Hello and welcome back! We’ve started to get into Reality Fracture! Some of the cards look great and are quite amusing (“amass” Jace anyone?), but while those spoilers and awesome story continue to happen I’ve another subject to talk about today.
Something that’s come up time and again, but not often enough I think, is something within the otherwise decent bracket system the Commander Format Panel (still dislike the name) produced. That particular aspect is the suggested turn on which a game in a specific bracket might end. I say it in such a way because it should be worded more like a suggestion instead of an expectation, if it should be mentioned at all. The actual document does write it in that way, but then why do some players think it’s a rule to follow?
THE BRACKET SYSTEM
Largely supposed to be guidelines than actual rules of any kind, with a few exceptions one could argue, the Bracket System was implemented to give a framework to pre-game conversations about the expected experience of a game of Commander. Formerly referred to as “Rule Zero”, this was an opportunity to align deck power and speed across the (often) four players at the table to have the best possible game experience.
While Rule Zero had some success its actual name kept it from becoming more of a thing to do before games and some actually rallied against it, because rules are for losers or something I guess when the one point of playing Commander is self expression. Reframing the system, and giving it a few more guidelines as the Bracket System alone did a lot of work to smooth over that conversation barrier and make it more inviting to have it as well. Words have a lot of power, and how they’re perceived and understood changes how things are done. Specific words have a lot of clarity but can remain contextual.
THE END TURNS
Time Stop - Scott M. Fischer
The Bracket System itself as written doesn’t specify that games should end on the turns each brackets states, but rather that the game at the level of power and speed should at least last as long as stated. The real problem with the bracket system is actually the interpretation by some players taking these guidelines and suggestions as some kind of hard rule they should always be trying to hit the limit of.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with that in a vacuum. These are rails against which you can measure your deck construction, play and expectations about the game. These being guidelines however means there has to be some compromise in this understanding outside of the singular player and with many others. Having your own playgroup makes this much easier since there is already some communication going on. Playing with random people makes this more difficult and the guidelines leaned on more heavily.
INTERACT WITH INTERACTION
Chief Engineer - Steven Belledin
There are a lot of “making butter” decks around these days, or decks that want their engine to go and whirl and get the job done. Everything that points to the end goal of victory. This is partly where I think the turn numbers come from because in a vacuum some decks at the appropriate bracket will win on or in those turns without being interacted with.
Playing with either random players at the LGS or with people you know well, interacting with their board state is one way to keep things under control, but that does take away from your own deck’s paved road to victory. I’ve come around to using removal that hits multiple things with one card instead of more cheap spot removal, but your meta may vary to where you need something more efficient than a three mana Grasp of Fate. Any removal that gives you more in the way of moving yourself forward in a game is the best kind.
This of course might make some players less than happy. While the experience of everyone should be considered, don’t forget to consider your own experience as well. You enjoying the game past turn six in Bracket three is as valid as anyone else’s enjoyment. Using interaction keeps you in the game and allows for more time for everyone’s deck to attempt the thing its trying to do.
GAME OVER
Time Stretch - Matt Cavotta
Personally, the vast majority of my Bracket three to four games have gone past those turn numbers in the Bracket System. I’ve never felt the need to make sure any of my decks can win around those turn numbers. They are guidelines and are not rules of the format. If anyone says your deck should be able to end the game on that turn that’s fine but not a requirement for the Bracket you’re playing in.
Just enjoy the game. Commander is a fairly open format in regards to rules for the format itself. Remember to have conversations with the Bracket System as a starting point and be honest about your decks.
Until next time, it’s your turn.
