What are the rules for first turn in Commander?

What are the Rules for First Turn in Commander?

In the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a unique format that allows players to build decks around a specific legendary creature, known as the Commander. As the game begins, players draw a hand of seven cards and take turns playing spells and abilities to defeat their opponents. But what are the rules for the first turn in Commander? In this article, we’ll explore the key rules and strategies to help you dominate the game from the very start.

Drawing a Card on the First Turn

One of the most important rules to understand is that the first player to take their first turn does not draw a card. This means that the player who goes first will only draw a hand of six cards, while their opponent draws a hand of seven. This can be a significant advantage, as the first player will have a more limited hand to work with.

Seating and Turn Order

In Commander, the seating and turn order are determined randomly. Players can use a coin flip, a random draw, or any other method they prefer to decide who goes first. Once the turn order is established, players take turns playing spells and abilities, with the first player going first.

Commander Deck Requirements

Another important rule to understand is that Commander decks must contain exactly 100 cards, including the Commander. This means that players must carefully curate their decks to ensure they have the right balance of cards to win the game.

Beginning Phase

The beginning phase is the first phase of the turn, during which players can take certain actions. These actions include:

• Untap: Untap all tapped lands and other tapped permanents.
• Upkeep: Pay any costs that were deferred from the previous turn.
• Draw: Draw a card, unless the player is the first player to take their first turn.

Drawing a Card on Subsequent Turns

After the first turn, players will draw a card during the draw step of their turn. This means that players will have a full hand of seven cards to work with, giving them more options and flexibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rules for the first turn in Commander are complex and require careful attention to detail. By understanding the rules and strategies outlined in this article, players can gain a significant advantage and dominate the game from the very start. Remember to carefully curate your deck, pay attention to the turn order, and take advantage of the opportunities presented during the beginning phase. With practice and patience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Commander master.

Additional Tips and Strategies

Here are some additional tips and strategies to help you dominate the game from the very start:

• Focus on lands: In the early game, it’s essential to focus on playing lands to generate mana and fuel your spells and abilities.
• Play defensively: In the early game, it’s often better to play defensively and focus on protecting your life total rather than attacking your opponent.
• Take advantage of the beginning phase: The beginning phase is a critical part of the turn, and players should take advantage of the opportunities presented during this phase.
• Pay attention to the turn order: The turn order can have a significant impact on the game, and players should pay attention to who is going first and when.
• Keep your hand flexible: In the early game, it’s essential to keep your hand flexible and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the rules for the first turn in Commander:

• Q: Can I draw a card on the first turn?
• A: No, the first player to take their first turn does not draw a card.
• Q: How do I determine the turn order?
• A: Players can use a coin flip, a random draw, or any other method they prefer to determine the turn order.
• Q: What is the beginning phase?
• A: The beginning phase is the first phase of the turn, during which players can take certain actions, such as untapping lands and paying costs.
• Q: Can I play spells and abilities during the beginning phase?
• A: No, players cannot play spells and abilities during the beginning phase.