Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is one of the most beloved and unique formats in Magic: The Gathering. It’s a multiplayer format where players construct decks using a pool of over 20,000 different Magic cards, each with their unique abilities and interactions. The format is famous for its singleton rule, meaning you can only include one copy of each non-basic land card in your deck, and for its use of legendary creatures as commanders. But there’s one question that often arises in the world of Commander: Can you have 100 cards in your Commander deck?
What is Commander?
Commander is a casual and social Magic: The Gathering format that emphasizes multiplayer gameplay. It is distinct from other formats in several ways. One of the most defining characteristics is the use of legendary creatures as commanders. Each player chooses a legendary creature as their commander, which starts the game in the command zone. Players can cast their commander from the command zone, and it’s a central piece of their strategy.
The 100-Card Deck Limit
In Commander, players usually construct a deck of exactly 100 cards. This includes their commander, which is an integral part of the deck. The singleton rule applies to all non-basic land cards in the deck, meaning you can’t have duplicate cards. But why the 100-card limit, and is it possible to build a 100-card Commander deck?
History of Commander
Commander has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Magic: The Gathering. It originated as a grassroots format played by a group of judges, and it gained popularity through word of mouth. The format was initially known as Elder Dragon Highlander because players could only use legendary creatures, often referred to as “Elder Dragons,” as their commanders.
Evolution of Rules
Over the years, the Commander evolved, and the rules were refined. The format was officially recognized by Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Magic: The Gathering, and it became an integral part of Magic culture. With the growth of the format came the establishment of the Commander Rules Committee (RC), which oversees rules and ban lists for commanders.
Understanding Commander Deck Building
The Commander singleton rule, also known as the “Highlander” rule, means that you can’t include more than one copy of any non-basic land card in your deck. This rule encourages deck diversity and ensures that no two games are alike. It also makes players explore a wide variety of cards in Magic’s extensive history.
Commander Choice
Selecting the right commander is crucial in Commander. Your commander not only determines your deck’s colors but also its overall strategy. Different commanders have unique abilities that can significantly impact your gameplay.
Deck Size
A Commander deck typically consists of 100 cards, as mentioned earlier. The 100-card limit is part of the format’s charm, as it pushes players to carefully consider each card’s inclusion.
Card Selection
Commander deck building involves choosing cards that support your commander’s abilities and your chosen strategy. Your deck should be a well-balanced combination of creatures, spells, and artefacts.
Mana Base
Building a Commander deck requires attention to the mana base. You need to ensure you have the right mix of land and mana sources to support your deck’s colour requirements.
Singleton Rule Exceptions
While most cards in your deck must adhere to the singleton rule, there are exceptions. Basic lands, for instance, can be included in any quantity. Additionally, if a card explicitly allows you to bypass the singleton rule, you can include multiple copies.
The Quest for 100 Cards
Building a 100-card Commander deck may sound straightforward, but it’s not as easy as simply adding 100 cards to your decklist. Many considerations come into play, and it’s essential to understand the format’s nuances.
Challenges
One of the challenges of constructing a 100-card deck is ensuring that every card contributes to your overall strategy. Unlike smaller formats where you can have playsets of cards, in Commander, you need to find a way to maintain a cohesive strategy with a variety of cards.
Card Draw
Card draw becomes a vital aspect of a 100-card Commander deck. You’ll need ways to consistently draw cards to ensure you have the options you need when you need them.
Tutor Effects
Tutor effects, cards that allow you to search your library for specific cards, are valuable in Commander. They help you find your key cards in a 100-card deck.
Ramp
Mana ramp, or the ability to generate more mana than your opponents, is essential in Commander. You’ll need to include mana ramp cards to keep up with the larger deck size.
Win Conditions
Every Commander deck needs win conditions. You must determine how you plan to win the game, whether it’s through combat, combos, or alternate win conditions.
Deck Thinning
Deck thinning involves removing undesirable cards from your library. In a 100-card deck, it can be challenging to draw the cards you need consistently. Deck thinning helps improve your odds.
Meta Considerations
The Commander metagame, or the specific environment you play in, can impact your deck-building decisions. Understanding your local meta can help you tailor your deck for success.
Pros and Cons of a 100-Card Commander Deck
Advantages
- Variety: A 100-card deck allows for a wide range of strategies and interactions.
- Challenge: Building and piloting a 100-card deck can be intellectually stimulating.
- Unpredictability: Larger decks make games less predictable, leading to unexpected outcomes.
Disadvantages
- Inconsistency: Larger decks may struggle with card drawing and finding key pieces.
- Mana Issues: It can be challenging to have the right mana sources in a 100-card deck.
- Slower Games: With more cards in each deck, games can take longer to finish.
Legendary Creatures and Their Impact
Commander is unique for its use of legendary creatures as commanders. These creatures have a rich history and often have powerful abilities that influence the entire game.
Unique Abilities
Legendary creatures often have abilities that are not found in non-legendary creatures. This uniqueness adds depth and complexity to Commander’s games.
Deck Archetypes
Legendary creatures are often associated with specific deck archetypes. Some commanders are known for leading tribal decks, while others support control or combo strategies.
