What’s the difference between standard and commander?

What’s the Difference Between Standard and Commander?

Magic: The Gathering is a popular trading card game with various formats, each with its unique rules and gameplay mechanics. Two of the most popular formats are Standard and Commander. While both formats share some similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the differences between Standard and Commander, exploring the rules, gameplay, and strategies involved in each format.

Gameplay Basics

Before we dive into the differences, let’s cover the basic gameplay rules for both formats. In both Standard and Commander, players start with a deck of cards and take turns playing lands, casting spells, and attacking their opponent. The objective of the game is to reduce the opponent’s life total from 20 to 0.

Standard Format

Minimum Deck Size: 60 cards
Life Total: 20
Turn Structure: Draw a card, then play a land or cast a spell
Combat: Creatures can attack the opponent’s life total
Win Condition: Reduce opponent’s life total to 0

Commander Format

Minimum Deck Size: 100 cards
Life Total: 40
Turn Structure: Draw a card, then play a land or cast a spell, then pass
Combat: Creatures can attack the opponent’s life total, and players can also attack each other
Win Condition: Reduce opponent’s life total to 0, or the opponent loses all their life due to Commander damage

Key Differences

Now that we’ve covered the basic gameplay rules, let’s explore the key differences between Standard and Commander:

• Deck Size: Standard decks have a minimum of 60 cards, while Commander decks have a minimum of 100 cards.
• Life Total: In Standard, the life total is 20, while in Commander, it’s 40.
• Turn Structure: In Standard, players draw a card, then play a land or cast a spell. In Commander, players draw a card, then play a land or cast a spell, then pass.
• Combat: In Standard, creatures can only attack the opponent’s life total. In Commander, creatures can attack the opponent’s life total, and players can also attack each other.
• Win Condition: The win condition is the same in both formats, but the way to achieve it is different. In Standard, players need to reduce their opponent’s life total to 0. In Commander, players need to reduce their opponent’s life total to 0 or make them lose all their life due to Commander damage.

Strategies

Now that we’ve covered the key differences, let’s explore some strategies for each format:

• Standard: In Standard, the focus is on tempo and consistency. Players aim to develop their board quickly and maintain a strong threat presence. Aggro and midrange strategies are common in Standard.
• Commander: In Commander, the focus is on durability and sustainability. Players aim to build a powerful board state and maintain a strong life total. Combo and control strategies are common in Commander.

Commander Damage

One of the unique features of Commander is Commander damage. Commander damage is a type of damage that can be dealt to an opponent’s life total by their Commander. The damage is cumulative, meaning it can add up over time. If a player’s Commander deals 21 or more damage to an opponent’s life total, that opponent loses the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Standard and Commander are two distinct formats with different rules, gameplay mechanics, and strategies. While both formats share some similarities, the key differences lie in deck size, life total, turn structure, combat, and win condition. Understanding these differences is crucial for building and playing successful decks in each format. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to Magic: The Gathering, exploring both Standard and Commander can help you improve your skills and find the format that suits you best.