Can a planeswalker be a commander?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers are powerful supernatural beings that have the ability to manipulate the fabric of reality. They are extremely rare and often possess impressive magical abilities. In Magic’s Commander format, there are specific rules and exceptions that govern the behavior of planeswalkers. Therefore, the question arises whether a planeswalker can be a commander. In this article, we will delve into the world of Magic: The Gathering and explore the answer to this question.
No, a planeswalker can only be a commander in specific circumstances
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a planealker can only be a commander if it specifically states on the bottom of the card, "this card can be your commander". This means that not every planeswalker card can become a commander. For a planeswalker to be able to serve as a commander, it must have been printed with the "may be your commander" ruling.
The history behind planeswalkers as commanders
In the early years of Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers did not have the ability to serve as commanders. They were primarily used as mid-game threats or finishers. However, as Magic’s rules and formats continued to evolve, the question of whether planeswalkers could be commanders became relevant. In 2010, Wizards of the Coast, the creators of Magic: The Gathering, declared that planeswalkers that had the "may be your commander" ruling were allowed to serve as commanders.
Planeswalker commanders in the Commander format
In the Commander format, planeswalkers play a unique role. Many planeswalkers are highly powerful and can dominate gameplay if left unchecked. Players often build their decks around specific planeswalkers and use them as the centrepiece of their strategies. Some popular planeswalkers that serve as commanders include Elspeth, Sun’s Champion, Urza, and Nicol Bolas.
Benefits of playing with planeswalker commanders
Playing with planeswalkers as commanders offers many benefits. For one, they can provide a strategic advantage by offering a multitude of options for gameplay and deck-building. Additionally, planeswalkers can greatly increase the tempo of a game, allowing players to take control of the board quickly and efficiently. Overall, planeswalkers that serve as commanders can revolutionize the way players interact with the game.
Drawbacks of playing with planeswalker commanders
There are also some drawbacks to playing with planeswalker commanders. For example, a planeswalker’s ability may be too powerful, and players may feel that their opponent has an unfair advantage. Additionally, planeswalkers can be difficult to build around, as many of their abilities are niche and require specific cards in the deck to function correctly.
Conclusion
To summarize, a planeswalker can only be a commander if it specifically states on the bottom of the card, "this card can be your commander". This means that not every planeswalker can serve as a commander, but those that can play a unique and powerful role in the Commander format. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of playing with planeswalkers as commanders, players can build decks that centre around these powerful cards.
Table: Planeswalker Commanders
| Planeswalker | Printing | Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Elspeth | Scars of War | Yes |
| Urza | Invasion | Yes |
| Nicol Bolas | Guildpact | Yes |
| Kenrith | Planar Chaos | Yes |
H3 Section: Building a Planeswalker Commander Deck
In this section, we’ll explore some tips and considerations for building a planeswalker commander deck.
- Start with a strong planeswalker: Choose a planeswalker that has a powerful effect or ability that can contribute to your overall strategy.
- Build around the planeswalker’s abilities: Pay attention to the cards that interact with the planeswalker and build your deck accordingly. For example, if a planeswalker has a large mana cost, you’ll want to include cards that generate mana in your deck.
- Consider the gameplay tempo: Planeswalker commanders can greatly increase gameplay tempo. Make sure that your deck is built around this tempo and includes cards that can take advantage of it.
- Don’t forget about the basics: While planeswalkers can be powerful, don’t forget to include basic, functional cards in your deck. These cards will allow you to generate mana and attack with your creatures.
- Practice and adapt: Building a planeswalker commander deck is a process and requires practice and adaptation.
H3 Section: Common Mistakes to Avoid
In this section, we’ll explore some common mistakes to avoid when building and playing with planeswalker commanders.
- Over-relying on the planeswalker’s ability: While planeswalker commanders can be powerful, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-relying on their ability. Make sure to diversify your deck and include other cards that can take advantage of different situations.
- Failing to budget for mana: Planeswalker commanders often require expensive mana costs. Make sure to budget for these costs and include cards that can generate mana in your deck.
- Not considering matchup-specific cards: Planeswalker commanders can be quite powerful, but they still have weaknesses. Make sure to include cards that can neutralize these weaknesses and deal with specific matchups.
- Not adapting to the gameplay environment: Planeswalkers can greatly change the pace of gameplay. Be prepared to adapt your playstyle and deck-building techniques to the current gameplay environment.
By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can build a competitive planeswalker commander deck and dominate the Commander format.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the world of Magic: The Gathering and the complex question of whether a planeswalker can be a commander. We’ve also delved into the considerations and guidelines for building planeswalker commander decks and played around common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, this article hopes to provide valuable insights for your next Commander game.
References
- https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/commander-101-planeswalker-commanders
- https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/faq/can-planeswalkers-be-commanders-in-magic-the-gathering
- https://ultimate-games.com/magic-the-gathering-101-planeswalker-commanders