The world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is vast and filled with numerous strategies, combinations, and deck-building philosophies. Central to this universe are the Command Zone decks which have become a staple for casual and competitive play alike. These decks revolve around a commander, a legendary creature or planeswalker that acts as the leader and focal point of the strategy. In this extensive guide, we'll delve deep into 7 Must-Have Command Zone Deck Templates ๐ that not only define the essence of Commander gameplay but also offer players a starting point for building their own unique decks.
๐ Draconic Might: Temur Dragons
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Imagine the sky filled with majestic, fire-breathing dragons. This is what the Draconic Might deck template offers. Built around the powerful dragons of MTG, this deck harnesses:
- Card Advantage: With dragons like Tyrant of Valakut and Sarkhan Unbroken, card draw is a breeze.
- Ramp: Utilizing cards like Cultivate and Kodama's Reach, you're never short of lands.
- Massive Threats: Dragons such as Scion of the Ur-Dragon or Atarka, World Render can swing games in your favor.
Key Cards
- Sarkhan Unbroken - A commander that can tutor dragons and generate card advantage.
- Temur Ascendancy - Helps in drawing cards and giving dragons haste.
- Scourge of the Throne - Attacks with a flying creature? Get an extra combat phase.
<p class="pro-note">๐จ Note: Dragon decks tend to be expensive due to the cost of dragon cards, so prepare your budget accordingly.</p>
๐ Chaos of the Command Zone: Jeskai Spellslinger
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If unpredictability and casting spells are your forte, then the Chaos of the Command Zone deck template in Jeskai colors (Blue, Red, White) is your playground. Here, you:
- Play the Game: With cards like Wheels of Fate and Enter the Infinite, keep opponents guessing.
- Massive Spellcasting: Use the potential of spells with Jhoira, Weatherlight Captain or Mizzix of the Izmagnus.
- Control: Mix in counterspells and removal to maintain game control.
Key Cards
- Jhoira, Weatherlight Captain - Reduces costs and makes your spells cast from the top of your library.
- Improvise - Key ability to cast spells for free or at a reduced cost.
- Revel in Riches - Offers an alternative win condition through treasure generation.
<p class="pro-note">โ ๏ธ Note: The deck's success heavily depends on your ability to resolve large spells and manage your opponents' interaction.</p>
๐ฟ Green Thumb Command Zone: Mono-Green Lands
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For those who find solace in the land manipulation aspect of Magic, the Green Thumb Command Zone deck template, focused on Mono-Green, is your call. This deck revolves around:
- Landfall: Triggering powerful effects with landfall.
- Ramp: Accelerate your mana development.
- Massive Creatures: Summon colossal beasts like Avenger of Zendikar.
Key Cards
- Azusa, Lost but Seeking - Play additional lands each turn.
- Titania, Protector of Argoth - A landfall-focused commander with destruction potential.
- Lotus Cobra - Provides explosive mana generation.
<p class="pro-note">๐ก Note: This deck thrives on land synergies, so consider your options for fetching lands and utilizing those that come into play tapped or untapped.</p>
๐ญ Poke the Creature: Rakdos Aristocrats
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The Poke the Creature deck template, embodying the dark and punishing nature of Rakdos (Black, Red), revolves around sacrificing creatures for value and chaos:
- Sacrifice for Effect: Utilize cards like Goblin Bombardment or Blood Artist to gain advantage from creature death.
- Reanimation: Bring back your key creatures with Reassembling Skeleton or Reanimate.
- Removal: Make full use of the deck's ability to target and remove opponents' creatures.
Key Cards
- Teysa Karlov - Doubles death triggers, making every sacrifice count double.
- Zulaport Cutthroat - A life drain effect when creatures go to the graveyard.
- Viscera Seer - Scry on creature sacrifice, making your plays more precise.
๐ง Mind Games: Dimir Manipulation
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In the dark alleys of politics and deception, the Mind Games deck template flourishes. Here, you:
- Control: Use cards like Notion Thief or Memory Erosion to manipulate opponents' hands and decks.
- Card Draw: Enhance your draw with Thrummingbird or Bident of Thassa.
- Stealth: Utilize mill effects and theft to play opponents' cards or undermine their strategies.
Key Cards
- Phenax, God of Deception - Mill mill, control opponents' decks from afar.
- Diluvian Primordial - Steal and cast spells from opponents' graveyards.
- Mind Control - Take opponents' creatures for your own.
๐๏ธ Reclaim the Wild: Selesnya Tokens
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The Reclaim the Wild deck template in Selesnya colors (White, Green) focuses on:
- Token Generation: Summon an army of tokens with Trojan Horse or Parallel Lives.
- Buff and Populate: Use token enhancement with Beastmaster Ascension or Cathars' Crusade.
- Control: Draw cards and stop opponents with Suture Priest or Rootborn Defenses.
Key Cards
- Rhys the Exiled - Generates multiple tokens or amplifies existing ones.
- Trojan Horse - A token generator that can provide a surprise attack.
- Prime Speaker Zegana - A massive draw engine based on your devotion to Green.
๐ฅ Burn the World: Mono-Red Burn
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If you wish to see the world burn, the Burn the World deck template in Mono-Red promises:
- Direct Damage: Burn opponents with spells like Lightning Bolt or Fireball.
- Haste Creatures: Attack with creatures that can deal damage right away, like Goblin Guide.
- Aggression: Overwhelm opponents with constant pressure and disruption.
Key Cards
- Chandra, Torch of Defiance - A commander with draw, ramp, and burn in one.
- Koth of the Hammer - Emphasis on mountain-based strategies and direct damage.
- Guttersnipe - Deals damage when you cast spells.
The 7 Must-Have Command Zone Deck Templates provide a comprehensive overview of the dynamic and exciting possibilities within MTG Commander gameplay. Each template reflects a unique gameplay philosophy and offers an endless array of combinations and tweaks for players to explore. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of dragons, the manipulation of minds, or the chaotic fun of spell-slinging, there's a template here that suits every playstyle.
These templates not only serve as a blueprint for your next Commander deck but also spark the imagination for deck building, pushing players to think creatively and strategically about the potential of their command zone.
So, why not dive into the Command Zone with one of these intriguing templates and start your journey toward becoming a Commander legend?
Wrapping Up
Exploring these templates reveals the rich tapestry of strategies available in MTG Commander. From the commanding presence of dragons to the deceptive dance of Dimir manipulation, each approach offers a unique way to engage with the game's infinite possibilities. Remember, the Command Zone is your canvas; your deck, the masterpiece. These templates are just the beginning, inspiring you to innovate and personalize your decks to suit your unique vision of Magic: The Gathering gameplay.
FAQ Section
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What makes these Command Zone deck templates unique?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>These templates offer distinct gameplay strategies and are built around specific mechanics or themes like dragons, landfall, spells, and sacrifice effects, which sets them apart in terms of playstyle and deck construction.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use these templates for competitive play?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, while these templates are geared towards casual gameplay, they can be tweaked and tuned for competitive play by enhancing consistency, adding protection, and optimizing card choices.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I start building a deck from these templates?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Begin with selecting a commander that aligns with the theme or strategy you wish to employ. Then, pick cards that synergize with your commander and support the gameplay strategy of the template.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these templates beginner-friendly?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! They provide a clear path for beginners to understand different gameplay mechanics and learn the nuances of MTG Commander. However, some templates like Chaos of the Command Zone might require a deeper understanding of the game.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I want to mix themes from different templates?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Mixing themes is highly encouraged. Magic: The Gathering is all about creativity and personalizing your deck. Just ensure the cards you choose still work well together and support the overarching strategy of your command zone.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>