EDH Land Count: What the Community Actually Runs

"How many lands should I run?" It's the most common question in Commander deck building. Let's look at what actually works.

The Standard Answer

Most Commander decks run 33-37 lands.

This is the baseline, but your exact count depends on:

Your deck's average mana cost

How much ramp you're running

Your commander's color requirements

Your deck's strategy

Land Count by Strategy

Low-Curve Aggro (Average CMC 2-3)

Recommended: 33-35 lands

These decks want to play multiple spells per turn early. They need fewer lands because:

Cards cost less mana

They win before needing 7+ mana

They run more ramp to compensate

Example: Krenko goblin tribal, Talrand spellslinger

Midrange (Average CMC 3-4)

Recommended: 35-37 lands

The sweet spot for most Commander decks. Balanced curve means balanced land count.

Example: Most value-based commanders, goodstuff decks

Ramp/Stompy (Average CMC 4-5+)

Recommended: 36-38 lands

These decks need to hit land drops consistently to cast expensive threats.

Example: Green ramp decks, big creature strategies

Combo/Control (Variable CMC)

Recommended: 34-36 lands

Combo decks need specific pieces, not necessarily lots of mana. Control needs consistent mana for answers.

Example: Thassa's Oracle combo, permission-based control

How Ramp Affects Land Count

General Rule: For every 2 ramp pieces, you can cut 1 land.

8-10 ramp pieces: 33-35 lands

10-12 ramp pieces: 34-36 lands

12+ ramp pieces: 35-37 lands (don't go below 33!)

Why: Ramp accelerates you, but you still need lands to cast your ramp and your threats.

Color Requirements

1-2 Colors

Land Count: 33-36 lands

Easy to fix with basics. Can run more utility lands.

3 Colors

Land Count: 35-37 lands

Need more fixing. Include Command Tower, Exotic Orchard, and budget duals.

4-5 Colors

Land Count: 36-38 lands

Maximum fixing needed. Every non-basic should fix colors.

Common Land Count Mistakes

Too Few Lands (< 33)

Problem: You'll get mana screwed. Can't cast spells = losing.

Fix: Add 2-4 more lands. Basics are fine if you're on a budget.

Too Many Lands (> 38)

Problem: You'll flood. Drawing lands when you need spells = losing.

Fix: Cut 2-3 lands, add more spells that impact the game.

Ignoring Ramp When Counting

Problem: "I have 10 ramp pieces, so I only need 30 lands."

Fix: Ramp doesn't replace lands. You need lands to cast ramp AND your threats.

Land Count by Commander Type

Landfall Commanders

Recommended: 38-42 lands

These decks want lands in play. Run more basics and land-typed duals.

Example: Aesi, Tatyova, Omnath

Low-CMC Commanders

Recommended: 33-35 lands

If your commander costs 2-3, you can afford fewer lands.

Example: Krenko, Talrand, Zada

Expensive Commanders (6+ mana)

Recommended: 36-38 lands

You need to reliably cast your commander. Don't skimp on lands.

Example: Big dragons, expensive planeswalkers

Utility Lands

How many? 5-10 utility lands is typical.

Include:

Command Tower (if multi-color)

Exotic Orchard (if multi-color)

Field of Ruin / Ghost Quarter (land destruction)

Reliquary Tower (if you draw lots of cards)

Bojuka Bog (graveyard hate)

Don't overdo it: Too many utility lands = color screw.

Testing Your Land Count

Use ManaTap AI's Mulligan Simulator to test your land count:

1. Import your deck

2. Run the mulligan simulator

3. See how often you get playable hands

4. Adjust land count based on results

Test Your Land Count →

The Bottom Line

Start with 35-36 lands for most decks. Then adjust based on:

Your curve (lower = fewer lands)

Your ramp (more ramp = slightly fewer lands)

Your colors (more colors = slightly more lands)

Test it: Play games. If you're mana screwed, add lands. If you're flooding, cut lands.

Use ManaTap AI to Optimize Your Mana Base

Our AI deck analyzer checks your land count and suggests improvements:

Identifies if you're running too few or too many lands

Suggests utility lands for your strategy

Analyzes color fixing needs

Recommends budget-friendly alternatives

Analyze Your Mana Base →

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