How Does Commander Tax Work with Partner?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a popular format where players take on the role of a legendary leader, known as a "commander," and compete against each other with customized decks. One of the unique mechanics in Commander is the "commander tax," which applies to a player’s commander when it’s cast from the command zone. But how does this tax work when you have two partners? In this article, we’ll explore the rules and nuances of commander tax with partner.
What is the Commander Tax?
The commander tax is an additional cost that applies to a player’s commander when it’s cast from the command zone. This tax is equal to 2 mana for each previous time the player has cast that commander from the command zone that game. In other words, if a player has already cast their commander once from the command zone, the next time they cast it, it will cost 2 more mana than the initial casting cost.
Does the Commander Tax Apply to Both Sides with Partner?
When playing with partner, each player has their own commander and deck. The commander tax applies separately to each player’s commander. This means that if one player has cast their commander from the command zone, the other player’s commander is not affected by this tax.
How Does the Commander Tax Work with Partner in Terms of Separate Tallies?
When calculating the commander tax, each player keeps separate tallies for their own commander. This means that if one player has cast their commander once from the command zone, the other player’s commander is still at its initial casting cost. The commander tax only applies to the player who has cast their commander.
What Happens if Both Players Cast Their Commanders at the Same Time?
In the event that both players cast their commanders from the command zone at the same time, each player’s commander tax is applied independently. This means that each player’s commander is subject to its own commander tax, even if they were cast simultaneously.
Examples of Commander Tax with Partner
Let’s take a look at some examples to illustrate how the commander tax works with partner:
| Player | Commander | Initial Casting Cost | Commander Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezuri, Claw of Progress | 2 | 0 |
| 1 | Ezuri, Claw of Progress | 2 | 4 (1st time casting, +2 for previous cast) |
| 2 | Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice | 3 | 0 (no previous casts, no tax) |
In this example, Player 1 has cast their commander, Ezuri, once from the command zone, and is now subject to a commander tax of +2 when casting it again. Player 2, on the other hand, has not cast their commander yet and is not subject to a commander tax.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the commander tax is an important mechanic in Commander that can greatly impact a player’s game plan. When playing with partner, it’s essential to understand how the commander tax applies separately to each player’s commander. By keeping separate tallies and applying the commander tax independently, players can better manage their commanders and make informed decisions during gameplay.
Additional Tips for Managing Commander Tax with Partner
- Keep track of which players have cast their commanders from the command zone and how many times they’ve been cast.
- Plan your deck’s strategy around the commander tax, taking into account how many times you may need to cast your commander.
- Consider building your deck around commanders with lower initial casting costs to minimize the impact of the commander tax.
- When playing with partner, communicate with your opponent to coordinate your strategies and manage the commander tax together.
By understanding the commander tax and its application with partner, players can gain a significant advantage in their games and improve their overall performance in Commander.