Can you put any basic land in a Commander deck?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, building a Commander deck can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding which basic lands to include. The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, as it depends on several factors, including the color identity of your Commander and the overall strategy of your deck.
Color Identity and Basic Lands
According to the Magic: The Gathering official FAQ, a card with a basic land type may only be included in a Commander deck if each color of mana it could produce is included in the color identity of the Commander. This means that if your Commander has a color identity that includes only one or two colors, you can only include basic lands that produce those colors.
Mana Abilities and Basic Lands
Basic lands have mana abilities that allow them to produce one mana of a specific color. For example, a Plains produces one white mana, while a Swamp produces one black mana. When building a Commander deck, it’s essential to consider the mana abilities of your basic lands and ensure that they align with the color identity of your Commander.
Wastes and Basic Lands
Wastes are a type of basic land that was introduced in the Oath of the Gatewatch set. These lands have the mana abilities associated with both of their basic land types, but they are not considered basic lands themselves. This means that you can include Wastes in your Commander deck, but you must follow the same rules as any other basic land.
Scrubland and Basic Lands
Scrubland is a basic land that was introduced in the Revised Edition of Magic: The Gathering. This land has the mana abilities associated with both of its basic land types, but it is not considered a basic land itself. This means that you can include Scrubland in your Commander deck, but you must follow the same rules as any other basic land.
When to Include Basic Lands
So, when should you include basic lands in your Commander deck? Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- If your Commander has a color identity that includes only one or two colors, include basic lands that produce those colors.
- If your Commander has a color identity that includes three or more colors, you can include basic lands that produce one or more of those colors.
- Consider the mana abilities of your basic lands and ensure that they align with the color identity of your Commander.
- Include Wastes and Scrubland in your Commander deck, but follow the same rules as any other basic land.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Can you put any basic land in a Commander deck?" is not a simple one. It depends on the color identity of your Commander, the mana abilities of your basic lands, and the overall strategy of your deck. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can build a Commander deck that is well-stocked with basic lands and ready for battle.
Table: Basic Lands and Color Identity
| Color Identity | Basic Lands |
|---|---|
| Mono-white | Plains, Savannah, Flooded Strand |
| Mono-blue | Island, Mystic Monastery, Drowned Catacomb |
| Mono-black | Swamp, Overgrown Tomb, Sunken Hollow |
| Mono-red | Mountain, Sulfur Falls, Cinderclaw |
| Mono-green | Forest, Misty Rainforest, Verdant Catacombs |
| Two-color | Plains/Island, Swamp/Mountain, Forest/Desert |
| Three-color | Plains/Island/Swamp, Plains/Mountain/Forest |
Bullets List: Tips for Building a Commander Deck
• Consider the color identity of your Commander and the mana abilities of your basic lands.
• Include Wastes and Scrubland in your Commander deck, but follow the same rules as any other basic land.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different basic lands to find the right combination for your deck.
• Remember to follow the official Magic: The Gathering rules and errata when building your Commander deck.
• Practice and test your deck before taking it to a tournament.