What is the Commander Bracket System?

The Commander Brackets System is a refined and more structured approach to categorizing deck power levels, replacing the broader and often subjective “1-10 power scale” that has been widely used in the community.

This new system introduces:

  • A streamlined yet more precise classification of deck strength, making it easier for players to find balanced and enjoyable games.
  • The Game Changer List, which highlights a select group of cards that have a significant impact on gameplay. These cards are some of the most influential and powerful in the format, capable of drastically shaping the outcome of a match.

This system helps create clearer expectations between players, ensuring more balanced matchups and a better overall experience for everyone at the table.

Bracket 1: Exhibition

  • Experience: Bring out your ultra-casual Commander deck and enjoy the game!
  • Deckbuilding:
    • No cards from the Game Changer list.
    • No deliberate two-card infinite combos, mass land destruction, or extra turn cards.
    • Tutors should be minimal.

This bracket represents the foundation of the format, emphasizing creativity and a shared, enjoyable experience rather than raw power. It caters to players who prioritize fun over competitiveness, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers, budget-conscious players, and fresh deck ideas.

Bracket 2: Core

  • Experience: The easiest comparison is the average preconstructed deck—right at the Core level.
  • Deckbuilding:
    • No cards from the Game Changer list.
    • No deliberate two-card infinite combos or mass land destruction.
    • Extra turn cards should be minimal and not used in loops or chained together.
    • Tutors should be minimal.

With preconstructed decks (precons) being incredibly popular, using them as the benchmark for this bracket makes perfect sense. While precons have become more powerful over time, they still provide a well-balanced, approachable experience that most players can easily recognize.

Bracket 3: Upgraded

  • Experience: These decks are enhanced beyond standard precons, built for stronger play.
  • Deckbuilding:
    • Up to three cards from the Game Changer list.
    • No deliberate early-game two-card infinite combos.
    • Extra turn cards should be minimal and not used in loops or chains.
    • No mass land destruction.

This bracket is ideal for players who want to strengthen their decks without fully diving into high-powered territory. It provides a controlled environment where players can explore mechanics like extra turn spells, infinite combos, and Game Changers without overwhelming the experience. Most decks will fall between Brackets 2 and 3, where win conditions start becoming more consistent, but not at the cost of balance.

Bracket 4: Optimized

  • Experience: No holds barred—time to unleash the full potential of your deck!
  • Deckbuilding:
    • No restrictions (aside from the official banned list).

Bracket 4 is where highly synergistic decks, powerful interactions, and Game Changers thrive. Here, deck construction is focused on efficiency, leveraging every available resource for victory. The social contract still applies, but players will wield some of the strongest individual cards, backed by tutors to ensure consistency. The goal is to bring the best possible version of the deck you love to play.

Bracket 5: cEDH

  • Experience: Maximum power, competitive strategies, and a metagame-driven mindset.
  • Deckbuilding:
    • No restrictions (aside from the official banned list).

At this level, the game becomes a high-stakes battle of optimized strategies, where efficiency, interaction, and powerful synergies define every match. The focus is on competition, with decks designed to execute their game plan as quickly and effectively as possible.

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