ManaPalHow to choose a commander you'll enjoy playing
Short answer: choose by how you like to win, the colors you enjoy, your budget and your playgroup's power level, in that order. A good first commander does something clear on its own, uses colors you already own cards for, and doesn't need expensive pieces to work.
1. Start from how you like to win
| If you enjoy… | Look for a commander that… |
|---|---|
| Attacking with big threats | Gets stronger with equipment, auras or counters, or gives your team evasion. |
| Going wide | Makes tokens or rewards you for having many creatures. |
| Casting lots of spells | Triggers on instants and sorceries. |
| Recursion and value | Uses the graveyard, sacrifices creatures or brings them back. |
| Big mana and huge spells | Ramps, cares about lands or cheats big things into play. |
| A favorite creature type | Leads a tribe: Angels, Dragons, Elves, Vampires and so on. |
| Politics and table talk | Gives resources to other players or rewards making deals. |
2. Pick colors you'll enjoy (and already own)
- White: small creatures, tokens, protection, board wipes.
- Blue: card draw, counterspells, control, artifacts.
- Black: removal, graveyard, sacrifice, tutors.
- Red: fast damage, chaos, treasure, impulsive draw.
- Green: ramp, big creatures, lands.
Two colors are the easiest to build and play. Three or more colors open up more cards but need more dual lands to cast them reliably.
3. Be honest about budget
The commander's own price says little about the deck's price. Some cheap commanders want expensive support; some popular ones work great on a budget. Before you commit, check how many of the key cards you already own: that is your real starting cost.
4. Match your playgroup
Commander is social. A fast combo deck at a casual table makes for a short, unhappy evening. Use the official Commander brackets to agree on power level before you play, and pick a commander that fits the games your group enjoys.
Five questions before you decide
- Can I explain what this commander does in one sentence?
- Does it do something useful the turn it comes down?
- Will I still enjoy it after ten games?
- How many of the cards it wants do I already own?
- Does it fit my playgroup's power level?
How to do it with ManaPal
- Open the Commander tab and tap Find the right Commander for you.
- Answer 12 questions about how you like to play, your colors and your budget. The Mana cost is shown before it starts.
- Mote suggests commanders in budget, mid and top lists.
- Prefer to browse? Use Explore commanders and filter by color, theme and price, sorted by how widely played they are.
- Found the one? Ask Mote to build a deck with your cards around it.
FAQ
What makes a good first commander?
One that tells you clearly what to do, works without expensive cards, is in colors you already own cards for and doesn't need complicated combos. Two-color commanders are a comfortable start.
Can any legendary creature be a commander?
Yes, any legendary creature can be your commander, as can cards whose text says they can be your commander. Some cards also let you have two commanders, such as those with partner or a background.
Do I need to own the commander to explore it in ManaPal?
No. You can browse commanders by color, theme and price and take the quiz without owning them. When building, ManaPal tells you which cards you own and which are missing.