Welcome to the world of Commander, a fun and famous way to play Magic: The Gathering. In Commander, you can show off your skills at making decks and come up with cool plans in big group battles. Whether you’re a Commander pro or new to this style of play, mixing up your deck is super important and can make a big difference in your games.
What’s a Commander Deck?
A Commander deck, also known as “EDH” (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a unique and tricky way to play Magic: The Gathering. It’s made up of 100 cards, and you can’t have the same card more than once, except for basic lands. Each deck is led by a special creature called the “Commander.” Your Commander hangs out in a special place called the “Command Zone,” and you can bring it into the game multiple times.
A Bit of Commander History
The Commander’s way of playing Magic has been around since the early 2000s. It started with friends playing for fun and has grown to become an official way to play recognized by Wizards of the Coast. Learn about how it all began and changed over time.
Cool Commander Deck Ideas
There are lots of different ideas for Commander decks. People have come up with all sorts of fun and interesting plans. You can make decks based on tribes, like all goblins or elves, or build decks that do cool combos. The possibilities are endless.
Why Shuffling Is So Important
Shuffling is a really important part of playing Magic: The Gathering and it’s just as important in Commander. When you shuffle your deck, it mixes up the cards, making sure everyone has a fair chance to win. So, don’t forget to shuffle well!
There are different ways to shuffle your Commander deck, each with its advantages and challenges. Let’s take a look at some of these shuffling techniques:
- Overhand Shuffle: The Overhand Shuffle is a simple way to shuffle your cards. To do it effectively, you hold your deck in one hand and take a small group of cards from the top. Then, you drop them onto the bottom of the deck. It’s good when you want a quick shuffle.
- Riffle Shuffle: The Riffle Shuffle, also called the “Mash” or “Faro” shuffle, is a method used by professional card players. You split your deck into two halves and then interweave the cards. This method gives a thorough mix of your cards.
- Hindu Shuffle: The Hindu Shuffle is a smooth and elegant way to shuffle. You release a card at a time from the top of your deck into your other hand. This technique is gentle and is preferred by players who want to keep their cards in good condition while still shuffling them well.
- Mash Shuffle: The Mash Shuffle is a bit like the Riffle Shuffle but gentler. You split your deck into two parts and then push them together. It’s effective at randomizing your Commander deck without being too rough on your cards.
- Pile Shuffle: Pile Shuffle is not a proper randomization method on its own, but it can be a helpful step before using more thorough shuffling techniques. In this method, you separate your deck into piles and then combine them back together.
- Washing Shuffle: The Washing Shuffle is a fun and randomizing technique. You spread your cards all over the table and mix them around, almost like you’re washing them. It adds an exciting element to your shuffling routine and ensures a good mix.
- What is the Legendary Creature Rule in Commander?
Protecting Your Magic Cards with Sleeves
To keep your treasured Magic: The Gathering cards safe, you need to use sleeves. Sleeves are like special covers that shield your cards from damage and make it easy to shuffle them. Some players even choose to use two sleeves for extra protection.
Using Sleeves for Your Cards
Sleeves are:
- Thin, clear covers that snugly fit around your Magic cards.
- They keep your cards safe from scratches, dirt, and other harm.
When you’re sleeving your Commander deck, follow these steps for an easy process:
1. Gather Your Supplies: Get enough sleeves to cover your whole deck. Make sure they’re the right size for your Commander cards (usually standard or “Magic” length).
2. Check Sleeve Quality: Not all sleeves are the same. It’s crucial to use good-quality sleeves to keep your cards safe. Look for brands known for their strength and durability.
3. Prepare the Cards: Take off any old sleeves or protective covers from your cards. Make sure your cards are clean and free of dirt before putting them into new sleeves.
4. Insert the Cards: Carefully slide each card into its sleeve, making sure the card is in the middle and completely covered. Be sure the card’s front and back are protected.
5. Keep the Sleeves Uniform: To make everything look neat, ensure all your cards face the same way and have the same amount of sleeves showing at the top and bottom.
6. Check the Deck: Once all your cards are sleeved, give your deck a gentle shuffle to make sure they’re all well-protected and none of them stick out.
Double-Sleeving Your Cards
Double-sleeving, also called “double-sleeve,” is a method that gives your cards an extra layer of protection. While it takes more effort, it’s excellent for guarding against spills and moisture. Here’s how to double-sleeve your Commander deck:
1. Inner Sleeves: Start by putting your cards in the inner sleeves. Inner sleeves are simple and fit tightly around your cards. This step stops your cards from touching the outer sleeve directly.
