What is fun about Commander EDH for everyone is that you are not pressured to make the "best deck". You get to do what you want or feel, and it is just accepted that way.
This, I think, is what appeals to EDH most for me and what would be lost irretrievably if it were sanctioned as a competitive format. The Rules Committee, for what flaws they possess, have attempted to define the format as balanced (to the degree they can), social, and welcoming to all players: they want EDH to be something different from the main competitive formats. EDH is almost certainly a completely broken format, yet bizzare cards and obscure generals are what give it its value. I don't want to be forced into playing one of just a handful of decks; if I did, I would play in a competitive format, which I don't want. EDH fills this unique niche in the MTG universe: powerful cards and decks are rampant, but I've also seen lots of compliments on a player's unusual deck design or choice of commander. Competitive MTG is extremely un-diverse: decks are either tiered, "rogue," or total jank; cards are either "will see competitive play" or total jank. In a competitive format, you know what you will see from your deck and from your opponents'; EDH has an element, even if it's just tolerated by competitive players, that allows for a greater diversity to have a home.
That said, I would be very surprised if EDH were sanctioned as a 1-vs-1 format. WotC is obviously supporting the format, but if what we've seen so far from the Commander-specific cards is any indication (e.g., Death by Dragons), then 1-vs-1 is not at the front of their minds. If it ever is sanctioned, I expect something like we've seen at LGS EDH Leagues. If so, I hope they take the collusion aspect into account, e.g., seeding 4-player pods randomly in order to prevent friends from working together.
From what I understand (and I got this from one of the members of the Rules Committee), the idea was not for WotC to take over (i.e. Sanction) EDH/Commander. Rather it was for them to support EDH/Commander in a way so that there are actually cards designed specifically for the format. We will probably not see any sanctioning process beyond what is already available (i.e. Casual, Unrated, or similar things). So worrying about this seems fruitless.
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"As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of solving approaches zero." -- Varsuvius, Order of the Stick
EDH Is leagues more expensive than standard, I'm not sure how it's cheap. Maybe if you proxy a lot, but that ruins the collection part of the fun of magic.
I like this idea, and the jerk in me can't wait for the outlandish cries of the casual players who always clamor around with the claim that this is their format, like it can't be shared.
you can build a solid Commander deck for under 400$ with your money card being 3-4 Revised duals. However in standard you're either starting at 400$ (playset of Jace) or you're getting to 400$ rather quickly because the success of your playsets will rise the price of your cards.
I don't know what all those fancy letters mean in the pronunciation guide, but that is definitely the origin Wizards had in mind when they named the card.
You are definitely correct. "Saul" sounds horrible. These are the probably the same people that say "Monna" for mana and "Garook" For Garruk.
Funny thing is, we are both probably correct, it can probably be pronounced both ways (not sure which is the actual correct way of pronouncing it though).
The fact is that different area's of the world are going to pronounce different words in different ways. Regardless of if they are words in the dictionary, or fantasy words made up for a game. To that end I see no problem with people who pronounce Mana as "Monna" or Garruk as "Garook" as that is just their accent or the way they learned to pronounce it. Trying to convince them to pronounce the words the way YOU pronounce them would be an exercise in futility.
As for Saul sounding horrible, thats a matter of opinion. And an opinion I find myself disagreeing with quite readily.
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"As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of solving approaches zero." -- Varsuvius, Order of the Stick
The whole purpose of the product release done the way it was was so that WotC wouldn't have to manage the format. I have received repeated assurances that they have no interest in 'taking over' or sanctioning it. I have no reason to suspect that they won't honor that. I can see some variation on a theme of sanctioning as Casual-Unrated to be able to track/reward and give incentives to people who play in WPN locations, but I'm relatively sure we're a long way from seeing it as a competetive format.
I think you'd have to respectfully disagree with you.
Even if you wanted and EDH deck that's as good as a $700 Standard Deck- in it's own context- you'd still be likely come out much cheaper with EDH as it is.
First, there's the factor of only needing 1 of each card. Just that will cut a good deal of the price... you don't need 4 of the most expensive card in the format- just one.
