Commander Resources and Useful Threads (Updated 5/6/12)

**viperesque** · 10-17-2010, 03:09 AM

This thread will serve as a compliation of useful links for commander players, both to other sites and to threads and forums on MTGS. If you believe a certain page should be added to it, please PM one of the commander mods or post on one of their helpdesks.

Rules Resources

The Magic Rules Resource Page - Contains links to the comprehensive rules, set FAQs, the DCI Document Center, and anything else rules-related you could possibly desire.

mtgcommander.net - The official Commander website, containing formats rules, the official banlist and forums.

Commander Rulings FAQ - Information and FAQ on the banlist, the rules, and a few rules committee decisions that are not necessarily enshrined in the rules themselves. Knowledge of some of these pieces of information is almost essential, so huge thanks to d0su for coming up with the idea for the thread and putting it together.

Deckbuilding Resources

How to build a Commander deck - An excellent guide by Blackjack68 that covers all the basics of building a Commander deck, lists lots of commonly used cards to fulfill certain functions, and does plenty more besides. A must-read if you are new to the format.

Gatherer and magiccards.info - The two major card search engines. The former is the official Wizards one, and the latter is operated by our very own Hannes. Which one you go for is pretty much dependent on personal preference. Expect to make heavy use of these when you're trying to find the perfect cards for your deck.

The Decklist Database - Contains sorted links to almost three thousand (and counting) Commander decks built by MTGS users. A good place to start when you decide to build a certain deck - see what everyone else is doing with the general! Many thanks to KingChewie for all his hard work maintaining and updating the database until August 2012, and Dm225 for taking it over.

The Top 50 Cards list - A list of the fifty best cards in each colour (as well as multicoloured, lands, and so forth), as carefully chosen and deliberated over by the users. As well as being a useful resource, it is open to queries, discussion or contributions. Thanks to Surging Chaos for maintaining the current list, as well as DalkonCledwin for the first thread.

Format Staples - A similar list of commonly used cards, compiled and maintained on the official forums by onlainari.

Statistical Breakdown of the Commander Metagame - scoeri has written a script to determine the most popular cards in decks submitted to the Decklist Database. The results are showcased here.

The Hidden Gems Thread - Discussion of powerful cards that don't get enough attention.

Everything Token - ISBPathfinder's compilation of cards and strategy for token-based decks.

Infinite Combo Database - mazanostra started and continued by HansonWK, it is a compilation of combos and strong synergy cards.

Online Play Resources

Magic Workstation - The most popular piece of free software for playing Magic over the internet. Salvation Commander tournaments are usually conducted via MWS.
Note: While you have to pay for the 'full' version, the program hasn't been updated in years, and the free version contains everything you will ever need. Don't waste your money!

mwsgames.com - The official MWS resources site. Contains masterbases, themes and documentation, among other things.

slightlymagic.net - An alternative source of masterbases and themes.

Cockatrice - A recently surfaced alternative to MWS, which seems to be rapidly gaining popularity because it is far more user-friendly and supports multiplayer games. Give it a try, you'll like it.

Magic Software - Salvation's board for anything to do with MWS and other unofficial software.

Miscellaneous Resources

Unreleased Card Discussion - Use this thread for general discussion of unreleased and brand new cards.

Banlist Discussion - If you think card X should or shouldn't be banned, talk about it here. Note that this thread only covers the official banlist. To discuss the French or MTGS banlists, please use this thread.

Sleeve and Deck Box Discussion - Finding a box to hold 100 sleeved cards and sleeves that will last for years can be tough. Here is where you can make recommendations and find suggestions for card storage. Contains a list of relevant products compiled by OmniDreamer.

The Pimp Decks Thread - Got an all foil, foreign, and/or altered Commander deck? Here's where to show it off.

The Looking for Group Thread - Used for locating other players in your area or letting others know where you are in case someone else needs a playgroup.

**viperesque** · 11-05-2010, 01:30 PM

Update:

The Emrakul Thread - Yes, this card is so controversial that it gets its own thread. If you want to talk about Emrakul, please do it here.

**viperesque** · 12-01-2010, 11:36 PM

Updated to reflect the name change, and the new official site location.

