Magic: The Gathering, or MTG, is a card game with a long history and various formats that attract players worldwide. One format that has become immensely popular is Elder Dragon Highlander, also known as Commander or EDH. This format is all about fun and creativity in multiplayer games, and it has a dedicated following. In this article, we will explore the origins of Elder Dragon Highlander, its growing popularity, and its impact on the Magic: The Gathering community.
The Beginnings of Elder Dragon Highlander
Elder Dragon Highlander was born from the mind of Richard Garfield, the creator of Magic: The Gathering. This format was designed to focus on social interaction and creativity rather than hardcore competition. In Elder Dragon Highlander, you create a unique deck led by a legendary creature, often called your “commander.” In the early days, players were drawn to using the five Elder Dragon Legends cards, which is why it got its name. These legendary dragons allowed for diverse and exciting deck-building.
The Unique Rules of Elder Dragon Highlander
Elder Dragon Highlander has distinct rules that set it apart in the MTG community. The most significant rule is the singleton rule, meaning that, except for basic lands, each card in your deck must have a different name. The concept of “colour identity” is crucial, limiting your deck to the colours in your commander’s casting cost and rules text. In this format, players begin with 40 lives, and commander damage can be a way to win the game, adding strategy and excitement to the gameplay.
The Surge in Popularity
Over time, Elder Dragon Highlander has gained more and more fans. Communities and game stores started hosting Commander events, attracting players looking for interactive and socially engaging experiences. Wizards of the Coast noticed this trend and began releasing preconstructed Commander decks, making it easier for new players to get into the format and contributing to its growth.
Legendary Creatures in the Spotlight
A key feature of Elder Dragon Highlander is using legendary creatures as commanders. This allows players to immerse themselves in the rich stories and characters of the MTG universe. Designing decks around these legendary figures has become a big draw for Commander enthusiasts.
The Birth of Commander Products
Wizards of the Coast recognized the growing Commander community and started creating products specifically for them. These products include preconstructed decks that often come with new and exclusive cards. Examples like Commander Anthology, Commander’s Arsenal, and Commander Legends have played a significant role in shaping the format and its player base.
The Impact of Online Platforms
The growth of online platforms like Magic Online and MTG Arena has had a big impact on the spread of Elder Dragon Highlander. Players can now enjoy Commander games online, connecting with a worldwide community and facing opponents from around the globe.
The Role of the EDH/Commander Rules Committee
To keep the format healthy and balanced, the EDH/Commander Rules Committee, led by Sheldon Menery and other respected community members, manages and updates the ban list as necessary. Their guidance helps maintain the format’s unique character and diversity.
Reaching a Wider Audience
Commander is attractive because it’s easy for new players to join the MTG community. Preconstructed decks make it simple for beginners to get started, allowing them to dive into the gameplay, experience the social aspects, and connect with the broader Magic community.
The Competitive EDH Scene
Although Elder Dragon Highlander began as a casual format, it has also developed a competitive scene called cEDH (competitive EDH). Competitive players focus on optimizing their decks, finding the most efficient strategies, and participating in tournaments to demonstrate their skills in a more competitive environment.
Creating a Commander Deck
Building a Commander deck involves careful planning. Players must manage their mana curve, include enough ramp to speed up their game plan, and have clear win conditions in mind. The uniqueness of each deck comes from the Commander’s identity and the strategic decisions made during deck construction.
Themes and Archetypes
Commander decks can explore various themes and playstyles. Some players enjoy tribal decks that focus on creatures of a specific type, while others prefer control, combo, group hug, or tax strategies, each offering a distinct way to play.
The Collectible Aspect
The Commander format has introduced collectable elements that appeal to players and collectors. Foil versions, alternate art, and exclusive cards have become highly sought-after treasures in the MTG community.
Commander’s Impact on MTG Design
The popularity of the Commander format has significantly influenced Magic: The Gathering’s overall design. Sets often include legendary creatures with unique abilities, the partner mechanic, and direct references to Commander-specific elements.
The Social Aspect of Commander
Commander, a popular Magic: The Gathering format, thrives on social interactions and multiplayer fun. Players engage in casual matches, build alliances, and immerse themselves in a gaming experience centred around storytelling and camaraderie.
The Role of Politics in Commander
Politics adds an exciting dimension to Elder Dragon Highlander games. Players have the freedom to form alliances, negotiate deals, and employ diplomacy to gain an upper hand. This format’s dynamic nature encourages players to think creatively beyond traditional gameplay strategies.
The Art of Commander Deck Techs
The Commander community is bustling with content creators, and deck tech videos take centre stage. These creators eagerly share their decklists, strategies, and gaming adventures, offering inspiration and valuable insights to players around the world.
Budget-Friendly Commander
Commander is accessible to players of all budgets. You can enjoy this format without breaking the bank by utilizing budget-friendly decks and making cost-effective upgrades. Savvy players can put together competitive decks without relying on pricey components.
The Future of Elder Dragon Highlander
Commander is poised for continued growth as the Magic: The Gathering landscape evolves. New mechanics and cards will undoubtedly influence its design, and the unwavering passion of the Commander community will fuel its expansion.
Conclusion:
Elder Dragon Highlander, affectionately known as Commander, has journeyed far from its modest origins. As a casual multiplayer format, it has captured the hearts of Magic: The Gathering players worldwide. Its unique rules, emphasis on social play, and the freedom to craft captivating stories through decks have contributed to its enduring popularity. With a diverse and dedicated community, Commander is set to continue shaping the future of MTG and delivering countless unforgettable moments.
FAQs:
What is the Commander format?
Commander is a casual multiplayer format of Magic: The Gathering where players use a singleton deck led by a legendary creature known as the Commander.
Are all Magic cards legal in Commander?
No, not all Magic cards are legal in Commander. The format has a ban list that restricts certain cards from being used in decks.
What is the mulligan rule in Commander?
The mulligan rule in Commander allows players to take a free mulligan to reduce the chances of starting with unplayable hands.
How does the commander tax work?
The commander tax increases the cost of casting your Commander from the command zone each time it has been previously launched during the same game.
How often are updates made to the Commander ban list?
The EDH/Commander Rules Committee reviews the ban list periodically and makes updates as needed to maintain the format’s balance.
