Can Any Legendary be a Commander?
In Magic: The Gathering, a Commander is a special type of card that serves as the leader of a Commander deck. But can any legendary be a Commander? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Commander and explore the rules and exceptions surrounding legendary creatures and planeswalkers.
Direct Answer:
Yes, any legendary creature can be a Commander. However, there are some exceptions and additional requirements to consider.
Requirements for a Legendary to be a Commander:
To be a Commander, a legendary creature must meet the following requirements:
- It must be a legendary creature
- It must not have a mana cost (or its mana cost must be zero)
- It must be a single card
Exceptions:
There are a few exceptions to the rule:
- Dual Commanders: Two legendary creatures can be used as dual Commanders if they both have the Partner ability.
- Planeswalkers: Legendary planeswalkers can only be a Commander if the card explicitly states "this card can be your Commander."
Legendary Creatures vs. Planeswalkers:
While both legendary creatures and planeswalkers can be Commanders, there are some key differences to consider:
- Legendary Creatures: These cards have a mana cost and can be played like any other creature. They also have a power and toughness, and can be attacked or blocked.
- Planeswalkers: These cards have a loyalty value and can be played like any other planeswalker. They also have abilities and can be attacked or blocked.
Commander Tax:
When a Commander is played, a Commander tax is added to the game. This tax is equal to the mana cost of the Commander, and must be paid by the player who plays it.
Returning a Commander to Hand:
If a Commander is sent to the command zone, the owner of the Commander can choose to return it to their hand. If they do, they must pay the Commander tax.
In Conclusion:
In conclusion, any legendary creature can be a Commander, but there are some exceptions and additional requirements to consider. Legendary planeswalkers can only be a Commander if the card explicitly states "this card can be your Commander." Additionally, Commanders have a mana cost and can be played like any other creature, while planeswalkers have a loyalty value and can be played like any other planeswalker.
Key Takeaways:
- Any legendary creature can be a Commander
- Legendary planeswalkers can only be a Commander if the card explicitly states "this card can be your Commander."
- Commanders have a mana cost and can be played like any other creature
- Planeswalkers have a loyalty value and can be played like any other planeswalker
- The Commander tax is added to the game when a Commander is played
- Commanders can be returned to hand, but the Commander tax must be paid.
Additional Resources:
For more information on Commander and the rules surrounding legendary creatures and planeswalkers, be sure to check out the official Magic: The Gathering website or consult with a local game store.
References:
- Magic: The Gathering Official Rules
- Magic: The Gathering Official Website
- Local Game Store Staff