It’s the Best Place for Beginners to Learn Commander (Here’s Why…)
For new players, going from Monopoly to Commander feels like trying to leap over the Grand Canyon…
People prefer familiarity and mastery – and find the unknown intimidating and frustrating. So when they come across something Magic… something so different from all other games they know… most refuse to even try it out. The barrier to entry is deemed too high.
Which means that when someone does finally give MTG a try, it is very important that they have a positive first experience. It will determine if/how someone plays for the rest of their life.
If you are a longtime Magic PvP or Commander player who stumbled across this post, we hope it is a reminder of how you can support new MTG players. ANYTHING we can do to lower that barrier is a step in the right direction.
But if you are a new Commander player, this post is for YOU!
By the end of this post, we hope to provide the clarity and encouragement you need to head to your (Friendly) Local Game Store (FLGS, or LGS) for their Commander Night. Because the truth is this: there is no better place for you to begin your trading card game journey!
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Quick, Super-Basic Q&A
Q: “What is Commander”?
A: Commander, or more specifically “Magic: The Gathering Commander Format” is a style of playing the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It is known as being more casual, social, and flexible than the more competitive and strategic MTG.
Q: “Is there an age or skill requirement to join an MTG commander night at an FLGS?”
A: Nope. One of the best things about Commander Nights is that they are open to everyone. I mean, you have to be able to read and speak and not be tempted to swallow the dice… so I guess toddlers are excluded… but the very young to the very old are all welcome!
Q: “Is there a minimum skill requirement to play?”
A: Once again (and surprisingly) no! Complete newbies will play next to a pod of players with decades of experience. If you’re a complete beginner, you can often find a “casual” table where players are focused more on having fun and learning than on winning.
Supplies You’ll Need to Get Started
You might be thinking: “What do I need to bring? Like, aren’t there a bunch of tokens and dice, not just cards?”. And …you’d be right! Here are some of the supplies you should have for mtg commander night:
- 100 Card Deck w/Commander Card: to forget this would be like forgetting your underwear. More on this in a moment…
- A coin: many cards feature a coin flip mechanic.
- Dice: Buy some cheap 6 -sided dice sets or raid your various board games until you find 10-20 dice. Pipped rather than numbered dice are best.
- Playmat: not essential, but extremely helpful. Keeps cards clean, has clearly marked zones for you and opponents (and easier on your wrists).
- Score Keeper: Commander damage up to 21. 40 life counter. Both fluctuating. You can’t keep track of all of it in your head. You’ll need SOMETHING to help with the life tracking. Read our post on your options, or download the Match Punk MTG life counter for free!
However… this is one of the MAJOR benefits of learning at a LGS mtg commander night: the game store will have EVERYTHING you need. If you have $50, you can get all the supplies AND buy yourself a footlong meatball sub from Subway for dinner.
You’ll Need a Score Keeper or Life Counter…
Why Not Try MatchPunk?
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Beginner’s Guide: How to Join Your First MTG Commander Night at an LGS (in 6 “steps”)
First of all, don’t be alarmed by these 6 steps. They are crazy intuitive, and probably what you would have done anyways. I’m putting them here more to reassure than educate. Your first MTG commander night is going to be easy, helpful, and fun 🙂
Additionally, remember that Commander is a social game. Winning is nice, but if you only have fun if you win, you aren’t going to have a good time. Commander is as much about playing as it is about getting together with old friends and making new ones. Your first time is all about getting comfortable, meeting people, and learning the ropes.
Step 1: Finding a Nearby FLGS
You’ve done this a million times, for everything from “gas station” to “parking lot” to “burger near me”. Do a quick online search for “local game store near me” or “Magic: The Gathering events”… and go from there. You can decide which one based on three criteria:
- Proximity: which is closest?
- Vibe: which store is the cleanest, nicest interior?
- Calendar: which night works with your schedule?
Most stores have websites or social media pages (facebook is particularly popular with FLGS) where they post their event schedules. Check their calendars for “Commander Night,” “Casual Commander,” or “EDH Night.” If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call the store.
While Wizards of the Coast has popularized “Friday Night Magic”, that is not the only night to play Commander. It’s kind of like summer farmers’ markets being nearly every night of the week: somewhere in your city is a local game store with an MTG Commander night.
Step 2: Arrive Early to MTG Night
Get the store. Anyway you can. Tie your shoes, skate your board, pedal your bike, hop on the bus, or drive your car. If your FLGS has a stable or helipad, then you can saddle your horse or pilot your helicopter. Transporters are permitted.
Regardless of your mode of transportation, do not get there fashionably late. If you arrive on time, you’ll just be walking into a room full of people where everybody knows everybody… except you… an easy recipe for anxiety.