**viperesque** · 12-14-2010, 02:14 PM

The Emrakul thread has served its purpose.

**viperesque** · 01-12-2011, 01:50 AM

Added Blackjack68's deckbuilding guide thread, and added acknowledgements to everyone who is responsible for individual threads listed here (if I missed you, PM me!).

Also: Format Staples, by onlainari.

**viperesque** · 02-07-2011, 04:32 PM

OmniDreamer apparently felt strongly that there should be a single consolidated card storage thread. So he went and made one. It's in.

**viperesque** · 03-19-2011, 02:02 AM

The newest addition is a brilliant idea from d0su: the Commander Rulings FAQ. Everyone should take the time to read this thread!

**viperesque** · 04-25-2011, 04:48 AM

Whoops, Cockatrice isn't in this. Fixed.

**viperesque** · 12-13-2011, 05:52 AM

Update! Been a while.

**viperesque** · 12-26-2011, 08:32 PM

They need their own thread now. Let's see if they all end up banned like Emrakul did after it got its own thread.

**ISBPathfinder** · 04-08-2012, 07:22 PM

Added mazanostra's Infinite Combos Database to the deckbuilding resources at his request.

**ISBPathfinder** · 05-02-2012, 09:51 AM

I added the local playgroup info to this page. It seems like a decent page to have a link to somewhere. Thanks for picking up on the project jedimindtricks.

**viperesque** · 05-06-2012, 12:17 AM

It's rather belated, but the Real Top 50 thread is now in here.

10-17-2010, 03:09 AM	#1
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	Commander Resources and Useful Threads (Updated 5/6/12) This thread will serve as a compliation of useful links for commander players, both to other sites and to threads and forums on MTGS. If you believe a certain page should be added to it, please PM one of the commander mods or post on one of their helpdesks. Rules Resources The Magic Rules Resource Page - Contains links to the comprehensive rules, set FAQs, the DCI Document Center, and anything else rules-related you could possibly desire. mtgcommander.net - The official Commander website, containing formats rules, the official banlist and forums. Commander Rulings FAQ - Information and FAQ on the banlist, the rules, and a few rules committee decisions that are not necessarily enshrined in the rules themselves. Knowledge of some of these pieces of information is almost essential, so huge thanks to d0su for coming up with the idea for the thread and putting it together. Deckbuilding Resources How to build a Commander deck - An excellent guide by Blackjack68 that covers all the basics of building a Commander deck, lists lots of commonly used cards to fulfill certain functions, and does plenty more besides. A must-read if you are new to the format. Gatherer and magiccards.info - The two major card search engines. The former is the official Wizards one, and the latter is operated by our very own Hannes. Which one you go for is pretty much dependent on personal preference. Expect to make heavy use of these when you're trying to find the perfect cards for your deck. The Decklist Database - Contains sorted links to almost three thousand (and counting) Commander decks built by MTGS users. A good place to start when you decide to build a certain deck - see what everyone else is doing with the general! Many thanks to KingChewie for all his hard work maintaining and updating the database until August 2012, and Dm225 for taking it over. The Top 50 Cards list - A list of the fifty best cards in each colour (as well as multicoloured, lands, and so forth), as carefully chosen and deliberated over by the users. As well as being a useful resource, it is open to queries, discussion or contributions. Thanks to Surging Chaos for maintaining the current list, as well as DalkonCledwin for the first thread. Format Staples - A similar list of commonly used cards, compiled and maintained on the official forums by onlainari. Statistical Breakdown of the Commander Metagame - scoeri has written a script to determine the most popular cards in decks submitted to the Decklist Database. The results are showcased here. The Hidden Gems Thread - Discussion of powerful cards that don't get enough attention. Everything Token - ISBPathfinder's compilation of cards and strategy for token-based decks. Infinite Combo Database - mazanostra started and continued by HansonWK, it is a compilation of combos and strong synergy cards. Online Play Resources Magic Workstation - The most popular piece of free software for playing Magic over the internet. Salvation Commander tournaments are usually conducted via MWS. Note: While you have to pay for the 'full' version, the program hasn't been updated in years, and the free version contains everything you will ever need. Don't waste your money! mwsgames.com - The official MWS resources site. Contains masterbases, themes and documentation, among other things. slightlymagic.net - An alternative source of masterbases and themes. Cockatrice - A recently surfaced alternative to MWS, which seems to be rapidly gaining popularity because it is far more user-friendly and supports multiplayer games. Give it a try, you'll like it. Magic Software - Salvation's board for anything to do with MWS and other unofficial software. Miscellaneous Resources Unreleased Card Discussion - Use this thread for general discussion of unreleased and brand new cards. Banlist Discussion - If you think card X should or shouldn't be banned, talk about it here. Note that this thread only covers the official banlist. To discuss the French or MTGS banlists, please use this thread. Sleeve and Deck Box Discussion - Finding a box to hold 100 sleeved cards and sleeves that will last for years can be tough. Here is where you can make recommendations and find suggestions for card storage. Contains a list of relevant products compiled by OmniDreamer. The Pimp Decks Thread - Got an all foil, foreign, and/or altered Commander deck? Here's where to show it off. The Looking for Group Thread - Used for locating other players in your area or letting others know where you are in case someone else needs a playgroup. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks: Last edited by ISBPathfinder; 05-06-2013 at 09:59 AM.
0

