How to Make a Commander Deck: Budget MTG Guide

Making a Commander deck can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! Commander format possesses a unique deck-building challenge. MTGGoldfish provides many budget-friendly deck ideas, with Commander being one of their specialties. TCGPlayer offers a wide variety of affordable singles to complete your 100-card masterpiece. Understanding the mana curve becomes crucial when considering how to make a Commander deck effectively on a budget.

Commander on a Shoestring Budget: Unleashing the Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander), is arguably one of the most beloved formats in Magic: The Gathering.

It’s a format where social interaction, creative deck-building, and epic multiplayer games take center stage.

But what if you’re on a budget? Can you still enjoy the Commander experience without emptying your wallet?

Absolutely! Building a Commander deck on a shoestring budget is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding.

It forces you to think outside the box, explore hidden gems, and focus on the core elements of fun and interaction.

The Allure of Commander: More Than Just Winning

Commander’s appeal lies in its unique blend of strategy, social dynamics, and self-expression.

Unlike some competitive formats, Commander encourages you to build a deck around a legendary creature, your Commander, that embodies your personal playstyle.

This central figure defines your deck’s color identity and sets the stage for unique strategies.

The format shines in a multiplayer setting, fostering alliances, rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

It’s about creating a narrative with your friends, not just grinding out wins.

Defining the "Budget" Philosophy: Smart Choices and Resourcefulness

Let’s be clear: "budget" doesn’t mean "weak." It means being smart, resourceful, and prioritizing fun over raw power.

It’s about making informed choices, finding undervalued cards, and understanding that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a blast.

Think of it as a deck-building challenge: how can you maximize the impact of every dollar you spend?

The budget philosophy is about resourcefulness and creativity, not limitations.

The Journey is the Destination

Here’s a crucial point: when building a budget Commander deck, the journey and the experience are often more important than immediate victories.

Don’t get discouraged if your deck doesn’t dominate the table right away.

The real fun comes from the deck-building process, experimenting with different strategies, and discovering hidden gems.

It’s about the stories you create and the friendships you forge, and not just the wins and losses.

Embrace the challenge, be patient, and enjoy the ride!

Remember, Commander is a format built on community and fun. So dive in, explore your creativity, and build a deck that reflects your unique vision, without breaking the bank.

Laying the Foundation: Essential Commander Elements

So, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of budget Commander! Now, let’s get down to brass tacks.

Building a successful Commander deck, even on a budget, requires a solid foundation. This means carefully considering your commander, mana base, essential card types, and mana curve. Let’s explore these crucial elements to ensure your deck is both fun and functional.

Choosing Your Commander/General

Your commander is the heart and soul of your deck. It dictates your color identity and heavily influences your overall strategy.

It’s crucial to pick a commander that not only resonates with your play style but also offers a viable game plan.

When building on a budget, think outside the box. Instead of chasing the most popular and expensive commanders, consider those that are less played or have been overlooked.

These can often be acquired for very little money, leaving you more resources for the rest of the deck.

Think about commanders with built-in card advantage, repeatable effects, or unique synergies. These can provide a significant edge, especially when you’re working with a limited budget.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional choices. The element of surprise can be a powerful weapon in Commander!

Mana and Resources: Fueling Your Strategy

A stable and consistent mana base is the backbone of any Commander deck. You simply can’t cast spells without it!

In a format where games can last a while, you need to ensure you can reliably cast your spells throughout the game.

That’s why a well-constructed mana base is critical.

While expensive dual lands are tempting, budget-friendly alternatives can do the trick. Focus on lands that enter untapped, even if they have minor drawbacks, like the "gain a life" lands or those that require revealing a land type.

These lands are a fraction of the cost of their more expensive counterparts.

Ramp, or mana acceleration, is equally important. Getting ahead on mana allows you to cast bigger threats sooner and outpace your opponents.

Look for budget-friendly ramp spells and artifacts like Cultivate, Kodama’s Reach, and the various "mana rocks" like Commander’s Sphere.

