How to Stop Commander Damage: A Comprehensive Guide
In Magic: The Gathering, Commander damage is a game-ending threat that can catch even the most experienced players off guard. However, with the right strategies and knowledge, you can mitigate the impact of commander damage and ensure a longer game. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to stop commander damage and provide tips and tricks to help you avoid it.
Resetting the Game with Karn Liberated
The simplest way to stop commander damage is to reset the game with Karn Liberated. This legendary planeswalker has the ability to reset the game state, including the commander damage, when it’s in play. This can be a game-changer, especially if you’re on the receiving end of a devastating commander attack.
Protection Spells
Another way to stop commander damage is to use protection spells. Protean Oust and Garrison Elite are two examples of cards that can protect you from commander damage. These spells can be played in response to a commander attack, preventing the damage from being dealt.
Bulwark Elemental
Bulwark Elemental is a powerful creature that can provide a shield against commander damage. This elemental has the ability to absorb up to 21 points of commander damage, making it an invaluable addition to any Commander deck.
Commander Ban
If you’re the commander, you can prevent damage from being dealt to your life total by playing Commander Ban. This spell can be played in response to a commander attack, preventing the damage from being dealt.
Deflecting Commander Damage
In some cases, you may not be able to prevent commander damage entirely, but you can deflect it. Deflecting Palm and Divert are two examples of cards that can redirect commander damage to a different target.
Strategies for Avoiding Commander Damage
While the above strategies can help you mitigate the impact of commander damage, the best way to stop it is to avoid it altogether. Here are some strategies for avoiding commander damage:
- Choose the right commander: Not all commanders are created equal. Some commanders are more aggressive than others, making them more likely to deal commander damage. Choose a commander that fits your playstyle and deck build.
- Build a defensive deck: A defensive deck should focus on protecting your life total and preventing damage from being dealt. Include cards that provide life gain, removal, and protection to keep your life total safe.
- Play aggressively: If you’re on the attacking side, try to deal as much damage as possible to your opponent’s life total. This can help you win the game before your opponent has a chance to deal commander damage.
- Keep your life total high: Keep your life total high by playing cards that provide life gain and removing cards that can deal damage. This can help you withstand commander attacks and prevent your life total from dropping too low.
Conclusion
Commander damage is a threat that can catch even the most experienced players off guard. However, with the right strategies and knowledge, you can mitigate its impact and ensure a longer game. Whether you’re on the attacking or defending side, understanding how to stop commander damage is crucial to success in Commander.
Commander Damage Mitigation Table
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Karn Liberated | Reset the game state, including commander damage |
| Protection Spells | Prevent commander damage from being dealt |
| Bulwark Elemental | Absorb up to 21 points of commander damage |
| Commander Ban | Prevent commander damage from being dealt |
| Deflecting Palm | Redirect commander damage to a different target |
| Deflect | Redirect commander damage to a different target |
Common Commander Damage Questions
- Do partners deal commander damage?: No, partners do not deal commander damage. Each commander is unique and tracks its own commander damage.
- Do commanders have summoning sickness?: Yes, commanders have summoning sickness unless otherwise stated.
- Does a token copy of a commander deal commander damage?: No, a token copy of a commander does not deal commander damage. The original commander is the one that deals commander damage.
- Can a commander deal commander damage to its own controller?: No, a commander cannot deal commander damage to its own controller.
By following these strategies and understanding the intricacies of commander damage, you can improve your chances of winning in Commander and become a more formidable opponent.