Hello and welcome back. Final Fantasy has finally released (and disappeared) along with a Secret Lair of the IP (which also sold out), so I think it’s safe to say that the set is popular. Granted, there will always be some who buy tons of if, but luckily this set will be reprinted so more boxes should be on the way. Not too sure about the Commander decks, but those are one of the few items that didn’t immediately sell out at my LGS.
Good thing too, because not only is the set popular, MagicCon Vegas is coming up fast. If you want to try out some of the new stuff at a Commander table there is still a good chance to pick something up by then from your own LGS, local store or possibly at the convention itself.
Any major part of a Commander game besides showing off that new deck you’re excited to bonk people with are the players themselves. People from all over are going to be attending the MagicCon, but even at your own LGS you might get some newcomers or sit down with people you usually don’t play with. Decorum of course is important, and luckily there are a few ways to navigate these more social aspects of the game.
cEDH
There isn’t as much a social aspect to this end of the format for decks since it depends on the rules a bit more strictly, a meta, and not much else, but getting along with the other players is always a priority. There is some discourse over what decks to use, because even the competitive player might want a break from the meta. Just expect that going into a cEDH game that you are presenting your best.
CASUAL COMMANDER
Much more discourse can be had on the more casual side of things, at least about the decks involved. It’s a good time to mention the Bracket System that the Commander Panel has developed for players like us to use to help start a conversation about what to expect, describe about our own decks, and what we want from the game. Beginning there and expanding the conversation definitely helps a game feel like a great experience.
THE RIGHT DECK
Depending on what you want out of the experience, which decks you’re going to bring along are going to do a lot to contribute to it for both you and opponents. Even if you run Bracket Three decks or however you would describe them, being honest about when it might win or even which deck is a more powerful three helps align table expectations if a discussion is had. It’s also up to you to decide one your own what deck fits the moment.
For example, if someone would want a higher powered game but within Bracket Three, I’d use my Xyris deck because it can get out of hand given the right circumstances. 29 Balor or 27 12/12s with trample turn 6-7 is nothing to ignore, both being recent occurrences at the LGS. That’s usually the best it can do, but communicating that it’s possible to my opponents is important so no one feels like it’s out of the blue if I get the right cards.
Some people feel bothered about giving away any information about their deck. That’s fine, but finding a way to communicate something, even what turn it might start doing that thing, will help other players feel at ease playing against it.
THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Join the Ranks - Kekai Kotaki
Some people are lucky enough to bring along or group with other people that they know on at least a casual level, making games a bit more interesting and some conversations a little more tolerable. It also helps those deck discussions I described above since the people you have with you know what shenanigans you’re trying to pull and what cards facilitate that.
Some aren’t so lucky, and have to travel into the wilds to find opponents to play with. As mentioned in the prior section, leaning on the Bracket System might be a good idea. Not everyone uses it, but it’s still a good way to start a conversation where you can then ask about speed of the deck, powerful cards or combos, and about what turn things start popping off on average.
In either of these scenarios of course, if you don’t feel comfortable for whatever reason at the table you always have the option of excusing yourself. While leaving in the middle of a game can annoy a table, being able to play comfortably and without dread or awkwardness (or worse) is always paramount. If it isn’t the experience you want, leave it behind for a new one.
THE “FLEX” GAME
One with the Multiverse - Liiga Smilshkalne
If the seats and stars align, you might get a group that allows you to use a more powerful deck than would normally occur. My old playgroup used to call these “flex” games, where we allowed more power decks and a larger discrepancy between power so people could play their more tuned brews. The benefits were players got to test out the speed of the deck and and practice their lines, and we got to try and stop them. Well, at least I enjoy the challenge once in a while. It’s a good way to get some steam released if you’re just needing to play with some power and at least for me it’s a good learning experience and challenge to try and overcome. With multiple opponents, it might be challenging for the player with the tuned deck as well.
Still, this might cause some friction. In my experience it’s best to win the game if you can without holding back as long as that was the stated intention so everyone can move on in those scenarios. You still get the practice, opponents get to move to the next game. Worst case scenario people still get what they want. The important thing is that communication happens beforehand about the flex deck.
REST HERE, PLANESWALKER
While Commander and Magic in general is great, and that new Final Fantasy deck has a win under its belt, remember to take time to rest. Eat. Breath. Despite what some outside of things like this think, going to MagicCons or the LGS can and does take stamina, and no matter the day you’re having you have to take time to take care of yourself!
Specifically for the MagicCon, Vegas can easily hit 100 plus degrees Fahrenheit outside. Having water is important throughout the day even if you just don’t want to spend extra money on drinks during the Con itself.
On the road to play some Magic, no matter the format, I hope you enjoy your experiences.
Until next time, don’t forget that one deck you want to bring.
