Commander Brackets are a new system created by Wizards of the Coast to make it easier for players to match up inMagic: The Gathering’s Commander format. This system is still in beta and aims to give anyone a clear way to find games with opponents who are at a similar skill level to the deck they use. It replaces the old and often confusing “power level 1-10” system.
There arefive categories for decks:Exhibition, Core, Upgraded, Optimized, and cEDH(which stands for competitive Commander). The first three categories focus on casual play with limits on strong cards to ensure the games are fun and balanced. The last two categories cater to more serious play. Thisnew brackets system is pretty controversial, but it’s an interesting new aspect to the game.
Exhibition Is The Lowest Bracket
This Is A Bracket For Casual Players
In theMagic: The GatheringCommander Brackets system, the Exhibition (Bracket 1) is designed for the most casual type of play. Themain goal is to have fun rather than to win, so Players can focus on creative and interesting deckbuilding. Unique or themed decks are encouraged, putting enjoyment above the need to compete.
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Winning isn’t the priority; the aim is to have a good time and enjoy the experience together. When building decks for Exhibition, there are strict limits to keep the power levels from getting too high. This bracket is for anyone whoappreciates creative deckbuildingand is likely to appreciatesaving money on cards with a tabletop simulator.
Core Is More Competitive But Fairly Casual
For Those Who Take It Seriously, But Not Too Far
In the Commander format ofMagic: The Gathering, the Core (Bracket 2) includes decks that have a moderate power level,meant to reflect the typical modern pre-made Commander decks. The goal is to ensure there’s a fun and balanced gameplay experience without being too powerful or too weak. Decks in this bracket usually have strong card choices that work well together.
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Playerscan’t use intentional two-card combosthat lead to an automatic win or strategies that destroy a lot of lands at once. While extra-turn cards can be included, there should only be a few, and they shouldn’t create endless loops that disrupt the game. Tutors can be used, but they should be limited as well.
Upgraded Is A Middle Ground
Most Casual Players Will Likely Be Here
InMagic: The Gathering’sCommander format, Upgraded is the third level in a five-tier system that sorts Commander decks by their strength and how they are played. The main feature of an Upgraded deck is that itincludes carefully chosen cards, showing more skill in deckbuilding and strategy than a Core deck.
One important aspect of the Upgraded level is that players can includeup to three cards from the “Game Changers” list. These are powerful cards that can affect how the game plays but are not banned. However, players have to avoid easily accessible two-card infinite combos early in the game, and mass land denial is not allowed at this level.
Optimized Is A Competitive Bracket
This Is Where You Go If You’re Good
In theMagic: The GatheringCommander Brackets, Optimized (Bracket 4) is the highest level of casual play. This level focuses on making the most powerful decks possible, and everyone needs to follow the official banned card list. Players can use the strongest cards and strategies, leading togames that often start quickly and end in rapid victories.
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Decks in this bracket commonly include powerful tutors to find important cards, combos that can finish games fast, and mass land destruction spells to disrupt opponents. This is basically competitive without being sweaty. The goal here is towin through smart strategiesrather than sticking to a specific metagame or tournament rules.
CEDH Is The Highest-Level Bracket Available
This Is For Those Who Can End Players In A Combo Or Two
CEDH (Competitive EDH) is the highest level of play at Bracket 5 inMagic: The Gathering. CEDH is all about winning, and the mindset of players matches it. These players have thebestMTGcardsand love competition, and anyone who joins should be among the best players in the game.
In CEDH, there are no specific deck-building rules aside from the usual banned cards. So players can use very powerful cards that wouldn’t be suitable for the lower brackets. Winning is the main goal, so personal favorites take a backseat to choosing the strongest options for competitive play inMagic: The Gathering.
