Upheaval's Ban in Commander

Why is Upheaval Banned in Commander?

Jacob LacknerCommander

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, we’re going to look at Upheaval …

Playing with Non-Permanents in Commander

Playing with Non-Permanents in Commander

Tom AndersonCommander

Quick question for the Commander players in the audience: without checking, what percentage of cards in your deck non-permanents? Does 50% sound right? 75%? Even higher? I know there’s some blue/red spellslinger players or cEDH decks with tons of instant interaction helping keep the averages down, but I’d guess most other decks the number is closer to 80% than 50%. …

Erayo, Soratamai Ascendant's Ban in Commander

Why is Erayo, Soratami Ascendant Banned in Commander?

Jacob LacknerCommander

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, we’re going to look at Erayo, …

Essential Blue Commander Cards

20 Essential Blue Commander Cards

Kristen GregoryCommander

Blue is one of the best control colors in Commander. If you’re looking for some tips on what blue cards will enhance your Commander collection, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our 20 essential blue cards — cards that will be great in any number of blue decks. Blue, more than any color, has an abundance of control and …

Planeswalkers changing for the better

Planeswalkers Changing for the Better

Tom AndersonCommander, Legacy, Strategy

With March of the Machine and its Aftermath now both revealed, 2023 looks very much like the end of an era for Magic’s Planeswalkers. Many were casualties of the struggle against Phyrexia, including some who lost their spark and were demoted to mere legendary creatures. But even the survivors can tell their role in the multiverse has changed. In fact, …

Streamlining Text-Heavy New Commanders

Streamlining Text-Heavy New Commanders

Tom AndersonCommander

Have you noticed popular commanders are getting more mechanically complex every year? Recent sets have set records for the amount of rules text on cards, but it’s definitely most apparent on the legendary creatures leading our Commander decks. WHY SO LOQUACIOUS? The trend is driven both by general power creep and an even more insistent push for novelty.  In 2023, …

The leading cause of mismatched games in Commander

The Leading Cause of Mismatched Games in Commander

Kristen GregoryCommander

Commander is a format that relies on a shared vision to succeed. Whether it’s having a narrative experience or striving for perfection with tight cEDH gameplay, Commander games rely on communicating expectations and hopefully finding people who want the same thing. Pre-game chats, or Rule 0 discussions (a misnomer, if you didn’t realize, because Rule 0 solely involves deciding whether …