Commander Deck Building Guide: Reddit's Top Tips & Strategies

Embarking on the journey of Commander deck building can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when you're part of the vibrant community on Reddit. With its wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives, Reddit serves as an invaluable resource for both seasoned players and beginners alike. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of Commander deck building, drawing from the collective wisdom of the Reddit community.

Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify what Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is. It's a format in Magic: The Gathering where each player selects a legendary creature as their commander and builds a 100-card singleton deck around it. The goal is to reduce your opponents' life total to 0, typically with a focus on strategy, synergy, and interaction.

Understanding Your Commander

Your commander is the cornerstone of your deck, so understanding its abilities and colors is crucial. It should reflect the kind of game you want to play - aggressive, controlling, combo-oriented, or something else entirely.

Reddit users often recommend starting with a commander that has a clear game plan. For instance, if your commander is a legendary creature with a powerful enters-the-battlefield (ETB) effect, your deck should be built to capitalize on that effect as soon as possible.

Color Identity

Your commander's colors determine what colors you can use in your deck. For example, if your commander is white and black, your deck can only include white and black cards. This restriction encourages you to maximize the synergy between your commander and your deck.

Reddit discussions often highlight the importance of understanding mana fixing in Commander. Since you're limited to your commander's colors, you'll need to ensure you can consistently cast your spells. This might involve including lands that produce multiple colors of mana or cards that can fix your mana.

Commander Damage

Many commanders have abilities that involve dealing or preventing combat damage. Understanding how these abilities work is key to playing your commander effectively. For instance, if your commander has an ability that triggers when it deals combat damage, you'll want to ensure your commander is attacking or blocking as often as possible.

Reddit users often share tips on how to maximize commander damage. This might involve using equipment or auras to boost your commander's power and toughness, or using abilities that allow your commander to attack or block multiple times in a turn.

Building Your Deck

Once you've chosen your commander and understood its abilities, it's time to start building your deck. This involves selecting 99 other cards to complement your commander and create a cohesive strategy.

Reddit is a treasure trove of Commander deck lists and theorycrafting. You can find lists for almost any commander, which can serve as a great starting point. However, it's important to remember that every deck is unique and should be tailored to your playstyle and the local meta.

Creatures

Creatures are the backbone of any Commander deck. They provide bodies to attack and block with, and many have abilities that interact with your commander or your strategy.

Reddit discussions often revolve around the best creatures to include in a Commander deck. Generally, you'll want creatures that are synergistic with your commander and strategy. For example, if your commander has an ETB effect that involves creating tokens, you might include creatures that can manipulate those tokens.

Spells and Enchantments

Spells and enchantments provide a wide range of effects, from card draw to removal to tutors. They can be used to support your strategy, interact with your opponents, or protect your board state.

When choosing spells and enchantments, consider their synergy with your commander and other cards in your deck. Reddit users often recommend including a mix of powerful, efficient cards and cards that provide value over time.

Artifacts and Lands

Artifacts and lands are often overlooked in Commander, but they can play a crucial role in your deck.

Artifacts can provide mana fixing, card draw, or powerful effects that synergize with your strategy. Lands, meanwhile, form the foundation of your deck. Reddit users often discuss the best mana bases for Commander decks, emphasizing the importance of consistency and flexibility.

Remember, Commander is a format where innovation and creativity are valued. Don't be afraid to experiment with unusual card choices or strategies. The Reddit community is always eager to discuss and debate new ideas.

In the end, the most important thing is to have fun. Commander is a social format, and the best decks are the ones that bring people together. So, whether you're brewing a competitive deck or a casual jank deck, embrace the spirit of Commander and enjoy the journey. Happy deck building!