner’s graveyards. This choice is made by the player controlling the multiple permanents, and there is no choice involved from any other players at the table.
Why Does It Matter in Commander?
In Commander, this rule is particularly relevant due to the prominence of legendary creatures. Since the core of the format revolves around having a legendary creature as your Commander, understanding when and how the legendary rule will be enforced is crucial for both deck building and game play. The legendary rule interacts with several common cards and mechanics in the format including, copy effects and cards that enable reanimation of creatures.
Commander’s Unique Applications
The legendary rule in Commander directly ties into the use of legendary planeswalkers as Commanders. Unlike standard rules where a player must use a legendary creature for their commander, certain planeswalkers have text specifically stating that they “can be your commander”. The legendary rule for planeswalkers is slightly more nuanced. If two planeswalkers have the same “type” in their name, like two different versions of Jace, a player is prohibited from having them both on the battlefield at the same time. This ensures even planeswalkers that can be commanders are subject to the limitations of the rule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the legendary rule and its application in the Commander format:
1. Can any legendary creature be your commander?
No. While generally you do use a legendary creature as your commander, only a single legendary creature can be your commander. Some unique legendary cards, called Partner cards, allow you to have two commanders. Certain planeswalkers also include the line “this card can be your commander”.
2. What is the color identity rule and how does it apply to Commanders?
A commander’s color identity determines which cards can be in the deck. The commander’s color identity is based on the colors of mana symbols appearing on the card, including mana symbols in its activated or triggered abilities.
3. Can I have two legendary planeswalkers on the field at the same time?
Yes, you can have multiple planeswalkers on the field at the same time, provided they do not share the same name, regardless of their card names. You can’t have two copies of a planeswalker that has the same type, such as two different versions of Jace.
4. Can you have two commanders with the Partner ability?
Yes. If two legendary creatures have the “partner with [name]” ability, they can be used as dual commanders. However, you can’t designate two legendary cards as your commander if one has a “partner with [name]” ability and the other isn’t the named card.
5. What is Commander Rule 11?
Commander Rule 11 states that the only cards that are allowed to be brought in from outside the game are Companions.
6. How does Commander damage work?
A player that is dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game loses the game. This damage is tracked across zones, even if the commander changes control.
7. What are some good cards to include in every Commander deck?
Some highly recommended staples for Commander decks include Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, Chaos Warp, Rhystic Study, Heroic Intervention, Swiftfoot Boots, Swords to Plowshares, and Blasphemous Act.
8. What is “Rule 0” in Commander?
Rule 0 is an unofficial rule that allows players to modify the rules of a non-competitive game, provided everyone in the playgroup agrees to the changes beforehand.
9. Can an opponent steal my commander?
Yes, your commander can be taken by an opponent. While you do have the option of returning your commander to the command zone if it would leave the battlefield, your opponent can use it until it has to leave play.
10. Does deathtouch work on planeswalkers?
No, deathtouch does not affect planeswalkers. Deathtouch only applies to creatures dealing damage, not planeswalkers.
11. Can you have multiple copies of a legendary creature with different names out at the same time?
Yes. You can have as many legendary creatures as you can play, provided each has a unique name.
12. Can you have multiple versions of the same planeswalker out at the same time?
No, you cannot have multiple planeswalkers with the same type (i.e., “Jace”) on the battlefield simultaneously.
13. Can a card copy of a legendary creature ignore the legendary rule?
No, a copied legendary creature will trigger the legendary rule. The player who controls the copies must choose one to keep and put all the others into the graveyard.
14. Is there a way to remove the legendary rule?
Yes, the card Mirror Gallery removes the legendary rule. While it’s on the battlefield, you can have multiple legendary permanents with the same name in play.
15. Can Nicol Bolas the Ravager be a Commander?
Yes, Nicol Bolas, the Ravager can be your commander.
By understanding the legendary rule, players can make more informed decisions when building decks and navigating gameplay in the Commander format. Remember to pay attention to the names of your legendary cards, and how the rule applies to both creatures and planeswalkers. This understanding will enhance your game strategy and prevent unwanted sacrifices of valuable cards.