Legendary Creatures with High Demand
Certain legendary creatures become highly sought after by Commander players due to their powerful abilities and synergies with specific strategies.
Commanders and Deck Size
While most Commander decks consist of 100 cards, there are exceptions. Some commanders allow for decks of different sizes, such as Oloro, and Ageless Ascetic, who permit decks of any size.
Strategies for 100-Card Decks
When building a 100-card Commander deck, it’s essential to tailor your strategy to fit the format’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Commanders with Synergies
Some commanders have abilities that directly complement a 100-card deck strategy. These commanders are popular choices for players looking to maximize their deck’s potential.
Command Zone and Deck Construction
The command zone, where your commander begins the game, impacts your deck’s construction. The ability to cast your commander from the command zone shapes your mana curve and game plan.
Commanders’ Influence on Card Choices
Your choice of commander can significantly impact the cards you include in your deck. Your commander’s abilities should synergize with the rest of your deck.
Command Tax
As you cast your commander from the command zone, its cost increases. This command tax can influence your deck’s ramp and overall strategy.
Deck Building Techniques
Some players enjoy building thematic Commander decks, focusing on a specific concept, lore, or flavour. These decks often tell a story through their card choices.
Competitive Deck Building
Competitive Commander players aim to build optimized decks that can compete at the highest levels. These decks prioritize efficiency and consistency.
Casual Deck Building
Casual Commander players may prioritize fun and social interactions over competitiveness. Casual decks often feature unique and quirky card choices.
Playtesting and Fine-Tuning
Before taking your Commander deck to your local playgroup, it’s essential to playtest it extensively. This helps you understand how your deck performs and where it may need adjustments.
Adapting to Your Meta
The Commander metagame varies from one playgroup to another. Understanding your local meta allows you to adapt your deck to compete more effectively.
Fine-Tuning Your 100-Card Deck
Commander decks are never truly finished. Fine-tuning involves making adjustments based on your playtesting and metagame knowledge.
Notable Commanders for 100-Card Decks
- Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice: Atraxa is known for her proliferation abilities and is a popular choice for players interested in +1/+1 counters and planeswalkers.
- Meren of Clan Nel Toth: Meren is a graveyard-focused commander, allowing players to bring creatures back from the dead.
- Edgar Markov: Edgar leads vampire tribal decks, focusing on aggressive strategies.
Unique Commanders
- Zedruu the Greathearted: Zedruu allows players to donate enchantments to opponents, creating unique political interactions.
- Sasaya, Orochi Ascendant: Sasaya transforms into a powerful ramp engine once you have sufficient land.
- Mishra, Artificer Prodigy: Mishra’s unique ability interacts with the stack and offers intriguing deck-building possibilities.
Win Conditions
Traditional win conditions in Commander involve reducing your opponents’ life totals to zero. This can be achieved through combat damage or direct damage spells.
Alternate Win Conditions
Some decks aim to win through alternate means, such as milling opponents’ libraries or achieving specific in-game conditions.
Combo Win Conditions
Combos, where specific cards create a powerful interaction, are a common path to victory in Commander. Players often build their decks around combo strategies.
Deck Optimization
Identifying synergistic combos within your 100-card deck is a key aspect of deck optimization. Combos can provide powerful and unexpected ways to win.
In a 100-card deck, a consistent card draw is essential. Including card draw engines ensures you have access to the right answers and threats at the right time.
Removal and Protection
Removal spells and protective cards help you navigate the complex interactions of Commander games. It’s crucial to include answers to threats and ways to protect your board.
Mana Optimization
Commander decks often require complex mana bases due to their multicoloured nature. Proper mana optimization ensures you have the right colours of mana when you need them.
The Social Aspect of Commander
Commander games are known for their political interactions. Players can form alliances, make deals, and negotiate to advance their positions in the game.
Table Etiquette
Table etiquette is vital in Commander. Being respectful, communicating clearly, and understanding the social contract of the playgroup make games more enjoyable for everyone.
Social Contracts
A social contract in Commander refers to the unspoken or agreed-upon rules within a playgroup. It sets expectations for the type of games players want to experience.
Budget Considerations
Not all Commander decks need to be expensive. Many budget-friendly options can be competitive and fun to play.
Costly Cards
While budget decks are accessible, Commander also has a range of expensive cards that can significantly impact gameplay. Understanding your budget is essential when constructing a deck.
Alternatives
Players looking for alternatives to expensive cards can often find budget-friendly options with similar effects or synergies.
The Future of Commander
Commander continues to evolve, with new cards and sets introducing exciting possibilities. The format’s rules committee adapts to ensure a dynamic and balanced play experience.
New Sets and Commander
New Magic sets introduce new commanders and cards that can shape the Commander metagame. Players often eagerly anticipate the release of new sets to see how they’ll impact the format.
Conclusion
Yes, you can have 100 cards in a Commander deck. The format’s rules and singleton nature make it a unique and challenging format for deck building. While 100 cards may seem daunting, it’s an essential part of what makes Commander a beloved and enduring format.
Commander’s popularity endures because of its unique deck-building challenges, social interactions, and the wide variety of legendary creatures and strategies available. Whether you’re new to the format or a seasoned veteran, Commander offers a vibrant and ever-evolving Magic: The Gathering experience.
