Magic the Gathering Commander decks are among the most popular and exciting aspects of the Magic: The Gathering (MTG) card game. Known for their unique format and vast customizability, Commander decks allow players to build around a specific legendary creature, creating an experience that blends strategy, creativity, and competition. The popularity of Magic the Gathering Commander decks has grown significantly since their inception, and they are now a cornerstone of MTG culture.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Magic the Gathering Commander decks, explore their importance to the MTG community, discuss their collectability, and highlight the top 5 cards to look for when building or purchasing a Commander deck.
The History of Magic the Gathering Commander Decks
The Commander format (originally known as Elder Dragon Highlander or EDH) was a fan-created alternative to traditional Magic: The Gathering gameplay. It began in the late 1990s when players sought a more casual, multiplayer-focused format that allowed for longer games and more interaction between participants. The idea was simple: build a 100-card deck around a legendary creature, with the stipulation that no more than one copy of any card (except basic lands) could be used.
The format became so popular that in 2011, Wizards of the Coast (the creators of Magic: The Gathering) officially recognized Commander as a sanctioned MTG format. Since then, they have released numerous pre-constructed Magic the Gathering Commander decks, making it easier for both new and experienced players to jump into the format. These pre-built decks are balanced and themed around specific legendary creatures, making them great for casual play or as a base for customization.
Over the years, Magic the Gathering Commander decks have evolved from a niche format into one of the most beloved aspects of the game. The flexibility of the Commander format encourages creativity, allowing players to express their individuality through deck-building, while the multiplayer aspect fosters a more social, interactive style of play.
Why Magic the Gathering Commander Decks Are Significant
There are several reasons why Magic the Gathering Commander decks hold a special place in the MTG community:
1. Unique Deck-Building Challenges
Commander decks require players to think creatively, as the format’s deck-building rules differ significantly from other MTG formats. With 100 cards and only one copy of each card allowed, players must carefully select cards that synergize with their chosen commander. The legendary creature chosen as the deck’s commander often dictates the theme and strategy of the entire deck, making it a fun puzzle to solve for deck-builders.
2. Casual and Competitive Play
Magic the Gathering Commander decks appeal to both casual and competitive players. While Commander is often seen as a more relaxed format designed for longer games with friends, it has also developed a competitive side, with high-stakes Commander tournaments now becoming common. This versatility means that Commander decks can be tailored to suit any playstyle.
3. Social Interaction and Multiplayer Dynamics
Commander games typically involve four or more players, which introduces an entirely new dynamic compared to the one-on-one nature of most MTG formats. The multiplayer setup fosters political maneuvering, alliances, and deals between players, adding layers of strategy beyond just the cards themselves. This social interaction is one of the reasons why Magic the Gathering Commander decks are so beloved.
4. A Format for Everyone
Commander is a format that welcomes players of all experience levels. Newer players can purchase pre-constructed Magic the Gathering Commander decks and start playing immediately, while more seasoned players can dive deep into deck-building, customizing their decks with rare and powerful cards. This accessibility has helped Commander grow into one of MTG’s most-played formats.
Why Magic the Gathering Commander Decks Are Collectible
Beyond their playability, Magic the Gathering Commander decks are highly collectible, both as complete decks and for the individual cards they contain. There are several factors contributing to their collectibility:
1. Rarity of Specific Cards
Many Commander decks include cards that are Commander-specific reprints, meaning they are only available in that deck. As these decks go out of print, the value of certain cards within them often skyrockets. Collectors and players alike seek these out not only for play but for their rarity and investment potential.
2. Legendary Creatures
The legendary creatures that serve as commanders are often the focal points of Magic the Gathering Commander decks, and many of these creatures become iconic over time. The scarcity of certain legendary cards, especially in foil versions, makes them highly sought after by collectors.
3. Artwork and Design
MTG is known for its stunning artwork, and Magic the Gathering Commander decks are no exception. Some Commander decks contain alternate art or extended art versions of cards, which are often more valuable to collectors. The beauty and intricacy of these cards add to their overall desirability.
4. Popularity of the Format
With the continued rise in popularity of Commander, the demand for older Commander decks has increased significantly. As the game evolves, so too does the desire for powerful and nostalgic cards from previous editions of Magic the Gathering Commander decks.
Top 5 Cards to Look for in Magic the Gathering Commander Decks
As the Commander format has grown, certain cards have become staples that are practically essential for both casual and competitive play. These cards not only offer powerful abilities, but they also shape the flow of a game, providing strategic advantages. Whether you’re building a new Commander deck or investing in collectible cards, these five cards are considered some of the best in the format.
Let’s dive into each one, exploring why they’re highly coveted, how they work, and how they can be effectively used in a game of Commander.
1. Sol Ring
Sol Ring is a legendary card in the Commander format and is widely regarded as one of the best mana acceleration tools in the game. For just one mana, Sol Ring provides two colorless mana each turn, essentially doubling your mana output from the very beginning of the game.
This early-game boost makes Sol Ring an auto-include in nearly every Magic the Gathering Commander deck. It can be found in many pre-constructed decks, and due to its efficiency, it is often one of the first cards players want in their opening hand.
