Can You Only Have One Copy of a Card in Commander?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a popular format that allows players to build and command their own decks. One of the key rules in Commander is the Singleton rule, which restricts the number of copies of a card that can be included in a deck. But just how many copies can you have of a card in Commander?
Direct Answer:
In Commander, except for basic lands and cards that mention otherwise, a deck may not contain more than one copy of any card. This means that you can only have one copy of a card in your deck, unless it is a basic land or a card that explicitly allows for multiple copies.
Basic Lands:
Basic lands are an exception to the Singleton rule. You can have any number of basic lands in your deck, including multiple copies of the same land. This is because basic lands are not considered to be "cards" in the classical sense, but rather a fundamental part of the game’s infrastructure.
Cards that Allow Multiple Copies:
Some cards explicitly allow for multiple copies of themselves in a deck. These cards are typically indicated by language such as "you may have multiple copies of this card in your deck" or "you can play up to X copies of this card". Seven Dwarves, for example, allows you to play up to seven copies of it in your deck.
The Importance of Card Limitations:
The Singleton rule is in place to prevent players from creating degenerate decks that rely too heavily on a single card or a small group of cards. By limiting the number of copies of a card that can be included in a deck, the game ensures that players must build a more diverse and balanced deck in order to succeed.
Consequences of Exceeding the Card Limit:
If you include more than one copy of a card in your deck, you will be forced to discard the extra copies during the game. This can happen during the game’s clean-up step, when players are required to discard cards from their hand until they have a maximum of seven cards. If you have multiple copies of a card in your hand, you will be forced to discard the extra copies, which can significantly weaken your deck.
In Conclusion:
In Commander, except for basic lands and cards that mention otherwise, a deck may not contain more than one copy of any card. This rule is in place to promote balanced and diverse deck-building, and to prevent players from creating degenerate decks that rely too heavily on a single card or a small group of cards. By understanding the Singleton rule and the limitations it places on card copies, you can build a more competitive and fun deck in Commander.
Key Takeaways:
- In Commander, a deck may not contain more than one copy of any card, except for basic lands and cards that mention otherwise.
- Basic lands are an exception to the Singleton rule and can be included in a deck in any quantity.
- Some cards explicitly allow for multiple copies of themselves in a deck.
- The Singleton rule is in place to promote balanced and diverse deck-building, and to prevent players from creating degenerate decks.
- Exceeding the card limit can result in the forced discard of extra copies of a card during the game’s clean-up step.