MTG: Top 5 Commanders – Holiday Edition
Even the Multiverse has holidays. Just make sure you keep Atraxa away from the Christmas tree…she might take exception to your choice of topper.
Welcome Planeswalkers and Praetors to our ongoing series about the best casual experience in Magic: Commander. For the uninitiated Commander is a semi-casual format for Magic: the Gathering. You use a deck of 100 cards led by a legendary creature, aka, your Commander.
Aside from basic lands, you are only allowed one copy of each card in the deck. Moreover, you can only include cards in your Commander’s “color identity” or artifacts. Each color and color combo has a unique playstyle and a wealth of mighty generals to lead your deck to victory. EDHRec.com is a great source for Commander info and can give you ideas to build your next Commander deck or tune an existing one.
Hannakuh just wrapped up and Christmas is right around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to look at Holiday-coded Commanders. While there’s no “Christmas” deck in Magic proper, there are plenty of ways to capture the holidays with just a little effort. All you need is a little imagination and some friends to play with. Isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
Gluntch, the Bestower (Presents)
One of the best parts of the holidays is gathering with friends and family and exchanging gifts. Gluntch the kindly Flumph is all about that life and is happy to share presents with ALL your opponents. This group hug deck will definitely make you a few friends, as your opponents will want to keep you happy to make sure they keep getting gifts. Just make sure you have a win condition somewhere.
Rhys the Redeemed (Helper Elves)
Santa can’t do all the work on his own; he needs an army of workers helping him spread cheer worldwide. Rhys would be the perfect helper for Santa, calling on droves of Elf Warriors to help defeat your opponent AND build fun wooden toys. I know Rhys isn’t the only (or the best) Elf tribal Commander, but he feels the most “holiday” to me.
Jetmir, Nexus of Revels (Holiday Party)
One of my favorite parts of the holidays is joining my family for a little holiday get-together and maybe bringing in a few friends as well. While I prefer a smaller even, Jetmir 1000% throws the best holiday parties in the Multiverse. The Caberetti are the kings and queens of parties, and you’d better believe their garden is beautifully adorned during the holiday season. Even the other families probably get to hang out (though Xander might have to be accompanied at all times).
Asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar (Holiday Treats)
Holiday food is another amazing part of this time of year, though I don’t know if I trust Asmo to do the cooking. While I’m sure whatever she made would be delicious, it would likely be the last meal you ate. That’s no way to go out, especially during the holidays.
Zur the Enchanter (Ugly Christmas Sweater)
One of the best parts about Holiday parties is showing up in the best (worst) outfit. Some folks go so far as to have competitions for who can come up with the absolute worst sweater. Zur might not show up with a sweater on, but he’ll happily go and fetch whatever sweater will win him the game. Even better, he’ll just keep stacking sweaters until he’s collected ALL the ugly threads.What do you think of these commanders?
