Creating a Commander Playgroup

Tom AndersonCommander

Just a few days ago, we offered some tips on how to build your first Commander deck. If you’re still looking for ideas, the upcoming Commander 2019 precons are a perfect starting point! These decks come out of the box ready for high-powered multiplayer action.  But for the best Commander experience, you’ll want to find a consistent group of players …

9 Exciting Commanders in Core Set 2020

Adam StyborskiCommander

Core Set 2020 is a legendary set. With the return of protection as an evergreen mechanic, new (and powerful) answers for enemy colors in each color, and a trio of Chandra Planeswalkers at the center, the dial is firmly cranked up to 11 12. Twelve new legendary creatures are coming, each with new ways to impact the format, update your …

Underrated Cards from Commander Precons

Brandon IsleibCommander

Every new card in a Commander product is designed for Commander. While obvious, it’s important to state, because that isn’t true of Ravnica Allegiance or other expansion sets. So if we were to look at EDHREC for some of the least popular new cards from Commander products, we can presume they’re playable – and likely underrated. If you’ve bought Commander …

Ravnica Allegiance’s Commander Surprises

Brandon IsleibCommander

No matter the format and no matter the card text, new cards get compared to old cards. Ixalan‘s River’s Rebuke drew swift comparisons to Cyclonic Rift because they both bounce loads of opposing permanents. They can be used very differently, but the most natural reaction was to compare them directly. This life cycle can lead to new cards feeling like …

The Art of Avoiding a T-Rex

Erik TiernanCommander, Strategy

Jurassic Park is one of my sister’s favorite movies. While it is an amazing film, we only had one TV, so I’ve seen this movie more than most people. However, it wasn’t until recently that I realized the film has lessons that can be applied to Magic. Building up to your game plan while avoiding being eaten is difficult. Luckily, …

How to Spend Your Card Kingdom Gift Card

Brandon IsleibCommander

A Card Kingdom gift card is a better present than fruitcake – it’s easier to use and tastes better.  Let’s say you’ve been a busy adult, making ends meet and beginnings sweet, and you haven’t had a chance to pay attention to your beloved Commander format this year. Then – bam! One of your frie-latives listens and gets you a …

Experimental Frenzy in Commander

Brandon IsleibCommander

Since making a Kefnet the Mindful Commander deck, I’ve been in love with cards that let you play off the top of your library. With Kefnet, I used those cards to keep a full seven cards in hand so Kefnet could go into combat; I’d just play off my library instead of ever needing to use my hand. This year’s …

Mono-Red in Commander

Erik TiernanCommander

Commander is a challenging format for deckbuilding. There are many moving parts and so many possibilities that it’s natural to look for some guidance. But as Commander continues to grow, we are reaching a situation where there is so much information available that many different decks are being built from the same template, making them feel more similar than ever …