Can Two Players Have the Same Commander?
In the popular trading card game, Commander, a player’s goal is to reduce their life total from 40 to 0. However, there are many strategies and rules to consider when building a Commander deck. One common question that arises is whether two players can have the same Commander. The answer is yes, but there are some specific conditions to consider.
Partner Commanders
In Commander, a player can choose two Commanders that are partner-able, which allows them to work together seamlessly. When a player uses a partner Commander, it means that both Commanders are on the battlefield simultaneously, and they share many abilities and effects. Having two partner Commanders in the same deck can greatly enhance the player’s deck-building options and strategies. However, it is worth noting that only one player can control a given Commander at a time, and the other player cannot choose the same Commander as a partner.
Same Color Identity
Another condition for having the same Commander is that the Commanders must have the same color identity. In Commander, the color identity of a Commander is determined by the color(s) of mana the Commander can produce. A Commander’s color identity includes all the colors of mana it can produce, not just the colors it generates. If two players want to have the same Commander, they must choose Commanders with the same color identity. For example, if a player wants to play a Blue Commander, they must choose a Commander that can produce Blue mana.
Same Commander but Different Partners
As mentioned earlier, a player can choose two partner Commanders that are on the battlefield simultaneously. However, even if two players have the same Commander, they can still choose different partners to work with. For instance, Player A has the Commander "Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice" (Blue-Green-White), which is partner-able with "Oloro, Ageless Ascetic" (Green-White) and "Estrid, the Masked". Player B also has Atraxa as their Commander, but they choose to partner with "Akiri, Line-Speaker" (Blue) and "Meren of Clan Nel Toth" (Black-Red). Despite having the same Commander, both players can create different strategies and combinations using different partners.
Banned and Restricted Commanders
In some cases, the Commander community may decide to ban or restrict certain Commanders from being played due to their overpowered effects or ability to disrupt gameplay. When a Commander is banned or restricted, no player can include it in their deck, including a player who wants to partner with it. It’s essential to check the banned and restricted list before choosing a Commander to ensure it is eligible for play.
Conclusion
In summary, two players can have the same Commander, but there are specific conditions to consider. They must have the same color identity and choose different partners if possible. Partner Commanders offer a unique way to combine abilities and effects, making them a popular choice in Commander. By understanding these rules and conditions, players can create innovative strategies and combinations that enhance their gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I choose two Commanders with different colors?
A: Yes, but they must be from different colors. - Q: Can I partner two Commanders with the same color?
A: Yes, as long as they have different abilities and effects. - Q: Is it allowed to have multiple copies of the same Commander in my deck?
A: No, you can only have one copy of a Commander in your deck. - Q: What happens if I accidentally draw a Commander that’s banned or restricted?
A: You must remove it from your deck and choose a different Commander.
Resources
- Official Magic: The Gathering Commander rules: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/commander-faq-part-1-2013-06-18
- Commander subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Commander/
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