Can you use sideboards in Commander? As an avid player myself, this question has come up quite a bit in recent years. For those unfamiliar with the Commander format, it’s a social, multiplayer game where players build a deck around a legendary creature and try to eliminate their opponents to be the last one standing. However, with the rise of competitive play and tournaments, the question of whether sideboards should be allowed in Commander has become a hotly debated topic.
On one hand, sideboards offer players a chance to tweak their deck based on their opponent’s strategies or specific cards they may encounter. It allows for a more adaptable game plan and reduces the luck factor of a single game. However, on the other hand, the Commander format was designed to be a more casual and fun experience, and allowing sideboards could take away from that aspect. It may also give certain players an unfair advantage if they have access to more powerful cards in their sideboard.
Overall, the decision to use sideboards in Commander comes down to personal preference and the playgroup’s rules. Some players may choose to stick to the original rules and keep the game casual, while others may enjoy the added competitiveness and incorporate a sideboard into their strategy. As with any game, it’s important to communicate with your opponents and establish a clear understanding of the rules before playing.
What is Commander format?
Commander format, also known as Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH), is a multiplayer variant of Magic: The Gathering that focuses on using legendary creatures as the commanders of decks. Each deck must have 100 cards, with only one copy of any given card (except basic lands), and the commander must be a legendary creature or planeswalker. The goal of the game is to reduce your opponents’ life totals to zero.
- Commander games are typically played with four players, but can be played with anywhere from two to six players.
- Decks must contain only cards from the Magic: The Gathering Commander set, with the exception of the basic land cards. These cards are designed and chosen specifically for the Commander format, with cards ranging from unique legendary creatures to powerful spells and artifacts.
- One of the unique features of the Commander format is the use of a commander, which is always available to be cast from the command zone. The commander’s color identity determines which colors of mana can be used in the deck. Anytime the commander would enter a different zone than the battlefield (such as being destroyed or exiled), it can be returned to the command zone instead.
What are the basic rules of Commander?
Commander is a casual format of Magic: The Gathering that is also known as Elder Dragon Highlander. It is a multiplayer format that requires each player to build a deck consisting of 100 cards with no duplicates except for basic lands. The game can also be played with a partner, and each player starts with 40 life points. The objective of the game is to reduce your opponent’s life points to zero.
- The game is played with a legendary creature card called the Commander. The Commander starts in the Command Zone and can be brought into play throughout the game via specific abilities on spells or other cards.
- A player’s deck must be built around their Commander and must contain only cards that share their Commander’s color identity. A card’s color identity is determined by its mana symbols, color indicators, and reminder text. For example, a card with a red mana symbol in its cost or text box has a red color identity and can only be used in decks with a red Commander or colorless Commanders.
- The Commander can be cast from the Command Zone at any time, and when it is sent to the graveyard or exiled from the battlefield, it goes back to the Command Zone instead. If a player has to draw a card from an empty library, they lose the game. However, if a player is dealt 21 points of combat damage from a single Commander, they lose the game.
The Commander format is unique in the sense that it encourages players to use cards that are not typically seen in other formats. It also gives players the opportunity to build around their favorite legendary creatures and create a deck that reflects their playstyle and personality.
So, can you use sideboards in Commander?
| Sideboards in Commander |
|---|
| According to the official Commander rules, sideboards are not allowed during games. However, players can have a wishboard, which is a group of 10 cards that can be used in games when the player’s Commander has a particular ability. The wishboard cards must meet the same color identity rules as the player’s deck and cannot duplicate any card that is already in the deck or Commander. |
While sideboards are not allowed in the Commander format, players can still make adjustments to their deck to better suit their playgroup and the decks they are facing. This can be achieved by swapping out cards between games or having multiple versions of the same deck with different card choices.
