Do partner commanders deal separate Commander damage?

Do Partner Commanders Deal Separate Commander Damage?

In the world of Commander, having multiple commanders on the battlefield can be a game-changer. But have you ever wondered how these commanders interact with each other when it comes to Commander damage? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and answer the question: Do partner commanders deal separate Commander damage?

The Rules

Before we dive into the answer, let’s take a look at the rules regarding Commander damage. According to the official Commander rules, a player can lose the game if they are dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game (CR 903.10a). This means that as long as the same commander is dealing the damage, the player will continue to take damage until they lose the game.

Separate Commander Damage

So, do partner commanders deal separate Commander damage? Yes, they do! Each commander is considered separate and distinct, and any damage dealt by one commander does not affect the damage dealt by the other.

Here’s an example:

• Player A controls a commander, "Commander A", and a player, "Player B".
• Player B deals 10 damage to Commander A.
• Later, Commander A deals 10 damage to Player B.

In this scenario, Commander A has dealt 10 damage to Player B, which does not affect the 10 damage Player B already dealt to Commander A. This means that the game state remains the same, and neither player has dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander.

Bouncing Back

But what if you want to bounce your commander back to your hand to avoid taking damage? Can you do that? Yes, you can! According to the official rules, the owner of a commander can choose to return it to the command zone or go to hand. If you choose to send it to hand, you can play it from your hand without paying the usual commander tax (CR 903.8).

This means that if you bounce your commander back to your hand, you can immediately replay it and continue playing as normal.

In-Between

But what happens if you have an ability that triggers when you would lose the game, but you bounce your commander to your hand instead? In this case, the effect is suspended, and the game will move on to the next player’s turn (CR 704.5). When your commander returns to your hand, the effect will resolve, and you will lose the game.

Here’s an example:

• Player A controls a commander, "Commander A", and a player, "Player B".
• Player B deals 10 damage to Commander A.
• Commander A has an ability that triggers when it would lose the game, "Effect A".
• Instead of losing the game, Commander A’s ability is suspended, and Player B deals another 10 damage to Commander A.
• You bounce Commander A to your hand using its ability or another effect.
• Player B’s turn passes, and when your commander returns to your hand, "Effect A" will trigger, and you will lose the game.

Table: Commander Damage Rules

Conclusion

In conclusion, partner commanders do deal separate Commander damage, and each commander is considered separate and distinct. When dealing with Commander damage, it’s essential to remember the rules and how to interact with your commander and your opponents. Whether you’re bouncing your commander to your hand or playing as normal, understanding these rules will help you navigate the world of Commander with ease.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• When bouncing your commander to your hand, make sure to send it to your hand or the command zone to avoid losing the game.
• Use abilities that trigger when your commander would lose the game to your advantage. Suspending the effect can help you avoid losing the game.
• Keep track of the damage dealt by your opponents and your commanders. This will help you navigate the game state and make informed decisions.
• Practice makes perfect. The more you play with partner commanders, the more comfortable you’ll become with the rules and strategies.