Choosing the Right Commander in Magic: The Gathering
In Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format, the commander is the linchpin of your entire deck. It’s the card that sets the tone for your gameplan and dictates how you’ll build your deck around it. But with so many possibilities, choosing the right commander can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a commander and provide some tips for building your deck around your chosen commander.
Know Thyself
Before choosing a commander, take stock of your playstyle. Are you a control-oriented player who likes to mana-screw your opponents or a combo-heavy player who likes to rush down to the finish line? Certain commanders lend themselves better to specific playstyles, so it’s essential to have a good understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.
Legends and Origins
Commanders can either be legendary creatures or ordinary creatures with the " planeswalker" ability. Both types of commanders have unique abilities that can shape your gameplay. Legendary creatures offer powerful abilities that can sway the tide of battle in your favor, while ordinary creatures provide more flexible, card advantage-oriented abilities. When choosing a commander, consider which type of playstyle you prefer.
Card Availability
Commander decks typically consist of 100 cards, including your commander. When choosing a commander, consider the cards that are readily available for you to build around. Some commanders require specific mana-fixing cards or require you to build around particular colors. Make sure the cards you need are within your budget and easily accessible.
Color Identity
Commander decks can include cards of any color combination, but some commanders require specific color identities. If your commander requires a specific color identity, make sure the cards you build around it fit within that color profile.
Ramp or No Ramp?
Many commanders rely on ramp strategies to get to their later-game power. If your commander is a ramp-loving behemoth, make sure you build around it with plenty of ramp spells to get to your key threats.
Building Around Your Commander
Once you’ve chosen your commander, think about how you’ll build around it. Do you need specific cards to help it get to the board or generate card advantage? Consider what cards you can play in the early game to set up your board for the late game. Table 1: Commander Considerations
| Commander Type | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Legendary Creature | Powerful abilities, high cmc |
| Ordinary Creature | Card advantage, more flexible abilities |
| Ramped Commander | Need early-game ramp spells |
| Non-Ramped Commander | Need card draw or cycling |
| Color Identity | Need cards of specific color combination |
| Playstyle | Control or combo-oriented build |
Conclusion
Choosing the right commander in MTG’s Commander format requires careful consideration of your playstyle, card availability, and the commander’s own abilities and requirements. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be well-equipped to build a deck around your commander that’s competitive and fun to play.
Tips and Tricks
- Start with a small pool of commanders and see how you like playing with them before committing to a large deck build.
- Consider the metagame when choosing a commander; some commanders are more potent in certain metagame environments.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new commanders; they might surprise you with how well they perform.
- Make sure to build a diverse mana base to ensure you have the right mana for your commander’s ability.
By following these tips and considering the key factors when choosing a commander, you’ll be well on your way to building a commander deck that’s tailored to your playstyle and tastes. Happy gaming!