ManaTap Logo
← Back to Blog

How to Build Your First Commander Deck (Beginner Friendly)

Building your first Commander deck can feel overwhelming. With over 28,000 Magic cards to choose from and a 100-card singleton format, where do you even start? This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it simple and fun.

What is Commander?

Commander (also called EDH) is a 100-card singleton format where you choose one legendary creature as your "commander." Your commander starts in the command zone and can be cast from there. The format is typically played in multiplayer games with 3-4 players.

Key Rules:

  • 100 cards total (99 + your commander)

  • Only one copy of each card (except basic lands)

  • Your deck's colors must match your commander's color identity

  • Starting life total: 40

  • Commander tax: +2 mana each time you recast from command zone

    • Step 1: Choose Your Commander

    Your commander is the heart of your deck. For your first deck, pick a commander that:

  • Excites you - You'll be playing this deck a lot!

  • Has a clear strategy - Look for commanders with obvious abilities

  • Is budget-friendly - Save expensive commanders for later

    • Beginner-Friendly Commanders:

  • Krenko, Mob Boss (Red) - Makes goblins, simple and powerful

  • Talrand, Sky Summoner (Blue) - Makes drakes when you cast spells

  • Rhys the Redeemed (Green/White) - Token strategies

  • Aesi, Tyrant of Gyre Strait (Green/Blue) - Landfall and card draw

    • Step 2: Understand the Deck Structure

    A typical Commander deck follows this structure:

  • 35-37 Lands - Your mana base

  • 8-12 Ramp - Mana acceleration (Sol Ring, Cultivate, etc.)

  • 10-15 Card Draw - Keep your hand full

  • 8-12 Removal - Answers to threats

  • 2-5 Win Conditions - How you actually win

  • 30-40 Theme Cards - Cards that support your commander's strategy

    • Step 3: Build Your Mana Base

    Start with basics! For a 2-color deck:

  • 20-25 basics of each color

  • 5-8 utility lands (Command Tower, Exotic Orchard, etc.)

  • 2-3 budget dual lands if you have them

    • Don't worry about expensive lands yet - basics work fine for casual play.

    Step 4: Add Ramp

    Ramp is crucial in Commander. Include:

  • Sol Ring - The best ramp card, usually under $1

  • Arcane Signet - Color fixing and ramp

  • Cultivate / Kodama's Reach - Land ramp for green decks

  • Mana rocks - Signets, talismans, or other 2-mana rocks

    • Aim for 10 ramp pieces total.

    Step 5: Include Card Draw

    Running out of cards is the #1 way to lose in Commander. Include:

  • Phyrexian Arena - One card per turn

  • Rhystic Study - Draw when opponents cast spells (if budget allows)

  • Blue cantrips - Opt, Brainstorm, Ponder

  • Green card draw - Harmonize, Shamanic Revelation

    • Step 6: Add Removal

    You need answers to threats:

  • Beast Within - Destroys any permanent

  • Swords to Plowshares - Efficient creature removal

  • Counterspells - If you're in blue

  • Board wipes - Wrath of God, Blasphemous Act

    • Step 7: Build Your Theme

    This is where your commander shines! Add cards that:

  • Work with your commander's ability

  • Support your strategy

  • Create synergy

    • For example, if you're playing Krenko:

  • Goblin tribal cards

  • Ways to untap Krenko

  • Token doublers

  • Impact Tremors (damage when creatures enter)

    • Step 8: Test and Refine

    Playtest your deck! You'll quickly learn:

  • What cards work well

  • What's missing

  • What to cut

    • Use ManaTap AI's deck analyzer to get instant feedback on your deck's curve, synergy, and balance.

    Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

    1. Too many expensive cards - You'll never cast them

    2. Not enough ramp - You'll fall behind

    3. Ignoring card draw - You'll run out of gas

    4. No removal - You can't answer threats

    5. Too many win conditions - Focus on 2-3 clear paths to victory

    Use ManaTap AI to Build Your First Deck

    Building your first Commander deck is easier with AI assistance:

    1. Choose your commander - Start with a commander you like

    2. Import to ManaTap - Paste your initial decklist

    3. Get AI analysis - See what's missing or unbalanced

    4. Get suggestions - AI suggests cards that fit your strategy

    5. Optimize budget - Find cheaper alternatives if needed

    Start Building Your First Commander Deck →

    Next Steps

    Once you've built your first deck:

  • Play it! Learn what works and what doesn't

  • Upgrade gradually - Don't try to perfect it all at once

  • Build more decks - Try different strategies and colors

  • Join the community - Share your deck and get feedback

    • Conclusion

    Building your first Commander deck doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a commander you love, follow the basic structure (lands, ramp, draw, removal, wincons), and build around your commander's strategy. Use tools like ManaTap AI to get suggestions and optimize your deck as you learn.

    Ready to build your first Commander deck? Try ManaTap AI's free deck builder →

    ---

    Looking for more Commander deck building tips? Check out our other guides on budget building, mana curves, and common mistakes.