Do Backgrounds Have a Commander Tax?
In the world of Commander, backgrounds are a unique type of enchantment that can be used to customize your commander and add new abilities to your deck. But one question that often arises is whether backgrounds have a commander tax. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some insights on how backgrounds work in Commander.
Direct Answer
Yes, backgrounds do have a commander tax. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, backgrounds are subject to the commander tax, which means that each time you cast a background from the command zone, it costs an additional two mana.
How the Commander Tax Works
The commander tax is a mechanic that was introduced in the Commander format to balance out the power level of the game. It’s a simple concept: each time you cast a commander from the command zone, it costs an additional two mana. This means that the more times you cast a commander, the more expensive it becomes to do so.
Backgrounds and the Commander Tax
Backgrounds are a type of enchantment that can be used to customize your commander and add new abilities to your deck. They are similar to other enchantments in that they can be played from the command zone and can have a significant impact on the game. However, backgrounds are unique in that they are subject to the commander tax.
Consequences of the Commander Tax
The commander tax can have a significant impact on the game, especially when it comes to backgrounds. For example, if you have a background that costs three mana to play, the first time you cast it from the command zone, it will cost three mana. However, the second time you cast it, it will cost five mana (three mana for the background itself, plus two mana for the commander tax).
Strategies for Working Around the Commander Tax
While the commander tax can be a significant obstacle, there are several strategies that you can use to work around it. For example, you can use cards that have a lower mana cost to play around the commander tax. You can also use cards that have a specific ability that allows you to play around the commander tax.
Conclusion
In conclusion, backgrounds do have a commander tax, which means that each time you cast a background from the command zone, it costs an additional two mana. While this can be a significant obstacle, there are several strategies that you can use to work around it. By understanding how the commander tax works and using the right cards, you can build a powerful and effective deck that takes advantage of the unique abilities of backgrounds.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks that you can use to work around the commander tax:
- Use cards with a lower mana cost: Cards that have a lower mana cost are less affected by the commander tax, so they can be a good choice for building a deck around a background.
- Use cards with a specific ability: Cards that have a specific ability that allows you to play around the commander tax can be a good choice for building a deck around a background.
- Use multiple backgrounds: If you have multiple backgrounds in your deck, you can use them to play around the commander tax. For example, you can use one background to play around the commander tax on another background.
- Use cards that have a high power level: Cards that have a high power level can be a good choice for building a deck around a background, as they can help you to overcome the commander tax.
Table: Commander Tax and Backgrounds
| Background | Mana Cost | Commander Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Background 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Background 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Background 3 | 5 | 6 |
In this table, we can see that the commander tax increases as the mana cost of the background increases. This means that backgrounds with a higher mana cost are more affected by the commander tax, while backgrounds with a lower mana cost are less affected.
Bullets List: Benefits of Backgrounds
- Unique abilities: Backgrounds have unique abilities that can be used to customize your commander and add new strategies to your deck.
- Flexibility: Backgrounds can be used in a variety of different decks, making them a versatile addition to your collection.
- Power level: Backgrounds can have a significant impact on the game, making them a powerful addition to your deck.
- Customization: Backgrounds allow you to customize your commander and add new abilities to your deck, making them a great way to personalize your gameplay experience.
I hope this article has been helpful in answering your question about whether backgrounds have a commander tax. Remember to always keep in mind the commander tax when building your deck and to use the right cards to work around it. Happy gaming!