In conclusion, the basic rules of Commander require each player to build a deck consisting of 100 cards with no duplicates except for basic lands, use a legendary creature as their Commander, and have a color identity that matches their Commander. Sideboards are not allowed in Commander, but players can have a wishboard of 10 cards that can be used during games. The Commander format is a unique and exciting way to play Magic: The Gathering that encourages players to use their creativity and build decks that reflect their personality.
What should you consider when building a Commander deck?
Commander is a unique format that requires careful consideration when building a deck. Here are some things to keep in mind when building your deck:
- Commander Choice: The choice of commander sets the tone for your deck. You should choose a commander that fits your playstyle and the theme of your deck.
- Card Synergy: Your deck should have a clear strategy or theme that will help you win games. You should choose cards that work well together and complement your commander.
- Mana Curve: It’s important to have a good distribution of mana costs in your deck. You don’t want too many high-cost spells that you can’t play early in the game, and you don’t want too many low-cost spells that won’t be effective later on.
- Card Draw and Ramp: Commander games often go longer than other formats, so it’s important to have cards that can help you draw more cards and generate more mana to keep up with your opponents.
- Removal and Interaction: You should include cards that can deal with threats on the board, such as removal spells or counterspells. Interaction with your opponents is also important, such as cards that force them to discard or sacrifice.
Can you use sideboards in Commander?
While sideboards are not traditionally used in Commander, some playgroups allow them as an optional rule. However, keep in mind that since Commander is a singleton format, you can only have one copy of each card in your deck, so you’ll need to carefully consider which cards to include in your sideboard.
What are some popular sideboard choices in Commander?
If your playgroup allows sideboards, here are some popular choices for Commander:
| Card Type | Popular Picks |
|---|---|
| Removal | Swords to Plowshares, Nature’s Claim, Vandalblast |
| Counterspells | Swan Song, Negate, Dispel |
| Card Draw | Fact or Fiction, Pull from Tomorrow, Dig Through Time |
| Graveyard Hate | Bojuka Bog, Tormod’s Crypt, Relic of Progenitus |
Remember, if you decide to use a sideboard in Commander, it’s important to communicate with your playgroup and make sure everyone is on the same page about the rules and limitations.
What is the role of sideboards in Magic: The Gathering?
Sideboards are an integral part of competitive Magic: The Gathering gameplay. They are a set of 15 cards that players can switch out with their main deck between games in a match. In Commander, where players have decks with 100 cards, commanders, and large multiplayer games, the role of sideboards is slightly different.
- In Commander, sideboards are used to tailor your deck to a specific matchup. For example, if you know you are playing against a graveyard-heavy deck, you might want to include more graveyard hate cards in your sideboard to bring in during games 2 and 3.
- They can also be used to protect against common strategies or cards that you might expect to see in your playgroup or at a tournament. If you know your local meta is heavy on board wipes, you might want to include more protection cards in your sideboard.
- Sideboards can also be used to include niche cards that wouldn’t make sense to include in your main deck, but could be useful in certain situations. For example, a card that counters noncreature spells might not be necessary for your main deck, but could be crucial if you are facing a combo-heavy deck.
Ultimately, the role of sideboards in Commander is to give players more flexibility and strategy in their gameplay. It allows them to adapt to different opponents and playstyles, and can give them an edge in a competitive match.
How do you use sideboards in Commander?
Using sideboards effectively in Commander requires some knowledge of your local meta and the decks you might be facing. Here are some tips:
- Focus on cards that are versatile and can be used in multiple matchups. This will give you more bang for your buck and allow you to switch out fewer cards between games.
- Don’t include too many cards that are narrow or situational. While it’s important to have answers to specific strategies, you don’t want to dilute your sideboard with cards that are only useful in very specific scenarios.
- Think about which cards in your main deck might be weak against certain matchups and include cards in your sideboard that can shore up those weaknesses.
- Consider including cards that can help you disrupt your opponent’s game plan. For example, cards that exile graveyards, remove artifacts or enchantments, or counter spells can all be useful in slowing down an opponent’s strategy.
