Why is Commander More Popular Than Standard?

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) stands tall as a titan in the vast world of collectible card games. The game offers numerous ways to play, but two of the most prominent formats are Commander and Standard. Both formats have their unique charm and following. Still, Commander has surged in popularity in recent years, leaving Standard to take a back seat. This article explores the reasons behind Commander’s rise and why it has become more popular than Standard.

Definition of Commander

Before delving into the reasons for Commander’s popularity, let’s briefly define both formats. Commander, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a casual and multiplayer variant of MTG. Players build decks of 100 cards, including a legendary creature as the “Commander,” which determines the deck’s colors and theme. On the other hand, Standard is a competitive format that allows players to use cards only from the most recent sets, creating a rotating environment.

History of Commander and Standard

Commander traces its roots back to the early 2000s when fans developed the format for a more casual and social gaming experience. It grew organically, finding a devoted community that embraced the format’s unique rules and deck-building constraints. Standard, in contrast, has been an integral part of MTG since its inception, serving as the flagship competitive format for official tournaments.

Key Differences Between Commander and Standard

Commander and Standard are two popular formats in Magic: The Gathering, each offering a distinct and unique gameplay experience. Here are the key differences between Commander and Standard:

• Deck Size:Commander: In Commander, the deck size is 100 cards, including your Commander. The deck must have 100 cards, and you can have only one copy of each card, except for basic lands.
• Standard: In Standard, the deck size is 60 cards, with no more than four copies of each card, except for basic lands.

Commander (Leader) Card:

• Commander: In Commander, you choose a legendary creature card as your Commander, and it starts the game in the command zone. You can cast it from the command zone during the game, and it defines the color identity of your deck.
• Standard: In Standard, there is no concept of a commander card. Decks are built around a specific theme or strategy without the presence of a commander.

Color Identity:

• Commander: Each Commander has a specific color identity determined by the mana symbols in its cost and rules text. The color identity restricts the colors of mana symbols that can appear in your deck.
• Standard: Standard decks can be built with any combination of colors as long as the cards are legal in the format and adhere to the four-copy limit (except for basic lands).

Legal Card Sets:

• Commander: The Commander format includes cards from all legal sets in Vintage (excluding certain cards banned for power-level reasons). This expansive card pool allows for many card choices and deck-building options.
• Standard: Standard is a rotating format that includes only the most recent sets released by Wizards of the Coast. The card pool changes as older sets rotate out, and new groups are introduced, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving environment.

Banned and Restricted List:

• Commander: Commander has a unique ban list, managed separately from other formats. Certain cards are banned or restricted in Commander due to power level or gameplay concerns.
• Standard: Standard has its own banned list, including cards deemed too powerful or disruptive for the format. The list is regularly updated as the game’s balance and meta change.

Multiplayer vs. 1-vs-1:

• Commander: Commander games are typically played in a multiplayer format, with three to four players facing off against each other.
• Standard: Standard games are often played in a 1-vs-1 format, with one player competing against another.

Game Duration:

• Commander: Commander games can be longer and more epic in scale due to the higher starting life total (40 life) and the multiplayer dynamics.
• Standard: Standard games tend to be faster and more focused, with a starting life total of 20.

Commander and Standard offer different gameplay experiences, emphasizing multiplayer politics, large card pools, and unique commander choices. At the same time, Standard centers around dynamic rotations, focused deck-building, and intense 1-vs-1 competition. Players can choose the format that aligns best with their preferences and playstyle.

Also Read: What is the best way to shuffle a Commander deck?

The Appeal of Commander Format

• Commander’s larger deck size and singleton rule foster creativity in deck building. Players have more opportunities to experiment with a broader range of cards, leading to unique and personalized decks. This creative freedom attracts players who enjoy exploring new strategies and unconventional interactions.
• The multiplayer nature of Commander promotes social interaction and politics within the game. Players often form alliances, negotiate deals, or make temporary truces, adding excitement beyond card interactions. This element of diplomacy creates memorable and engaging experiences for players.
• The singleton rule in Commander ensures that players rarely face identical decks, enhancing the format’s diversity and replayability. Each game becomes a fresh experience as players encounter new combinations and strategies, making Commander an ever-evolving form.

