Magic has been around for long enough to spin off hundreds of unique mechanics, each with its own unique advantages, dedicated support cards and memorable payoffs. But when you throw them all together in the grand melting pot that is Commander, a few mechanics clearly stand out from the pack. They offer versatile deck building options, consistent performance in different …
Why is Shahrazad Banned in Commander?
While Commander’s grassroots origins make it different from many other Magic formats, it still has a ban list like the rest of them. However, since Commander is not a format with tons of tournament data to back up banning certain cards, some players are unsure why certain offenders end up on the list. Today, I’m going to take a look …
Framing A Magic Accessibility Issue
It seems to be that as time goes on, Magic becomes harder and harder to decipher. Complexity creep on cards is one thing, but what about the complexity of game pieces? Kristen sits down to talk about accessibility in Magic. For many of us, Magic’s artwork is a big draw. Without the stunning vistas, fierce warriors and heroic (or villainous) …
Doctor Who: Early Look
2023 is Magic’s 30th anniversary and… wait, do you hear that? It’s a kind of whooshy, shimmery sound. Weird. Anyway, coming up later this year in Magic, we…was this blue box always here? What is going on? Doctor Who? 2023 is also the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who, the venerable British sci-fi show. To celebrate these dual milestones, the …
Building Rowan, Scion of War in Commander
Wilds of Eldraine is here, and the set includes many great, potential Commanders. One of the most exciting legendary creatures in the set is Rowan, Scion of War, who brings a ton of power to the Commander table as a combo enabler because she can often draw you your entire deck and win the game all in a single turn. …
Wilds of Eldraine Virtue and Valor Precon Upgrade Guide
Wilds of Eldraine brings two new Commander Precons, and the Selesnya Aura deck brings with it powerful new cards and ways to play, thanks to the Role mechanic. So how does Virtue and Valor play and how can you upgrade it further? Kristen has the guide. VIRTUE AND VALOR: NEW COMMANDERS The first of two new Commanders in Virtue and …
Wilds of Eldraine Fae Dominion Precon Upgrade Guide
Wilds of Eldraine brings two new Commander Precons, and the Dimir Faeries deck brings with it powerful new cards and ways to play. So how’s Fae Dominion and what’s an ideal upgrade route? Kristen has the lowdown. FAE DOMINION: NEW COMMANDERS The first of Fae Dominion’s two new Commanders is Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor. At three mana, you get a …
Has Play Designed Fixed Dimir in Casual Commander?
Dimir decks in Casual Commander often revolve around annoying strategies like mill or tutor up a linear combo. Kristen argues that not only is there room for this kind of deck in the format, but that Wizards of the Coast is doing a lot to offer more novel and attractive ways to play Dimir as a Control player. Casual Commander …
Three Ways to Approach Five Player Magic
We’ve all tried rallying friends to play some Commander and had two people respond at the same time for the fourth spot. Or it’s the day of a six-person draft, and one player’s commitment beforehand goes long, causing them to bow out. Either way, you’re left with that awkward number of five player Magic. Commander games can already run long, …
Wilds of Eldraine Commander Precon Highlights
Wilds of Eldraine brings with it two crowd-pleasing Commander Precon decks in Virtue and Valor and Fae Dominion, but also some exciting Set Booster-exclusive cards. There’s even some bonus Set Booster cards that were originally planned for a cancelled JumpStart product. Today we’ll review the highlights of these ancillary cards. Should you pick them up for your Commander collection? Are …