The Commander Bracket System Exists — So Why Are People Still Complaining About Decks?
“ Even with Wizards’ 5-bracket system, players still lose their minds over interaction… and forget to pack any themselves”
Wizards of the Coast launched the Commander Bracket System to bring structure and clarity to EDH matchups. Five brackets. Clear definitions. Easy pregame conversations.
So why are players still complaining about decks?
Simple: they forget to pack answers, then blame the deck that used them.
The 5 Brackets – A Quick Refresher
- Bracket 1 – Introductory: Precons, low synergy, jank.
- Bracket 2 – Low Power: Upgraded precons, slow synergy, casual fun.
- Bracket 3 – Mid Power: Balanced decks, light tutoring, fair combos, strong interaction.
- Bracket 4 – High Power: Optimized lists, redundancy, consistent combos.
- Bracket 5 – cEDH: Fully tuned, efficient wins, strong stack interaction, stax elements.
I What the Complaints Really Sound Like
- “Why are you playing counterspells at a 3?”
- “Why are you playing that card, it should be a game changer!”
- “A board wipe? That’s so sweaty for this table.”
- “This feels more like a 4 or 5 deck.”
Translation?
“You stopped my plan, and I didn’t bring anything to stop yours.”
Interaction Is NOT a Power Spike
Counterspells, spot removal, and board wipes exist at every power level—and are expected:
- Bracket 1 should have basic answers.
- Bracket 2 should know how to stop big threats.
- Bracket 3 absolutely needs interaction.
- Brackets 4–5? Interaction is the meta.
So when a player casts a Toxic Deluge, that doesn’t mean they’re “playing cEDH.” It means they built responsibly.
The Real Problem: Players Forget to Pack Answers
Here’s what too many decks look like:
- 12+ ramp spells
- 10 value engines
- 5+ win conditions
- 1 board wipe
- 1 counterspells
- 1 removal piece
And then the player acts shocked when their fragile combo is dismantled.
That’s not a power mismatch. That’s a deckbuilding oversight.
Casual Doesn’t Mean Passive
You can play casually and still include:
- Swords to Plowshares
- Beast Within
- Negate
- Cyclonic Rift
- Toxic Deluge
None of those make you a “try-hard.” They make you a reliable tablemate.
How to Make the Bracket System Actually Work
1. Be honest about your deck.
Don’t call it a Bracket 2 if it has consistent infinite combos.
2. Build answers into every deck.
Run 8–10 pieces of interaction—even in Bracket 2.
3. Communicate before the game.
Ask: “Do you have wipes, tutors, combos? How fast is it?”
4. Don’t shame players for being prepared.
Someone casting a board wipe doesn’t mean they’re sweaty. It means they’re awake.
Final Thoughts
The Commander Bracket System is a great tool—but it’s not a fix-all. You still need to build responsibly, play interactively, and stop blaming others when your deck gets checked.
Because if you don’t pack answers, every deck will feel like a challenge .
Veteran Commander Player | Magic Player Since 7th Edition | Creator of The Jumanji Format | #Team ATG: All That Games
(Detroit, MI - USA)
Resmustang has played Magic since 2001, specializing in Commander and community building. He's an accomplished EDH writer, podcaster, and the creator of the Jumanji Format, a chaotic twist on EDH.
Commander didn't just become his favorite format-it helped save his life during a dark time. That experience fuels his passion to create games that connect people, not just win them. For him, the best games aren't about power level-they're about the people you share them with.
Resmustang supports EDH, cEDH, budget cEDH, MTGA 100 Card Brawl and Pauper EDH, always brewing, building, and mentoring others.
His signature deck is Meren of Clan Nel Toth, played as a high-powered, non-infinite build. His favorite card: Spore Frog!
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