Understanding Precon Power Levels in Commander: A Comprehensive Guide
Preconstructed Commander decks, or precons, typically sit at a power level of 4-5. These decks offer a taste of the Commander format, showcasing a particular theme and focus, but they are often held back by budget lands, some less-than-optimal card choices, and the absence of truly game-ending combos. Think of them as a solid starting point, a level 1 entry into the expansive world of Commander. While functional, precons are designed to be upgraded and customized to truly shine.
Deconstructing Precon Power
Precons are intentionally designed with certain limitations to make them accessible to newer players and to encourage deck building. They serve as a foundation, not a final product. This is reflected in a few key areas:
- Manabase: The land base is almost always the most noticeable area for improvement. Precons often include a high number of basic lands and simple dual lands, lacking the efficient fetch lands, shock lands, and other nonbasic lands that contribute to smoother mana fixing and faster gameplay at higher power levels.
- Card Quality: While precons include some powerful cards synergistic with the theme, they also contain a number of less impactful cards that are included for flavor, budget, or to fill out the deck. Replacing these with more efficient and impactful options is a key upgrade path.
- Combo Potential: Precons rarely contain truly deterministic combos capable of ending the game quickly. While they may have some synergistic interactions, they generally lack the redundancy and resilience needed to consistently assemble game-winning combinations.
- Strategy Refinement: The overall strategy of a precon is often somewhat broad and unfocused. Upgrading involves honing in on a specific game plan and adding cards that contribute directly to that plan.
Assessing Power Levels in Commander: A Broader Perspective
Before diving into FAQs, let’s briefly touch on the broader Commander power level spectrum:
- Level 1-3 (Low Power): Highly casual decks with significant budget restrictions, often featuring inconsistent gameplay and minimal interaction.
- Level 4-6 (Mid Power): Decks that have been upgraded from precons or built with a clear theme in mind. They feature some powerful cards and synergies, but still have weaknesses and inconsistencies.
- Level 7-8 (High Power Casual): Well-tuned decks with strong synergy, efficient mana bases, and the potential for explosive turns. These decks aim to win consistently and efficiently, but still prioritize fun and interaction. They run a few pet cards for personal enjoyment.
- Level 9-10 (Competitive EDH – cEDH): Hyper-optimized decks designed to win as quickly and reliably as possible. They feature fast mana, tutors, stax pieces, and deterministic combos. The goal is purely victory, often at the expense of longer, more interactive games.
Now, let’s address some common questions about Commander power levels and precons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I determine the power level of my Commander deck?
A good starting point is to consider the turn count in which your deck typically establishes complete dominance. Goldfishing (playing the deck solo against an imaginary opponent) and playing multiple games against different decks can help you determine this. Also, evaluate the efficiency of your mana base, the power level of individual cards, and the presence of game-ending combos. A more detailed assessment involves considering the type of interaction, the speed of the deck, and the overall strategy. The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ also publishes research on game theory and power levels.
2. What are the key indicators of a Level 7 Commander deck?
Level 7 decks are well-tuned for their intended purpose, running a smooth mana base and efficient cards. They are optimized for a specific strategy and consistently threaten to win or establish a dominant board state.
3. What is the best way to upgrade a precon Commander deck?
Start by identifying the weakest cards in the deck and those that don’t contribute to the overall strategy. Upgrade the mana base with more efficient lands. Add more powerful cards that synergize with the commander and theme. Consider including some removal spells and interaction to disrupt your opponents’ plans.
4. Are all precons created equal in terms of power level?
No. While they generally fall within the 4-5 range, some precons are more powerful out of the box than others. This can depend on the commander, the overall synergy of the deck, and the inclusion of valuable cards that are easily upgraded. Some precons are known to be strong like the Necron Dynasties and the Draconic Domination decks.
5. How important is the mana base in a Commander deck’s power level?
Extremely important. An efficient mana base allows you to consistently cast your spells on time, enabling you to execute your game plan more effectively. A strong mana base is crucial for reaching higher power levels.
6. What is “goldfishing” in Magic: The Gathering?
Goldfishing involves playing your deck solo, without an opponent, to test its consistency and speed. You draw your starting hand and play out turns as if you were playing against a non-interactive opponent. This helps you determine how quickly your deck can execute its game plan.
7. What role do tutors play in Commander power level?
Tutors (cards that allow you to search your library for a specific card) increase the consistency of your deck by allowing you to find key pieces for your strategy or game-winning combos. The more tutors a deck has, the more reliably it can execute its plan, contributing to a higher power level.
8. What is the difference between a casual and a competitive (cEDH) Commander deck?
Casual Commander decks prioritize fun, interaction, and theme over pure efficiency. cEDH decks, on the other hand, are hyper-optimized for speed and consistency, aiming to win as quickly as possible, often through fast combos or stax strategies.
9. How does the inclusion of board wipes affect a deck’s power level?
Board wipes provide a way to reset the board state and disrupt opponents’ strategies, particularly in response to overwhelming board presence. Including appropriate board wipes helps you survive longer and gives you the chance to rebuild.
10. Should I always aim to build the most powerful Commander deck possible?
Not necessarily. The best power level for your deck depends on the playgroup you are playing with. It’s important to build a deck that is appropriate for the power level of your opponents to ensure fair and enjoyable games for everyone. Communication is key!
11. How many lands should I include in my Commander deck?
The ideal number of lands is generally around 35-40, but this can vary depending on your deck’s mana curve and the number of mana rocks you are running. Adjust based on your own testing and experience.
12. What are some examples of powerful commanders that often lead to high-power decks?
Commanders like Korvold, Fae-Cursed King, Urza, Lord High Artificer, and The Ur-Dragon are often associated with powerful decks due to their inherent card advantage, mana generation, or synergistic abilities.
13. What is a “stax” strategy in Commander?
“Stax” refers to a strategy that aims to restrict opponents’ resources and prevent them from playing their spells effectively. This can involve cards that tax mana costs, limit land plays, or prevent certain types of actions. Stax strategies are often employed in competitive Commander to slow down opponents and disrupt their combos.
14. How important is interaction (counterspells, removal) in a Commander deck?
Interaction is crucial for preventing opponents from executing their game plans and protecting your own threats. A well-rounded Commander deck should include a mix of counterspells, removal spells, and other forms of interaction.
15. If a Precon says it is a level 7, what is the true level?
Precons are rarely accurately represented in their power level, from the box. They will be more likely around the 4-5 range. A preconstructed deck may be able to get to a power level 7, once upgraded.