Can you take control of an opponent’s commander?

Can You Take Control of an Opponent’s Commander?

In Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format, players take on the role of a powerful commander, guiding their deck to victory. But what happens if an opponent’s commander falls into your hands? Can you take control of their commander, or is it forever lost? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of commander control and explore the rules surrounding this intriguing topic.

Direct Answer: Yes, You Can Take Control of an Opponent’s Commander

According to rule 903.9, if a commander would be exiled from anywhere or put into its owner’s hand, graveyard, or library from anywhere, its owner may put it into the command zone instead. This means that if you manage to exile or return an opponent’s commander to their hand, graveyard, or library, they can still choose to put it back into the command zone, effectively regaining control over it.

Power Play: State-Based Actions

But what about state-based actions? Can they be used to take control of an opponent’s commander? The answer is yes. State-based actions can be used to take control of an opponent’s commander, but only if they are able to put the commander into the command zone. For example, if an opponent’s commander is exiled, you can use a state-based action to put it back into the command zone, effectively taking control of it.

Fog of War: Can Fog Stop Commander Damage?

But what about fog? Can it be used to stop commander damage? The answer is yes. Fog’s effect is simple: you prevent all combat damage the turn you play it. This means that if an opponent’s commander is dealing damage to you, you can play fog to prevent that damage from occurring.

Permanence: Can You Permanently Destroy a Commander?

Another important question is whether it’s possible to permanently destroy a commander. The answer is yes. According to rule 701.17, a player can use a spell or ability to destroy a permanent, including a commander. This means that if you manage to destroy an opponent’s commander, it will be permanently removed from the game and cannot be recovered.

Self-Damage: Can You Take Commander Damage from Yourself?

Finally, can you take commander damage from yourself? The answer is yes. According to rule 702.53, a player who takes 21 or more points of combat damage from a single commander loses the game. This means that if you manage to deal damage to yourself using your own commander, you will lose the game.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can take control of an opponent’s commander.
• State-based actions can be used to take control of an opponent’s commander.
• Fog can be used to stop commander damage.
• You can permanently destroy a commander.
• You can take commander damage from yourself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking control of an opponent’s commander is a powerful move that can give you an advantage in the game. By understanding the rules surrounding commander control, you can make informed decisions about how to play your cards and take control of the game. Remember to always keep an eye on your opponent’s commander and be prepared to make moves to take control of it if necessary. With practice and strategy, you can become a master of commander control and dominate your opponents.