Is my commander deck legal?

Is My Commander Deck Legal?

In the vast world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a popular format that allows players to build decks around their favorite legendary creatures. However, with the vast pool of cards available, it can be challenging to ensure that your deck is legal for play. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine if your Commander deck is legal for play.

What Makes a Deck Legal?

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what makes a deck legal in Commander. According to the official Magic: The Gathering website, a deck is considered legal if it only contains cards from the following sources:

• All Magic: The Gathering cards, except for those with silver borders, gold borders, or acorn-shaped security stamps
• Sets released by Wizards of the Coast, with the exception of Conspiracy sets
• Cards that have been printed in a set that was released after the set that banned the card

What Cards Are Banned?

So, what cards are banned in Commander? The following cards are prohibited from being played:

• Ante cards: Cards that are permanently removed from the game by Wizards of the Coast
• Conspiracy cards: Cards from the Conspiracy sets
• Cards that reference "playing for ante"

What Sets Are Legal?

When it comes to sets, all Magic: The Gathering sets are legal in Commander, except for the following:

• Conspiracy sets: These sets are specifically banned from being played in Commander
• Silver-bordered cards: Cards with silver borders are not legal in Commander

How to Check If Your Deck is Legal

Now that you know what makes a deck legal and what cards are banned, it’s time to check if your deck is legal. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:

1. Check the set: Make sure the cards in your deck are from a set that was released by Wizards of the Coast.
2. Check the card type: Verify that the cards in your deck do not have a silver border, gold border, or acorn-shaped security stamp.
3. Check for banned cards: Ensure that your deck does not contain any Ante, Conspiracy, or cards that reference "playing for ante" cards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When building a Commander deck, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using Conspiracy cards: Remember that Conspiracy cards are specifically banned from being played in Commander.
• Including silver-bordered cards: Silver-bordered cards are not legal in Commander, so make sure to avoid using them in your deck.
• Failing to check set restrictions: Always check the set restrictions to ensure that the cards in your deck are legal.

Conclusion

Building a Commander deck can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to ensure that your deck is legal for play. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently build a legal Commander deck that is ready for competition. Remember to always check the set restrictions, banned cards, and card types to ensure that your deck is legal and ready to play.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you build a legal Commander deck:

• Use a card database: Use a card database like Card Kingdom or MTG Studio to keep track of the cards in your deck and ensure that they are legal.
• Check with your playgroup: If you’re unsure about a specific card or set, check with your playgroup to ensure that it’s legal.
• Stay up-to-date with ban lists: Keep an eye on the official Magic: The Gathering website for updates on banned cards and sets.

Table: Legal Commander Sets

Note: This table is not exhaustive, but it includes most of the sets that are legal in Commander. Always check the official Magic: The Gathering website for updates on banned cards and sets.