Commander (originally Elder Dragon Highlander) is Magic’s most popular casual format and the most-played way to enjoy the game worldwide. Build a 100-card singleton deck led by a legendary creature — your commander — and battle in free-for-all multiplayer games with 3-4 players.
Commander Rules
- 100 cards exactly (including your commander)
- Singleton: Only 1 copy of each card (except basic lands)
- Color identity: Every card must match your commander’s color identity
- 40 life: Players start at 40 life (vs. 20 in other formats)
- Commander damage: 21 combat damage from a single commander is lethal
- Command zone: Your commander starts in the command zone, not your deck
Why Play Commander?
- Social: Multiplayer games create politics, alliances, and memorable stories.
- Creative: Singleton format rewards unique card choices and personal expression.
- Budget-Flexible: Casual groups don’t need expensive staples — play what you enjoy.
- Timeless: Nearly every Magic card ever printed is legal (except a small banned list).
- Infinite Replay Value: 100 cards with only 1 copy each means every game plays differently.
Building Your First Commander Deck
Start by picking a legendary creature that excites you — your commander defines your deck’s color identity and strategy. Then fill 100 cards following this rough template:
- 36-38 lands (including color-fixing lands)
- 10-12 ramp cards (Sol Ring, signets, land-fetching spells)
- 8-10 card draw spells (keeping your hand full is critical in multiplayer)
- 8-10 removal spells (targeted removal + board wipes)
- 30-35 cards supporting your strategy (synergy pieces, win conditions)
For a deeper dive, read our Complete Deckbuilding Guide and Deck Checklist. New to Magic entirely? Start with MTG Basics for New Players.
Power Levels
Commander tables often use a 1-10 power level scale to set expectations. Talk to your group before the game — a precon (preconstructed deck) is roughly power level 5, while fully optimized cEDH (competitive Commander) lists are 9-10. Most casual games land in the 5-7 range.