Can Desertion Steal Commanders?
Desertion is a powerful mechanic in Commander format, allowing players to remove a commander from the game. But can desertion actually steal commanders? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and examine the implications of desertion in Commander games.
Direct Answer: Yes, Desertion Can Steal Commanders
In Commander, a commander is a type of permanent that represents a player’s primary strategy. When a commander is removed from the game, it’s considered "stolen" and can no longer be used by the original player. Desertion is a way to remove a commander from the game, making it possible for the other player to take control of the stolen commander.
How Desertion Works
Desertion is a self-replacement effect that allows a player to remove a commander from the game and replace it with a new commander from their deck. When a player uses desertion, they search their deck for a new commander, reveal it, and then discard the original commander. This means that the original commander is no longer in the game, and the new commander is now under the control of the player who used desertion.
Implications of Desertion
Desertion has several implications for Commander games:
• Commander Swap: Desertion allows players to swap commanders, potentially disrupting the original player’s strategy.
• Card Advantage: By removing an opponent’s commander, desertion can give the player who used it a significant advantage in terms of card advantage.
• Game State Change: Desertion can completely change the game state, as the new commander brings new abilities and possibilities to the game.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about desertion in Commander:
• Desertion is a self-replacement effect: Desertion allows a player to replace their own commander with a new one from their deck.
• Commanders can be stolen: When a player uses desertion, they remove the original commander from the game, making it possible for the other player to take control of the stolen commander.
• Card advantage: Desertion can provide a significant advantage in terms of card advantage, as the new commander brings new abilities and possibilities to the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, desertion is a powerful mechanic in Commander that can steal commanders and disrupt opponents’ strategies. By understanding how desertion works and its implications for Commander games, players can incorporate this mechanic into their strategy and improve their chances of winning.
Example Decklist
Here’s an example decklist that showcases a desertion strategy:
- 4 x Luxior, Giada’s Gift
- 2 x Desertion
- 1 x Command Tower
- 1 x Maze of Ith
- 1 x Sylvok Explorer
This decklist includes a combination of commander-removing cards (such as Desertion and Maze of Ith) and card draw effects (such as Command Tower) to help the player find their new commander quickly. The Luxior, Giada’s Gift provides a potential commander-removing ability, while the Sylvok Explorer provides card advantage.
Deckbuilding Tips
Here are some deckbuilding tips for incorporating desertion into your Commander deck:
- Include multiple commander-removing cards: In addition to Desertion, consider including other commander-removing cards like Maze of Ith and Lure.
- Choose commanders with removal abilities: Select commanders with built-in removal abilities, such as Luxior, Giada’s Gift and Daretti, Scrap Savant.
- Incorporate card draw effects: Include card draw effects like Command Tower and Sylvok Explorer to help the player find their new commander quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about desertion in Commander:
Q: Can I use desertion to remove my own commander?
A: Yes, you can use desertion to remove your own commander and replace it with a new one from your deck.
Q: Can I use desertion to steal an opponent’s commander?
A: No, desertion only allows you to remove your own commander and replace it with a new one. You cannot use desertion to steal an opponent’s commander.
Q: How does desertion affect the game state?
A: Desertion completely changes the game state by removing the original commander and introducing a new one. This can have a significant impact on the game’s balance and trajectory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, desertion is a powerful mechanic in Commander that can steal commanders and disrupt opponents’ strategies. By understanding how desertion works and its implications for Commander games, players can incorporate this mechanic into their strategy and improve their chances of winning.