Building a Commander Deck in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is both an art and a science. While the format encourages creativity and self-expression, there are common pitfalls that can undermine the effectiveness and enjoyment of your deck. Whether you’re a seasoned Commander player or new to the format, avoiding these mistakes can elevate your deck-building skills.

Neglecting a Clear Theme or Strategy

One of the hallmarks of a successful Commander deck is a focused theme or strategy. A common mistake is cramming too many unrelated cards into your deck without a cohesive plan.

Solution:Start by defining your Commander’s role. Is your Commander built around a tribal synergy, combo potential, or control strategy? Every card in your deck should support your chosen game plan. For example, if you’re building around Edgar Markov, focus on Vampires and their synergies rather than including cards that don’t contribute to the tribal strategy.

Overloading Your Deck With High Mana Cards

Another frequent issue is including too many cards with high mana costs. While big, splashy spells are exciting, they can leave you vulnerable in the early game, especially in competitive pods.

Solution: Maintain a balanced mana curve. Aim for a mix of early-game plays, mid-game threats, and late-game bombs. Include ramp cards like Cultivate, Arcane Signet, or Solemn Simulacrum to ensure you can cast your high-cost spells when the time comes.

Insufficient Mana Base

Many players underestimate the importance of a robust mana base. Running too few lands or including the wrong types of lands can lead to being “mana screwed,” stalling your game plan entirely.

Solution:

• Playtest your deck to find the right land count (typically 36–38 lands for most decks).
• Use mana rocks and ramp spells like Sol Ring, Kodama’s Reach, or Farseek.
• Include dual lands, fetch lands, or shock lands, depending on your budget. For instance, in a three-color deck, cards like Command Tower and Triomes are invaluable.

Lack of Interaction

Commander is a multiplayer format where interaction is key. Focusing solely on your strategy without ways to deal with threats can make your deck vulnerable to faster or more aggressive opponents.

Solution: Include a mix of targeted removal, board wipes, and counterspells. Cards like Swords to Plowshares, Cyclonic Rift, and Heroic Intervention can shift the tide in your favor. Additionally, tailor your interaction suite to your meta. If artifact-heavy decks dominate your table, prioritize cards like Vandalblast or Aura Shards.

Ignoring Card Draw

Running out of cards mid-game is a quick way to lose momentum. Commander games often last longer than other formats, making card draw critical to staying competitive.

Solution: Incorporate reliable card draw engines. Enchantments like Phyrexian Arena or Rhystic Study provide consistent value, while creatures like Consecrated Sphinx or Mulldrifter can draw you into powerful plays. In colors without a strong draw, include alternatives like Mind’s Eye or Skullclamp.

Over Reliance on Your Commander

While your Commander is an essential piece of your deck, over-relying on it can backfire. Opponents often prioritize removing Commanders that pose a significant threat, leaving you without a backup plan.

Solution: Build your deck to function even if your Commander isn’t available. For instance, if you’re running Animar, Soul of Elements, include synergistic creatures that still work well without Animar, such as Avenger of Zendikar or Genesis Hydra.

Forgetting About Multiplayer Dynamics

Commander is a multiplayer format, and cards that shine in 1v1 games may underperform in a 4-player pod. A mistake many players make is including cards that only affect one player or one permanent.

Solution: Choose cards with broad impact. Instead of Doom Blade, consider Toxic Deluge or Austere Command for broader removal. Political cards like Ghostly Prison or Fumiko the Lowblood can also steer opponents’ aggression away from you.

Not Including Win Conditions

It’s easy to focus on building a fun, interactive deck without considering how to close out the game. A lack of clear win conditions can leave your deck spinning its wheels while other players take control.

Solution: Identify at least 2–3 win conditions for your deck. These can be infinite combos, overwhelming board states, or cards like Craterhoof Behemoth or Expropriate that can swing the game in your favor. Ensure these win conditions align with your deck’s strategy.

Underestimating Graveyard Synergies

Many Commander decks utilize the graveyard as a resource, yet players often neglect to include cards to take advantage of or counteract these strategies.

Solution: Use cards that leverage the graveyard, such as Living Death or Sun Titan, or include graveyard hate like Rest in Peace or Scavenger Grounds to counteract opponents’ recursion.

Failing to Adjust for Power Levels

Commander thrives on a spectrum of power levels, from casual to competitive. Building a deck that’s too strong or too weak for your playgroup can result in unbalanced or unenjoyable games.

Solution: Communicate with your playgroup about the expected power level. If you’re building for a high-power environment, cards like Mana Crypt or Force of Will may be appropriate. For casual games, focus on fun interactions and creative synergies rather than raw efficiency.

Building a Commander deck is a rewarding process that combines creativity, strategy, and understanding your playgroup. By avoiding common mistakes—like neglecting your mana base, lacking interaction, or overloading your deck with high-cost spells—you’ll create a deck that not only performs well but also enhances the enjoyment of the game for everyone involved. So grab your cards, shuffle up, and let the games begin!