Magic Monday: Our Club’s Upcoming Budget Commander Brewing Event

Our local gaming club is diving into Commander with a budget-friendly twist. Using MTG Goldfish to put a price on each deck, we’re setting a budget of just $50 per player. This event is perfect for those who want to enjoy the strategic depth of Commander without breaking the bank, or who want to challenge themselves to put together a fun deck without relying on expensive cards.

Event Rules and Guidelines

1. Budget Limit: Each participant must build their Commander deck with a budget of $50, as defined by MTG Goldfish. This includes all cards in the deck except for basic lands (these will be considered free), so budgeting and card selection are crucial.
2. Deck Construction:
   • Commander: Choose a Commander that fits within your budget and gives you a theme and direction (and colour set) in which to build.
   • Card Pool: You can use any cards that are legal in Commander, but remember to stay within the $50 limit.
   • Deck Size: Standard Commander deck size is 100 cards, including the Commander(s). Decks must meet this standard.
3. Card Restrictions:
   • Foils or Premium Cards: Cost is based on the cheapest possible version of each card, regardless of what printing you actually use. If you have a nice foil or alt art, feel free to chuck it in; you won’t be punished for bling!
4. Event Format:
   • Casual Club Play: Use the club discord to arrange games with other club members who are taking part in the event. Share your results with in the Trading Card Games channel.
   • List-sharing: Lists should be shared and decks completed by the 31st of March, 2025
   • Results: After the list deadline of March 31st, you have until June 30th to play games with your budget decks on club nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Play as many games as you like, but you will only score points for your first six games. It would be appreciated if you play beyond this initial set of 6 games to help others also reach six games. Points will be scored thusly:
     • 1st: +3P
     • 2nd: +1P
     • 3rd or lower: 0P
     • Removing a player: +1P
     • Alternative wincon: +1P (scored if at least two other players are still alive when a wincon resolves)
     • The winners will be awarded based on points totals. Stuart/Tavendale will compile the results.
5. Event Schedule:
   • Registration: List to be submitted to Stuart/Tavendale by March 31st with an MTG Goldfish link. Feel free to also share publically if wanted.
     • My list must be shown to a club officer by 24th February to ensure I am not tailoring my list to the others I receive.
   • Match Play: Matches to be played on club nights between the 1st of April and 29th of May.
6. Additional Rules:
   • Sportsmanship: Encourage good sportsmanship and fair play. Cheating or unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
   • Deck Integrity: Lists are public. If a deck in play does not reflect the submitted list, please inform Stuart/Tavendale.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a budget MTG Commander deck event is a fantastic way to bring players together and showcase the creativity and strategic thinking that goes into building a deck on a tight budget. It’s a fun challenge that encourages players to think outside the box and make the most of their resources.

So, I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes! I’ll share the decklists once the deadline has passed!