Manabases can be pricey, but you run into quirks here, as a very highly powered decks can actually be monocolored- taking advantage of cheap cards like Extraplanar Lens, Gauntlet of Power, and other such effects.
Sure, you'll gain more power in other ways if you branch off to multi-color, but then you're also much more likely to run yourself into non-basic land hate more frequently.
Sol Ring is a key card in the format- and it's $10, usually.
Any of the Swords? Just about $10.
Solemn Simalcrum? About $5.
These are HEAVILY played cards that can- and frequently do- see play in any deck.
Those list of some of the best, mostly heavily played cards of every color, based on the users opinions- So many of them are rather inexpensive- the one that jumps over $20-$30 is the anomoly, rather than the rule.
If you go by "Tier 1" standards, I'd not be shocked to see most decks not jump beyond $300, unless they need a full compliment of dual lands, fetch lands and expensive non-basics to function.
You can do a lot more when on a budget when your decklist doesn't start with 3-4x $80 mythic rare- and when so many of your key cards usually hover around $10, and there's bargains that are amazing in some decks that are bulk rares.
This is my current EDH deck. I only started about 4 weeks ago, so I'm not even sure if that's good yet, although I do seem to do well in smaller games. There are only 84 cards there, I think I threw in 15 random cards to fill it out. That deck, is quite a bit more expensive than my standard UB control deck I play with 4 JTMS. A top quality EDH deck is generally more expensive than a top quality standard deck, mostly because of lands.
That deck has Karakas and every usable fetch, I think, along with the original and shock dual lands.
The first one is banned, and everyone has differing ideas on which fetches to use. Original duals I would never consider unless I came into a ton of money or had them in my collection years ago, but I'd say most people should have the shock duals.
its pronounced the same way as Paul would be only with an S instead of a P:
Pronunciation: (sōl)
EDIT: i.e. it would be pronounced the same way as the name "Saul"
I don't want to carry us too far off topic, but you are definitely incorrect. That little line above the 'O' essentially can be taken to mean you say the letter. "O", as in "Oh". So it is pronounced similar to "soul" just like in spanish, french, italian and latin (where this word is derived from).
@Schnell: You're playing Tarmogoyf for Pete's sake! Looking over your list, this is obviously just a three colour "good stuff" deck (and I'm guessing 1v1?). Decks like this will be more costly since a selection of the most powerful cards in history will be among the most expensive cards in history as well. I guarantee that my "budget" EDH decks could go toe-to-toe with this deck any day because synergy between two bad cards is better than two standalone good cards.
This is my current EDH deck. I only started about 4 weeks ago, so I'm not even sure if that's good yet, although I do seem to do well in smaller games. There are only 84 cards there, I think I threw in 15 random cards to fill it out. That deck, is quite a bit more expensive than my standard UB control deck I play with 4 JTMS. A top quality EDH deck is generally more expensive than a top quality standard deck, mostly because of lands.
Haha that's because your building it wrong.
The only deck that I can think of that should be running Goyf in EDH is Doran, because he synergizes with it's General. I mean, your running cards like Mystical Tutor over cards like Fact or Fiction. In EDH that's simply suicide.
If you had a better grasp on the format (as you admitted, your pretty new to it) you would see what works and what doesn't. And generally, Goyf does not work in EDH, as in Constructed he's great, but EDH allows you to play FAT, and he gets outclassed very quickly as a vanilla beater.
I don't want to carry us too far off topic, but you are definitely incorrect. That little line above the 'O' essentially can be taken to mean you say the letter. "O", as in "Oh". So it is pronounced similar to "soul" just like in spanish, french, italian and latin (where this word is derived from).
I am just going to say "soul", because "saul" does sound weird.
Also, I knew someone who pronounced mana "mahna". I know people can pronounce it however they want, but seriously? It just sounds too strange.
The whole purpose of the product release done the way it was was so that WotC wouldn't have to manage the format. I have received repeated assurances that they have no interest in 'taking over' or sanctioning it. I have no reason to suspect that they won't honor that. I can see some variation on a theme of sanctioning as Casual-Unrated to be able to track/reward and give incentives to people who play in WPN locations, but I'm relatively sure we're a long way from seeing it as a competetive format.
