7 Essential Steps To Build A Commander Deck

Building a Commander deck is an exciting project for any Magic: The Gathering player. Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is a casual, social format where players build decks around a single legendary creature, known as the Commander. With over 20 years of cards to draw from, building a Commander deck can be a daunting task. However, by following these 7 essential steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a fun and competitive deck.

Step 1: Choose Your Commander

The first and most important step in building a Commander deck is to choose your Commander. This legendary creature will serve as the centerpiece of your deck and dictate the colors and themes you'll be working with. Consider what type of gameplay experience you want to have. Do you want to build an aggressive, token-generating deck or a controlling, spell-heavy deck? Browse through the many available Commanders and find one that resonates with your playstyle.

Step 2: Determine Your Deck's Colors

Understanding the Color Pie

Once you've chosen your Commander, it's time to determine the colors of your deck. Each Commander has a specific set of colors associated with it, which will dictate the cards you can include in your deck. The color pie is a fundamental concept in Magic: The Gathering, referring to the distribution of cards among the five colors: White, Blue, Black, Red, and Green. Understanding the color pie will help you make informed decisions about card inclusion and deck-building.

Step 3: Develop Your Deck's Theme

With your Commander and colors in place, it's time to develop your deck's theme. This will help guide your card selection and ensure your deck feels cohesive. Consider what type of gameplay experience you want to create. Do you want to build a deck that generates tokens, controls the board, or generates card advantage? Your theme will help you make decisions about card inclusion and exclusion.

Step 4: Select Your Creatures

Building a Balanced Creature Base

Creatures are a crucial part of any Magic: The Gathering deck, and Commander is no exception. When selecting creatures for your deck, consider the following:

• Power and toughness: Choose creatures with a balance of power and toughness to ensure they can survive on the battlefield.
• Mana cost: Select creatures with a range of mana costs to ensure you have options at various points in the game.
• Abilities: Choose creatures with abilities that align with your deck's theme and strategy.

Step 5: Add Non-Creature Spells

Non-creature spells, such as instants, sorceries, and enchantments, can provide valuable utility and support for your creatures. When selecting non-creature spells, consider the following:

• Card advantage: Choose spells that generate card advantage, such as draw spells or discard spells.
• Removal: Select spells that provide removal, such as creature kill spells or board wipes.
• Utility: Choose spells that provide utility, such as lifegain or token generation.

Step 6: Include Lands and Mana-Rocks

Building a Strong Mana Base

Lands and mana-rocks are essential components of any Magic: The Gathering deck. When building your Commander deck, consider the following:

• Land count: Aim for a minimum of 36-40 lands in your deck, depending on the number of colors you're playing.
• Mana-rocks: Include mana-rocks, such as Sol Ring or mana crystals, to help accelerate your mana development.
• Land destruction: Consider including land destruction spells, such as Stone Rain or Ruin in Their Wake, to disrupt your opponents' mana bases.

Step 7: Finalize Your Decklist

With your cards selected, it's time to finalize your decklist. Consider the following:

• Synergy: Ensure that your cards work together synergistically to create a cohesive gameplay experience.
• Balance: Balance your deck's threats and answers to ensure you're prepared for various game scenarios.
• Fun factor: Remember to include cards that are fun and engaging to play with.

By following these 7 essential steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a fun and competitive Commander deck.

Gallery of Commander Deck Building

Commander Deck Building Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to building a Commander deck. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, building a Commander deck can be a fun and rewarding experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things – and most importantly, have fun!

What's your favorite Commander deck archetype? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!