Do companions have to match your commander?

Do Companions Have to Match Your Commander?

When it comes to Commander, a popular Magic: The Gathering format, players often have questions about the rules and restrictions surrounding companions, a new mechanic introduced in the Commander (2019) set. One of the most common questions is whether companions have to match your commander. In this article, we’ll dive into the details and provide a clear answer.

Companion Basics

Before we get into the specifics, let’s cover the basics of companions. A companion is a type of card that can be played outside of the game, similar to a planeswalker. It’s written with a "Companion—[Condition]" ability, which indicates the condition that must be met for the companion to be played. Once the condition is met, the companion can be played as a normal card.

Do Companions Have to Match Your Commander?

Now, to answer the question directly: no, companions do not have to match your commander. In Commander, the commander is the card that is played as the player’s general and is used to determine the game’s overall strategy. Companions, on the other hand, are separate cards that can be played in addition to your commander.

Companion Restrictions

While companions do not have to match your commander, there are still some restrictions to consider. Companions have their own set of rules and restrictions, which are outlined in the Comprehensive Rules. For example, companions can only be played if the condition stated on the card is met, and they can only be played as a normal card.

Commander as a Card

In Commander, your commander is treated as a card in your deck. This means that it counts towards the total number of cards in your deck, and it can be affected by any cards or effects that interact with cards in your deck.

Consequences of Not Matching

While companions do not have to match your commander, there may be consequences if you choose not to match them. For example, if your commander has a specific requirement that is not met by the companion, the companion may not be able to be played or may have a reduced effect.

Strategic Considerations

When deciding whether to play a companion, players should consider the strategic implications of not matching their commander. Companions can provide powerful benefits, but they may also have limitations or restrictions that affect gameplay.

Table: Companion Restrictions

Conclusion

In conclusion, companions do not have to match your commander in Commander. While there are some restrictions and considerations to keep in mind, players can choose to play companions that do not match their commander. By understanding the rules and restrictions surrounding companions, players can make informed decisions about which companions to play and how to integrate them into their deck.

Additional Resources

For more information on companions and Commander, players can consult the official Magic: The Gathering website, as well as online resources such as Magic Judge Academy and Commander Wiki.

Call to Action

Players interested in learning more about Commander and companions are encouraged to try out the format and experiment with different decks and strategies. With practice and experience, players can develop their skills and become proficient in playing Commander.