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Commander
Commander (also known as EDH) is Magic's most popular casual format. Players build 100-card singleton decks led by a legendary creature or planeswalker that serves as their commander. The format emphasizes social gameplay, creative expression, and memorable multiplayer moments.
Commander was created in 1996 as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH) by judges in Alaska. It became officially supported by Wizards of the Coast in 2011 and is now Magic's most popular format.
Where to Play
TabletopMagic OnlineSpellTable
Deck Size100 cards
Starting Life40
Copies Allowed1 (Singleton)
Players3-5 players (typically 4)
Game Duration~120 minutes
RotationNon-rotating
Legal Cards
All Magic sets ever printed
Commander Rules
- Commander must be a legendary creature (or a card that says it can be your commander)
- Commander starts in the command zone, not the deck
- Casting from command zone costs {2} more for each previous cast
- If commander would go to graveyard or exile, you may return it to command zone instead
- A player dealt 21+ combat damage by the same commander loses the game
Deck Construction
- Exactly 100 cards including your commander
- Singleton: only 1 copy of each card (except basic lands)
- All cards must match commander's color identity
- Color identity includes mana symbols in casting cost AND rules text
Gameplay
- Multiplayer free-for-all (typically 4 players)
- Each player starts with 40 life
- You may attack any opponent or target any player
- Last player standing wins
Mulligan Rule
Draw 7 cards. You may mulligan any number of times, drawing 7 each time. After keeping, put cards equal to the number of mulligans taken on the bottom of your library.
Format Management
Maintained by: Commander Rules Committee
Managed by the Commander Rules Committee
Ban Schedule: Quarterly announcements
Notes
- Most popular Magic format globally
- Encourages creative and expressive deck building
- Social format focused on fun over competition
- Optional power brackets (1-5) help match players of similar power levels
- Partner commanders allow two commanders that share color identity