Commander (EDH) Format MTG

Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a popular multiplayer format. Each deck centers around a legendary creature or planeswalker that acts as your commander. You start with that commander in a special zone, and you can cast it any time you could normally cast it. Your deck contains 99 more cards, for a total of 100. You can only include one copy of each card (except basic lands), which is known as the singleton rule.

Commander games often involve four or more players sitting around one table. Each player has 40 life. The social aspect is one of Commander’s major draws. People enjoy the political moves, alliances, and table talk that can happen during these longer games. Commander also has its own ban list, maintained by the Commander Rules Committee. Some cards are not allowed because they can ruin the fun for other players.

Commander’s popularity is massive. It’s often described as the most played casual format. Many Magic sets now include cards specifically designed for Commander. You can find prebuilt decks at local stores. These decks are a good way to enter the format. Once you’re comfortable, you can customize or build your own. Many players like Commander because they can use older cards that might not see play in formats like Standard or Modern. The singleton rule also encourages creativity.

Commander is about self-expression. Your deck can reflect your favorite theme, creature type, or combo. It doesn’t have to be hyper-competitive. Some groups prefer laid-back games, while others enjoy strong combos and powerful interactions. It’s good to communicate with your group about power levels. That way, everyone has fun. If you like social play and unique decks, Commander might be the perfect format for you.