Commander Format Panel Announces Major Updates to Brackets and Game Changers List

Renton, Washington – The Magic: The Gathering Commander Format Panel has unveiled significant updates to the Commander Bracket system and Game Changers list, following feedback from players and ongoing observations from gameplay over the past year.

During a recent live stream, panel member Gavin Verhey discussed the outcomes of the Commander Summit, an event held in September at the Wizards of the Coast headquarters. The summit allowed panel members to delve into the current state of the game and explore potential improvements.

Verhey highlighted the success of the Commander Brackets over the last nine months, attributing their utility in enhancing the game-calibrating experience for players. Based on survey data from MagicCon events, the brackets fostered increased pregame interactions, which aligns with their primary objective.

However, he acknowledged areas needing improvement. The panel recognized plans to clarify bracket expectations, focusing on intent and gameplay style rather than strictly adhering to numerical deck limits.

Notably, the panel announced the removal of tutor restrictions across all brackets. Players can now utilize tutors in any amount, reflecting community feedback on their impact on game dynamics.

In addition to changes in bracket structure, the panel also revised the Game Changers list, which identifies cards that can dramatically alter gameplay. Ten cards, including the popular Deflecting Swat and Food Chain, were removed after discussions regarding their power level and gameplay impact.

The new guidelines assign average turn estimates for each bracket, indicating expected game lengths before a potential win or loss. For instance, Bracket 1 will typically see games last nine turns, while Bracket 3 will see an expectation of six turns.

As part of the updates, Verhey emphasized that Bracket 2 will no longer tie directly to preconstructed Commander decks, removing confusion around expectations associated with varying deck strengths. This change allows for more flexibility in deck composition.

The panel seeks community feedback on several future considerations, including the potential for introducing an additional bracket, the status of certain iconic cards like Rhystic Study and Thassa’s Oracle, and the possibility of revising hybrid mana cost rules to offer greater accessibility in deck building.

These updates aim to ensure a balanced and enjoyable format as the community looks forward to continued engagement with the Commander system. Further updates are expected by the end of February 2024.