Most importantly, test out your sideboard in actual gameplay. See which cards you end up wanting to bring in and which ones you don’t. Over time, you’ll get a sense of how to craft the perfect sideboard for your Commander deck.
Examples of Sideboard Cards in Commander
Here is a list of some common sideboard cards that can be used in Commander:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ancient Grudge | Destroy target artifact. Flashback for its casting cost. |
| Bojuka Bog | Enters the battlefield tapped. When it enters the battlefield, exile target player’s graveyard. |
| Negate | Counter target noncreature spell. |
| Damping Sphere | If a land is tapped for mana, it produces colorless mana instead of any other type and each spell a player casts costs 1 more to cast for each other spell that player has cast this turn. |
| Cursed Totem | Activated abilities of creatures can’t be activated. |
These cards represent just a small sampling of the many sideboard options available in Commander. Depending on your deck and your local meta, you might find other cards that are even more useful in certain situations.
Can you use sideboards in Commander format?
If you are a seasoned Magic player, you are likely familiar with the concept of sideboards. In formats like Standard and Modern, sideboards allow you to swap out cards from your main deck with cards that are better suited for certain matchups. However, the question remains: can you use sideboards in Commander format?
- Officially, the answer is no. The official Commander banlist includes the entire set of tournament-legal Magic cards, with the exception of those that are banned or restricted. This means that sideboards are not allowed.
- However, there are some playgroups that allow sideboards in Commander. If you are playing in a casual setting, you should check with your playgroup to see if sideboards are allowed. Some groups allow you to use sideboards for the purpose of switching out cards that are not working well in your deck, while others allow you to use sideboards to prepare for matchups that you expect to face.
- If you are playing in a sanctioned Commander event, you should assume that sideboards are not allowed unless the event specifies otherwise.
Ultimately, whether or not you can use a sideboard in Commander format depends on the playgroup you are playing with. If you are unsure, it’s always better to ask ahead of time to avoid any confusion or frustration during the game.
| Pros of using sideboards in Commander | Cons of using sideboards in Commander |
|---|---|
| Allows you to adapt your deck to the meta and prepare for certain matchups | Not allowed in official tournaments, so you may be at a disadvantage if you rely on sideboarding in casual games |
| Can improve the consistency of your deck by sideboarding in cards that will help you deal with specific problems | Sideboards can lead to more shuffling and slow down the game |
Overall, whether you decide to use a sideboard in Commander format is a personal choice. Just keep in mind that it’s not allowed in official tournaments and may not be allowed in all playgroups. As with any Magic format, communication and clarity are key to having a fun and enjoyable game.
How are sideboards different in Commander compared to other formats?
Sideboarding is a mechanic present in various formats of Magic: The Gathering, and it refers to when players can switch out cards in their deck between games in a match. In Commander, the use of sideboards is different in a few key ways:
- Unlike other formats, Commander does not typically allow sideboards in regular play. The official Commander rules state that “players may not sideboard between games without express prior permission of the other players in the game.”
- Some unofficial Commander variations do allow sideboards, such as Duel Commander or Canadian Highlander, which have their own specific rules.
- Instead of sideboards, Commander has a unique rule called the “Wish” rule. This allows players to search their entire collection for a card and put it into their hand during a game, but it must match the color identity of their commander. This is a powerful tool to have in-hand and can often be as decisive as a sideboard.
Overall, sideboarding in Commander is a less prominent mechanic than in other formats, but the wish rule makes up for it with a design that fits well with the singleton nature of the format. Whether you use a sideboard or not, it’s always important to consider the specific rules of your chosen format and develop your strategy accordingly.
What are some effective sideboard strategies for Commander players?
In Commander, sideboards can be a bit tricky since the game format only allows for one copy of each non-basic land card in your deck. However, there are still some effective strategies you can use to make the most out of your sideboard.
