Can you exile a commander from the graveyard?

Can You Exile a Commander from the Graveyard?

When it comes to Magic: The Gathering, commanders can be a crucial part of a deck’s strategy. However, there may be times when a commander is sent to the graveyard, either by being killed or exiled. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can exile a commander from the graveyard and what happens when you do.

Direct Answer: Yes, You Can

The simple answer is yes, you can exile a commander from the graveyard. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, "If a Commander would be put into a graveyard or exile from anywhere, its owner may put it into the command zone instead." (Source: Magic: The Gathering Official Rules, page 903.9)

How It Works

When a commander is sent to the graveyard, its owner has a choice: they can either exile it or put it back into the command zone. If the owner chooses to exile the commander, it is removed from the game and is no longer considered a card in the graveyard. The commander’s abilities and effects will no longer trigger, and it cannot be played or used until it is returned to the command zone or another zone in the game.

Why Exiling a Commander Can Be Important

There are several reasons why exiling a commander from the graveyard can be important:

• Protection from removal: Exiling a commander can protect it from removal spells or abilities that might target it. Once a commander is exiled, it cannot be targeted or affected by removal spells or abilities.
• Avoiding card advantage: Some decks rely on graveyard recursion, using cards to bring back creatures or artifacts from the graveyard to reuse their effects. Exiling a commander can disrupt this strategy and prevent opponents from using it against you.
• Timing and sequencing: Exiling a commander can give you an advantage in timing and sequencing, allowing you to play around opposing removal spells or abilities and maintain momentum in the game.

Key Cards and Spells

Several cards and spells can exile a commander from the graveyard, including:

• Necromantic Selection: A trigger ability that exiles a creature or planeswalker when it dies.
• Grave Betrayal: A sorcery that exiles a creature or planeswalker when it dies.
• Undying: A trigger ability that returns a creature or planeswalker to the battlefield when it dies.
• Exile: A term that refers to removing a card or token from the game and making it unavailable.

Timing and Interaction

When exiling a commander from the graveyard, it’s essential to consider the timing and interaction with other cards and abilities. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Timing: Exiling a commander usually occurs during a player’s main phase, when they would be able to play spells or abilities. However, some cards and spells may allow exiling at other times, such as during an opponent’s main phase.
• Interaction: Exiling a commander can interact with other cards and abilities, potentially creating interesting combinations and possibilities.

Table of Exiling Options

Here’s a table summarizing some of the key options for exiling a commander from the graveyard:

Conclusion

Exiling a commander from the graveyard is a powerful strategy that can provide protection, disrupt opposing decks, and create opportunities for timely and sequenced plays. By understanding how to exile a commander and the key cards and spells involved, you can improve your chances of success in competitive Magic: The Gathering matches. Remember to consider timing and interaction when exiling a commander, as this can be a critical factor in your overall strategy.