Commander Masters is a brand new format in Magic⁚ The Gathering where players draft a 60-card Commander deck. This format is incredibly unique and exciting, offering players a chance to experience a new way to play Commander. This guide will cover everything you need to know to draft Commander Masters, including the rules, strategies, archetypes, and essential cards to target.
Introduction
Commander Masters is a highly anticipated set designed specifically for the popular Commander format in Magic⁚ The Gathering. This set brings together a collection of powerful and iconic cards from across the history of Magic, catering to both seasoned Commander players and newcomers alike. The heart of the Commander Masters experience lies in its unique drafting format, allowing players to build their own Commander decks from scratch, selecting cards from booster packs in a structured and competitive environment. This draft format introduces a new level of excitement and strategy, as players navigate the choices, synergies, and potential pitfalls of building a powerful and thematic Commander deck. Commander Masters Draft is not just about assembling a deck; it’s about crafting a deck that reflects your playstyle, your favorite strategies, and your desire to conquer the battlefield with unique and powerful commanders.
The set features a diverse range of cards, encompassing iconic creatures, spells, and artifacts, all designed to enhance the Commander experience. Players will encounter a variety of archetypes and synergies, allowing for a wide range of deckbuilding possibilities. Whether you prefer aggressive strategies, control-oriented decks, or a focus on powerful enchantments or artifacts, Commander Masters offers a wealth of options to explore and exploit. This draft experience promises to be a thrilling journey for Commander enthusiasts, allowing them to delve into the rich tapestry of Magic’s history and create decks that are truly their own.
The release of Commander Masters Draft has sparked a wave of excitement within the Magic community. Players are eager to experience the thrill of building Commander decks from scratch, navigating the intricacies of draft strategies, and discovering the hidden gems within the set. With its unique rules, exciting possibilities, and a focus on Commander-centric gameplay, Commander Masters Draft is poised to become a staple of the Magic⁚ The Gathering landscape.
Understanding Commander Masters Draft
Commander Masters Draft is a unique and engaging format that offers a fresh take on the beloved Commander experience. It combines the thrill of drafting with the strategic depth of Commander, allowing players to create custom decks from a pool of powerful and iconic cards. Unlike traditional draft formats, Commander Masters Draft focuses on building 60-card decks, with a minimum of 25 lands and 35 nonland cards, and emphasizes the importance of choosing a Commander to lead your forces. This format encourages players to think strategically about the synergies and power levels of their chosen Commander, as well as the overall composition of their deck.
The drafting process in Commander Masters is unique and engaging. Players take turns selecting two cards at a time from each booster pack, allowing for greater control over the cards they acquire. This approach fosters a more deliberate and strategic drafting experience, as players must carefully consider the potential synergies and power levels of the cards they choose. The goal is not simply to collect powerful cards, but to assemble a cohesive and synergistic deck that can compete against other Commander decks in the draft pod. This format emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of each card, their potential for interaction, and their role within a broader strategy.
Commander Masters Draft is a format that rewards both careful planning and adaptability. Players must navigate the delicate balance between building a strong foundation for their deck and remaining open to opportunities that emerge during the drafting process. The ability to adjust your strategy based on the cards you open and the choices of your opponents is essential for success in this dynamic and engaging format. Whether you’re a seasoned Commander veteran or a newcomer to the format, Commander Masters Draft offers a unique and rewarding experience, allowing you to build a deck that reflects your individual playstyle and strategic preferences.
Key Rules and Mechanics
Commander Masters Draft features a unique set of rules that distinguish it from other Magic⁚ The Gathering draft formats. Understanding these rules is crucial for success in this exciting format. The most prominent rule is the “two-card draft” mechanic, where players select two cards from each booster pack instead of one. This allows for more strategic drafting decisions and increases the likelihood of acquiring synergistic cards. The inclusion of a Commander in each deck adds another layer of complexity, requiring players to consider the Commander’s color identity, abilities, and synergy with the chosen deck strategy.
Another key rule is the requirement for each deck to contain a minimum of 60 cards, including basic lands. This departure from traditional 40-card decks creates a greater emphasis on mana management and card selection. Commander Masters Draft also features several unique mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience. The “Partner” mechanic allows players to combine two eligible Commanders with one or less colors in their color identity, creating unique and powerful combinations. Furthermore, the “Prismatic Piper” and “Faceless One” cards provide a unique option for players who didn’t draft a Commander, allowing them to utilize either card as their Commander.
