Commander is a special format; it plays like no other, and has very different heuristics compared to any other way to play. One such heuristic is that virtually every deck needs ramp; without it, you’ll easily fall behind as the table progresses. Most Commander decks can go over the top of everyone else, but they need a way to ensure …
What I’ve Learned From a Year of Webcam Magic
Control. Combo. Aggro. Midrange. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the pandemic hit. Only Spelltable, master of paper Magic over webcam, could help them; but when the world needed it most, it was there, actually. What feels like a hundred years have passed, and we’re still playing online with friends, despite local game …
The Best Card Draw Spells in Commander
Card draw makes the format go round. Without it, each player’s hand would be empty by turns 4 or 5, and every game would become a slog. It’s critical to make sure your deck has enough to keep up with the table, and to help you find the right answers at the right time. But with so many options, where …
The Best MTG Cards to Pick Up for Black Friday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here, and there’s no better time to grab a good deal. With so many products, cards, and special editions, it can be overwhelming for many Magic players to find a good offer. In the spirit of the occasion, I’ve made a list of cards and products that are of excellent value at the …
Crimson Vow Commander Upgrade Guide: Spirit Squadron
Innistrad: Crimson Vow has been live on Arena since Thursday, and you’ll be able to pick up packs and singles very soon. This is the second part of our return to the horror plane of Innistrad, and unlike Midnight Hunt, it’s all about Vampires, Spirits, and the marriage between Olivia Voldaren and the newly resurrected Edgar Markov. To reflect this, …
3 Unique Commanders from Crimson Vow You May Have Missed
Innistrad: Crimson Vow is descending upon us quickly. There’s an eternal night in Innistrad, and the plane’s spookier inhabitants are either in full force, or full regalia. What better way to celebrate the set’s release than by covering three interesting new Commander decks? Some of the most famous faces from Innistrad take the helm of these decks, and each one …
30 Essential Removal Spells for Commander
Removal is one of the most prominent forms of interaction in Magic. It’s used to keep threats under control, to interrupt combos, and to prevent players from snowballing out of control. In Commander, removal is necessary for survival, but there are so many options across all five colors; finding the right pieces can be intimidating to all but the most …
5 Commander Deck Building Restrictions that Breed Creativity
Have you ever had “brewer’s block”? Just like writer’s block, it’s an affliction that hinders creativity and stifles brewing. Being unable to come up with new deck ideas can cast a long shadow over the game, negatively impacting your enjoyment. It can happen to any player at any time, and it’s a tough rut to get out of. I’ve created …
30 Essential Cards for Your Commander Collection
When you first get into Commander, the format can be extremely overwhelming. Aside from the sheer volume of different commanders available, the number of playable cards feels innumerable. Some cards see more play than most, however, due to their universal usefulness. There are even a few that are so prominent, some players would go so far as to call them …
Best Commander Decks for Beginners
Learning and playing Magic can be an exciting experience. There are so many cards, formats, and decks to choose from, and there’s always something new to learn. As thrilling as this is, starting out can feel daunting. Take Commander for example: there are over 1,200 commanders to choose from, and that figure is growing rapidly every year! Even for more …