These cards provide excellent value without breaking the bank. Also, consider green creatures that act as mana dorks, because they can be a great budget option.

Essential Deck Components: The Building Blocks of Victory

Beyond your commander and mana, certain card types are essential for any Commander deck. These include card draw, removal, and board wipes.

Card draw provides the fuel you need to keep your engine running. It helps you find answers, maintain momentum, and outpace your opponents in the long game.

Prioritize efficient card draw spells that offer the most bang for your buck. Consider cards like Harmonize or cheaper targeted draw spells.

Removal is your answer to opposing threats. You need ways to deal with problematic creatures, enchantments, and artifacts.

Single-target removal spells can be extremely helpful in keeping the board clear and ensuring your commander doesn’t get shut down.

Look for versatile removal spells that can target multiple card types. Cards like Beast Within, Generous Gift, or even simple destroy target creature spells are good budget options.

Board wipes are your reset button. They allow you to clear the board and level the playing field when things get out of control.

These are especially crucial when playing against decks that flood the board with creatures.

Budget-friendly board wipes like Wrath of God, Damnation, or even slower options like Austere Command can be lifesavers.

Understanding the Mana Curve: A Symphony of Spells

Finally, consider your mana curve. This refers to the distribution of cards in your deck based on their mana cost.

A well-balanced mana curve ensures you have plays at every stage of the game, preventing you from being stuck with a hand full of expensive cards early on or running out of gas in the late game.

Aim for a mix of low-cost spells, mid-range threats, and a few high-impact finishers. Prioritize cards that offer the most value for their mana cost.

This balance is key to maximizing your deck’s effectiveness, even on a budget.

By carefully considering these essential elements, you can lay a solid foundation for your budget Commander deck, setting yourself up for countless hours of fun and strategic gameplay. Remember, it’s not about having the most expensive cards; it’s about playing smart and building a cohesive deck that works together!

So, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of budget Commander! Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Building a successful Commander deck, even on a budget, requires a solid foundation. This means carefully considering your commander, mana base, essential card types, and mana curve. Let’s explore where to actually find the cards without breaking the bank!

Finding the Cards: Your Budget Treasure Hunt

Building a Commander deck on a budget isn’t just about saving money; it’s about resourcefulness, strategy, and a little bit of treasure hunting! Lucky for us, there are tons of ways to acquire the cards you need without emptying your wallet.

Preconstructed Commander Decks: A Solid Starting Point

Preconstructed Commander decks, affectionately known as "precons," are fantastic for new players and budget-conscious veterans alike.

They offer an affordable, ready-to-play experience right out of the box.
Think of them as a springboard; a launchpad for your Commander journey.

The Upsides of Precons

• Affordability and Value: Precons provide a curated deck for a reasonable price. You get a commander, mana base, and a collection of synergistic cards ready to go.
• Ready to Play: No need to spend hours building from scratch. Just shuffle and play! This is perfect if you’re eager to jump into a game right away.
• Decent Card Value: Often, the combined value of the individual cards in a precon exceeds the deck’s price. This means you’re getting a good deal on staples and potentially valuable reprints.

The Downsides of Precons (and How to Fix Them)

• Genericity: Precons can sometimes feel a bit generic in their strategy.

• They are designed to be accessible, which can mean less focused game plans.

• Need for Upgrades: To truly make a precon your own, you’ll want to upgrade it.

• This is where the "budget" aspect comes into play!

• Focus on swapping out weaker cards with targeted, budget-friendly replacements to refine the deck’s strategy.

Card Price Tracking Websites: Your Online Shopping Assistant

In today’s digital age, several websites help you track card prices, find deals, and make informed decisions about your purchases. TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom, and MTGStocks are some great options.

Using Price Trackers Effectively

• Compare Prices: Check multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Price fluctuations can be significant.
• Identify Budget Options: Use filters to search for cards within your price range. Narrow down your search to find the perfect, affordable additions.
• Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and special promotions. Websites often have limited-time offers to snag cards for cheap.