Players are free to include multiple copies of any card in their deck, offering a wider range of strategic possibilities. Commander Masters Draft also allows for the inclusion of “Planar” cards, which can be used as additional Commanders, providing additional options for deckbuilding. These Planar cards offer unique abilities and effects, adding another layer of strategic depth to the format. Understanding these key rules and mechanics is essential for navigating the complexities of Commander Masters Draft and maximizing your chances of success.
Drafting Strategies
Drafting Commander Masters effectively requires a different approach than traditional Magic⁚ The Gathering draft formats. The two-card draft mechanic necessitates a more strategic and proactive approach, prioritizing synergy and maximizing value. It’s essential to stay aware of the available archetypes and key cards to prioritize throughout the draft. A fundamental strategy is to focus on establishing a strong color identity early in the draft. This can be achieved by securing signpost cards or premium support cards that define specific color combinations. For instance, if you want to draft a green and white deck, prioritize cards like “Sigarda’s Aid” or “Elvish Warmaster” that clearly signal your chosen colors.
Another crucial aspect is to prioritize removal spells. Commander Masters features a diverse range of creatures with varying power levels, making removal spells vital for controlling the board and protecting your own threats. Cards like “Doom Blade” and “Path to Exile” are highly valuable and can be used effectively across various decks. Don’t neglect cards with flying or other evasion abilities. These cards can be crucial for breaking through board stalls and achieving victory. Cards like “Angel of Destiny” and “Serra Angel” are examples of powerful evasive threats that can be difficult to deal with.
Remember to carefully consider the mana curve of your deck. You want to ensure a balanced mix of early, mid-game, and late-game threats to maintain consistency throughout the game. Pay attention to the power level of cards you’re drafting. While strong cards can be tempting, it’s essential to strike a balance between power and synergy. Don’t prioritize solely on “OP” cards; instead, aim for a well-rounded deck with synergy and a good mana curve. By following these strategies, you can maximize your chances of success in Commander Masters Draft.
Archetypes and Synergies
Commander Masters Draft presents a diverse range of archetypes and synergies, each offering unique playstyles and strategies. Understanding these archetypes is crucial for building a successful deck and navigating the draft process; One prominent archetype is the “Enchantment-Based” deck, which leverages powerful enchantments to control the board, buff creatures, or generate value. These decks often revolve around white and blue colors, capitalizing on cards like “Sigarda’s Aid” and “Swords to Plowshares” to dominate the battlefield. Another popular archetype is the “Artifact-Based” deck, which focuses on powerful artifacts to generate mana, draw cards, and control the board.
These decks typically feature strong synergies with colors like red and blue, leveraging cards like “Sol Ring” and “Mana Crypt” to accelerate mana production. The “Creature-Based” deck is a classic archetype, relying on strong creatures to dominate the board and overwhelm opponents. Green and red colors are often associated with this archetype, with cards like “Llanowar Elves” and “Lightning Bolt” being essential for early aggression. A less common but powerful archetype is the “Token-Based” deck, which focuses on generating tokens to swarm the board and overwhelm opponents. White and green colors excel in this archetype, with cards like “Parallel Lives” and “Cathar’s Crusade” providing token generation and synergy.
It’s important to note that these archetypes are not mutually exclusive. Many decks incorporate elements from multiple archetypes, creating hybrid strategies with unique advantages. For example, a “Creature-Based” deck could incorporate “Artifact-Based” elements by including strong artifacts like “Sword of the Meek” and “Whispering Wand.” The key is to identify the core of your deck early in the draft and prioritize cards that support your chosen archetype. By recognizing the archetypes and their synergies, you can draft a cohesive and effective Commander Masters deck that leverages specific advantages to achieve victory.
Essential Cards to Target
Identifying and securing essential cards during the Commander Masters Draft is crucial for building a powerful and competitive deck. These cards provide significant advantages and can form the backbone of your strategy. One category of essential cards includes “Commanders,” which are the focal point of your deck and often define your color identity and playstyle. Strong Commanders like “The Scarab God” and “Zur, the Enchanter” offer powerful abilities and synergy with specific archetypes. It’s important to prioritize drafting strong Commanders early in the draft to ensure you have a solid foundation.
