Hybrid Mana in Commander: A Rule Change That Could Help Everyone?

On accessibility, affordability, and the future of deckbuilding in Magic’s most popular format

A quiet but potentially massive shift is being considered for Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format—and it has nothing to do with bans, power levels, or new sets. Instead, it’s about how we interpret a 17-year-old mechanic: hybrid mana.

Right now, Wizards of the Coast is listening to player feedback on a proposed rule change that would treat hybrid mana symbols (like {W/U} or {R/G}) as “either/or” for color identity—instead of the current “both/and” standard. If adopted, this would make nearly 500 cards newly playable in mono- and dual-color decks.

But while many see this as a long-overdue fix, others worry it could blur the lines that make Commander creatively rewarding.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who it helps, and why it matters—without taking sides.

What’s the Current Rule?

In Commander, a card’s color identity is determined by every mana symbol on the card—including those in the casting cost and rules text.

For hybrid mana, this means a card like Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner ({U/G}{U/G}{3}) is considered both blue and green—even though you can cast her with only blue or only green mana.

As a result:

• She can only be played in decks that include both blue and green in their commander’s identity.
• She’s locked out of mono-blue or mono-green decks, despite being castable with just one color.

This has been the rule since hybrid mana was introduced in Ravnica (2005)—even though every other Magic format treats hybrid mana as “or.”

What Would Change?

Under the proposed rule, hybrid mana symbols would count as only the colors you choose to pay.

So:

• Kiora could be played in a mono-blue deck
• Rhys the Redeemed could lead a mono-green Elf deck
• Beseech the Queen would become effectively colorless—playable in any deck

Importantly:

• On the battlefield, these cards would still be all their colors
• Phyrexian mana, DFCs, and cards with colored pips in text (like Deathrite Shaman) would not change

The Case For: More Options, Lower Costs, Greater Inclusion

Supporters argue this change would:

• Help mono-color decks compete more fairly
• Reduce financial pressure—use existing hybrid cards instead of expensive reprints
• Unlock creative builds (e.g., mono-green Rhys)
• Make Commander more welcoming to newer players

“If my commander can produce the mana to cast a card, why can’t I play it?”

The Case Against: Tradition, Identity, and Creative Constraints

Critics counter that:

• Color identity is a core pillar of Commander’s design
• It could blur strategic boundaries (e.g., Gruul decks playing black hybrids)
• The format has thrived for 20+ years under the current rule
• It might reduce the uniqueness of multicolor decks

Where Does This Leave Us?

Wizards has made it clear: no decision has been made yet. They’re actively seeking feedback via the official MTG Discord, with a final call expected in early 2026.

This is a rare moment where player voices truly matter.

Final Thought

Commander was built by players, for players. At its best, it’s a format that welcomes creativity, rewards ingenuity, and respects both budget and vision.

This proposed change doesn’t have to be “good” or “bad”—it just has to serve the community. And that’s a discussion worth having together.

Want to weigh in?
Share your thoughts on the official MTG Discord.
Or join our community: Magic: The Gathering MTG Discord.

New to Commander? Check out our beginner guides:
• 10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Playing Magic
• How to Build Your First MTG Commander Deck

This article is part of MTG 4 Commies—a free, community-focused resource for Magic players who believe the game is better when it’s more accessible, affordable, and inclusive.