How to Pick a Commander in MTG
In Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format, choosing the right commander can make all the difference in your deck’s performance. With over 400 commanders to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to play. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of picking a commander that fits your playstyle and preferences.
Identifying Your Commander
Before we dive into the process of choosing a commander, let’s clarify what makes a commander, well, a commander. A commander is a legendary creature or planeswalker that is the central figure of your deck. It’s the card that you’ll play from the command zone and use to drive your gameplan.
Criteria for Choosing a Commander
When selecting a commander, consider the following criteria:
- Color Identity: Does the commander fit with the colors you want to play? Make sure to check the commander’s mana cost and color requirements to ensure they align with your deck’s color scheme.
- Playstyle: Do you like to control the board with removal spells or ramp up to more powerful creatures? Choose a commander that reflects your preferred playstyle.
- Power Level: Do you want a commander that’s a game-changer on the battlefield or one that provides more subtle, supporting effects? Consider the commander’s power level and whether it fits with your playstyle.
- Community: Are you looking for a commander that’s easy to play with others or one that’s more unique and challenging? Think about the commander’s reputation among the Magic community and how it might affect your social games.
Types of Commanders
Commanders can be broadly categorized into three types:
- Token Generators: These commanders create tokens that can be used to swarm the board or provide additional sources of card advantage. Examples include Mondrak, Glory Dominus and Kethis, the Hidden Hand.
- Control Gods: These commanders excel at removing threats and disrupting opponents’ plans. Examples include Edgar Markov and Griselbrand.
- Ramp Agents: These commanders focus on generating mana and ramping up to more powerful spells and creatures. Examples include Krenko, Mob Boss and Pazuzu, the Prisoner.
Partners and Multi-Commander Decks
For those who want to try something new, partners and multi-commander decks are an excellent way to shake up your gameplay experience. Partners allow you to combine two commanders, while multi-commander decks feature three or more commanders working together.
Tips for Picking a Commander
When choosing a commander, remember the following tips:
- Start with what you know: If you’re new to Commander, consider starting with a more familiar commander or one that aligns with your favorite strategy.
- Don’t be afraid to ask: Reach out to the Magic community or online forums to ask for advice or share your own experiences with other players.
- Try before you buy: Experiment with different commanders in Casual games or online simulations to see how they perform in different situations.
- Keep it fun: Commander is all about having fun with friends and like-minded players. Don’t stress too much about picking the "perfect" commander – focus on building a deck that you enjoy playing!
Conclusion
Picking a commander in MTG can be a daunting task, but by considering your playstyle, color identity, and power level, you can find a commander that fits your needs. Remember to explore different types of commanders, such as token generators, control gods, and ramp agents, and don’t be afraid to try new things with partners and multi-commander decks. Most importantly, keep it fun and enjoy the game!