How Many Board Wipes Should I Have?
When it comes to building a Commander deck, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is how many board wipes to include. Board wipes are instant or sorcery spells that destroy or exile all permanents of a certain type, and they can be incredibly powerful in the right situations. But how many should you include in your deck?
Traditional Guidelines
Traditionally, deck building templates have recommended including 5-7 board wipes in a Commander deck. This is because board wipes are often used to clear the board of opposing permanents, creating an opportunity for your own creatures to attack and defend. However, this traditional approach may not be the best strategy for every deck.
The Current Consensus
In recent years, the consensus among Commander players has shifted towards including fewer board wipes in a deck. Three to four board wipes is now considered a more optimal number, as it allows for a balance between board control and flexibility. This approach also makes it easier to adapt to different situations and opponents.
Why Fewer Board Wipes?
So, why are fewer board wipes considered better? Here are a few reasons:
- Less predictable: With fewer board wipes, your opponents can’t anticipate when you’ll wipe the board, making it harder for them to plan their strategy.
- More flexible: With more flexibility in your deck, you can respond to different situations and opponents more effectively.
- Less reliant on board wipes: By including fewer board wipes, you’re less reliant on them to win the game, making your deck more resilient to countermeasures.
When to Include More Board Wipes
While three to four board wipes is a good starting point, there are situations where you may want to include more:
- Against aggressive decks: If you’re facing an aggressive deck that’s trying to rush you down, more board wipes can help you clear the board and gain a foothold.
- Against control decks: If you’re facing a control deck that’s trying to lock you out of the game, more board wipes can help you break through their defenses.
- In a metagame with many permanents: If you’re playing in a metagame where many decks are relying on permanents, more board wipes can help you clear the board and gain an advantage.
When to Include Fewer Board Wipes
On the other hand, there are situations where you may want to include fewer board wipes:
- Against combo decks: If you’re facing a combo deck that’s trying to set up a powerful combo, fewer board wipes can help you avoid disrupting their plans.
- In a metagame with few permanents: If you’re playing in a metagame where few decks are relying on permanents, fewer board wipes can help you avoid overextending yourself.
- In a more controlling deck: If you’re building a more controlling deck that’s focused on locking down the board, fewer board wipes can help you maintain control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of board wipes you should include in your Commander deck depends on your playstyle, the metagame, and the specific decks you’re facing. While three to four board wipes is a good starting point, there are situations where you may want to include more or fewer. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of board wipes, you can build a more effective and adaptable deck.