Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a big deal in the world of card games. It has different ways to play, but two of the most popular are Commander and Standard. They each have their special appeal, but Commander has become super popular lately, and this article will explain why.
What is Commander?
First, let’s understand what Commander and Standard are. Commander, also called Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a casual and multiplayer version of MTG. In Commander, you make a deck with 100 cards, and you choose one legendary creature as your “Commander.” This Commander picks the colours and theme for your deck. On the other hand, Standard is a competitive format where you can only use cards from the most recent sets. This means the cards you can use change over time.
The History of Commander and Standard
Commander started back in the early 2000s. Fans wanted a more laid-back and social way to play MTG, so they made this format. It caught on and gathered a dedicated community that loved the special rules and limits of Commander. On the other hand, Standard has been part of MTG from the beginning and is the main competitive format for official tournaments.
Key Differences Between Commander and Standard
Commander and Standard are two popular formats in Magic: The Gathering, and they have some important distinctions. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart:
Deck Size:
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- Commander: In Commander, your deck has to be 100 cards in total, including your Commander. You can have just one copy of each card, except for basic lands.
- Standard: In Standard, your deck has 60 cards, and you can have no more than four copies of each card, except for basic lands.
Commander (Leader) Card:
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- Commander: In Commander, you pick a legendary creature card as your Commander. This card begins the game in the command zone, and you can cast it from there during the game. Your Commander also determines the colours you can use in your deck.
- Standard: Standard decks don’t have a Commander card. Decks in this format revolve around a particular theme or strategy without a Commander.
Colour Identity:
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- Commander: Each Commander has a specific colour identity based on the mana symbols in its cost and rules text. This colour identity limits the colours of mana symbols allowed in your deck.
- Standard: Standard decks can be made using any combination of colours, as long as the cards are legal in the format and follow the four-copy limit rule (except for basic lands).
Legal Card Sets:
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- Commander: The Commander format includes cards from all the sets that are legal in Vintage, except for some cards banned due to their high power level. This wide range of cards offers lots of options for building your deck.
- Standard: Standard is a rotating format that only includes the most recent sets released by Wizards of the Coast. As older sets cycle out and new ones come in, the card pool changes, making the environment always changing and dynamic.
Banned and Restricted Cards:
Commander: In Commander, there is a unique list of banned and restricted cards, managed separately from other formats. Certain cards are prohibited or limited in Commander because they can be too powerful or disrupt the gameplay.
Standard: Standard also has its list of banned cards, which includes cards that are considered too strong or disruptive for the format. This list is regularly updated to maintain game balance and adapt to the changing meta.
Multiplayer vs. 1-vs-1:
Commander: Commander games are typically played in a multiplayer format, where three to four players compete against each other.
Standard: Standard games are often played in a 1-vs-1 format, with one player facing off against another.
Game Duration:
Commander: Commander games can be longer and more extensive due to the higher starting life total (40 lives) and the dynamics of multiplayer play. Standard: Standard games are generally quicker and more focused, with a starting life total of 20.
Commander and Standard offer different gaming experiences, focusing on aspects like multiplayer interactions, card variety, and commander selection. In contrast, Standard emphasizes changing card sets, strategic deck building, and intense one-on-one competition. Players can pick the format that aligns best with their preferences and playstyle.
Also Read: What is the best way to shuffle a Commander deck?
The Attraction of Commander Format
- The larger deck size and the rule of having only one copy of each card in Commander encourage creativity in deck building. This format allows players to experiment with a wider range of cards, leading to personalized and unique decks. The freedom to be creative appeals to those who enjoy exploring fresh strategies and unconventional card interactions.
- The multiplayer aspect of Commander encourages social interaction and strategic negotiations within the game. Players often form alliances, make deals, or temporary truces, adding excitement beyond just card interactions. This diplomatic element creates memorable and engaging experiences for players.
- The rule of having only one copy of each card in Commander ensures that players rarely encounter identical decks, enhancing the format’s diversity and replay value. Each game becomes a new experience as players face different combinations and strategies, making Commander an ever-evolving format.
