Regulations & Rules

The Commander format, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a popular and unique multiplayer format in Magic: The Gathering. Here are the key rules:

Deck Composition

• Commander: Each deck must have a single legendary creature as its commander. This commander determines the deck’s color identity.
• Color Identity: A card’s color identity includes all the colors in its casting cost and any mana symbols in its text box. Only cards that match the commander’s color identity can be included in the deck.
• Deck Size: Each deck must contain exactly 100 cards, including the commander.
• Singleton Rule: Except for basic lands, no two cards in the deck can have the same name.

Starting the Game

• Command Zone: The commander starts in the command zone. It can be cast from the command zone for its normal mana cost, plus an additional 2 mana for each previous time it has been cast from the command zone.
• Life Total: Each player starts with 40 life points.
• Turn Order: Players are seated randomly, and the game proceeds in clockwise order.

Gameplay

• Commander Tax: Each time a commander is cast from the command zone, its cost increases by 2 colorless mana for each previous time it has been cast this way.
• Commander Damage: If a player takes 21 or more combat damage from a single commander over the course of the game, they lose the game, regardless of their current life total.

Winning the Game

• Players can win by reducing their opponents’ life totals to zero, causing them to draw from an empty library, or by achieving specific card effects that state a win condition.

Commander is a format that encourages creativity, social interaction, and unique strategies. It’s perfect for casual play but can also be competitive, depending on the group’s preferences.