Do You Pay Commander Tax on Backgrounds?
In the world of Commander, understanding the rules and nuances of the game can be overwhelming, especially for newer players. One of the most common questions we receive is whether you pay Commander Tax on backgrounds. In this article, we’ll dive into the details and provide a clear answer to this question.
What is Commander Tax?
Before we answer the question, let’s quickly review what Commander Tax is. Commander Tax is a cost that is added to the casting cost of a Commander spell when you’ve previously cast that same Commander from the Command Zone that turn. This cost is equal to the total number of times you’ve cast that Commander from the Command Zone that turn. The Tax is paid in addition to the original mana cost of the spell.
Do You Pay Commander Tax on Backgrounds?
To answer the question directly: yes, you do pay Commander Tax on backgrounds. When a background is added to your Commander, it becomes a new Commander, and you’ll pay the Commander Tax for each time you cast it from the Command Zone that turn.
Why is this the Case?
To understand why backgrounds are subject to Commander Tax, let’s look at the rules of the game. According to the official rules, a background is considered a Commander for the purposes of Commander Tax (903.3d). This means that when you add a background to your Commander, it becomes a new Commander, and you’ll pay the Commander Tax for each time you cast it from the Command Zone that turn.
What About Partner?
Partner is another important aspect of Commander that can affect how we answer this question. When you partner with a Commander, you’re essentially combining the abilities of two Commanders into one. However, this doesn’t change the fact that each Commander is still subject to its own Commander Tax.
Commander Tax and Cascade
When it comes to Cascade, things can get a bit more complicated. Cascade is an activated ability that allows you to cast a spell as though it had flash and was cast from the Command Zone. However, this ability doesn’t remove the Commander Tax. You’ll still need to pay the Commander Tax for each time you cast the Commander from the Command Zone, even if you’re using Cascade.
How to Pay Commander Tax
Paying Commander Tax is relatively simple. When you cast a Commander from the Command Zone, you’ll need to pay the Commander Tax in addition to the original mana cost of the spell. You can pay this cost using any combination of mana and/or artifacts that can pay the tax.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you do pay Commander Tax on backgrounds. Whether you’re using a background as your main Commander or as a partner, the rules of the game are clear: Commander Tax applies to each Commander separately. Understanding how Commander Tax works can help you make more informed decisions during games and improve your overall gameplay experience.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when it comes to Commander Tax:
- Keep track of the number of times you’ve cast a Commander from the Command Zone that turn. This will help you avoid accidentally casting a Commander without paying the Commander Tax.
- Use artifacts and mana wisely. Commander Tax can be expensive, so make sure you’re using your artifacts and mana efficiently to pay the tax.
- Plan ahead. Commander Tax can be a significant cost, so try to plan ahead and anticipate when you’ll need to pay the tax.
Table: Commander Tax and Backgrounds
| Background | Commander Tax |
|---|---|
| Yes | Paid separately for each time cast |
| No | Not subject to Commander Tax |
Bullets List: Commander Tax and Backgrounds
- When a background is added to your Commander, it becomes a new Commander and is subject to Commander Tax.
- Commander Tax is paid separately for each time you cast a background from the Command Zone that turn.
- Cascade doesn’t remove the Commander Tax. You’ll still need to pay the Commander Tax for each time you cast the Commander from the Command Zone.
- Use artifacts and mana wisely to pay the Commander Tax.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, paying Commander Tax on backgrounds is an important aspect of playing Commander. By understanding how Commander Tax works and planning ahead, you can make more informed decisions during games and improve your overall gameplay experience.