Instead, get there at least 20 min ahead of time. Don’t worry, you will not be intruding upon a host rushing to get ready for a party. This buffer time is perfect for new players. It reduces the pressure and allows you to ease into the social setting.
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Step 3: Meet the Owners/Staff
Arriving early also gives you plenty of time to meet the store owners or staff. For the next quarter of an hour, they are your new best friends and wise counselors.
These people want to see new players succeed and fall in love with the game. They will be some of the biggest supporters on your Magic journey, offering tips even as you play against them.
Tell them A) why you are there (“I want to play Commander”), B) how much you know about the game (ex: “I know there are cards and colors and mana and sh*t… but thats it”), and C) what supplies you have (ex: “I was warned not to build my own deck and buy one here”).
What do you do after that?
LET THEM TAKE CARE OF YOU!
They will explain how to play and why its awesome. They will make sure you find a good deck and join a good pod. Remember, they are not only passionate about growing the hobby, but they are incentivized to give you a great time so you come back again and again. By connecting with them, you’re not just a customer; you’re becoming part of their community.
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Step 4: Get Your Deck/Supplies
Designing your own deck is a big part of what makes Magic fun. There are infinite possibilities. Some are low-mana cards that focus on hitting your opponents early. Others are really defensive and encourage your opponent to target another player’s Commander. Each deck brings its own flavor of strategy and gameplay. The variety and versatility are one thing that makes Magic: The Gathering so special.
And most experienced players have multiple decks. Deck power levels range from janky and hilarious to quite competitive…. each with a different purpose. Lots of room for expression in the commander deck. Different decks for different pods, moods, and days.
But it takes a lot of knowledge, time, and money to do it well. And if you do not do it well… and play with a “broken build”… then you will not have very much fun. Simply put, if you are NOT experienced, then trying to create your own deck would just get in the way of learning, socializing, and having fun.
“Do I need to bring my own Magic: The Gathering deck to a Magic game night?”
While it’s great to have your own deck, you absolutely do not need one to participate in your first Magic game night. As stated above… if you are a true beginner… the FLGS will have everything AND give you some guidance on what to purchase. Yes, you will be buying from them, but… compared to if you tried to buy it all yourself… they will likely save you a lot of money.
“Are there recommended Magic products for beginners at FLGS events?”
Yes! The biggest advantage of learning to play at a game store’s MTG Commander Night is that they will help you find the PERFECT precon deck just for you.
Precon stands for “preconfigured” or “preconstructed”. And precon decks are Commander decks that have already been built and packaged, that you can buy right off the shelf. They are ready to play right out of the box and offer a balanced experience.
These decks are designed to be fun and accessible. They let new players learn the mechanics of the game without the stress of building a deck from scratch. Your local store will have a variety of options, as well as card sleeves (plastic protective covers) to keep any new cards in mint condition.
“What if I have literally zero dollars?”
Honestly? You’ll most likely STILL be welcomed and be ok to play.
Many veteran players bring multiple decks and are often happy to lend one to a newcomer. The store probably hase a few too. It’s a great way for them to share their love of the game and for you to try out a different playstyle. So just ask! You might be surprised how eager someone is to let you pilot their deck.
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Step 5: Find a Pod
Next step… and for some people the most intimidating step… find 3 other people to play with. Most Commander games are 3-4 players, and this group of players is called a “commander pod”.
For experienced players, finding a commander pod is as simple as just joining whatever pod has space. This is another benefit of arriving early; you can find a playgroup before they all fill up.
“I’m new. I don’t know anyone. And you don’t want to intrude and ruin their good time, right?”
First of all, I applaud your consideration. But don’t worry. Once again… ask the staff to help! I guarantee you they will know the perfect players to pair you up with. People who are friendly, helpful, relaxed, and eager to teach.
But honestly? Feel free to walk up to a table that is forming and ask if they have room for one more! Mention that you’re new; you’ll find most players are very accommodating.
“Do I need to sign up for anything to play?”
Participation might involve a small entry fee, which often goes toward prize support or store upkeep. And some stores might have you sign in using the Magic: The Gathering Companion app on your phone to receive a promo card, so having it downloaded can be helpful.
Step 6: Its LGS Magic Night… Time to Play!
“Hold on hold on!!! Who is going to teach me how to play Commander?!”
Can’t say for certain, but I know it won’t just be a single individual! It will probably look something like this:
- One of the staff will hang around for a round or two
- A random player waiting for some friends to arrive will take notice and continue teaching
- The other players will continue to explain cards and provide tips as you play.
Commander is more community-focused, and the community will rally to your aid. It’s a collaborative environment where everyone wants to see each other have a good time.
“What is the typical atmosphere like for new players at an LGS mtg commander night?”
