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Widely known as Magic: The Gathering's friendliest format, Commander has received a seasonal makeover just in time for the festive season. As part of a recent show, hosts Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong demonstrated a multiplayer game dubbed "Holiday Countdown."

How the Holiday Format Works

At its core is a simple mechanic superimposed on a normal EDH match. A rotating indicator moves around the table. Upon reaching the active player's turn, the action briefly pauses. Every player makes a hidden choice whether they're being Naughty or Nice via indicator cards.

Everyone reveal their card at the same time. After that, they resolve the bonus linked to their own choice, beginning with the person holding the marker. The token then gets passed to the right. The holiday round counter moves forward by one step, and regular Commander continues.

The choices become more significant with each passing round continue, seeming carefully crafted.

Growing Effects

At the start provided modest, shared boons for choosing Nice, such as gaining life or Clue tokens. In contrast, Naughty choices often gave more targeted upsides, usually targeting someone else. As an example allowed players who picked Naughty create a powerful airborne creature. Those who selected Nice generated a 1/1 Toy token creature for all participants.

Santa's Big Arrival

When the eighth round, Saint Nick personally showed up, transforming the experience. According to the tally of a participant was Naughty versus Nice, Santa gave out wrapped prizes. Outwardly, these were deck boxes, but contained MTG booster packs worth different amounts.

• The nicest player got a top-tier Collector Booster.
• Another friendly player opened a another type of Collector Booster.
• One player received a less powerful set.
• The most mischievous player drew the short straw: a notoriously weak booster pack acting as a gag.

Each card unwrapped immediately became used for the rest of the game, cast from exile using mana considered to be colorless. Players who were nice participants, their boon wound up being a significant advantage. Meanwhile, mischievous participants essentially got a disadvantage.

Recreating the Format Yourself

While the video had significant polish and preparation, the format is something anybody can easily try in their own playgroup. Participants uses their usual Commander deck, and the additional materials needed are a selection of MTG packs of varying value.

One potential issue lies in the fact that if everyone are aware beforehand the prize for being Nice, they all try to get the best booster pack. You could mix it up in different ways, such as doing a mini-draft from a shared pool or allowing participants to include specific cards from their binders.

Based on the entertaining match, Countdown to XT-Mas proves to be a festive way to create laughter when playing with friends. It changes the dynamics between players in a uniquely festive manner, creating a special experience among Magic fans everywhere.