Who Should be My Commander?

Commander (EDH) forum

Posted on Nov. 27, 2015, 12:30 a.m. by That_Guy_You_Know

I've picked up one of the 2015 precons and, though I love the format, I feel as though the deck hasn't been performing well in my play group. I've tried voltron and it isn't my style, and neither are those weird combo only decks. I love spellslinging commanders but I die early on because people like not having to wait for their turns, any suggestions for someone to get used to the format?

for what you've described, I'd pick up a Maelstrom Wanderer, a fun, reliable commander with a variety of play options including spell slinging and an easy to use manor.

but personally, for starting out in the format, I like to try out n elder dragon.\

not those DTK ones though, I'm talking original elders, or maybe a Darigaaz, the Igniter or Rith, the Awakener.

November 27, 2015 12:33 a.m.

MagicalHacker says... #3

If people are targeting you, play a group hug/pillow fort deck. Take a look through these two lists for inspiration:

Good luck!

November 27, 2015 1:34 a.m.

Ohthenoises says... #4

One of the most important things in EDH, contrary to popular belief, has nothing to do with your deck. In fact, the most important quality is your ability to politik.

The ability to play politics is massively important, by this I mean getting people to look the other way, casual persuasion, making deals in game, etc.

All that being said you like spell slinging so why not play Mizzix of the Izmagnus? (You said you got a precon, but not what one and you can buy Mizzix alone for like $3.)

She rewards you for casting spells and acts as a Goblin Electromancer on steroids.

By having a lower cmc you can speed up your turns by not taking as long to consider every little thing.

November 27, 2015 8 a.m. Edited.

Arvail says... #5

You wouldn't happen to have spent a ton of time on the Reign of Gaming forums, by any chance?

BTW, Ohthenoises is right. You might even reframe how your turns look like to others. Maybe ask people who they think is the biggest threat and do some talking. This gives you time to map out your next few turns and actually seem like you're actively trying to not be a dick. Oh, and getting to know your deck very well tends to speed up turns a lot.

November 27, 2015 11:14 a.m.

I probably should've told you that I have the mizzix precon. Once I put up a list of my version I'll post it in the thread, it's been heavily modified.

November 27, 2015 12:10 p.m.

Arvail says... #7

So I'm going to assume the answer to the question I posed is a resounding no.

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November 27, 2015 12:15 p.m.

ComradeJim270 says... #8

I always, always say this when people recommend group hug: in some playgroups it is suicidal. You'll get hated off the table very quickly. Be cautious trying it until you know if your group is like this.

November 27, 2015 4:43 p.m.

Arvail says... #9

You play group hug in my group, I swear you've got a death wish. Prolonging games?

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November 27, 2015 5:45 p.m.

ComradeJim270 says... #10

That, and helping out opponents.

November 27, 2015 5:54 p.m.

Ohthenoises says... #11

Oh, another thing I left out. Try and do everything you can on your opponent's turn but not "in response; this irrelevant thing!" But more like "end step fetch, I'll look for it while you take your turn"

This way you aren't wasting their time by shuffling and tutoring on your turn. (Unless you NEED to obviously)

November 27, 2015 9:30 p.m.

Arvail says... #12

Yeah. Almost any player group you'll run into will allow you to fiddle with your Sensei's Divining Top as much as you want as long as you're not a total dick about it.

November 27, 2015 9:35 p.m.

mc240229 says... #13

I would suggest converting to a mono-colored deck while keeping your commander. It might just break your slump. The only trick is managing your mana base.

November 28, 2015 12:23 a.m.

Ohthenoises says... #14

As Epochalyptik has clarified in an article. EDH is not a casual or competitive format, it's a social format.

Basically, be polite, be courteous, and use common sense. Exactly what you would do in any social situation. Think about it this way: you and your friends are all hanging out in jeans and a t-shirt getting drunk and then someone comes by in a Lamborghini with a Tux and asks to join you in your drinking pulling out a bottle of 50 year old scotch (not enough to share and no desire to do so). How do you react? This is different than your situation because it's less about money and you're not pretentious I'm sure but it's a framework of how EDH groups work sometimes.

Additionally try and do all of your thinking on your opponents turn, plan ahead. Sure, if someone throws a wrench in your plans go ahead and request a sec for the "think tank" but if you are tanking every turn? People will get annoyed.

November 28, 2015 1:30 a.m.

Schuesseled says... #15

Invite him to join you. Honestly some people can get so touchy towards rich people.

November 28, 2015 7:01 a.m.

Ohthenoises says... #16

Schuesseled it was just an example lol. The point intended to be conveyed is that some groups can be exclusionary

November 28, 2015 10:18 a.m.

This discussion has been closed