Does a stolen commander do commander damage?

Does a Stolen Commander Do Commander Damage?

In the world of Commander, a stolen commander can be a game-changer. But, does a stolen commander do commander damage? The answer is yes, but let’s dive deeper into the rules and implications.

The Rule:

According to the Comprehensive Rules (CR) 903.3, a commander is a legendary creature card designated as the commander of a deck. This means that if a commander is stolen, it remains the commander of the deck, regardless of who controls it.

The Implications:

When a commander is stolen, the player who stole it gains control of the commander, but the commander’s abilities and effects still apply to the original player’s deck. This means that the stolen commander can still deal commander damage to the original player.

Example:

Let’s say Player A has a commander, Kethis, the Hidden Hand, which has an ability that says "Whenever Kethis deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card." Player B steals Kethis using a spell like Mind Control. Even though Player B now controls Kethis, the ability still triggers when Kethis deals combat damage to Player A, causing Player A to discard a card.

The 8×8 Theory:

The 8×8 Theory is a popular deck-building strategy that suggests building a deck with 8 effects and 8 cards for each effect. This theory is not directly related to the question of whether a stolen commander does commander damage, but it’s an important consideration when building a Commander deck.

Rule 0:

Rule 0 is an unofficial rule that allows players to modify the rules of a non-competitive game. In the context of Commander, Rule 0 can be used to clarify the rules of a game or to create a more balanced game environment. However, Rule 0 is not a formal rule and is subject to change.

Mutating Commanders:

Mutating a commander can be a powerful strategy in Commander. Otrimi, the Ever-Playful is a dedicated mutate commander that allows players to merge it with other creatures to create a more powerful commander. When a commander is mutated, it remains the commander of the deck, and its abilities and effects still apply.

Table: Commander Damage and Stolen Commanders

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a stolen commander does commander damage. The Comprehensive Rules and the implications of a stolen commander remain the same, regardless of who controls the commander. When building a Commander deck, it’s important to consider the 8×8 Theory and Rule 0, as well as the potential for mutating a commander. By understanding the rules and strategies of Commander, players can build a more competitive and fun deck.

Additional Tips:

• When building a Commander deck, focus on creating a cohesive strategy and a well-rounded deck.
• Consider using cards that can manipulate the commander’s abilities or create additional effects.
• Don’t underestimate the power of a stolen commander – it can be a game-changer in the right situation.
• Remember to always follow the Comprehensive Rules and the community’s unwritten rules, such as Rule 0.

I hope this article helps clarify the rules and implications of a stolen commander in Commander. Happy gaming!

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