How to build a commander deck
Building a commander deck can be an exciting and challenging task for any Magic: The Gathering player. Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander, is a unique multiplayer format where each player starts with a legendary creature card as their commander and constructs a deck of 99 other cards that are all within the same color identity.
When building a commander deck, it is important to have a clear strategy in mind. Think about the playstyle and theme that you want to focus on. Do you prefer aggressive strategies, control decks, or combo-centric approaches? Maybe you want to showcase your favorite tribe or build a deck around a specific mechanic. Determining your strategy will guide you when selecting your commander and the cards that will make up your deck.
The commander, as the central figure of the deck, plays a vital role. Choose a commander that aligns with your overall strategy and has an impactful enter-the-battlefield ability or an ability that synergizes well with the other cards in your deck. Your commander will define the colors available to you, so consider this when selecting cards for your deck.
In addition to your commander, you need to carefully select the other 99 cards that will make up your deck. Your deck should ideally have a good balance of mana acceleration, card draw, removal spells, and threats. Include a variety of creatures, spells, and artifacts that support your strategy and help you achieve your goals. Ensure that you have a strong mix of early-game plays as well as late-game bombs to provide flexibility and power throughout the course of a game.
Essential Components for Building a Commander Deck
Building a Commander deck requires careful consideration of several essential components. These components will help ensure your deck is well-rounded and capable of handling any situation that may arise during a game. Here are some key elements to keep in mind when constructing your Commander deck:
1. A Commanding Leader
Every Commander deck starts with a legendary creature that serves as your commander. This unit sets the tone for your deck and dictates the available colors and unique abilities you can use. Choose a commander that aligns with your preferred play style and strategical approach.
2. Mana Ramp
Efficient mana production is crucial for executing your game plan. Including ramp cards in your deck will help you accelerate your mana base, allowing you to cast more spells earlier in the game. Cards like Sol Ring, Rampant Growth, and Cultivate can greatly enhance your deck’s consistency and effectiveness.
3. Card Draw
Maintaining card advantage is crucial in a game of Commander, as it allows you to consistently have answers and options at your disposal. Include cards that allow you to draw additional cards, such as Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, or Phyrexian Arena. Card draw can also help you recover from board wipes or rebuild after a setback.
4. Removal and Interaction
A Commander deck should have a variety of removal spells and interactive cards to deal with threats from opponents. Include creature removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Beast Within, as well as board wipes like Wrath of God or Cyclonic Rift. Interaction and removal can help you control the board state and protect your permanents.
5. Win Conditions
Every Commander deck requires a win condition to secure victory once you’ve established control or overwhelming advantage. Consider including cards that synergize with your commander’s abilities or provide alternate win conditions. These can range from powerful creatures to game-changing spells, such as Craterhoof Behemoth or Expropriate.
Remember, building a Commander deck is all about personalization and finding a strategy that aligns with your play style. Experiment with different cards and strategies to create a deck that suits you and keeps your opponents guessing. With these essential components, you’ll be well on your way to constructing a formidable Commander deck.
Choosing the Right Commander
When building a commander deck, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right commander. Your commander will set the tone for your deck and determine your game plan. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your commander:
1. Playstyle: Think about your preferred playstyle when selecting a commander. Do you enjoy aggressive strategies and dealing a lot of damage quickly? Or do you prefer a control-oriented playstyle, where you focus on disrupting your opponents’ plans? Your commander should align with your preferred playstyle to ensure you have an enjoyable game experience.
2. Theme: Consider the theme or concept you want to build your deck around. Are you interested in tribal synergies, where your creatures share a specific creature type? Do you want to build a deck centered around certain keywords or mechanics? Choose a commander that supports your chosen theme and allows you to maximize its potential.
3. Colour Identity: Every commander has a colour identity, which is determined by the colours of mana symbols in their casting cost and their text. The colour identity determines what cards you can include in your deck. Consider the colour combinations you enjoy playing or the specific cards you want to include, and choose a commander that fits within those constraints.
4. Power Level: Consider the power level of your playgroup when selecting a commander. If you play with highly competitive decks, choosing a weaker commander may put you at a disadvantage. On the other hand, if your playgroup prefers casual games, choosing a commander that is too powerful may lead to unbalanced matches. Find a commander that matches the power level of your playgroup for a more enjoyable and balanced game experience.