Advantages of Standard Format
While Commander has many strengths, the Standard format also has its advantages:
- The card rotation in Standard ensures that the format stays balanced, preventing any single deck from dominating for too long. This dynamic environment appeals to players who enjoy competitive challenges and the need to adapt their strategies to the ever-changing metagame.
- Standard’s rotating card sets keep the format fresh, encouraging players to regularly explore new card releases and deck archetypes. This constant evolution maintains interest in Standard and prevents it from becoming stagnant.
Comparing Player Base and Tournament Scene
The growing popularity of Commander is evident in the increasing number of players embracing the format. Casual playgroups, local game stores, and online communities have warmly embraced Commander, fostering a welcoming and lively community. While Standard remains popular, it has seen a decline in attendance at some events as players are drawn to the social appeal of Commander.
Commanders and Decks: What’s Popular Now”
The Magic: The Gathering Commander format and the top Standard decks can change over time, influenced by new cards, shifts in the game’s meta, and rule adjustments. But right now, here are some commanders and decks that many players are loving:
Commanders that Rule in Commander Format:
- Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice: Atraxa is a famous commander because she can make things grow, adding more counters to creatures and planeswalkers. It’s like levelling up your cards!
- Golos, Tireless Pilgrim: Golos is a top pick because he lets you play cards from the top of your deck without using your mana. That’s like getting free powerful moves!
- The First Sliver: This commander leads Sliver decks, which are all about teamwork. The Slivers help each other out, so you can play many of them at once!
- Muldrotha, the Gravetide: Muldrotha is great at recycling cards from your graveyard, which opens up all sorts of clever strategies.
- Korvold, Fae-Cursed King: Korvold loves it when you sacrifice your cards. It makes him stronger, and you get to draw more cards!
Top Decks in Standard (as of August 2023):
- Sultai Ultimatum: This deck is about control, and it aims to use a super powerful spell called “Emergent Ultimatum” to grab the cards it needs.
- Mono-White Aggro: This deck is all about being fast and aggressive. It uses cheap creatures and tricky combat moves to beat opponents quickly.
- Temur Adventures: This deck is all about having adventures with creatures and then casting powerful spells. It’s like going on a magical journey!
- Jeskai Cycling: This deck is flexible. It uses cycling cards to dig through your deck, control the game, and unlock amazing bonuses.
- Rakdos Sacrifice: This deck is all about sacrificing your creatures to get big advantages. Cards like “Village Rites” and “Claim the Firstborn” help you do this.
Remember, what’s popular in Magic can change with every new set of cards and shifts in how people play. To stay up to date with the latest commanders and decks, check official Magic: The Gathering websites, chat with fellow players on community forums, and read reliable sources for the latest deck lists and game trends.
Critiques of Both Formats
Even though lots of people enjoy Commander and Standard, some players have their complaints. Some folks think Commander games can be quick because many players are involved. On the other hand, some say that in Standard, cards change so often that it can cost a lot to keep up.
Conclusion:
Commander is getting more and more popular because it’s a unique mix of playing with friends, having fun, and being creative. Legendary Commanders, lots of deck choices, and exciting gameplay make it a hit. Meanwhile, Standard is a solid choice if you like playing in organized tournaments with fair rules that are always changing. Both formats have their charms!
FAQs:
Q: Is Commander a format for beginners?
A: Commander can be enjoyable for players of all skill levels, but having some knowledge of the game’s rules can make the experience more rewarding.
Q: How often do Standard card sets change?
A: Standard card sets change once a year, typically aligning with the release of the fall expansion set.
Q: Are there cards that are not allowed in Commander games?
A: Yes, in Commander, certain cards are banned to maintain a fair and balanced playing environment.
Q: Can I use my Commander deck in Standard tournaments?
A: No, Commander decks cannot be used in Standard tournaments because of differences in deck size and card legality.
Q: Which format is more competitive, Commander or Standard?
A: Both formats have competitive scenes, but Standard is known for its focus on organized tournaments, while Commander is renowned for its more relaxed and social style of play.