Normal “Magic: The Gathering” is more serious, strategic, and competitive. But Commander is all about having fun. As one of the original creators of Commander, Sheldon Menery, said: “Philosophically, Commander was always intended to be a break from competitive magic”.
You’ll hear the shuffling of cards, rolls of dice, and bursts of laughter. It will feel relaxed. Lively. Goofy. Fun. You might play a few quick games or engage in a back-and-forth saga for two hours.
Commander is a social game at its heart. A huge part of the fun is talking with other players. Every play is a chance to discuss each card and everything they can do. Just ease into the social atmosphere of the event and enjoy the ride!
So … What Makes an FLGS Magic Night Welcoming for MTG Beginners?
- Focus on Social Fun: Commander is inherently more social. The focus is less on intense competition and more on shared enjoyment and community building.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: These events are specifically designed to be casual, social, and fun. It removes the pressure and provides a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and ask questions.
- Wealth of Resources: Whether getting your precon, finding single cards to upgrade, or purchasing other supplies, his instant access to both knowledgeable people and physical supplies is something you can only get at an FLGS.
- Supportive Community: Commander nights are filled with people who are passionate about Magic and eager to share that passion. You’ll find that players are generally friendly, supportive, and more than happy to help new players navigate the complexities of the game.
- Centuries of Expertise: Collectively, there will be hundreds of years of Magic experience at a single Friday Night Magic event. The staff at your local game store are one of your greatest resources. They are not just employees; they are experienced players and community organizers. They can answer rules questions, recommend products, and facilitate a positive experience for everyone.
- Diverse Skill Levels: Because there are so many different MTG players present, you will almost always be able to find a pod that with people just like you. You can learn from veterans, play alongside people at your own level, and eventually become a mentor to other newcomers yourself.
Conclusion: “What can I expect at a typical Magic Night event at my local game store?”
You can expect to make friends, crack jokes, and chill with like-minded folks… all while having fun playing Commander.
You’re not walking into a high-stakes tournament; you’re walking into a community gathering. It’s the perfect setting to learn the game at your own pace without any pressure.
Are You a Beginner?
Then Go to A Local Game Store Commander Night…
And Bring MatchPunk With You!!!
About the Author: This post was written by TTRPG and board game marketing and writing agency Riley James Copy.
If you run a friendly local game store and want to reach more of your community, then please visit my game store marketing page and see how I can help.
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What Power Level Should A Beginner Play? Meet Commander Brackets
If you’re new, you’re playing Bracket 2, and saying so out loud is the single best thing you can do for your first game. Commander Brackets are Wizards of the Coast’s official power-level system, introduced in 2025 and run by the Commander Format Panel. They sort decks into five tiers so a pod can agree on how hard the game will be before anyone plays a card. Almost every preconstructed deck is Bracket 2, exactly where a beginner belongs.
This matters more than any rules tip we can give you. The fastest way to have a bad first Commander game isn’t misplaying a card. It’s sitting down with a deck that’s wildly stronger or weaker than everyone else’s, and the brackets exist to stop precisely that. The five tiers, at a glance:
| Bracket | Name | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exhibition | Theme and flavor decks, no Game Changers, long grindy games | Pure casual fun |
| 2 | Core | Precon-level “beer and pretzels” Commander, where most precons land out of the box | Beginners (you’re here) |
| 3 | Upgraded | Tuned decks, up to three Game Changers, faster swings | Players who’ve added cards |
| 4 | Optimized | High-power, no restrictions, just short of cutthroat | Experienced builders |
| 5 | cEDH | Fully competitive, metagame-driven, games can end any turn | Hardcore tournament play |
The takeaway for your first night couldn’t be simpler. Walk up and say: “I’m new, I’ve got a Bracket 2 precon, let’s keep it casual.” That one sentence tells the whole table how to pace the game around you, and good players will absolutely meet you there. You don’t need to memorize the rest of the system to use it.
Commander Brackets are still in beta, and the underlying “Game Changers” list (53 cards as of the February 9, 2026 update) changes a few times a year. For the current tiers and card list, see the official Commander page at magic.wizards.com. Last verified June 2026.
What’s “Rule Zero”? The 30-Second Chat That Saves Your First Game
Rule zero is the quick, casual conversation a pod has before the game starts about what kind of game everyone wants. It isn’t a printed rule. It’s an agreement, and as a beginner it’s your best friend, because it’s where you set expectations, mention your bracket, and call out anything unusual in your deck. Thirty seconds here turns a potential blowout into a game everyone enjoys.
