What is Commander? — A Beginner's Guide to EDH

Commander Basics

Commander (also known as EDH) is MTG's most popular casual format. It's a multiplayer format (typically 4 players) where each player builds a 100-card deck led by a legendary creature called their commander.

Commander Rules

• Deck size: Exactly 100 cards (1 commander + 99 others)
• Singleton: Only one copy of each card (except basic lands)
• Color identity: All cards must match your commander's color identity
• Starting life: 40 life points
• Commander damage: 21 combat damage from a single commander = defeat

How to Start Playing Commander

The easiest way is to buy a preconstructed deck (precon). For $40-60, you get a complete, ready-to-play deck with a strategy guide included.

Popular Commanders for Beginners

Great starter commanders include Atraxa, Muldrotha, Prossh, and The Ur-Dragon. These offer powerful yet learnable strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Commander cost?

A precon deck costs $40-60. Custom decks can range from $100 to $500+, but you can build competitive decks on any budget.

Where can I play Commander?

Most local game stores (LGS) host weekly Commander nights. Use the Wizards Store Locator to find events near you.