How Does Companion Work In Commander

How Companions Work in Commander: A Comprehensive Guide

The Commander format, known for its high-power games and diverse strategies, recently introduced a new mechanic: Companions. These powerful creatures offer significant advantages but come with a strict deckbuilding restriction, adding a layer of strategic depth to the format. This guide delves into the intricacies of Companions, explaining how they work, their impact on deckbuilding, and the strategic considerations involved in utilizing them effectively.

What are Companions?

Companions are legendary creatures with a unique ability: they can be your commander if your deck meets a specific criteria printed on the card. This criteria usually involves restricting the number of cards of a specific type (e.g., non-creature spells) or color. This creates a powerful incentive to build a focused deck, rewarding skillful deck construction and strategic synergy. Failing to meet the criteria means the Companion remains in your sideboard, unable to participate in the game.

How to Use a Companion:

1. Deckbuilding: Before the game begins, choose a Companion. Your deck must meet the requirements printed on the Companion card. This is crucial; failure to do so means you cannot use the Companion.
2. Inclusion in Your Deck: Once you’ve confirmed your deck meets the requirements, you include your chosen Companion in your 99-card deck.
3. Starting the Game: At the start of the game, you may choose to begin the game with your Companion as your commander, replacing your original commander. You can still choose to start with your original commander if you prefer.
4. Gameplay: The Companion acts like any other commander, being able to be recast from your command zone after being removed from the battlefield. Its abilities can significantly impact your game plan, providing powerful advantages throughout the game.
5. Sideboarding: If you don't use your Companion as your commander at the start of the game, it remains in your sideboard and cannot be used at any point during the game.

Strategic Considerations:

• Deckbuilding Restrictions: The biggest challenge with Companions is adhering to the deckbuilding restriction. This often means limiting your options and potentially sacrificing powerful cards that don't fit the Companion's criteria.
• Synergy: Choosing a Companion requires careful consideration of your overall strategy. Does the Companion's ability support your main game plan? Does the deckbuilding restriction significantly hinder your strategy?
• Power Level: Some Companions provide more impactful advantages than others. Consider the power level of your Companion relative to the power level of your playgroup.
• Opponent Interaction: Be aware of how your opponents might interact with your Companion. Removal spells, board wipes, and countermagic can all neutralize its impact.

Popular Companion Choices (Examples): While specific card choices are subject to rotation and meta changes, powerful Companions often leverage strategies like focusing on a specific type of spell (e.g., instants and sorceries) or limiting color identity. Understanding these restrictions allows players to strategize effectively around the strengths and limitations of the companion.

The Impact on the Commander Format:

Companions have undeniably changed the Commander format. They've introduced new deckbuilding challenges, encouraged more focused strategies, and added a layer of strategic depth during deck selection. Choosing the right Companion can make or break a game, rewarding players who carefully consider the implications of the deckbuilding restriction.

Conclusion:

Understanding how Companions work is vital for anyone serious about playing Commander. Carefully assessing the deckbuilding restriction and weighing the potential benefits against the drawbacks is essential. With thoughtful deck construction and strategic play, Companions can become powerful tools, significantly shaping the course of your Commander games. Remember that the right companion choice depends heavily on your overall strategy and your playgroup's power level. Careful consideration will lead to more successful and enjoyable games.