2. Outer Sleeves: Once all the cards are in their inner sleeves, put them into the outer sleeves. These sleeves are usually thicker and provide more protection against spills and rough handling.
3. Make Sure They Fit: Check that the combination of inner and outer sleeves doesn’t make your cards too bulky to fit in your deck box.
4. Test Shuffling: To be sure your deck shuffles well, try a few test shuffles. If the cards move easily, you’ve successfully double-sleeved your Commander deck.
Double-sleeving is especially popular with players who have valuable or rare cards. It safeguards your investment and gives you peace of mind during intense gameplay.
Tips for Properly Shuffling Your Commander Deck
Shuffling a deck of cards may seem easy but in games like Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format, doing it right is super important for a fair game. Here are some tips to help you shuffle your Commander deck effectively:
- Practice Often: Just like anything else, practice makes you better. Spend some time every day practising different shuffling methods to get better at it.
- Sleeve Your Cards: Before you shuffle, put sleeves on your cards. This protects them and makes shuffling smoother. Sleeves also help you handle your deck during the game.
- Double-Sleeve for Extra Safety: For more protection, think about using double sleeves. This means putting your cards in both inner and outer sleeves to guard against spills and wear.
- Use Good Quality Sleeves: Invest in high-quality sleeves that last longer and reduce the risk of damage during shuffling.
- Be Gentle: Handle your deck gently while shuffling to avoid bending or damaging the cards. A soft touch keeps your cards in good condition.
- Shuffle Thoroughly: Try to mix your deck very well. The more you shuffle, the more random the cards become.
- Combine Shuffling Methods: Use different shuffling methods together to increase randomness and avoid clumps or patterns.
- Mash Shuffle Carefully: If you like the mash shuffle, do it carefully. Make sure the two halves of the deck mix well for a thorough mix.
- Riffle Shuffle with Caution: If you prefer riffle shuffling, be careful not to bend the cards too much. Practice this method gently until you’re comfortable.
- Overhand Shuffle Properly: The overhand shuffle is easy but effective. Shuffle several times to ensure good randomization.
- Cut the Deck Well: Always cut the deck after shuffling to increase randomness. This is important for showing your deck to your opponent.
- Shuffle Between Games: After each game, shuffle your deck well to make sure no card order is left from the previous game.
- Reshuffle When Needed: If you accidentally reveal a card while shuffling, reshuffle the deck to keep things fair.
- Respectfully Shuffle Your Opponent’s Deck: When shuffling your opponent’s deck, be careful and don’t damage their cards.
- Avoid Mana Weaving: Don’t arrange cards on purpose before shuffling. This isn’t allowed and ruins proper randomization.
- Keep Your Playing Area Clean: Make sure your playing area is tidy to avoid outside influences on card distribution during shuffling.
Properly shuffling your Commander deck is super important for a fair and fun game. By following these tips and practising regularly, you’ll get good at shuffling your deck and have a better chance of drawing the perfect cards in each game.
Conclusion:
Shuffling is a key skill every Commander player should learn for a fair and enjoyable game. By understanding different shuffling methods and following these tips, you can confidently shuffle your deck, dive into the world of Commander, and enjoy exciting multiplayer battles.
FAQs:
How Many Times Should I Shuffle My Commander Deck Before a Game?
To ensure your Commander deck is well shuffled, it’s a good practice to shuffle it at least seven times. This helps ensure a proper mix of your cards for a fair and random game.
Can I Use a Card Shuffler for Commander Decks?
Using a card shuffler for Commander decks is generally not recommended. Card shufflers may not sufficiently randomize the cards and can lead to inadequate shuffling, potentially causing issues during the game. It’s better to shuffle manually to ensure fairness.
What Happens If My Deck Is Found to Be Insufficiently Shuffled?
If your deck is determined to be insufficiently shuffled during a game, you may face penalties or consequences, such as warnings or game losses, depending on the rules and policies of the tournament or the agreement with your playgroup. It’s essential to shuffle your deck adequately to avoid such issues.
Are There Any Shuffling Techniques That Are Prohibited in Tournaments?
Official tournaments typically have rules regarding shuffling techniques. In most cases, techniques like “mana weaving” (arranging cards in a specific order before shuffling) are prohibited because they undermine proper randomization. Always follow the specific tournament rules to ensure fair play.
How to Handle a Stuck-Together Deck?
If you encounter cards that stick together and interfere with your shuffling, carefully separate them before shuffling. Gently bend the cards in different directions to loosen them without causing damage. Ensuring that all cards can move freely is important for effective shuffling.