You don’t need any jargon to take part. The magic words are: “Hey, I’m brand new, can we keep this one casual?” That’s a complete rule-zero contribution. If you want to level up, add your bracket (“it’s a Bracket 2 precon”) and ask theirs. Plenty of stores even put “Casual” or “Competitive” flags on tables so you can find your speed before you sit down, so keep an eye out for them. Rule zero is just one slice of table etiquette; the rest is mostly common courtesy, and it’s Commander quietly telling you it’s a social game first and a contest second.
What You’ll Actually Be Tracking At The Table
A single Commander game asks you to track three numbers per player at once, and they’re not the ones new players expect. The official Commander rules start everyone at 40 life (not the usual 20), a single commander dealing 21 combat damage knocks you out on its own, and 10 poison counters end your game regardless of life total. The cheat sheet:
| What you’re tracking | The number that matters | Why it sneaks up on new players |
|---|---|---|
| Life total | Starts at 40 | Four players swinging means it moves fast |
| Commander damage | 21 from a single commander = you’re out | Tracked separately from life, per commander |
| Poison counters | 10 counters = you lose | Only appears vs. infect/toxic decks, but it’s lethal |
Keep all of that in your head across a four-player, two-hour game and you’ve found where the table arguments start. Dice get knocked over and paper gets messy, which is exactly why most players have moved to a digital life counter. That’s the job Match Punk was built for. It auto-sets Commander’s 40 life, tracks commander damage from every source on its own, and keeps poison and other counters in one panel your whole pod can read across the table. If you want to see how it stacks up against the field, here’s our rundown of the best free MTG life counter apps.
Try Match Punk free. It auto-sets your starting life by format, so that’s one less thing to think about on game night.
What Do I Actually Say? Three Scripts For A Confident First Night
New-player nerves are almost always social, not strategic. Here are the exact words for the three moments that trip people up. You don’t need to know the rules. You need to know how to ask, and the community at a good FLGS will handle the rest.
- Walking in: “Hi, I’m new to Commander and want to learn. Is there a casual table I can join?” (Say this to staff first. It’s their favorite sentence to hear.)
- Joining a pod: “Mind if I sit in? I’m new, running a Bracket 2 precon.” Most tables will happily make room, and mentioning you’re new sets expectations instantly.
- During the game: “Can you walk me through what that card does?” Asking is normal at every table, every night. Nobody expects a beginner to know the deep cuts.
That’s the social playbook. Three sentences, and you’re in.
Commander Night, Answered: Beginner FAQ
Q: “What Power Level Should A Beginner Play In Commander?”
Bracket 2. Commander Brackets are Wizards of the Coast’s official five-tier power system, and Bracket 2 (“Core”) is where almost every preconstructed deck lands out of the box. It’s the casual, “beer and pretzels” level built for exactly your situation. Mention it during rule zero, say “I’ve got a Bracket 2 precon,” and the table will match your speed.
Q: “What Is A Rule Zero Conversation?”
It’s the short, casual chat a pod has before a game to agree on power level and expectations. It isn’t an official rule, but it’s the most useful social tool in Commander. As a new player, your whole contribution can be one sentence: “I’m new, let’s keep it casual.” That’s enough to set the table up for a fun, fair game.
Q: “Do I Need To Know About Game Changers Or The Banned List As A Beginner?”
No. Game Changers are a list of high-impact cards (53 of them as of February 2026) that nudge a deck into a higher bracket. Precons rarely include them, so a Bracket 2 beginner doesn’t need to study the list. Just play your precon and enjoy yourself. You can dig into the details once you start upgrading a deck.
Q: “How Many Players Are In A Commander Game?”
Usually four. A group of players at one table is called a “pod,” and most Commander Nights build four-player pods that swap decks between games. Three-player pods are common too. If you want to keep a pod together between game nights, that’s exactly what Match Punk’s MTG Groups are for. And if you arrive early, you’ll have an easier time finding a pod with an open seat before they fill up.
Q: “How Long Does A Beginner-friendly Commander Game Last?”
Expect roughly 45 minutes to over an hour for a casual game, and a whole night runs two to four hours across a few games. Lower-bracket games (where you’ll be) tend to run longer and more interactively, which is good news. It gives a new player more time to recover from mistakes and learn as they go.
Q: “What If I Lose Every Game My First Night?”
You’ll still have a great time, and you’ll be in excellent company. Most regulars lost their first night too. Commander is built around the table, not the scoreboard. Show up, play, learn a little each game, and the wins come on their own.
You’ve Got A Commander Night To Get To
You came here wondering if you belonged at a Commander table. You do. Every player there was new once, the staff really do want you to fall in love with the game, and the pod will rally the second you sit down. Not sure which shop to walk into? Here’s what separates a great local MTG store from a forgettable one. Grab a deck, give yourself a 20-minute head start, learn your one rule-zero sentence, and pack something to keep the numbers straight.
Try Match Punk free and start tracking your very first Commander game.