Setting Price Alerts

• Catching Bargains: Most price tracking websites allow you to set up price alerts. Receive notifications when a card drops to your desired price.
• Patience is Key: This is a great way to snag those slightly more expensive cards you’ve been eyeing when they go on sale.

Online Deckbuilding Tools: Planning and Visualizing Your Strategy

Online deckbuilding tools like Moxfield, Archidekt, and TappedOut are invaluable for planning, visualizing, and sharing your Commander deck. They also have features to assist with budget deck building.

Planning & Visualizing

• Virtual Deckbuilding: Experiment with different card combinations, analyze your mana curve, and refine your strategy without physically owning the cards.
• Visual Representation: These tools offer visual representations of your deck, making it easier to identify gaps in your strategy.
• Organization is Key: Keep your cards organized by type and function, so you have a balanced deck.

Community Feedback

• Share Your Creation: Share your deck with the Commander community and receive valuable feedback from experienced players.
• Iterate and Improve: Use the community’s suggestions to refine your deck, identify weaknesses, and discover hidden gems.

Budget Filtering

• Stay Within Budget: Most deckbuilding tools allow you to filter cards by price, ensuring you stay within your budget.
• Discover Affordable Options: Explore the database of cards within your price range and find hidden gems you may have overlooked.

The Power of Commons and Uncommons: Don’t Underestimate the Little Guys

One of the biggest mistakes budget players make is overlooking commons and uncommons. These cards are often incredibly powerful and versatile, offering exceptional value for their low price.

• Hidden Gems: Many commons and uncommons provide unique effects, card draw, removal, or ramp that are essential for a well-rounded Commander deck.

• High Impact: Some of the most impactful cards in Commander history started as commons or uncommons.

• Examples: Cards like "Rampant Growth" (ramp), "Swords to Plowshares" (removal), and "Preordain" (card draw) are budget all-stars that can significantly impact your games.

Leaning on the Community: Wisdom of the Crowd

So, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of budget Commander! Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Building a successful Commander deck, even on a budget, requires a solid foundation. This means carefully considering your commander, mana base, essential card types, and mana curve. Let’s explore where to actually find the cards without breaking the bank, because building a strong Commander deck doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. In fact, one of the greatest resources available to you is the collective knowledge and experience of the Commander community itself!

Let’s delve into the power of community resources to help you build your budget Commander deck.

"Budget" MTG YouTubers/Content Creators: Learning from the Experts

One of the best ways to learn about budget Commander is to tap into the vast library of content created by MTG YouTubers and content creators. These folks are dedicated to showcasing the power of affordable cards and strategies. They provide valuable insights into deck building, card choices, and gameplay, all with a focus on keeping costs down.

Consider them your personal budget Commander gurus!

Deck Techs, Strategy Guides, and Budget Tips

These content creators often produce in-depth deck techs, breaking down the card choices and strategies behind various budget-friendly decks. You can learn about efficient mana bases, powerful budget alternatives to expensive staples, and creative combos that can win games. Many provide gameplay footage that allows you to see the decks in action, learning from their plays and misplays.

"Dollar Commander" Style Challenges

A particularly inspiring type of content involves "Dollar Commander" or similar challenges. These creators build entire Commander decks with extremely limited budgets, such as $20 or even $100. This demonstrates the incredible potential of cheap cards when combined with clever deck building and strategic play. Following these challenges can spark your creativity and show you just how far you can stretch a limited budget.

"Upgrade Guides" (for Precons): Maximizing Value

Preconstructed Commander decks are a fantastic starting point for budget players, offering a solid foundation upon which to build. However, they often contain cards that can be upgraded for better performance. Upgrade guides are your roadmap to transforming a preconstructed deck into a truly competitive force without emptying your wallet.

These guides suggest affordable replacements for weaker cards, improving the deck’s overall synergy and power level. They often highlight budget-friendly staples that fit into the deck’s strategy, significantly enhancing its performance.