Another category of essential cards includes “Removal Spells,” which are crucial for controlling the board and dealing with threats from your opponents. Powerful removal spells like “Path to Exile” and “Doom Blade” can effectively eliminate problematic creatures and artifacts. These cards are invaluable for maintaining board control and preventing your opponents from gaining an advantage. “Ramp Spells” are also essential for accelerating your mana production and enabling you to cast your powerful spells sooner. Cards like “Sol Ring” and “Mana Crypt” provide significant mana acceleration, giving you a critical edge in the early game.
Finally, “Card Draw” is a vital aspect of Commander Masters Draft, allowing you to replenish your hand and keep your engine running. Strong card draw spells like “Scroll Rack” and “Sylvan Scrying” can provide a steady stream of cards, allowing you to make informed decisions and maintain a consistent flow of plays. By targeting these essential cards during the draft, you can build a deck with a strong foundation, powerful threats, effective removal, and reliable card draw, giving you the tools you need to compete for victory in Commander Masters.
Building Your Commander Deck
Once the Commander Masters Draft is complete and you have a collection of cards, it’s time to build your 60-card Commander deck. Building a cohesive and synergistic deck is essential for success in this format. Start by identifying your Commander and the color identity of your deck. Your Commander will often dictate your deck’s strategy and the types of cards you should include. For example, if your Commander is “The Scarab God,” you’ll want to focus on black and blue cards that support a reanimator or graveyard-based strategy.
Next, review your drafted cards and look for synergy and thematic connections. Group cards that work well together and create a cohesive plan. For example, if you have a lot of cards that generate mana, consider including cards that utilize extra mana effectively. Likewise, if you have a lot of creature removal, include cards that benefit from removing your opponents’ creatures. Remember to prioritize cards that support your Commander’s abilities and playstyle.
When building your deck, consider the mana curve and ensure you have a balanced mix of low-cost cards and high-cost cards. You want to be able to cast spells early in the game and have the mana to play powerful cards later in the game. Don’t forget to include a sufficient number of lands. A good starting point is around 25-28 lands, but adjust this based on your mana curve and the mana requirements of your cards. Finally, review your deck and make sure it has a clear strategy and a winning plan. Consider how your cards interact with each other, how you will win the game, and what your strengths and weaknesses are.
Playing the Game
After building your Commander deck, it’s time to play the game! Commander Masters Draft is a four-player format, where each player brings their 60-card deck to the table. The game is played according to the standard Commander rules, but with some key differences due to the draft format. The goal is to be the last player standing with life points remaining.
Each player starts with 40 life points and a Commander in the Command Zone. The game begins with the starting player and proceeds clockwise. On your turn, you can play lands, cast spells, attack with creatures, and activate abilities; The most important part of the game is to build a strong board presence, control the game, and eventually deal enough damage to your opponents to win. The game ends when one player has 0 or less life points remaining, or when all other players have conceded.
Commander Masters Draft offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience. You’ll need to use your drafting skills to create a powerful and synergistic deck, and then use your strategic thinking to outmaneuver your opponents. The format is full of fun, challenging, and unique cards, and it’s a great way to experience the Commander format in a limited setting.
Tips for Success
Commander Masters Draft is a challenging format, but with the right strategies and a little bit of luck, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you win more games⁚
First, focus on drafting a strong two-color archetype. Choose cards that support the same strategy and synergize well with each other. Second, prioritize powerful spells and creatures that can control the board and provide a consistent source of damage. Third, don’t forget about removal spells. These are essential for dealing with your opponents’ threats and keeping them off balance. Fourth, consider including a few cards that can help you win the game quickly, such as a strong finisher or a powerful commander ability.
Remember to adapt your strategy based on your opponent’s decks. If they’re playing an aggressive deck, focus on control and removal. If they’re playing a slow and grindy deck, focus on generating card advantage and board presence. Finally, pay attention to the meta and adjust your draft strategy accordingly. If everyone is drafting certain colors or archetypes, consider switching things up and drafting something different. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the Commander Masters Draft format.