Can You Avoid Commander Tax?
Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format is all about big, powerful creatures and epic combos. But, as you know, with great power comes great responsibility – and that means paying the infamous Commander tax. But, is there a way to avoid it? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Commander and explore the different ways to dodge this pesky tax.
What is Commander Tax?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover the basics. Commander tax is the additional cost added to the mana cost of a Commander when it’s cast from the Command Zone. This tax is cumulative, meaning it increases with each time the Commander has been cast from the Command Zone in the same game.
Direct Answer: No, You Can’t Completely Avoid Commander Tax
Sorry, Commander enthusiasts! It’s a hard truth, but you can’t entirely avoid the Commander tax. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules (CR 903.10), the Commander tax is an additional cost that applies every time a Commander is cast from the Command Zone.
Workarounds and Exceptions
While you can’t completely avoid the Commander tax, there are some workarounds and exceptions that can help mitigate its impact. Here are a few:
- Bounce and Reanimation: As mentioned earlier, you can bounce your Commander to your hand in response to removal, and then reanimate it. This can effectively reset the Commander tax.
- Commander Tokens: Some Commander cards allow you to create tokens, which can represent your Commander on the battlefield. Since tokens don’t have a mana cost, you won’t have to pay the Commander tax.
- Alternative Costs: Some cards and abilities can provide alternative costs for your Commander, allowing you to bypass the mana cost. For example, Fist of Suns only replaces the mana cost, leaving the Commander tax intact.
- Commander-destroying effects: Some effects, like Duel or Ephemerate, can destroy your Commander, removing it from the game and effectively resetting the Commander tax.
Conclusion
While Commander tax is an unavoidable cost in most cases, there are some creative ways to work around it. Whether you choose to bounce and reanimate your Commander or take advantage of alternative costs, there’s always a way to make the most of your Commander deck.
Common Commander Tax Exceptions
Here’s a summary of the common exceptions:
| Exception | Description |
|---|---|
| Bounce and Reanimation | Bounce your Commander to your hand, then reanimate it. |
| Commander Tokens | Create Commander tokens, which don’t have a mana cost. |
| Alternative Costs | Use cards or abilities that provide alternative costs for your Commander. |
| Commander-destroying effects | Use effects that destroy your Commander, removing it from the game. |
FAQs
Q: What happens if I cast my Commander from the Command Zone and then use an alternative cost to pay for its mana cost?
A: You still have to pay the Commander tax, even if you use an alternative cost to pay for the mana cost.
Q: Can I use a spell or ability to destroy my Commander and then reanimate it?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that this won’t reset the Commander tax – you’ll still have to pay it the next time you cast your Commander from the Command Zone.
Q: What if I use a token-generating ability to create a Commander token?
A: You won’t have to pay the Commander tax for the token, as it doesn’t have a mana cost.
By now, you should have a better understanding of the Commander tax and how to work around it. Remember, while you can’t avoid the tax entirely, there are ways to mitigate its impact and make the most of your Commander deck. Happy brewing!