How Many Creatures Should I Run in Commander?
In the world of Commander, creatures are a staple of any deck. But, how many should you run? The answer is not as simple as it seems. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Commander and explore the ideal number of creatures to include in your deck.
The Magic: The Gathering Rulebook
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the official Magic: The Gathering rulebook. According to the rulebook, there is no hard and fast rule about the number of creatures you can include in your Commander deck. It simply states that the deck must consist of exactly 100 cards, including the commander.
The Ideal Number of Creatures
So, how many creatures should you run in your Commander deck? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of deck you’re building, the strategy you’re employing, and the number of opponents you’re facing.
General Guidelines
Here are some general guidelines to consider when building your Commander deck:
- Aggro Decks: Aggro decks are designed to deal as much damage as possible to your opponents as quickly as possible. These decks typically include a high number of creatures, as well as burn spells and other forms of damage.
- Control Decks: Control decks are designed to slow down the game and give you more time to develop your board presence. These decks typically include fewer creatures, as well as more spells that allow you to interact with your opponents.
- Combo Decks: Combo decks are designed to set up a specific combination of cards that will allow you to win the game. These decks typically include a few key creatures, as well as a variety of spells that enable the combo.
How Many Creatures Should You Run?
Here are some general guidelines for the number of creatures you should run in your Commander deck:
- Fewer than 20: This is typically a sign of a control deck that is focused on spells and card advantage.
- 20-30: This is a good range for aggro decks that want to deal as much damage as possible.
- 30-40: This is a good range for midrange decks that want to have a strong board presence without relying too heavily on creatures.
- 40-50: This is typically a sign of a combo deck that is focused on setting up a specific combination of cards.
- 50 or more: This is typically a sign of a ramp deck that is focused on quickly developing a strong board presence.
Creature Types
In addition to the number of creatures you include in your deck, you should also consider the types of creatures you include. Here are some general guidelines:
- Humans: Humans are a popular creature type in Commander, as they are relatively inexpensive and can be easily included in a variety of decks.
- Beasts: Beasts are a popular creature type in Commander, as they are often powerful and can be included in a variety of decks.
- Fliers: Fliers are a popular creature type in Commander, as they are often difficult to block and can be included in a variety of decks.
- Token Creatures: Token creatures are a popular creature type in Commander, as they can be created through a variety of means and can be included in a variety of decks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of creatures you should run in your Commander deck depends on several factors, including the type of deck you’re building, the strategy you’re employing, and the number of opponents you’re facing. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
- Aggro decks: 20-30 creatures
- Control decks: fewer than 20 creatures
- Midrange decks: 30-40 creatures
- Combo decks: 30-40 creatures
- Ramp decks: 40 or more creatures
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and you should adjust your creature count based on the specific needs of your deck. Happy gaming!