In the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering, the Commander format, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), has gained immense popularity among players. A debated topic in Commander format is the deck size: should it be 99 or 100 cards? In this article, we will delve deep into this question, exploring the history, rules, strategies, and opinions surrounding Commander deck size. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of this age-old Commander conundrum.
The Origins of Commander
Magic: The Gathering, created by Richard Garfield, has evolved over the years with various formats, each offering a unique gameplay experience. Commander, introduced in 1996, stands out as one of the most beloved formats.
Richard Garfield’s Vision
- Evolving Magic: The Commander format was designed to breathe new life into the game, providing a different way to enjoy the cards players had collected.
- Social Aspect: It encourages a social style of play, with multiplayer games that foster camaraderie and interaction.
The Birth of Elder Dragons
In Commander, your choice of commander is pivotal. The format was initially called Elder Dragon Highlander because it required you to have an Elder Dragon as your commander.
- The first Elder Dragon cards were the famous five dragons from the Legends set.
- Legends Set: This set was released in 1994 and marked a significant moment in Magic’s history.
- Elder Dragon Cycle: Arcades Sabboth, Chromium, Nicol Bolas, Palladia-Mors, and Vaevictis Asmadi were the first commanders in the format.
Commander Rules and Restrictions
To understand the deck size debate, you need to know the basic rules and limits of the Commander format.
Singleton Rule
- One-of-a-Kind: In Commander, you can have only one copy of each card in your deck, excluding basic lands.
- Varied Gameplay: This rule ensures that each game is unique, as it’s unlikely you’ll draw the same cards every time.
The Command Zone
- Commander Identity: Your commander starts the game in the command zone and must have a mana cost.
- The Heart of Your Deck: The commander defines your deck’s color identity.
Deck Size Dilemma
This is where the controversy begins. The official Commander deck size is 100 cards. But why 100, and where does the 99-card variant come into play?
- Official Rule: The official rulebook for the Commander states that decks should contain 100 cards, including the commander.
- The 99-Card Debate: Players say a 99-card deck brings consistency and strategy.
The Case for 100 Cards
Let’s explore the reasons why a 100-card Commander deck is the standard and why many players prefer this configuration.
Variety and Creativity
- Deck Building Challenge: A 100-card deck requires players to dig deep into Magic’s vast card pool, promoting creativity.
- Diverse Gameplay: With a larger deck, games are often more varied, as you won’t see the same cards in every match.
Balancing the Power Level
- Mitigating Consistency: A larger deck reduces the likelihood of drawing the same combo pieces consistently.
- Power Level: Commander is known for its casual and fun gameplay, and a 100-card deck contributes to this environment.
Rule Consistency
Official Rules: The official Commander rules have always specified a 100-card deck, which promotes uniformity in the format.
The Argument for 99 Cards
While 100-card decks are the norm, there are compelling arguments for 99-card decks.
Improved Consistency
- Using a 99-card deck raises the chances of drawing the cards you need for your strategy.
- Smoother Gameplay: Some players prefer a deck that feels more streamlined.
Competitive Edge
Tournament Play: In competitive Commander tournaments, a 99-card deck can offer a strategic edge, allowing for more precise control over the deck’s contents.
Commander-Centric
A 99-card deck highlights the commander’s role, making it essential to the game.
The House Rules Factor
- Commander is fascinating because it often has house rules made by playgroups. This flexibility extends to deck size as well.
- Playgroup Consensus: Many playgroups allow players to choose between 99 or 100 cards, depending on their preferences.
- Adapting to Playgroup Dynamics: The beauty of Commander lies in its adaptability to your local playgroup’s preferences.
The Influence of Commander Variants
There are several Commander variants and sub-formats, each with its own rules and deck size considerations.
Brawl
- Singleton Rule: Brawl is a variant of Commander with the Singleton rule, but it uses a 60-card deck, not 100.
- Standard Legal: It also restricts card choices to those in the Standard format.
Oathbreaker
- Unique Signature Spell: Oathbreaker is a variant where you have an additional “signature spell” in a 60-card deck.
- Focused Gameplay: The 60-card deck encourages quicker, more focused games. In case you are interested in this type of article, here is our top recommended article: What Factors Contribute to Your MTG Deck’s Power Level?
The Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve examined the arguments for both 99 and 100-card Commander decks, let’s summarize the pros and cons of each.
Pros of 100 Cards
- Variety: More cards lead to diverse gameplay experiences.
- Balanced Power Level: It keeps the format casual and fun.
- Official Standard: It aligns with the official Commander rules.
Cons of 100 Cards
- Less Consistency: Drawing key cards can be more challenging.
- Longer Games: Larger decks can result in longer game durations.
Pros of 99 Cards
- Improved Consistency: You’re more likely to draw the cards you need.
- Competitive Edge: It can offer advantages in competitive play.
- Commander Focus: It highlights the importance of your commander.
Cons of 99 Cards
- Reduced Variety: Games may become more predictable.
- Not Official: It doesn’t adhere to the standard Commander rules.
Commander Deckbuilding Strategies
No matter which deck size you choose, your Commander deck’s composition and strategy play a crucial role in your success.
100-Card Strategies
- Theme Decks: Building around a specific theme or mechanic can be more challenging with 100 cards but highly rewarding.
- Ramp and Card Draw: Including plenty of mana ramp and card draw is vital in a larger deck.
99-Card Strategies
- Combo-Focused: 99-card decks may favor combo strategies due to their increased consistency.
- Aggro and Control: Strategies that require specific cards or answers can thrive in a 99-card deck.
The Final Word
In the end, the debate over whether Commander decks should be 99 or 100 cards largely comes down to personal preference and the dynamics of your playgroup.
- Follow the Rules: If you’re playing in an official setting or prefer traditional Commander, stick to the 100-card deck.
- For casual play, deck size can be determined by house rules or local agreements.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try both 99 and 100-card decks to see which suits your playstyle best.
Conclusion:
The Commander format continues to thrive and evolve, offering an ever-expanding world of possibilities for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. Whether you choose to wield a 99-card deck for enhanced consistency or embrace the traditional 100-card format for variety, Commander remains a vibrant and captivating format that welcomes players of all backgrounds and preferences.
