Brawl Format MTG

Brawl is a format similar to Commander, but it uses only Standard-legal cards. You have a commander, which can be a legendary creature or planeswalker from Standard sets. You then build a 59-card deck around that commander, for a total of 60 cards. Like Commander, you can only use one copy of each card except basic lands. But Brawl has a lower starting life total. In one-on-one Brawl, each player starts at 25 life. In multiplayer, it’s 30 life per player.

Brawl rotates with Standard. When the oldest sets rotate out of Standard, they rotate out of Brawl too. This keeps Brawl fresh and in line with the current sets. The format also has a ban list, which can change based on player feedback and testing. Because Brawl draws from a smaller card pool than Commander, you won’t see the same powerful cards that are in older formats. But it does make the game more accessible for newer players.

Brawl’s popularity comes and goes. Some players enjoy the rotating nature. Others like having a Commander-style format that’s cheaper and easier to keep up with than full Commander. Wizards of the Coast has released pre-constructed Brawl decks in the past, which can be a quick way to jump in. However, not every local store runs Brawl events, so it can be harder to find regular group play.

Still, Brawl offers a fun twist on Commander. You can try new cards and synergies without dealing with older, powerful staples. It’s also a good way to use your Standard collection in a more casual setting. If you like Commander but want something aligned with the newest sets, Brawl might be worth exploring. It’s a nice option for players who enjoy the commander concept but aren’t ready to tackle a 100-card deck or pay for older cards.