Can You Exile Someone’s Commander?
In Magic: The Gathering, a commander is a powerful creature that serves as the central figure in a player’s deck. It’s no surprise that players often want to protect their commander from being destroyed or exiled. But can someone else exile your commander?
Direct Answer: Yes, you can exile someone’s commander.
As per the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a commander can be exiled by a spell or ability, just like any other creature. This means that if a player casts a spell or uses an ability that exiles creatures, their opponent’s commander can be targeted and sent to the exile zone.
Why Would You Want to Exile a Commander?
You might wonder why someone would want to exile a commander. There are a few reasons:
- Protection from destruction: Exiling a commander can be a way to protect it from destruction, at least temporarily. If a commander is exiled, it can’t be targeted by destruction effects, making it harder for opponents to get rid of it.
- Prevent commander combos: Some commanders have abilities that allow them to create powerful combinations on the battlefield. Exiling a commander can prevent these combos from happening.
- Slow down the game: Exiling a commander can slow down the game and make it harder for the opposing player to keep up. This can give you a strategic advantage and allow you to focus on other aspects of the game.
Can You Choose Whether to Keep a Commander in Exile?
Another important question is whether the commander’s owner gets to decide whether to keep it in exile or send it back to the command zone. The answer is yes. According to the Magic: The Gathering rules, when a commander is exiled, its owner can choose whether to leave it in exile or return it to the command zone.
Examples of Cards That Can Exile a Commander
Here are a few examples of cards that can exile a commander:
- Banishing Light: This enchantment has an ability that reads, "Exile target creature or planeswalker." This means it can exile a commander, and the player can choose whether to leave it in exile or return it to the command zone.
- Mimic Vat: This creature has an ability that reads, "Exile target creature or planeswalker. Its owner may choose to exile it instead." This means that Mimic Vat can exile a commander, and the player can choose whether to leave it in exile or return it to the command zone.
- Priest of Ancient Order: This creature has an ability that reads, "When Priest of Ancient Order dies, you may exile target creature or planeswalker." This means that when Priest of Ancient Order dies, it can exile a commander, and the player can choose whether to leave it in exile or return it to the command zone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can exile someone’s commander. Exiling a commander can be a powerful way to gain an advantage in the game, and understanding how to do it can help you take your gameplay to the next level. Remember that the commander’s owner can choose whether to leave it in exile or return it to the command zone, and there are many cards that can exile a commander.