I'd love to hear who the 'reliable source' is.
I have to say, this gives me some doubts. I can't actually say why my source would know this without revealing who it is, but I will certainly see if I can get something more definitive.
Also, about the whole 'Sol' thing...the logical assumption is that it refers to Sol, as in the sun. That's pronounced with a short 'o', as in 'crop'. The OED will back that up. But hey, no one's going to kill you for pronouncing it some other way.
EDIT: Okay, the OED is subscription-only, apparently. Try Merriam-Webster.
The "saul" pronunciation is also referring to the sun as in "solar." (Presumably, they would say "saular") So even if pronunciation is in doubt, the meaning is not.
I checked further with my source; apparently this was heard directly from Wizards employees. However, it was at some point late last year, so it is possible that they either got their wires crossed with the Dec. 3 announcement, or things have changed since then. Take it or leave it, I guess.
The whole purpose of the product release done the way it was was so that WotC wouldn't have to manage the format. I have received repeated assurances that they have no interest in 'taking over' or sanctioning it. I have no reason to suspect that they won't honor that. I can see some variation on a theme of sanctioning as Casual-Unrated to be able to track/reward and give incentives to people who play in WPN locations, but I'm relatively sure we're a long way from seeing it as a competetive format.
I'd love to hear who the 'reliable source' is.
i've seen alot of people quote YOU as their "reliable source" but fail to be able to link me to you saying it.
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This, I think, is what appeals to EDH most for me and what would be lost irretrievably if it were sanctioned as a competitive format. The Rules Committee, for what flaws they possess, have attempted to define the format as balanced (to the degree they can), social, and welcoming to all players: they want EDH to be something different from the main competitive formats. EDH is almost certainly a completely broken format, yet bizzare cards and obscure generals are what give it its value. I don't want to be forced into playing one of just a handful of decks; if I did, I would play in a competitive format, which I don't want. EDH fills this unique niche in the MTG universe: powerful cards and decks are rampant, but I've also seen lots of compliments on a player's unusual deck design or choice of commander. Competitive MTG is extremely un-diverse: decks are either tiered, "rogue," or total jank; cards are either "will see competitive play" or total jank. In a competitive format, you know what you will see from your deck and from your opponents'; EDH has an element, even if it's just tolerated by competitive players, that allows for a greater diversity to have a home.
That said, I would be very surprised if EDH were sanctioned as a 1-vs-1 format. WotC is obviously supporting the format, but if what we've seen so far from the Commander-specific cards is any indication (e.g., Death by Dragons), then 1-vs-1 is not at the front of their minds. If it ever is sanctioned, I expect something like we've seen at LGS EDH Leagues. If so, I hope they take the collusion aspect into account, e.g., seeding 4-player pods randomly in order to prevent friends from working together.
you can build a solid Commander deck for under 400$ with your money card being 3-4 Revised duals. However in standard you're either starting at 400$ (playset of Jace) or you're getting to 400$ rather quickly because the success of your playsets will rise the price of your cards.
I laughed when I read this. Seriously? Sol Ring?
On another note, is it pronounced "Soul" or "Sawl"?
its pronounced the same way as Paul would be only with an S instead of a P:
Pronunciation: (sōl)
EDIT: i.e. it would be pronounced the same way as the name "Saul"
You know, I always pronounce it as "Soul," but I think it's actually pronounced "Sol."
Okay, thanks. So I have been saying it right.
Commander:
R Daretti, Scrap Savant
BR Olivia Voldaren
BRG Shattergang Brothers
GUR Riku of Two Reflections
WBG Karador, Ghost Chieftain
You are definitely correct. "Saul" sounds horrible. These are the probably the same people that say "Monna" for mana and "Garook" For Garruk.
I don't know what all those fancy letters mean in the pronunciation guide, but that is definitely the origin Wizards had in mind when they named the card.
Funny thing is, we are both probably correct, it can probably be pronounced both ways (not sure which is the actual correct way of pronouncing it though).