5. Personal Preference: Finally, don’t forget to consider your own personal preference and connection to the commander. Choose a commander that you have a strong affinity for, whether it’s because of its lore, artwork, or gameplay. You are more likely to enjoy playing and tuning a deck that features a commander you are passionate about.
Overall, choosing the right commander is a crucial step in building a successful and enjoyable commander deck. Consider your playstyle, preferred theme, colour identity, power level, and personal preference when making your decision. With the right commander at the helm, you’ll be well on your way to victory!
Building the Deck Around Your Commander
Your commander is the cornerstone of your deck, setting the tone and strategy for your entire gameplay. Building the deck around your commander ensures that you have a strong and cohesive game plan.
Start by considering your commander’s abilities and strengths. Do they have a specific mechanic or theme that they excel at? Do they have colors that allow for certain strategies? Understanding your commander’s strengths will help guide your card choices.
Next, think about the strategy you want to build your deck around. Are you looking to have a strong early game presence, or do you want to focus on late game control? By identifying the strategy you want to pursue, you can start selecting cards that synergize with your commander and support your chosen playstyle.
When selecting cards, look for those that not only support your commander’s abilities but also strengthen your overall game plan. Choose cards that can protect your commander, provide card advantage, or disrupt your opponents’ strategies. Good mana base is also crucial, so consider including lands that can produce the colors you need.
Remember to strike a balance between your strategy and the overall power level of your deck. While it may be tempting to include all the best and most powerful cards, keep in mind that the purpose of commander is often to encourage dynamic and interactive gameplay. Some level of risk and flexibility will make for more enjoyable matches.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate on your deck. Playtest it, identify weaknesses, and make adjustments as necessary. Building the deck around your commander is an ongoing process that evolves as you play and gather feedback from your playgroup.
Final Thoughts
Building the deck around your commander is the foundation for a successful and enjoyable gameplay experience. Take the time to understand your commander’s strengths, select cards that synergize with their abilities, and craft a deck that supports your chosen strategy. With the right combination of cards and thoughtful gameplay, your deck will shine as a testament to your commander’s unique strengths!
Adding the Right Mix of Cards
Building a successful commander deck requires careful selection and consideration of the cards you include. You want to create a well-balanced mix of cards that work synergistically together to achieve your strategic goals. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when adding cards to your deck:
1. Understanding Your Commander
Before choosing cards, it’s important to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and play style of your commander. Consider the abilities and colours of your commander, as well as any specific strategies or themes that it supports. This will help guide your card choices and ensure they complement your commander’s strategy.
2. Having a Balanced Mana Curve
A balanced mana curve is crucial for a commander deck that functions smoothly. You want to have a good mix of low-cost cards for the early game, mid-cost cards for the mid-game, and high-cost cards for the late game. This ensures that you can make impactful plays throughout the game and adapt to different stages. Aim to have a variety of mana costs in your deck to achieve a smooth mana curve.
Note: It’s also important to consider your commander’s mana requirements when building your mana curve. If your commander has high mana costs, you might need to include additional ramp cards to ensure you can consistently cast it.
3. Prioritizing Synergy
Building a commander deck is all about creating synergistic combinations of cards. Look for cards that work well together and amplify each other’s strengths. This could be through shared mechanics, card types, or play style. By focusing on synergy, you’ll be able to maximize the effectiveness and power of your deck.
Additionally, consider including cards that interact with your opponents’ strategies or disrupt their plans. This will provide you with more control and strategic advantages during gameplay.
When it comes to adding synergy, be mindful of the balance between synergy and standalone power. While synergy is important, it’s also critical to include cards that are strong on their own without relying too heavily on specific combinations.
4. Balancing Utility and Win Conditions
As you assemble your deck, make sure to include enough utility cards to handle different situations on the battlefield. Utility cards can include removal spells, card draw engines, counterspells, or protection spells. These cards provide you with the flexibility and answers needed to navigate various scenarios.
It’s also essential to have a clear win condition or win conditions in your deck. These could be powerful creatures, combo interactions, or game-ending spells. While utility is important, don’t forget to include enough win conditions to ensure that your deck can consistently close out games.
Remember that the quantity of cards in each category will vary depending on your chosen play style and strategy. Be mindful of the overall balance of your deck to optimize its performance.
By carefully selecting and balancing your cards, you’ll be able to construct a commander deck that reflects your play style, is enjoyable to pilot, and possesses the tools needed to compete and excel in your playgroup.
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