1. Have a plan for specific match-ups
It’s important to know the strengths and weaknesses of your deck and have a plan for specific match-ups. For example, if you’re playing against a deck that uses a lot of artifact removal, you may want to include some counterspells or additional artifacts in your sideboard to protect your key pieces.
2. Consider versatile cards
Since you only have 15 cards in your sideboard, it can be helpful to include cards that have multiple uses. Cards like Wurmcoil Engine or Cyclonic Rift can be effective in a variety of match-ups.
3. Take advantage of flexible cards
Some cards can be used in different ways depending on the situation. For example, cards like Rakdos Charm or Abrade have multiple modes and can be used for graveyard hate, artifact destruction, or dealing damage to creatures or players.
4. Include answers to common problems
- Graveyard hate: Cards like Rest in Peace, Grafdigger’s Cage, or Bojuka Bog can shut down graveyard-based strategies.
- Artifact removal: Cards like Vandalblast or Shattering Spree can take care of problematic artifacts.
- Board wipes: Cards like Heroic Intervention or Teferi’s Protection can protect your creatures from board wipes.
5. Be mindful of your mana curve
When creating your sideboard, make sure to include cards that fit within your mana curve. Having a lot of expensive cards in your sideboard won’t do much good if you can’t cast them in a timely manner.
6. Don’t forget about hate cards
Hate cards are cards that are specifically designed to shut down certain strategies. Including cards like Stony Silence or Pithing Needle in your sideboard can be a great way to disrupt your opponent’s plans.
7. Practice and refine
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Test your sideboard in various match-ups. |
| Step 2 | Pay attention to which cards are most effective and which ones are underwhelming. |
| Step 3 | Make adjustments to your sideboard as needed. |
| Step 4 | Repeat the process until you have a sideboard that works well for your deck and playstyle. |
Finally, the best way to make sure your sideboard is effective is to practice and refine it. Test your sideboard in various match-ups and pay attention to which cards are most effective and which ones are underwhelming. Make adjustments as needed until you have a sideboard that works well for your deck and playstyle.
Can You Use Sideboards in Commander?
Commander is a popular Magic: The Gathering format with its own unique deckbuilding rules. It’s a singleton format where players build a 100-card deck, and no two cards can have the same name except for basic lands. One question that often comes up is whether or not you can use sideboards in Commander. Here are the answers to the top seven FAQs about using sideboards in Commander:
Can I use a sideboard in Commander?
No, Commander games do not allow the use of sideboards. All cards you want to use in the game need to be in your deck.
Why can’t I use a sideboard in Commander?
The Commander format is designed to encourage creativity and diversity in deckbuilding. Allowing sideboards would make it more competitive and less accessible to new players who may not have the resources to build a sideboard.
Can I use a sideboard in casual Commander games?
It’s up to the playgroup you’re playing with. Since most official Commander games do not allow the use of sideboards, some playgroups may also choose to not allow them in casual games to keep things consistent.
What are some alternative ways to customize my deck in Commander?
One way to customize your deck is to include cards with multiple functions or alternate casting costs. You can also use cards that synergize with your commander or aim towards a specific strategy or theme.
Can I bring extra cards to a Commander event?
No, all the cards you plan to use during the game need to be included in your deck. Extra cards should be left at home.
Can I use tokens in my Commander deck?
Yes, you can use tokens in your Commander deck as long as they follow the same deckbuilding rules as other cards. They must be a unique card and follow color identity rules.
Can I use proxy cards in my Commander deck?
It’s up to the playgroup or tournament organizer. Some playgroups may allow proxies, as long as they are clearly labeled and not being used to gain an unfair advantage.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, we’ve answered some of your questions about using sideboards in Commander. Remember that sideboards are not allowed in official Commander games, but they may be allowed in casual games depending on the playgroup. There are still many ways to customize your deck and make it unique without using a sideboard. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to see you again soon!