MTG Commander Brackets: The Complete Guide to Power Levels
MTG Commander Brackets: The Complete Guide to Power Levels
The Commander Brackets are a new, voluntary power-level system created by Wizards of the Coast and the Commander Format Panel. Introduced in February 2025, its primary goal is to give players a shared language to communicate their deck's power level, leading to more balanced and enjoyable games, whether in friendly matchups or tournaments.
Early adoption has been strong, with about half of all Commander games on MTGO and over 54% of games on SpellTable Discord servers using the system. At MagicCon: Chicago, 87% of players who tried it reported that the brackets were helpful for their games.
What Are Commander Brackets? Understanding the Power Level System
The most important principle of the system is Player Intent. The brackets are not a simple calculator where you plug in your decklist and get an assigned number. The official philosophy and description of each bracket are more important than just checking off a list of card restrictions. You are expected to be honest about your deck's goals and power. If a deck technically fits Bracket 2's rules but plays at Bracket 3's power, you should "bracket up".
The Five Commander Brackets Explained: From Casual to Competitive
Here is a detailed breakdown of the five brackets, their philosophies, and their deck-building guidelines for Magic: The Gathering Commander format.
Bracket 1: Exhibition
The "just for fun" bracket. These decks prioritize theme and unique experiences over winning. No infinite combos, extra turns, mass land destruction, or cards from the "Game Changer" list.
Restrictions: No Game Changer cards, no intentional two-card infinite combos, no mass land destruction, no extra turn cards, sparse tutors.
Bracket 2: Core
The precon level. Similar in power to current preconstructed decks. Wins are usually telegraphed and incremental. Same restrictions as Bracket 1, making it perfect for beginners.
Restrictions: No Game Changer cards, no intentional two-card infinite combos, no mass land destruction, sparse tutors.
Bracket 3: Upgraded
Improved but not cutthroat. Thoughtfully designed decks with strong synergies. Games can end out of nowhere with late-game combos.
Restrictions: Up to 3 Game Changer cards, no early-game two-card infinite combos, no mass land destruction.
Bracket 4: Optimized
High power, no restrictions. These decks use the most powerful legal cards and strategies. All Game Changer cards are allowed.
Restrictions: None beyond the official banned list.
Bracket 5: cEDH
Competitive Commander. Built to win in tournament settings, often following the current metagame rather than personal expression.
Restrictions: None beyond the official banned list.
Commander Game Changers List: The Restricted Cards
The Game Changers list is a curated collection of cards that can dramatically warp a game of Commander. These cards are a clear signal of a higher-powered playstyle in Magic: The Gathering.
- Brackets 1 & 2 exclude all Game Changer cards
- Bracket 3 allows up to three Game Changer cards
- Brackets 4 & 5 allow any number of Game Changer cards
The list is maintained by the Commander Format Panel and receives updates. In April 2025, 18 cards were added, and 2 were removed, bringing the total to 61 cards.
For the most current and searchable list, you can always check the official Scryfall search for Game Changer cards.
Complete Game Changers List: All Restricted MTG Cards
White Game Changers
Blue Game Changers
Black Game Changers
Red Game Changers
Green Game Changers
Multicolor Game Changers
Colorless & Land Game Changers
How to Use the Commander Bracket System: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using the brackets effectively is straightforward and hinges on good communication for better Magic: The Gathering games.
- Evaluate Your Deck: Read the philosophy and guidelines for each bracket. Be honest with yourself about your deck's intent and power. While tools like Moxfield and Archidekt can provide an estimate, your own judgment is most important.
- Have a Pregame Conversation: Before any game, simply ask your playgroup, "What bracket is everyone playing?" This sets clear expectations.
- Bracket Up if Unsure: If you think your deck is on the line between two brackets, or if you've built it to technically fit a lower bracket but it plays more powerfully, choose the higher bracket. It's better to be slightly overpowered than to pubstomp.
Essential MTG Commander Resources
- Official Game Changer List on Scryfall - Always up-to-date search for restricted cards
- Moxfield - Deckbuilding site with bracket support and analytics
- Archidekt - Visual deckbuilding platform with bracket tools
- EDHREC - See popular cards and strategies for each power level
- Magic: The Gathering MTG Facebook Group - 300k+ member community for discussion
Final Thoughts on Commander Brackets
The Commander Brackets are a powerful tool to improve the health of the format by fostering better communication. By understanding the five tiers and the role of the Game Changers list, you can confidently categorize your decks and contribute to more fun, fair, and balanced games for everyone at the table.
Remember that this is still a beta system, and Wizards is actively collecting feedback. The brackets are meant to start conversations, not end them. The goal is always better games through better communication in your Magic: The Gathering Commander sessions.
-Comrade KAS
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