Author | Lightnews

Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 3h

This was built on feedback from previous bracket guidelines, the experience of the Commander Format Panel (18 international Commander players with a variety of knowledge and preference), and input from Wizards of the Coast directly.

Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Hopefully the brackets make this kind of conversation more common and comfortable. I know aggro and voltron and players are concerned about the turn approximations and will have to voice things from the other side, so don't feel like you're alone in asking for exceptions.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

This is what was intended, but it does seem like the language needs better clarification. Something to work on for the future.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

I wouldn't say there's no place. If you want to be play a more controlling bracket 2 deck, just mention it to the pod beforehand and make sure they're cool with it.

"I have a lower power deck with a pretty controlling game plan, is that something you're up for?"

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

If your deck's primary goal is control/disruption it is likely too much for bracket 2.

If your deck's primary goal is proactive but includes removal spells, that meets most players expectations for bracket 2.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

ALMOST

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

"My deck most closely resembles bracket 3, but has 4 game changers, is that okay?"

"My deck is a Voltron deck and can take out a player by turn 5, is that okay?"

"My deck is a Group Hug deck and will likely speed things up a bit. We all down for that?"

This is a tool. NOT rules.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

I've seen a lot of concern about staying within the "rules" of each bracket; and would like to reiterate that these are not rules. They are the average expectations of players in that kind of game. If your deck doesn't meet those expectations, you can ALWAYS mention it to adjust those expectations.

Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

No major changes to the Brackets this time, but we've been working on clarifying some of the ~*vibes~* around each Bracket, including adding "safe turns" and delineating expectations for decks, win conditions, and gameplay.

We've also removed tutor restriction from 1 & 2.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

If you can do anything infinitely, it counts in my mind, regardless of payoff or not.

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Reposted by Rachel Weeks

Brad Plays 43 Lands @steelcitybrad.bsky.social · 1d

Something to keep in mind for these brackets is that they're conversation tools. If you're playing an aggro or voltron deck that *could* take a player out before the "correct" turn, tell the other players. These aren't supposed to be rigid. It's about aligning expectations, not defining power-level.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

I designed this one with the help of the CFP. We all iterated quite a bit to make this image.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

That means a lot! We put a bunch of work into this version

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

🙏🙏🙏

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Players in bracket 3 do not expect to play against intentional combos that can be consistently assembled and executed before turn 6.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

That's one of the big things we hope this tool can do: give folks the language to be able to describe their decks clearer! Even if you don't fit in a bucket perfectly, you can communicate where you are effectively.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

The "safe turns" are an average expectation not a rule. If you pay a million life and put your own life to 5 for example, you can absolutely die before the expected turn.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

I think Vorinclex is covered under the Mass Land Denial restrictions for the lower brackets.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Thank you! We don't have a timeline on silver-bordered cards.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

We have not seriously discussed Limited Resources being unbanned.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Yep! Article will come out at the end of the stream.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Yep! Will come out at the end of the stream.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

I'm glad you like it! I like the GC changes, but understand the hesitation to go back the other way.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Thanks, Elk. I'm glad it's an improvement.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

Definitely dense! But I'm glad there's more clarity! That was a huge focus for us.

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Rachel Weeks @wachelreeks.com · 1d

We also removed a few cards from the GC list, including:

Expropriate
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur
Sway of the Stars
Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger
Urza, Lord High Artificer
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow
Winota, Joiner of Forces
Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy
Food Chain
Deflecting Swat

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