The fact is that different area's of the world are going to pronounce different words in different ways. Regardless of if they are words in the dictionary, or fantasy words made up for a game. To that end I see no problem with people who pronounce Mana as "Monna" or Garruk as "Garook" as that is just their accent or the way they learned to pronounce it. Trying to convince them to pronounce the words the way YOU pronounce them would be an exercise in futility.
As for Saul sounding horrible, thats a matter of opinion. And an opinion I find myself disagreeing with quite readily.
I'd love to hear who the 'reliable source' is.
http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/deck.asp?deck_id=754417
This is my current EDH deck. I only started about 4 weeks ago, so I'm not even sure if that's good yet, although I do seem to do well in smaller games. There are only 84 cards there, I think I threw in 15 random cards to fill it out. That deck, is quite a bit more expensive than my standard UB control deck I play with 4 JTMS. A top quality EDH deck is generally more expensive than a top quality standard deck, mostly because of lands.
Rules Advisor: 9/5/11
Old, sparsely updated because of above: Trade with me!
Weirdly, standard has been BAD since JTMS was banned, it hasn't been fun, nor healthy since.
The first one is banned, and everyone has differing ideas on which fetches to use. Original duals I would never consider unless I came into a ton of money or had them in my collection years ago, but I'd say most people should have the shock duals.
(U/B)(U/B)(U/B) JUMP IN THE LINE, ROCK YOUR BODY IN TIME
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W) RISING FROM THE NEON GLOOM, SHINING LIKE A CRAZY MOON
(U/R)(R/G)(G/U) STEALIN' WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUYIN'
I don't want to carry us too far off topic, but you are definitely incorrect. That little line above the 'O' essentially can be taken to mean you say the letter. "O", as in "Oh". So it is pronounced similar to "soul" just like in spanish, french, italian and latin (where this word is derived from).
@Schnell: You're playing Tarmogoyf for Pete's sake! Looking over your list, this is obviously just a three colour "good stuff" deck (and I'm guessing 1v1?). Decks like this will be more costly since a selection of the most powerful cards in history will be among the most expensive cards in history as well. I guarantee that my "budget" EDH decks could go toe-to-toe with this deck any day because synergy between two bad cards is better than two standalone good cards.
Haha that's because your building it wrong.
The only deck that I can think of that should be running Goyf in EDH is Doran, because he synergizes with it's General. I mean, your running cards like Mystical Tutor over cards like Fact or Fiction. In EDH that's simply suicide.
If you had a better grasp on the format (as you admitted, your pretty new to it) you would see what works and what doesn't. And generally, Goyf does not work in EDH, as in Constructed he's great, but EDH allows you to play FAT, and he gets outclassed very quickly as a vanilla beater.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane Studios for the amazing sig.
NO RUG: Primer
Tempo Thresh: Primer
I am just going to say "soul", because "saul" does sound weird.
Also, I knew someone who pronounced mana "mahna". I know people can pronounce it however they want, but seriously? It just sounds too strange.
I have to say, this gives me some doubts. I can't actually say why my source would know this without revealing who it is, but I will certainly see if I can get something more definitive.
Also, about the whole 'Sol' thing...the logical assumption is that it refers to Sol, as in the sun. That's pronounced with a short 'o', as in 'crop'. The OED will back that up. But hey, no one's going to kill you for pronouncing it some other way.
EDIT: Okay, the OED is subscription-only, apparently. Try Merriam-Webster.
Decks that cost 2-300 would shoot up to double.
Worst idea I have ever heard.
...I think you're really low-balling it. (I also thought an average deck without numerous duals costs $200-$300...)
(U/B)(U/B)(U/B) JUMP IN THE LINE, ROCK YOUR BODY IN TIME
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W) RISING FROM THE NEON GLOOM, SHINING LIKE A CRAZY MOON
(U/R)(R/G)(G/U) STEALIN' WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUYIN'
That's the price of a deck without duals, duals add another 50-400 depending on the duals and the combination of colors in the deck.
i've seen alot of people quote YOU as their "reliable source" but fail to be able to link me to you saying it.