MTG Commander Guide for Beginners
Everything a beginner needs to know about Commander — what makes it different, getting your first deck, upgrading, Rule Zero, and where to play.
Commander (also called EDH — Elder Dragon Highlander) is the most popular way to play Magic: The Gathering. It's social, creative, expressive, and built for fun rather than cutthroat competition. If you're new to Magic or returning after a break, Commander is the best entry point. Here's everything you need to know.
What Makes Commander Different
Commander is a multiplayer format — typically four players in a pod. Each player builds a 100-card singleton deck (no duplicate cards except basic lands) led by a legendary creature called the "commander." Your commander sits in a special zone and can be cast repeatedly. Games are longer, swingier, and more social than 1v1 formats.
The result is a format that rewards creativity, politics, and memorable plays over pure optimization. Commander games generate stories — "remember that time someone cast Insurrection and stole everyone's creatures?" That's the appeal.
Getting Your First Deck
The easiest way to start is with a preconstructed Commander deck. Wizards of the Coast releases precons with every major set — they're 100-card ready-to-play decks for $40–$60. They're balanced against each other, include a commander, and come with a strategy guide. Buy one that features a playstyle you enjoy (aggro, control, combo, tokens, etc.).
Your local card shop stocks Commander precons and can recommend one based on your interests. Buying locally also lets you ask questions and potentially find people to play with immediately.
Upgrading Your Precon
Precons are good out of the box but improve dramatically with small upgrades. Start by replacing the weakest 10–15 cards with better alternatives. Focus on improving your mana base (add better lands), your removal package (swap in more efficient answers), and your card draw (the engine that keeps your deck running).
Budget upgrades of $20–$30 make a noticeable difference. Websites like EDHRec.com show the most popular upgrades for any commander — it's the best resource for Commander deckbuilding.
Rule Zero
"Rule Zero" is Commander's informal social contract: before the game starts, talk to your pod about power levels. Is everyone playing casual precons? Tuned decks? High-power combo? Aligning expectations prevents feel-bad moments. A cEDH (competitive EDH) deck at a casual table ruins everyone's evening.
The easiest approach: ask "what power level are we playing?" and bring decks at multiple power levels if you can. Most Commander players appreciate someone who matches the table rather than pubstomping.
Where to Play Commander
Local card shops are the primary Commander venue. Most shops host weekly Commander nights — sometimes as structured events with entry fees and prizes, sometimes as casual open-play pods. Check our events calendar or ask your local shop about their Commander schedule.
Online, SpellTable (free) lets you play Commander over webcam with your physical cards. It's a good option when you can't make it to the shop.
Commander Etiquette
Commander is a social game with social norms. Sleeve your deck (protects cards and enables clean shuffling). Announce your plays clearly. Don't take 10-minute turns. Don't target one player relentlessly. Don't scoop (concede) out of spite at a critical moment. Win and lose gracefully. The goal is four people having fun — keep that goal visible.
Growing Your Collection
Commander is the most affordable competitive Magic format in the long run. Unlike Standard or Modern, cards don't rotate out, and a single deck can be played for years with small upgrades. Invest in a strong mana base (lands hold value) and staple cards that go in many decks (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, etc.). Build one or two decks you love rather than spreading across many.
Back to: Magic: The Gathering Local Play Guide →
Find Commander nights near you
Most card shops host weekly Commander pods. Search our directory for shops with MTG events.