Can you steal an opponents commander?

Can You Steal an Opponent’s Commander?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a popular casual format that allows players to build decks around a legendary creature known as their "Commander." But, what happens if you want to take control of your opponent’s Commander? Can you steal an opponent’s Commander? In this article, we’ll explore the rules and possibilities of stealing an opponent’s Commander in Commander.

Direct Answer: Yes, You Can Steal an Opponent’s Commander

According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, a player can take control of their opponent’s Commander if the opponent’s Commander would be exiled from anywhere or put into their hand, graveyard, or library from anywhere. This means that if you have a spell or ability that can exile or put your opponent’s Commander into a different zone, you can take control of it.

When Can You Steal an Opponent’s Commander?

There are several scenarios where you can steal an opponent’s Commander:

• Exiling the Commander: If you have a spell or ability that can exile your opponent’s Commander, you can take control of it.
• Putting the Commander into another zone: If you have a spell or ability that can put your opponent’s Commander into their hand, graveyard, or library, you can take control of it.
• Using a Commander- destroying effect: If you have a spell or ability that destroys a Commander, you can take control of the destroyed Commander.

Consequences of Stealing an Opponent’s Commander

When you steal an opponent’s Commander, the following consequences apply:

• Commander becomes under your control: The stolen Commander is now under your control, and you can use it as part of your deck.
• Opponent loses control of the Commander: The opponent who previously controlled the Commander no longer controls it.
• New Commander becomes the active player’s Commander: The stolen Commander becomes the active player’s Commander, and they can use its abilities and play it as part of their deck.

Examples of Spells and Abilities that Allow Stealing an Opponent’s Commander

Here are some examples of spells and abilities that can allow you to steal an opponent’s Commander:

Strategies for Stealing an Opponent’s Commander

Here are some strategies to keep in mind when trying to steal an opponent’s Commander:

• Play defensively: Try to defend against your opponent’s attacks and protect your own life total.
• Build a deck around Commander-destroying effects: Focus on building a deck with spells and abilities that can destroy or exile your opponent’s Commander.
• Use tokens to distract: Use tokens or other small creatures to distract your opponent and take the focus off your Commander-stealing plans.
• Timing is everything: Timing is crucial when trying to steal an opponent’s Commander. Make sure to wait for the right moment to strike.

Conclusion

Stealing an opponent’s Commander can be a powerful and strategic move in Commander. By understanding the rules and possibilities of stealing an opponent’s Commander, you can incorporate this strategy into your deck-building and gameplay. Remember to always be mindful of the consequences of stealing an opponent’s Commander and plan accordingly.