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Widely known as Magic: The Gathering's most interactive format, Commander has received a seasonal makeover perfect for the end of the year. As part of a recent episode, creators from a popular channel demonstrated a multiplayer game called "Countdown to XT-Mas."

How the Holiday Variant Works

The basic idea involves a straightforward mechanic superimposed on a standard EDH game. A designated marker travels between players. Once it arrives at the active player's upkeep, the action briefly pauses. All gamers makes a hidden choice if they will be being Naughty or Nice via choice cards.

Everyone flip their card at the same time. They then carry out the consequence tied to their own choice, first with the player who has the token. The token is then passed clockwise. A special tracker ticks up a single increment, and regular gameplay continues.

The Naughty/Nice options do escalate as the rounds progress, feeling well-balanced.

Escalating Outcomes

At the start offered modest, shared advantages for being Nice, such as gaining life or investigation clues. In contrast, The Naughty paths often gave personal benefits, frequently to the detriment of an opponent. As an example let players who picked Naughty receive a 4/4 flying creature. Those who picked Nice made a small artifact creature token for everyone.

Santa's Big Showdown

When the final round, Santa Claus himself arrived, turning the experience. Based on the tally of a participant was Nice versus Naughty, Santa handed out mystery presents. These looked like small containers, but contained MTG booster packs with different rarities.

• The most benevolent player got a high-value special pack.
• The second-nicest player got a different Collector Booster.
• A special guest received a older set.
• The least nice player drew the short straw: a notoriously weak set that's essentially a joke.

Every card unwrapped could then be used for the duration, cast from exile with mana as though it were any color. For the nicer participants, their gift became a huge boost. Whereas, the naughty players basically received a disadvantage.

Playing the Format with Friends

While the video had a lot of polish and preparation, the format is something any group could easily replicate at home. Everybody would bring their regular Commander deck, and the only extra items required are several booster packs of varying value.

A possible challenge lies in the fact that if everyone know the rewards in advance the prize for being Nice, they all try to get the best booster pack. Groups can mix it up with alternatives, such as drafting cards from a communal pile or letting players include cards they own from their binders.

From the successful demonstration, this holiday variant is definitely a fun format to add holiday cheer during festive gatherings. It changes the strategy between players in a joyous manner, creating a special experience among MTG fans in their playgroups.