What Happens to a Commander That Gets Exiled?
Introduction
When a commander in Magic: The Gathering is sent to the exile zone, it can be a challenging situation for the player who controls them. But what exactly happens to these commanders when they’re exiled, and how can players deal with them afterwards? In this article, we’ll explore the mechanics of exile and how it affects commanders, providing a comprehensive guide for both beginners and experienced players.
What Does "Exiled" Mean?
Exile is a fate worse than death for commanders, as it means they’re sent from the game and removed from play. When a commander is exiled, it’s gone from the game, and the player can no longer use its abilities or utilize its powers. Exile is a lasting condition that can only be removed when the exiled object is returned to the game through a specific effect or method.
How Do Commanders Become Exiled?
Commanders become exiled through various means, such as:
- Removing from game: Certain effects or cards, like "Exile" spells or abilities, can remove commanders from the game, exiling them to a designated zone.
- Death by other means: If a commander would normally die (e.g., through combat, poison, or some other means), it can still be exiled instead, depending on the circumstances.
- Transfer to an exile zone: Commanders can also move from one zone to another through certain effects or abilities, such as shifting from the graveyard to the exile zone.
Consequences of Exiling a Commander
Upon exiling a commander, the following changes occur:
- Removal from gameplay: The commander is no longer part of the game, and the player can’t use its abilities or powers.
- Card availability: The exiled commander doesn’t count as a card available to the player for purposes such as drawing cards, tutoring, or mill effects.
- No recall: Exiled commanders don’t have a return to the command zone or graveyard unless specifically designated through an effect or ability.
Special Considerations
Some significant factors to consider when dealing with an exiled commander include:
- Retaining commander benefits: If an exile effect specifically allows the commander’s controller to retain benefits, they continue to apply even after exile, as long as the exile effect still in play.
- Maintaining commander interactions: Certain effects or abilities involving the exiled commander may not resolve or trigger if the commander has become exiled.
Returning from Exile
Exiled commanders can be returned to the game through the following methods:
- Returning to hand: Certain effects or abilities might allow the exiled commander to be returned to the hand.
- Returned to the command zone: In some situations, exiled commanders can be placed back into the command zone.
- Played as a spell: Exiled commanders can be played as a spell card in some circumstances, allowing the controller to return it to the battlefield as a permanent.
Table: Key Exile Zones and Their Purpose
| Exile Zone | Purpose | Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Command Zone | Commander tokens are stored here, allowing recall | Yes (controller can choose to return) |
| Graveyard | Permanent cards go here, and can be reanimated by various effects | No (once a card, always a card) |
| Exile (Deck Box) | Card removal effect that sends a card back to the deck box | No (card remains in game state) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, being exiled is a serious consequence for Magic: The Gathering commanders, as they are removed from gameplay and can no longer contribute to the game. Understanding exile and its various effects and implications is crucial for players who want to navigate complex situations efficiently and effectively.