Do Stolen Commanders Deal Commander Damage?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, commanders are a crucial part of the game, and understanding how they interact with each other is essential to winning. One common question that arises is whether stolen commanders deal commander damage. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and mechanics of commander damage to provide a clear answer to this question.
Do Stolen Commanders Deal Commander Damage?
According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, commanders deal commander damage to opponents when they attack. But what happens when a commander is stolen? Does it continue to deal damage to its original controller, or does it start dealing damage to the new controller?
The Official Answer
According to the official Magic: The Gathering FAQ, a stolen commander still deals commander damage to its original controller. This means that even if a commander is stolen, it will continue to deal damage to the player who originally controlled it. This is stated in the FAQ as follows:
"If a commander is stolen, it still deals commander damage to its original controller. The commander’s controller doesn’t change until the next time the commander would deal combat damage to the controller."
Why Does this Matter?
Understanding whether stolen commanders deal commander damage is crucial in certain deck archetypes. For example, in a deck that relies heavily on commander damage, stealing a commander can be a game-changer. By understanding how commander damage works, players can make informed decisions about when to steal a commander and when to keep it under their control.
Counter-Examples
Some players may argue that stolen commanders should deal damage to their new controller, citing situations where a commander is stolen and then attacks. However, this argument is based on a misunderstanding of the commander damage mechanic.
Bullets Points
Here are some key points to summarize the discussion:
• Stolen commanders deal damage to their original controller.
• The commander’s controller doesn’t change until the next time the commander would deal combat damage to the controller.
• Stealing a commander doesn’t change who it deals damage to.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stolen commanders do deal commander damage to their original controller. This mechanic is an important part of the game, and understanding how it works can make a big difference in your gameplay. By keeping in mind the official rules and mechanics, you can make informed decisions about when to steal a commander and when to keep it under your control.
Additional Reading
For more information on commander damage and how it interacts with stolen commanders, check out the official Magic: The Gathering FAQ or consult with a local game store.