What happens if a Commander is sent to your hand?

What Happens if a Commander is Sent to Your Hand?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Commander is a popular format where players build decks around a specific commander card. This card is the centerpiece of the deck and is the leader of the player’s strategy. But what happens when a Commander is sent to your hand? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.

The Rule

According to the official Magic: The Gathering rulebook, if a Commander would be put into your hand, you may choose to move it to your command zone instead. This means that if a card or effect sends your Commander to your hand, you have the option to prevent it from going to your hand and instead move it to the command zone.

Why Move to the Command Zone?

There are several reasons why you might want to move your Commander to the command zone instead of your hand. Here are a few:

• Commander Tax: When you cast a Commander from the command zone, you don’t pay the Commander tax. The Commander tax is a two-mana increase in the cost of casting the Commander, which can be significant.
• Flexibility: Moving your Commander to the command zone gives you more flexibility in terms of when and how you cast it. You can cast it on your next turn, or you can use it to generate card advantage or other benefits.
• Protection: The command zone provides a safe haven for your Commander, protecting it from effects that would put it into your hand.

Examples of Cards That Send Commanders to Your Hand

Here are a few examples of cards that can send your Commander to your hand:

• Command Beacon: This artifact card allows you to put your Commander into your hand, which can be useful if you need to activate its abilities or generate card advantage.
• Griselbrand: This zombie lord can return your Commander to your hand when it dies, which can be a powerful way to generate card advantage.
• Phantasmal Terrain: This enchantment can return your Commander to your hand when it is destroyed, which can provide a way to recover from a setback.

Benefits of Moving Your Commander to the Command Zone

Here are a few benefits of moving your Commander to the command zone:

• Prevents Commander Tax: By moving your Commander to the command zone, you avoid paying the Commander tax, which can save you two mana.
• Provides Flexibility: The command zone gives you more flexibility in terms of when and how you cast your Commander.
• Protects Your Commander: The command zone provides a safe haven for your Commander, protecting it from effects that would put it into your hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if a Commander is sent to your hand, you have the option to move it to your command zone instead. This can provide a number of benefits, including avoiding the Commander tax, providing flexibility, and protecting your Commander. By understanding the rules and strategies surrounding Commander movement, you can improve your gameplay and become a more effective Commander player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about moving a Commander to the command zone:

• Q: Can I move my Commander to the command zone multiple times?
• A: Yes, you can move your Commander to the command zone multiple times. Each time you move it, you can use its abilities and generate card advantage.
• Q: Can I move my Commander to the command zone from the graveyard?
• A: Yes, you can move your Commander to the command zone from the graveyard. This can provide a way to recover from a setback and continue to play the game.
• Q: Can I move my Commander to the command zone from exile?
• A: Yes, you can move your Commander to the command zone from exile. This can provide a way to recover from a setback and continue to play the game.

Table: Commanders That Can Be Sent to Your Hand

Note: This table is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a general overview of commanders that can be sent to your hand. There may be other commanders that have similar effects.