I have a Geist of Saint Traft card that I'd like to use as a commander for an EDH deck because I want to play blue/white. However, I've read some things that states he is banned as a commander, especially in 1 VS 1 commander. To me, this sounds silly. I understand he is a powerful commander with his hexproof and angel making ability. However, I feel like other commanders are much more threatening, such as the new overly powered Urza, Lord High Artificer from Modern Horizons (I played against a dude that had Urza out on turn two along with winter orb, locking the entire game out on turn two. Super unfun/overpowered).
Any clarification on this would be great. I would love to make a Saint Traft EDH.
Thank you.
Card tags are mandatory when asking questions in the Magic Rulings forum. Please check your private messages to learn how to use them. I’ve added them for this post. -MadMage
Geist of Saint Traft is a legendary creature card, so the comprehensive rules do not disallow that card from being in a Commander deck, whether as a commander or not, solely because of its name (C.R. 903.3, 903.2).
In general, however, questions on whether a particular card is legal in a Commander variant game are outside the scope of this forum, especially because the Magic: The Gathering Tournament Rules says nothing on the legality of cards in the Commander variant in particular (review M.T.R. section 6).
In any case, the Brawl option usually uses the Standard format (C.R. 903.11b), and at the time of this writing, Geist of Saint Traft is not legal in the Standard format because Innistrad and the Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed box set, neither of which is a legal Standard set, are the only sets that card was printed in (M.T.R. 6.2, 6.3).
It is also important to note that there are a few "Commander" variants out there. You need to know which variant (or, which banlist) your group is using. The multiplayer banlist which most people use does not ban Geist of Saint Traft and, in fact, has no "Banned as Commander" banlist. Either you are erroneously looking at the Duel Commander banlist or that is the list your group is using which means the info you have is accurate.
What is Duel Commander? Is that just 1 vs 1 Commander? I generally just play in a small play group of about 4 people at a friends house or I play against one of those friends. I thought there was a Banned as Commander list for cards like that elf that generates too much mana quickly. Sorry for my lack of knowledge with card names and rules.
Thanks.
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"He displays a perverse charisma fueled by avarice. Highly dangerous. Recommend civil sanctions."
— Agmand Sarv, Azorius hussar
The only Commander variant where Geist of Saint Traft is currently banned as a commander (well, the only one played enough to be considered relevant I think) is French Duel Commander, which is an unofficial (as in not supported by Wizards of the Coast) format with a vastly different philosophy (games are played with 20 life, notably, which is a major reason why Geist is considered too good there). The 1v1 variant that's supported and curated by Wizards is the Magic Online 1v1 commander, which is also used as a base by some tabletop 1v1 commander groups. That one has a much smaller banlist and is played with 40 life like multiplayer. It's really about the rules set that your organizer / playgroup adopts.
What is Duel Commander? Is that just 1 vs 1 Commander? I generally just play in a small play group of about 4 people at a friends house or I play against one of those friends. I thought there was a Banned as Commander list for cards like that elf that generates too much mana quickly. Sorry for my lack of knowledge with card names and rules.
Thanks.
Was writing my comment as you posted yours. The regular multiplayer commander banlist is found here, and some legendary creature cards are on it largely on the basis that they are considered too powerful as commanders (the example you bring up would be Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary), but it's not a separate "banned as commander only" list anymore. Used to be though.
I'm a former judge (lapsed), who keeps up to date on rules and policy. Keep in mind that judges' answers aren't necessarily more valid than those of people who aren't judges; what matters is we can quote the rules to back up our answers. When in doubt, ask for such quotes.
Any clarification on this would be great. I would love to make a Saint Traft EDH.
Thank you.
Card tags are mandatory when asking questions in the Magic Rulings forum. Please check your private messages to learn how to use them. I’ve added them for this post. -MadMage
— Agmand Sarv, Azorius hussar
In general, however, questions on whether a particular card is legal in a Commander variant game are outside the scope of this forum, especially because the Magic: The Gathering Tournament Rules says nothing on the legality of cards in the Commander variant in particular (review M.T.R. section 6).
In any case, the Brawl option usually uses the Standard format (C.R. 903.11b), and at the time of this writing, Geist of Saint Traft is not legal in the Standard format because Innistrad and the Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed box set, neither of which is a legal Standard set, are the only sets that card was printed in (M.T.R. 6.2, 6.3).
EDIT (Nov. 14): Correctness edit.
Thanks.
— Agmand Sarv, Azorius hussar
EDIT : Was writing my comment as you posted yours. The regular multiplayer commander banlist is found here, and some legendary creature cards are on it largely on the basis that they are considered too powerful as commanders (the example you bring up would be Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary), but it's not a separate "banned as commander only" list anymore. Used to be though.
— Agmand Sarv, Azorius hussar