Do cloned commanders do commander damage?

Do Cloned Commanders Do Commander Damage?

In Magic: The Gathering, commanders are a crucial part of the game, and understanding how they work is essential for any player. One common question that arises is whether cloned commanders deal commander damage. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and provide a clear answer to this question.

Direct Answer

No, cloned commanders do not deal commander damage.

Understanding Commanders

Before we dive into the specifics of cloned commanders, let’s quickly review what commanders are and how they work. A commander is a special type of card that is part of a player’s deck and serves as the "general" of their army. Commanders have unique abilities and effects that can be triggered during the game. The commander’s abilities are what make them so powerful and versatile.

Cloned Commanders

A cloned commander is a copy of a commander that is created through some means, such as a spell or ability. Cloned commanders have the same name and abilities as the original commander, but they are separate entities and can be played independently.

Commander Damage

Commander damage is a type of damage that is dealt to a player when their commander is attacked. The commander’s abilities can also trigger when it is attacked, which can have significant effects on the game. When a commander is attacked, the player who controls it is dealt the commander’s damage, and the game is lost if the damage exceeds 21.

Do Cloned Commanders Deal Commander Damage?

The answer to this question is no. Cloned commanders do not deal commander damage. This is because a cloned commander is not considered the "original" commander, but rather a copy. The commander damage is triggered by the original commander, not the cloned one.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate this point:

• If a player controls a commander, and their opponent attacks the commander with a creature, the player will be dealt commander damage.
• If the same player has a cloned copy of the commander on the battlefield, attacking the cloned commander will not trigger commander damage.

Consequences

Understanding that cloned commanders do not deal commander damage has significant implications for gameplay. Players must carefully consider their commander’s abilities and effects, as well as the potential consequences of attacking a cloned commander.

Strategies

Here are a few strategies that players can use to take advantage of the fact that cloned commanders do not deal commander damage:

• Clone your commander to create a second, separate entity that can be used to attack or defend.
• Use your commander’s abilities to trigger effects that benefit your entire board, rather than just the original commander.
• Play a combination of commanders to create a powerful, multi-faceted army.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cloned commanders do not deal commander damage. This is an important distinction to understand, as it can have significant implications for gameplay and strategy. By carefully considering the effects of cloning commanders, players can create powerful and complex decks that can dominate the competition.