Example of Use: If you have Sol Ring in your opening hand, you can play it on Turn 1, immediately giving you two additional mana. This can allow you to cast powerful early-game artifacts, ramp into bigger creatures, or cast your commander earlier than expected. For example, by pairing Sol Ring with other mana-producing cards like Command Tower, you could summon a high-cost commander such as Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice as early as Turn 3, overwhelming your opponents with board presence before they have time to build defenses.
2. Cyclonic Rift
Cyclonic Rift is a blue instant spell that has become a staple in both casual and competitive Magic the Gathering Commander decks. Its versatility and game-altering power make it one of the most feared cards in Commander. For just 2 mana, you can return a single non-land permanent to its owner’s hand. However, the card’s true strength comes from its Overload cost (7 mana), which allows you to return all non-land permanents your opponents control to their hands, leaving your board untouched.
Cyclonic Rift can single-handedly reset the board, often turning the tide of a game in your favor. It’s one of those cards that can swing an entire game, especially when timed just before your opponents are about to defeat you or solidify their board state.
Example of Use: Imagine a scenario where you’re playing a four-player Commander game, and two opponents have built overwhelming armies. By overloading Cyclonic Rift, you send every threatening creature, enchantment, and artifact your opponent’s control back to their hands, wiping their boards while keeping yours intact. On your next turn, with your board advantage, you can capitalize on the momentum and either finish off one or more opponents or set up a victory on the following turn. Cyclonic Rift’s ability to impact multiple opponents at once makes it invaluable in multiplayer settings.
3. Command Tower
Command Tower is a land card that’s become a fundamental piece in most multicolor Magic the Gathering Commander decks. It can tap for any color of mana that your commander’s color identity allows, making it incredibly versatile and efficient in generating the exact mana you need.
As mana bases are crucial in Commander, Command Tower provides consistent mana fixing without entering the battlefield tapped or requiring any additional resources. It is an auto-include in decks with multiple colors and ensures that players can access the mana they need to cast spells or activate abilities associated with their commander.
Example of Use: If you’re playing a three-color deck with a commander like Kenrith, the Returned King (whose abilities require all five colors), Command Tower allows you to produce any of the colors you need at any given time. For example, on Turn 2, you might need green mana to cast a ramp spell, and on Turn 4, you may need blue or red to counter a spell or attack with haste. Command Tower’s flexibility makes it a must-have for ensuring smooth gameplay across all stages of the game.
4. Mana Crypt
Mana Crypt is one of the most powerful and rarest mana acceleration cards in Commander. Like Sol Ring, it generates two colorless mana each turn, but unlike Sol Ring, it costs zero mana to cast, making it even faster. The trade-off is a small risk: at the beginning of each upkeep, you flip a coin, and if you lose the flip, you take three damage. However, the damage is often negligible compared to the sheer speed and advantage Mana Crypt provides, especially in the early game.
Because of its scarcity and efficiency, Mana Crypt is highly sought after by collectors and players alike, making it one of the most valuable cards to include in a Commander deck.
Example of Use: With Mana Crypt on the battlefield from Turn 1, you’ll have the ability to generate three mana on your second turn when combined with your normal land drop. This mana ramp enables early casting of powerful cards like Smothering Tithe or even lets you summon your commander far ahead of schedule. The downside of potentially losing life is often outweighed by the overwhelming board presence and speed that Mana Crypt provides, allowing you to get ahead of opponents in the early game and dominate as the match progresses.
5. Rhystic Study
Rhystic Study is a highly popular enchantment that has become synonymous with the Commander format. For just 3 mana, Rhystic Study taxes your opponents whenever they cast a spell, forcing them to pay 1 extra mana or let you draw a card. Throughout a game, this effect can generate an incredible amount of card advantage, allowing you to keep your hand full while putting pressure on opponents to either slow down their play or allow you to gain resources.
Because Commander games typically involve multiple opponents, Rhystic Study becomes even more powerful in multiplayer settings, often drawing you several cards each turn cycle.
Example of Use: Let’s say you’re playing a Commander game where you’ve established Rhystic Study on Turn 3. Over the next few turns, every time an opponent casts a spell, they’ll either have to spend additional mana to prevent you from drawing or allow you to grow your hand significantly. As your opponents fall behind in card advantage, you can maintain control of the game by having the resources necessary to answer threats or mount an offense. Rhystic Study is a powerful engine that helps you draw cards and frustrate opponents, making it a valuable card in any Magic the Gathering Commander deck.
Conclusion
Magic the Gathering Commander decks have cemented themselves as a vital part of the MTG universe. From their humble origins as a fan-driven format to their current status as a mainstream game mode, Commander continues to offer players a unique and customizable experience. Whether you’re building decks for casual play, competing in tournaments, or collecting rare cards, Magic the Gathering Commander decks offer something for everyone.
With their rich history, social gameplay, and countless collectible cards, Magic the Gathering Commander decks remain one of the most engaging and rewarding formats in the MTG world.