11-05-2010, 01:30 PM	#2
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	Update: The Emrakul Thread - Yes, this card is so controversial that it gets its own thread. If you want to talk about Emrakul, please do it here. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

12-01-2010, 11:36 PM	#3
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	Updated to reflect the name change, and the new official site location. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

12-14-2010, 02:14 PM	#4
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	The Emrakul thread has served its purpose. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

01-12-2011, 01:50 AM	#5
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	Added Blackjack68's deckbuilding guide thread, and added acknowledgements to everyone who is responsible for individual threads listed here (if I missed you, PM me!). Also: Format Staples, by onlainari. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks: Last edited by viperesque; 01-12-2011 at 07:42 PM.
0

02-07-2011, 04:32 PM	#6
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	OmniDreamer apparently felt strongly that there should be a single consolidated card storage thread. So he went and made one. It's in. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

03-19-2011, 02:02 AM	#7
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	The newest addition is a brilliant idea from d0su: the Commander Rulings FAQ. Everyone should take the time to read this thread! __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

04-25-2011, 04:48 AM	#8
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	Whoops, Cockatrice isn't in this. Fixed. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

12-13-2011, 05:52 AM	#9
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	Update! Been a while. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

12-26-2011, 08:32 PM	#10
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	They need their own thread now. Let's see if they all end up banned like Emrakul did after it got its own thread. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

04-08-2012, 07:22 PM	#11
ISBPathfinder No rest. No mercy. No matter what. Moderator Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 8,356 Blog Entries: 7	Added mazanostra's Infinite Combos Database to the deckbuilding resources at his request. __________________ [COMMANDER] Jenara [Pr] \| Marton [Pr] \| Lin Sivvi \| Obzedat \| Thrun \| Aurelia \| Varolz [COMMANDER RESOURCES] Everything Token [STANDARD] Esper Spirits (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ I moderate Commander (EDH) / Introduce Yourself. Stop by my helpdesk if you need anything.
0

05-02-2012, 09:51 AM	#12
ISBPathfinder No rest. No mercy. No matter what. Moderator Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 8,356 Blog Entries: 7	I added the local playgroup info to this page. It seems like a decent page to have a link to somewhere. Thanks for picking up on the project jedimindtricks. __________________ [COMMANDER] Jenara [Pr] \| Marton [Pr] \| Lin Sivvi \| Obzedat \| Thrun \| Aurelia \| Varolz [COMMANDER RESOURCES] Everything Token [STANDARD] Esper Spirits (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ I moderate Commander (EDH) / Introduce Yourself. Stop by my helpdesk if you need anything.
0

05-06-2012, 12:17 AM	#13
viperesque Face Down and Phased Out Moderator Rules Guru Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 10,606 Blog Entries: 8	It's rather belated, but the Real Top 50 thread is now in here. __________________ Questions or concerns about The Rumor Mill? Fancy a chat? Visit my helpdesk! The Comprehensive Rules (here as much for my own sake as for anyone else's) Commander decks:
0

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