How Does Commander Tax Work with Backgrounds?
In the Commander format, players can create their own unique decks using cards from the Magic: The Gathering universe. One key aspect of Commander deck-building is the concept of Commander Tax. This tax is an additional cost that players must pay each time they cast a commander from the command zone. In this article, we will explore how Commander tax works with backgrounds, including how it affects deck building and gameplay.
Background Basics
Before diving into the intricacies of Commander tax and backgrounds, it’s essential to understand the basics of backgrounds. In Magic: The Gathering, backgrounds are special cards that allow players to customize their commander and create unique effects on the battlefield. Each background has its own rules and interactions, and can greatly impact the gameplay experience.
Commander Tax Explained
Commander tax is a mechanic introduced in the Commander format, designed to prevent players from overusing their commanders in the command zone. Whenever a player casts a commander from the command zone, they must pay an additional cost equal to the number of times they have previously cast that commander from the command zone. This tax can be significant, as it can increase the cost of casting a commander by +2 for each previous cast.
How Commander Tax Works with Backgrounds
When using a background with your commander, it’s crucial to understand how Commander tax affects the interaction. Fortunately, the rules are relatively straightforward:
- Separate Tax: Each background on a commander is considered a separate commander for purposes of Commander tax. This means that each background incurs its own Commander tax, which is calculated separately from other backgrounds on the same commander.
- Combine Costs: When a commander has multiple backgrounds, you combine the costs for all backgrounds when calculating Commander tax. For example, if a commander has two backgrounds, each with a tax of +1, the total Commander tax would be +2.
- Background Effects: Backgrounds can affect how Commander tax is applied, but they do not override the basic rules. Some backgrounds may provide bonus effects or abilities that interact with Commander tax, but these effects are typically clarified in the background’s individual text.
Example Scenario
To illustrate how Commander tax works with backgrounds, let’s consider an example:
- Commander: Zada, Helm of Omen
- Background: Mythic Hunt, which reads "You may cast cards with converted mana cost less than 2 from outside the game."
- Commander Tax: +2 (assuming the player has previously cast Zada from the command zone once)
In this scenario, the player is considering casting a Mountain from outside the game. Since Mythic Hunt allows the player to cast cards with converted mana cost less than 2, the player could potentially cast the Mountain without paying its usual 1 mana cost.
However, when casting the Mountain, the player must also pay the Commander tax of +2. This would result in a total mana cost of 3, since the player is also paying the additional 1 mana cost for the Commander tax.
Best Practices for Building Backgrounded Commander Decks
When building a commander deck with backgrounds, it’s essential to consider the following best practices:
- Understand the Background: Familiarize yourself with the effects and interactions of the backgrounds on your commander.
- Plan Your Mantics: Anticipate how the backgrounds will interact with your mana base and calculate the total mana cost for your commander.
- Timing is Everything: Consider the timing of when you plan to cast your commander, taking into account the background’s effects and the potential for Commander tax.
By understanding how Commander tax works with backgrounds, you can build more effective and dynamic commander decks that take full advantage of the unique interactions between the two. Remember to stay flexible and adapt your strategies to the changing dynamics of the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Commander tax is a fundamental mechanic in the Commander format, and understanding how it works with backgrounds is crucial for building successful decks. By combining the costs of backgrounds and considering the interactions with Commander tax, you can create powerful and adaptable decks that dominate the battlefield. Remember to stay patient and adjust your strategies to the changing game state, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Commander building with backgrounds.