Can A Planeswalker Be A Commander

Can a Planeswalker Be a Commander? The Definitive Guide

Meta Description: Explore the complexities of using Planeswalkers as Commanders in the popular tabletop game Magic: The Gathering. Discover the rules, exceptions, and strategic considerations surrounding this unique deckbuilding choice.

Magic: The Gathering's Commander format is beloved for its diverse strategies and legendary creature commanders. But what about those powerful, ever-shifting forces known as Planeswalkers? Can a Planeswalker be a Commander? The short answer is: no, not directly. However, the situation is more nuanced than it seems, and understanding the specifics is crucial for any aspiring Commander player.

This article will delve into the intricacies of using Planeswalkers in the Commander format, examining the rules, exploring workarounds, and discussing the strategic implications of such a choice.

Why Planeswalkers Aren't Normally Allowed as Commanders

The Commander format has specific rules regarding its titular card. The core rule is simple: your Commander must be a legendary creature. Planeswalkers, despite their immense power and legendary status, are not creatures. They fall under their own card type. This fundamental difference prevents them from immediately fulfilling the Commander's role.

This rule is designed to maintain the format's balance and character. Allowing Planeswalkers as Commanders could lead to overpowered decks, as many Planeswalkers possess abilities that significantly disrupt gameplay or provide overwhelming card advantage.

Alternative Strategies: Building Around Planeswalkers in Commander

While you can't lead with a Planeswalker, you can certainly build a Commander deck around them. Several strategies effectively leverage the power of Planeswalkers without breaking the rules:

• Commander Synergy: Choose a legendary creature Commander whose abilities synergize well with specific Planeswalkers. For example, a Commander that generates mana could fuel the ultimate abilities of costly Planeswalkers like Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, or Karn Liberated.

• Planeswalker Support: Include cards in your deck that specifically support Planeswalkers. This could include cards that protect them from removal, cards that provide additional loyalty counters, or cards that trigger their abilities. Cards like Doubling Season and Oath of Teferi are prime examples.

• Focus on a Planeswalker's Theme: Instead of focusing on one specific Planeswalker, build a deck that embodies the thematic elements associated with a particular Planeswalker or color identity. This provides a cohesive strategy and allows you to include multiple Planeswalkers that fit the theme. For instance, you could build a blue-black control deck centered around counter spells and card draw, emulating the strategies of Jace, the Mind Sculptor.

The Role of "Partner" Commanders

The "Partner" mechanic introduces an intriguing possibility. While not directly allowing a Planeswalker as a Commander, it opens up the possibility of a powerful combination. If your Commander strategy involves a legendary creature that pairs well with a particular planeswalker, you can effectively leverage their powers by including them in your deck.

However, remember that your choice of partner is still limited by the specific rules for "Partner" commanders. You are still selecting legendary creatures, and the synergistic partnership must be carefully considered for optimal deck functionality.

Conclusion: Embrace the Limitations, Maximize the Potential

While the rules clearly state that Planeswalkers cannot serve as Commanders, the spirit of Commander is about strategic deckbuilding and creative gameplay. By focusing on synergy, support cards, and thematic consistency, you can still build a powerful and enjoyable Commander deck that leverages the raw power of Planeswalkers without bending the rules. The challenge lies in finding the perfect balance between these powerful planeswalkers and a legendary creature Commander that works harmoniously. Explore the possibilities, experiment with different strategies, and enjoy the unique challenges and rewards this exciting format has to offer.