How Many Cards are Legal in Commander?
Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format is a popular and complex game mode that requires a deep understanding of the rules and card pool. One of the most frequently asked questions about Commander is: how many cards are legal in Commander? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive guide to the Commander card pool.
Direct Answer
A Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including the commander. This means that you can have a maximum of 99 non-commander cards in your deck, and the commander card itself. This is a hard and fast rule, and you cannot have more or fewer cards in your deck.
Card Pool
The Commander card pool consists of all regulation-sized Magic cards publicly released by Wizards of the Coast, with a few exceptions. The following types of cards are not legal in Commander:
- Silver-bordered cards: These cards were released in special sets and are not considered part of the regular Magic card pool.
- Gold-bordered cards: These cards were released in special sets and are not considered part of the regular Magic card pool.
- Acorn-shaped security stamps: These cards were released in special sets and are not considered part of the regular Magic card pool.
- Promo cards: These cards were released as promotional items and are not considered part of the regular Magic card pool.
Card Types
In Commander, there are several types of cards that are legal to play with. These include:
- Creatures: These cards represent monsters that can attack and defend.
- Sorceries: These cards represent spells that can be played to affect the game.
- Instants: These cards represent spells that can be played at any time, including during combat.
- Enchantments: These cards represent permanent effects that can be played on the battlefield.
- Lands: These cards represent the basic terrain of the game and are necessary for playing spells.
- Artifacts: These cards represent objects that can be played on the battlefield.
- Planeswalkers: These cards represent powerful characters that can be played on the battlefield.
Banned and Restricted Lists
The Commander banned and restricted lists are lists of cards that are not allowed to be played in the format. These lists are maintained by the Magic: The Gathering community and are designed to prevent the format from becoming too unbalanced or dominated by a single card or strategy.
Banned Cards
The following cards are currently banned in Commander:
- Trade Secrets: This card allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card.
- Hullbreacher: This card allows the player who casts it to deal 2 damage to each opponent.
- Sway of the Stars: This card allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card.
Restricted Cards
The following cards are currently restricted in Commander:
- Jace, the Mind Sculptor: This card allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card.
- Karn, the Great Creator: This card allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Commander deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including the commander. The Commander card pool consists of all regulation-sized Magic cards publicly released by Wizards of the Coast, with a few exceptions. The banned and restricted lists are designed to prevent the format from becoming too unbalanced or dominated by a single card or strategy. By understanding the rules and card pool, you can build a competitive and fun Commander deck.
Table: Commander Card Pool
| Card Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Creatures | Monsters that can attack and defend |
| Sorceries | Spells that can be played to affect the game |
| Instants | Spells that can be played at any time, including during combat |
| Enchantments | Permanent effects that can be played on the battlefield |
| Lands | Basic terrain that is necessary for playing spells |
| Artifacts | Objects that can be played on the battlefield |
| Planeswalkers | Powerful characters that can be played on the battlefield |
Table: Banned and Restricted Lists
| Card | Reason for Ban/Restriction |
|---|---|
| Trade Secrets | Allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card |
| Hullbreacher | Deals 2 damage to each opponent |
| Sway of the Stars | Allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card |
| Jace, the Mind Sculptor | Allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card |
| Karn, the Great Creator | Allows the player who casts it to draw a card and then discard a card |
I hope this article has been helpful in answering your question about how many cards are legal in Commander. Remember to always check the banned and restricted lists before building your deck, and to follow the official Magic: The Gathering rules. Happy gaming!