Can Any Planeswalker Be a Commander?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, a planeswalker is a powerful and unique card type that can be used to create a wide range of strategies. However, one question that often arises is whether any planeswalker can be used as a commander. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and dive deeper into the world of Magic: The Gathering.
Direct Answer:
A planeswalker can only be a commander if it specifically states on the bottom of the card, "this card can be your commander." This is an exception to the rule that a commander must be a legendary creature. Not all planeswalkers have this line, so not all planeswalkers can be commanders.
The Rules:
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rulebook, a commander must be a legendary creature with a mana cost of one or less. However, this rule is not universally applicable, as some exceptions have been made for specific cards. For example, some planeswalkers are specifically designed to be used as commanders, and have the necessary text to support this.
The Strengths and Weaknesses:
Using a planeswalker as a commander can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, planeswalkers often have powerful abilities that can help you win the game quickly. On the other hand, they may be vulnerable to removal spells, and may not have the same level of durability as a legendary creature.
The Best Planeswalkers for Commander:
If you’re looking to use a planeswalker as a commander, there are a few options that are particularly well-suited to this role. Jace, the Mind Sculptor is a powerful and versatile planeswalker that can help you control the board and generate card advantage. Teferi, Hero of Dominaria is another popular option, with the ability to sacrifice creatures to generate card draw and life gain. Liliana of the Veil is also a popular choice, with the ability to sacrifice creatures to generate card draw and life gain, as well as the ability to protect your life total.
The Most Powerful Planeswalkers:
Not all planeswalkers are created equal, and some are significantly more powerful than others. Oko, Thief of Crowns is a particularly powerful planeswalker that can generate card advantage and generate card draw. Narset, Parter of Veils is another powerful option, with the ability to generate card advantage and generate card draw, as well as the ability to protect your life total. Karn Liberated is also a popular choice, with the ability to generate card advantage and generate card draw, as well as the ability to generate card draw.
Table: The Most Powerful Planeswalkers:
| Planeswalker | Ability | Power Level |
|---|---|---|
| Oko, Thief of Crowns | Generates card advantage | 9/10 |
| Narset, Parter of Veils | Generates card advantage | 8.5/10 |
| Karn Liberated | Generates card advantage | 8/10 |
The Best Planeswalker Deck:
If you’re looking to build a deck around a planeswalker commander, there are a few options that are particularly well-suited to this role. Jace, the Mind Sculptor is a popular choice for a planeswalker deck, with the ability to control the board and generate card advantage. Teferi, Hero of Dominaria is another option, with the ability to sacrifice creatures to generate card draw and life gain. Liliana of the Veil is also a popular choice, with the ability to sacrifice creatures to generate card draw and life gain, as well as the ability to protect your life total.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, not all planeswalkers can be used as commanders, as they must specifically state on the bottom of the card, "this card can be your commander." However, some planeswalkers are designed to be used as commanders, and can be extremely powerful in the right deck. When choosing a planeswalker commander, it’s important to consider their ability and power level, as well as the overall strategy of your deck. By building a deck around a powerful planeswalker commander, you can create a dominant force on the battlefield.
References:
- Magic: The Gathering official rulebook
- GatheringMagic.com
- Scryfall.com