What is EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander) in Magic: The Gathering?

EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander) is a popular format in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) that emphasizes social interactions and creative deck-building. It is played with a single commander that serves as the face of the deck and represents the color identity and strategy of the deck.

Players start with a life total of 40, and the goal is to reduce each other’s life total to 0. Unlike other formats, players are able to cast their commander from the command zone even if it has been defeated.

This format encourages players to build unique and interesting decks, as there are no restrictions on card sets or card rarity.

Competitive Elder Dragon Highlander

EDH and CEDH (Competitive Elder Dragon Highlander) are both formats of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), but there are some key differences between the two.

EDH is a casual format that emphasizes social interaction, creative deck-building, and having fun with friends. Games tend to be longer, with a focus on exploring different strategies and mechanics.

CEDH, on the other hand, is a more competitive format that emphasizes high-powered and optimized decks. The focus is on winning the game as quickly and efficiently as possible, often through combos and synergies. Games tend to be shorter and less interactive, with players using highly efficient and powerful cards to achieve their win conditions.

Meta

In CEDH, there are various metagames, or groups of popular and powerful decks, that exist at any given time. Some of the most common metagames in CEDH include:

1. Combo: A combo-focused metagame where decks aim to win by assembling a combination of cards that instantly win the game.
2. Control: A control-focused metagame where decks aim to disrupt their opponent’s plans and maintain control of the game through countermagic, removal, and board wipes.
3. Ramp: A ramp-focused metagame where decks aim to quickly generate large amounts of mana to play their high-cost threats and win conditions.
4. Aggro: An aggressive-focused metagame where decks aim to win by dealing damage to their opponents as quickly and efficiently as possible.
5. Prison: A prison-focused metagame where decks aim to lock their opponents out of the game by restricting their ability to play spells or attack with creatures.

The metagame can change over time, with new decks and strategies emerging, so it’s important for players to stay informed and adapt their decks as necessary.

Steps

Creating a strong Commander deck in Magic: The Gathering requires careful planning and strategy. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Choose a strong commander: Your commander sets the tone for your deck and should align with your desired playstyle.
2. Define your game plan: Decide on the strategy you want to pursue, such as combo, control, or ramp.
3. Build a mana base: Ensure you have a strong mana base with the right combination of lands and ramp spells.
4. Select efficient threats: Pick creatures and spells that can win the game on their own or help facilitate your game plan.
5. Include interactive elements: Include cards that interact with your opponent’s strategies, such as counterspells, removal, or hand disruption.
6. Balance your deck: Ensure your deck has a good balance of creatures, spells, ramp, and protection.
7. Playtest and refine: Playtest your deck and make adjustments as necessary based on its performance.

Not forgetting the art, and the artist

Buying proxies in MTG can harm artists by undermining their income, reducing the value of their original artwork, and contributing to the production of counterfeit and fake cards. It’s important for players to support artists by purchasing real cards and to help protect the integrity of the game and its art.

Always do your part in buying from reputable local game shops to make sure that the game lives on. Supporting artists in Magic: The Gathering is important for several reasons:

1. Creativity and Artistic Expression: MTG is known for its beautiful and intricate art, and supporting artists helps to ensure that the game continues to feature high-quality artwork.
2. Encouragement of Talent: By supporting artists, we help to encourage and reward talent, which in turn helps to foster the growth of the MTG community and its artists.
3. Preservation of Artistic Legacy: Many of the artists who have created the iconic artwork in MTG have made significant contributions to the game and its history. Supporting artists helps to preserve this legacy and ensure that their work continues to be appreciated and valued.
4. Community Building: Supporting artists can also help to build a sense of community within the MTG community. By connecting with artists and showing appreciation for their work, players can help to strengthen the bonds between players and artists.

Supporting artists in MTG is important for the continued growth and success of the game, as well as for the recognition and appreciation of the talented individuals who contribute to it.

Whether it’s through purchasing original art, attending artist signings, or simply showing appreciation for their work, there are many ways to support artists in MTG.