The Command Zone Reveals a Festive Commander Game Mode You Can Recreate with Friends.

Already known as MTG's most interactive format, the Elder Dragon Highlander format has received a holiday makeover perfect for the end of the year. As part of a special show, personalities from a popular channel showcased a multiplayer match titled "Countdown to XT-Mas."

The Mechanics of the Holiday Variant Works

The basic idea involves a straightforward mechanic added on top of a normal EDH match. One special token circulates to each player. Once it arrives at the active player's turn, the game halts for a moment. Every player secretly chooses whether they're being Nice or Naughty via two cards.

Everyone turn over their card together. After that, they resolve the effect associated with their selection, starting with the person who has the marker. This marker is subsequently handed to the right. The countdown ticks up by one step, and normal Commander resumes.

These decisions intensify as the rounds progress, seeming well-balanced.

Growing Choices

The initial phases offered small, table-wide boons for the Nice path, like gaining life or Clue tokens. Conversely, Naughty choices usually provided more targeted upsides, often at the expense of an opponent. For instance allowed those who picked Naughty receive a powerful airborne Reindeer token. Anyone who picked Nice created a 1/1 Toy creature token for everyone.

Santa's Big Arrival

On the last phase, Father Christmas himself showed up, turning the game. Depending on the tally of each player was Naughty versus Nice, Santa distributed mystery presents. Outwardly, these were small containers, but inside were MTG booster packs of varying value.

• The kindest player was awarded a top-tier special pack.
• The next kindest player got a slightly less valuable premium pack.
• A special guest ended up with a less powerful set.
• The very naughty player essentially received coal: a notoriously weak set that's essentially a punchline.

Each card unwrapped instantly were playable for the remainder of the match, played from outside the game with mana as though it were all colors. The kinder players, their present became a huge advantage. However, the naughty players essentially got coal in their stocking.

Playing the Game Yourself

While the video featured a lot of production value, it's one that players can easily try at home. Each player plays with their standard Commander deck, and the additional materials needed would be several MTG packs with different worth.

The main drawback lies in the fact that if players are aware beforehand the best pack's identity, players might try to get the most valuable gift. One might change this with alternatives, like doing a mini-draft together or allowing participants to include cards they own not in their deck.

From the entertaining match, Countdown to XT-Mas is definitely a festive method to spread some joy this holiday season. It adds a layer to the social interplay at the table in a fun and manner, creating a unique way to play among Magic players in their playgroups.