What sets are legal in commander?

What Sets are Legal in Commander?

The Commander format is a unique and exciting way to play Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to create their own custom decks and build their own strategies. With the vast array of Magic sets available, it’s natural to wonder which ones are legal for play. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and delve into the details of what sets are legal in Commander.

Every Magic Set is Legal

The good news for Commander players is that every Magic set is legal in the format, with the exception of two specific sets. This means that you can use cards from any Magic set released since the game’s beginning, giving you access to a vast library of spells and creatures to build your deck.

The Only Exceptions

There are only two sets that are explicitly banned from Commander play:

• Acorn sets: These sets are special, promotional sets that are not intended for play in official tournaments. They were created as a joke or a novelty, and as such, they are not considered part of the regular Magic universe.
• Silver-bordered sets: Similar to Acorn sets, Silver-bordered sets are experimental or promotional sets that are not intended for play in official tournaments. They have their own unique rules and are not considered part of the regular Magic universe.

What About Un Sets?

The Unfinity set is a special, experimental set that was designed to be used in alternative formats, such as Pauper and Brawl. While Unfinity cards can be used in Commander decks, they are not required to be included in any specific set. This means that you can use Unfinity cards alongside cards from other sets, as long as they fit within your deck’s overall strategy and theme.

Rarity Distribution

One of the things that makes Commander so appealing is the wide range of rarity distribution in the game. While rare and mythic rare cards are highly sought after, common cards can also be incredibly powerful and important in a well-built deck. Here is a rough breakdown of the rarity distribution in Commander decks:

Building a Commander Deck

When building a Commander deck, the key is to create a cohesive strategy that utilizes cards from across the Magic spectrum. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a Commander: Your Commander will be the central figure in your deck, and your strategy will revolve around them. Choose a card that reflects your playstyle and preferences.
• Select a Theme: Once you’ve chosen your Commander, think about the overall theme of your deck. This could be a mono-colored deck focused on token generation, a multi-colored deck centered around a specific creature type, or a token-based deck focused on pumping up your creatures.
• Fill in the gaps: Once you have a general idea of your strategy, start filling in the gaps with cards that fit your theme. Try to include a mix of powerful spells, versatile creatures, and interactive cards to interact with your opponents.
• Test and Refine: Finally, test your deck and refine it based on your results. Keep an eye on your card draw, your life totals, and your overall pace of play. Make adjustments as needed to create a deck that’s both competitive and fun to play.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the world of Commander, a unique and exciting way to play Magic: The Gathering. With every set legal for play, Commander players have access to an incredible array of cards, from rare and mythic rare cards to common cards and basic lands. Remember to choose a Commander and theme that reflects your playstyle, select cards that fit your strategy, and test and refine your deck to create a competitive and fun-to-play deck. Happy building!