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Already known as Magic: The Gathering's most interactive format, Commander just got a festive twist just in time for the festive season. During a special episode, creators Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong played a multiplayer match titled "Holiday Countdown."

How the Festive Variant Function

Fundamentally is a straightforward mechanic superimposed on a standard EDH game. A rotating indicator circulates around the table. When it the active player's turn, the game temporarily stops. Every player secretly chooses whether they're being Naughty or Nice with the help of two cards.

All players reveal their choice simultaneously. They then apply the effect linked to their selection, first with the player who has the token. The token is then passed to the next player. The countdown ticks up by one step, and normal gameplay continues.

The Naughty/Nice options do escalate as the rounds progress, seeming well-balanced.

Increasing Choices

At the start offered small, table-wide benefits for being Nice, such as gaining life or Clue tokens. In contrast, The Naughty paths typically offered more targeted benefits, usually targeting someone else. One round let players who picked Naughty get a powerful airborne Reindeer token. Those who picked Nice created a 1/1 Toy token creature for everyone.

The Climactic Arrival

When the final round, Santa Claus himself showed up, turning the match. Based on the tally of each player was Naughty versus Nice, Santa distributed mystery presents. They appeared to be deck boxes, but contained MTG booster packs with different rarities.

• The nicest player received a high-value special pack.
• The next kindest player opened a different premium pack.
• A special guest received a less powerful booster pack.
• The very naughty player drew the short straw: a famously bad booster pack which is basically a gag.

All cards opened immediately became playable for the rest of the game, used as a bonus by spending mana treating it as colorless. Players who were nice players, their boon wound up being a major advantage. Whereas, the naughty players essentially got a disadvantage.

Trying the Format with Friends

Although the video featured significant production value, the format is something anybody could easily replicate at home. Each player would bring their usual Commander deck, and the only extra items required are a selection of booster packs of varying value.

One potential drawback lies in the fact that if everyone are aware beforehand the prize for being Nice, they all might aim for the best booster pack. One might add variety with alternatives, like selecting cards together or letting players use cards they own not in their deck.

From the entertaining match, this holiday variant proves to be a fun method to add holiday cheer this holiday season. It changes the dynamics at the table in a joyous manner, making it a memorable way to play for Magic fans in their playgroups.