Does Player 1 Draw a Card in Commander?
When it comes to Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format, there are several rules that govern gameplay. One common question that players have is whether the first player in a game draws a card on their first turn. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and delve deeper into the rules surrounding it.
Does the First Player Draw a Card?
The answer to this question is yes, but with a catch. In a two-player game, the player who goes first does not draw a card on their first turn. This is specified in the Comprehensive Rules (section 103.7a) and is intended to balance the game somewhat, as the player who goes first would otherwise have a significant advantage.
Upkeep Step: When Cards Trigger
In the game’s upkeep step, players execute any abilities that trigger during this phase. These can include cards that require mana payments every turn, and it’s worth noting that these abilities are triggered separately from the draw step. The player who goes first does draw cards after the upkeep step, at the end of their turn.
Draw Step: When Players Draw
The draw step is where players draw a card, and this happens after the upkeep step. Each player draws a card on their turn, except in the case of a two-player game, where the player who goes first skips the draw step.
Commander Format Basics
Before we dive further into the specifics of card drawing, it’s important to understand the basics of the Commander format. A Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including the commander. The commander is a unique card that serves as the focal point of the deck, and it’s typically a planeswalker or a legendary creature.
Color Identity and Singleton Rules
In a Commander deck, cards must adhere to color identity and singleton rules. This means that no two cards in the deck can have the same English name, and that the cards must share a common set of colors (in this case, white, blue, black, red, or green). The only exception to this rule is basic lands, which are allowed to have the same name.
Unrestricted Cards
While the vast majority of cards in a Commander deck must adhere to the color identity and singleton rules, there is one exception: legendary cards. Players can include multiple copies of legendary creatures in their deck, although they must still share the same color identity.
Draw Timing and Scryfall
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at the draw timing. In Commander, draw timing is at the beginning of the turn, immediately after the upkeep step. This means that players who draw cards on their turn will do so before anything else happens.
Timing of Abilities
It’s worth noting that abilities on cards can have different timings. Some abilities may trigger during the upkeep step, while others may trigger during the draw step. Players should be mindful of these timings when designing their decks and building around specific cards.
Examples and Edge Cases
As with any game, there are always going to be edge cases and situations where the rules need to be clarified. Here are a few examples to keep in mind:
• Two-Player Games: In a two-player game, the player who goes first skips the draw step. However, the player who goes second still draws a card on their turn.
• Timed Out Abilities: Cards with timed-out abilities, such as "at end of turn," will not trigger during the draw step. Instead, they’ll trigger during the cleanup phase.
• Trigger Timing: Abilities that trigger at specific times, such as "at beginning of upkeep," will still trigger as normal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the player who goes first in a Commander game does not draw a card on their first turn, unless it’s a three-or-more-player game. However, once the game reaches the end of the turn, draw timing is triggered, and players will draw cards before anything else happens. With this knowledge, players can better design their decks and build around specific cards and abilities. Remember to stay mindful of color identity, singleton rules, and legendary cards, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Commander pro!