Pauper Commander is a unique and budget-friendly format of Magic: The Gathering that has grown in popularity among casual players and enthusiasts alike. Combining the affordability of Pauper with the social and strategic depth of Commander (EDH), it provides an engaging experience that’s accessible and fun. For those new to the format or looking to explore its guidelines, understanding the specific rules of Pauper Commander is essential. These rules not only shape deck-building restrictions but also influence gameplay and the broader community experience.
Understanding the Pauper Commander Format
What Is Pauper Commander?
Pauper Commander (sometimes referred to as PDH or Peasant EDH) is a multiplayer Magic format that follows many of the same principles as traditional Commander, but with a key difference: the deck must be composed entirely of commons, except for the commander, which is an uncommon creature. This budget-conscious format allows more players to participate while still enjoying complex gameplay and creativity.
Why Choose Pauper Commander?
The format is ideal for players who enjoy:
- Low-cost deck building
- Creative card combinations using lesser-known cards
- Multiplayer political gameplay
- A focus on synergy and strategy over raw power
Basic Rules for Pauper Commander
Deck Construction Rules
One of the key distinctions in Pauper Commander lies in how decks are built:
- Commander: Your commander must be a creature with the uncommon rarity in any official Magic: The Gathering set.
- Deck Size: 99 additional cards, for a total of 100 cards including the commander.
- Singleton Rule: You may only include one copy of each card, excluding basic lands.
- Card Rarity: All 99 cards must have been printed at common rarity at some point in Magic’s history.
Color Identity
Just like in regular Commander, the color identity of your Pauper Commander determines what colors you can include in your deck. This includes all mana symbols in the commander’s mana cost and rules text.
Commander Tax
The commander tax rule also applies: each time your commander is cast from the command zone after being sent there, it costs two additional colorless mana for each time it has previously been cast from the zone.
Starting Life Total
Each player begins the game with30 life points, which is a slight reduction from the 40 life in traditional Commander. This helps maintain balance given the lower power level of cards in Pauper Commander.
Commander Damage
Commander damage is tracked in Pauper Commander. If a player receives 21 or more points of combat damage from a single commander over the course of the game, they lose the game.
Banned Cards and Restrictions
General Bans
To maintain fair and balanced gameplay, certain cards are banned in Pauper Commander. These typically include:
- Cards that generate infinite combos too easily
- Cards with mechanics that are overwhelmingly powerful in multiplayer formats
- Unfun or problematic cards that disrupt casual play
Common Banned Examples
Note that the official Pauper Commander community may maintain its own evolving ban list. Some commonly banned cards include:
- Rhystic Study(when printed at common in a non-traditional product)
- Fall from Favor(due to dominance in Pauper formats)
- Gush(for its strong card draw at low cost)
Choosing a Commander
Qualifying as a Commander
To be a legal Pauper Commander, your creature must meet these conditions:
- It must have been printed at uncommon rarity
- It must be a legendary creature or have clear value as a build-around
Some Pauper Commander groups allow any uncommon creature, while others require the commander to be legendary. Always check your playgroup’s house rules.
Popular Pauper Commanders
Here are some examples of strong Pauper Commander options:
- Annoyed Altisaur: Great for cascade-heavy green decks
- Thermopod: A fun choice for red-based sacrifice strategies
- Mulldrifter: Provides card draw and evasion in blue
Gameplay in Pauper Commander
Multiplayer Focus
Pauper Commander is typically played with 3 to 4 players, though it can be adjusted for two-player games. The format shines with more players due to increased politics, alliances, and strategic diversity.
Balance and Politics
Because decks have lower power levels compared to traditional Commander, games tend to be longer and more interactive. Political maneuvering and timing your spells are crucial to success.
Combat Strategies
Combat plays a major role in Pauper Commander. Without access to game-ending combos or powerful rares, board state and combat math matter significantly. Players often use swarm tactics, evasion abilities, and combat tricks to close out games.
Tips for Building a Pauper Commander Deck
Focus on Synergy
With access limited to common cards, strong synergy between your commander and your deck is key. Look for repeatable value and cohesive themes, such as:
- Sacrifice and graveyard recursion
- Token generation and go-wide strategies
- Card draw and control loops
Ramp and Mana Base
Common mana fixing can be more limited, so build your mana base carefully. Use cards like:
- Evolving WildsandTerramorphic Expansefor color fixing
- Signetsandmana rocksprinted at common in Commander products
- Basic lands to keep your deck consistent
Interaction and Removal
Don’t forget to include plenty of interaction. Great common removal spells include:
- Doom Blade
- Lightning Bolt
- Counterspell
Community and Playgroups
Finding Pauper Commander Games
The format is community-driven and thrives in casual circles. You can find Pauper Commander games through:
- Local game stores and casual MTG nights
- Online Discord communities and PDH websites
- SpellTable for webcam-based multiplayer Magic
House Rules and Variations
Because there is no official sanctioning by Wizards of the Coast, Pauper Commander can vary slightly between groups. Be sure to clarify the following with your group:
- Whether non-legendary uncommon creatures are legal as commanders
- Any additional cards banned beyond the shared list
- Life totals or mulligan variations
Pauper Commander is a rewarding format that blends budget-friendly deck building with the rich multiplayer experience of Commander. With its commons-only card pool and the strategic choice of an uncommon commander, it offers players an accessible and creative way to enjoy Magic: The Gathering. Whether you’re crafting your first PDH deck or expanding your collection, mastering the rules of Pauper Commander will open the door to hours of enjoyable gameplay and community connection.