Advantages of Standard Format

While Commander boasts many virtues, the Standard format also has its advantages:

• Standard’s card rotation ensures that the form remains balanced, preventing any single deck from dominating for too long. This dynamic environment appeals to players who enjoy competitive challenges and adapting their strategies to the ever-changing metagame.
• Standard’s rotating card sets keep the format fresh, encouraging players to regularly explore new card releases and deck archetypes. This constant evolution maintains an interest in Standard and prevents staleness.

Comparing Player Base and Tournament Scene

The rise of Commander’s popularity can be seen in the increasing number of players engaging in the format. Casual playgroups, local game stores, and online communities have embraced Commander, fostering a welcoming and vibrant community. Standard, while still popular, has seen a dip in attendance at some events as players gravitate toward the social appeal of Commander.

Popular Commanders and Top Standard Decks

The popularity of commanders in Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format and the top Standard decks can vary over time due to new card releases, meta shifts, and balancing changes. However, here are some examples of popular commanders and top Standard decks as of that time:

Popular Commanders in Commander Format:

1. Atraxa, Praetors’ Voice: Atraxa is a popular commander known for her proliferation ability, allowing you to accumulate additional counters on permanents like +1/+1 counters, loyalty counters, and more.
2. Golos, Tireless Pilgrim: Golos is favored for his ability to play cards from the top of your library without paying their mana cost, enabling players to access powerful effects.
3. The First Sliver: This Commander is at the helm of many Sliver tribal decks, as its cascade ability allows players to cast multiple Slivers in a single turn.
4. Muldrotha, the Gravetide: Muldrotha’s ability to play cards from your graveyard allows for a recurring value engine and enables creative graveyard strategies.
5. Korvold, Fae-Cursed King: Korvold is popular for his sacrifice synergy, gaining power as you sacrifice permanents and drawing cards.

Top Standard Decks (as of August 2023):

1. Sultai Ultimatum: A control-based deck centered around the powerful sorcery “Emergent Ultimatum,” aiming to resolve it and fetch key cards from the balcony.
2. Mono-White Aggro: A fast, aggressive deck focused on low-cost creatures and efficient combat tricks to overwhelm opponents.
3. Temur Adventures: This deck revolves around the adventure mechanic, using creatures that have powerful instant and sorcery spells as their adventures.
4. Jeskai Cycling: An adaptive deck that uses cycling cards to dig through the deck, control the battlefield, and trigger powerful payoffs.
5. Rakdos Sacrifice: A deck centered around sacrificing creatures for value and leveraging synergies with cards like “Village Rites” and “Claim the Firstborn.”

Please note that the popularity of commanders and the top Standard decks can change with each new card set release and changes to the metagame. For the most current information on popular commanders and top Standard decks, it is recommended to check official Magic: The Gathering websites, community forums, and other reliable sources for up-to-date deck lists and meta-analyses.

Criticisms of Both Formats

Despite their popularity, both formats face criticism. Some players find Commander games shorter due to multiplayer dynamics. In contrast, others argue that Standard’s frequent rotations lead to expensive investments in new cards.

Conclusion:

One reason for the increasing popularity of Commander is its distinctive blend of multiplayer, social interaction, and creative gameplay. With the excitement of legendary Commanders, diverse deck options, and dynamic gameplay, it’s easy to see why the community of Commander players continues to grow. Meanwhile, Standard remains a reliable and competitive format for players who prefer structured tournaments and a balanced playing field that continues to evolve.

FAQs:

Q: Is Commander a beginner-friendly format?

A: Commander can be enjoyed by players of all experience levels, but it may require some familiarity with the game’s mechanics.

Q: How often does Standard rotate its card sets?

A: Standard rotates once a year, usually coinciding with the release of the fall expansion set.

Q: Are there any banned cards in Commander?

A: The Commander format lists banned cards to maintain balance and fairness.

Q: Can I use my Commander deck in Standard tournaments?

A: No, Commander decks are not legal in Standard tournaments due to deck size and card legality differences.

Q: Which format has a more competitive scene – Commander or Standard?

A: While both formats have competitive scenes, Standard focuses more on structured tournaments. Commander is known for its casual and social gameplay.