Specific Content Creators: Finding Your Inspiration

While there are many fantastic MTG content creators, a few stand out for their focus on budget Commander:

The Commander’s Quarters: Masters of Extreme Budget Decks

The Commander’s Quarters on YouTube is practically synonymous with budget Commander. This channel specializes in building incredibly powerful decks with extremely low price tags. The Commander’s Quarters decks are a fantastic source of inspiration and demonstrate the power of smart card choices and strategic deck building.

MTG Muddstah: Learning Through Gameplay

MTG Muddstah is another excellent YouTube channel that features a wide variety of Commander gameplay. While not strictly focused on budget decks, Muddstah often showcases decks built with cost in mind, and his gameplay commentary provides valuable insights into strategic decision-making and deck piloting. Seeing budget decks in action can help you learn how to maximize their potential.

Local Game Stores (LGS): Building Community and Gaining Advice

Don’t underestimate the value of your local game store (LGS). Your LGS is not just a place to buy cards, but it’s also a hub for the Commander community.

Finding Players and Building Community

Your LGS hosts Commander nights or events where you can meet other players, test your decks, and share your love of the game. This is where you can truly experience the social aspect of Commander, make new friends, and build lasting relationships.

Getting Advice from Experienced Players

The experienced players at your LGS are an invaluable source of advice. Don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions on improving your budget deck, finding affordable alternatives to expensive cards, or even just learning more about the nuances of the Commander format. Most players are happy to share their knowledge and passion for the game. Building a budget Commander deck doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. By leveraging the wisdom of the community, you can gain valuable insights, discover hidden gems, and build a truly impressive deck without breaking the bank.

Protecting Your Investment: Card Care

So, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of budget Commander! Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Building a successful Commander deck, even on a budget, requires a solid foundation. This means carefully considering your commander, mana base, essential card types, and mana curve. Let’s explore what steps you can take to properly protect your cards!

Sleeves: Your First Line of Defense

Think of card sleeves as armor for your precious spells and creatures. You wouldn’t send a knight into battle without armor, would you?

Choosing the Right Sleeves.

There are tons of options out there – from basic, budget-friendly sleeves to premium, double-matted ones.

For budget Commander, go for sleeves that offer good protection without breaking the bank. Dragon Shield, Ultra Pro, and similar brands have solid options.

Why Sleeves Matter.

Sleeves prevent wear and tear from shuffling, accidental spills, and general handling. A scratched or marked card can be deemed unplayable in a tournament, and nobody wants that!

Deck Boxes: Safe and Secure Housing

Once you’ve sleeved your deck, you need a safe place to store it.

That’s where deck boxes come in.

The Importance of a Good Deck Box.

A sturdy deck box protects your cards from bending, crushing, and other damage that can occur during transport or storage.

Budget-Friendly Deck Box Options.

Again, you don’t need to spend a fortune.

Many affordable deck boxes are available at local game stores or online retailers. Look for one that fits your sleeved deck comfortably.

Considerations for Deck Box Size.

Make sure your deck box can hold 100 sleeved cards, plus any extra tokens you might want to keep with your deck. Some deck boxes even have compartments for dice!

Playmats: An Optional, but Nice-to-Have, Luxury

A playmat isn’t strictly necessary, but it definitely enhances the playing experience.

Why Use a Playmat?.

A playmat provides a clean, cushioned surface for your cards, protecting them from rough tables and spills.

It also adds a touch of personalization to your game.

Budget Playmat Choices.

Playmats range from simple, inexpensive designs to elaborate, artist-commissioned pieces.

If you’re on a budget, look for sales or consider a plain, single-color playmat. You can always upgrade later!

Ultimately, protecting your cards is an investment in the longevity of your Commander deck. With a few simple precautions, you can keep your cards in great condition for years to come!

So, there you have it! Your crash course on how to make a Commander deck without breaking the bank. It might seem daunting at first, but with a little creativity and these budget-friendly tips, you’ll be slinging spells and commanding your forces in no time. Now go forth and build something awesome!