How many board wipes in a Commander deck?
In recent times, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the optimal number of board wipes in a Commander deck. Traditional deck building templates have often suggested running around 5-7 board wipes, while others believe that 3-4 is the sweet spot. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the world of board wipes in Commander and provide some practical advice on how to find the right balance for your deck.
Why are board wipes important in Commander?
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about why board wipes are so crucial in Commander. Board wipes are game-changing cards that can reset the board and give you the upper hand in a long game. They’re perfect for breaking through opponents’ defenses, answering threats, and creating an opening to take control. Without a sufficient number of board wipes, you risk getting bottled up and struggling to achieve your objectives.
Do you need multiple board wipes?
Now that we’ve established the importance of board wipes, let’s talk about the optimal number. Do you need one, two, or five? The answer lies in your deck’s strategy and playstyle.
- If you’re building a traditional aggressive deck that relies on early-game beats, one or two board wipes might be sufficient to clear the board and pave the way for your attacker.
- If you’re building a control deck that wants to lock down the game with removal and card draw, two to three board wipes might be necessary to maintain board parity and keep your opponents on their toes.
- If you’re building a ramp deck that wants to develop quickly and dominate the mid-game, three or four board wipes could be the sweet spot for clearing the board and paving the way for your biggest threats.
When is it too many board wipes?
On the flip side, is it ever too many board wipes? Yes, it can be. Too many board wipes can make your deck overly reliant on the cards and give your opponents a chance to adapt and build around the wipes. In a long game, a deck that relies too heavily on wipes can become stale and struggle to maintain momentum.
| Number of Board Wipes | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Simple to manage, few resources | Limited effectiveness in longer games |
| 2-3 | Better balance of removal and offense | Greater risk of being outmaneuvered |
| 3-4 | Efficient at clearing the board | Greater reliance on individual cards |
When should you hold back on the board wipes?
Sometimes, you’ll want to hold back on the board wipes in favor of more targeted removal or other plays. Ask yourself:
- Is this board wipe too early, and will it just leave me open to counter-play?
- Will this board wipe be overkill and leave me vulnerable to additional threats?
- Are there more pressing issues on the board that I should attend to before wiping the floor?
Conclusion
When it comes to board wipes in Commander, the ideal number depends on your deck’s strategy, playstyle, and gameplan. While it’s tempting to go for quantity over quality, remember that too many board wipes can make your deck too predictable and reliant on individual cards. Find that sweet spot between one, two, three, and four board wipes, and you’ll be well on your way to dominating your opponents.
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