From Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks: Pauper Commander Continues to Grow in Detroit




Magic: The Gathering has always thrived on creativity, accessibility, and community. In Detroit, once again that spirit continues to shine with an upcoming FREE Pauper Commander Tournament (PDH) hosted by All That Games. The event kicks off on October 19th at 12PM, with $100 store credit to 1st place and $50 credit each to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.


The best part? Entry is completely free.




What is Pauper Commander (PDH)?



Pauper Commander, often called PDH, takes the beloved EDH/Commander format and strips it down to its most accessible form:


  • Commander is an uncommon creature, vehicle, or spacecraft and does not need to be legendary.

  • All other 99 cards must be commons - note from PDH Homebase.com:  If a card has been printed at a specific rarity, it is classified under that rarity. This classification is based on paper and MTGO releases, excluding Arena.
  • Commander damage is 16.
  • Starting life is 30.



This twist creates a level playing field, lowers costs, and challenges deckbuilders to squeeze the most value and synergy out of the most unassuming cards. In many ways, PDH embodies the saying, “From little acorns, mighty oaks grow.” Small, overlooked commons can become the backbone of powerful strategies.





My Spotlight Deck: 

Tannuk, Memorial Ensign




One exciting commander choice I’ve been toying with is Tannuk, Memorial Ensign, a ramp-focused commander that turns small creatures and mana dorks into explosive growth. My decklist shows how commons can rival even high-power EDH strategies:(https://moxfield.com/decks/FIsTGuTcdkOWh3J0CPySBw)


  • Ramp & Fixing: Classics like Cultivate, Kodama’s Reach, and Skyshroud Claim pair with mana dorks (Elvish Mystic, Fyndhorn Elves) to explode lands onto the battlefield.
  • Recursion & Protection: Cards like Reclaim, Tamiyo’s Safekeeping, and Vines of Vastwood keep key pieces safe and recycle threats.
  • Utility & Interaction: Abrade and Pyroblast provide budget-friendly answers, while Snake Umbra and Rancor keep pressure on opponents.
  • Mana Base: A mix of snow-covered basics, bounce lands (Gruul Turf), and utility fetches (Evolving Wilds, Terramorphic Expanse) smooth out the colors.


This deck is proof that commons can carry weight and deliver the thrill of big plays, even without rares or mythics.

Why You Should Join



  • Accessibility: PDH is one of the cheapest ways to play Commander…most decks can be built under $100.
  • Skill Testing: Without powerful rares, success relies on synergy, sequencing, and creativity.
  • Community: This event is free, casual-competitive, and perfect for meeting Detroit’s growing Pauper Commander scene.



Whether you’re a seasoned grinder or a curious newcomer, this event is a chance to prove that commons can shine just as brightly as any mythic.




Event Details -


Sign up Here:

https://topdeck.gg/event/free-pauper-commander-tournament


Location: All That Games, 27462 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI

📅 Date & Time: October 19th, 2025 @ 12PM

Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $100 Store Credit
  • 2nd–4th: $50 Store Credit

Entry Fee: FREE




Closing



Detroit has always been a city of builders, dreamers, and grinders….the perfect place for Pauper Commander to continue take root as there has been other pdh events at other stores. On October 19th, come be part of the movement where “little acorns” of commons grow into the mighty oaks of unforgettable games.

 About the Author:


@mtg_Sparks on X
@mtgsparks.bsky.social
  @resmustang on Moxfield or Scan QR:



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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