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Already known as Magic: The Gathering's friendliest way to play, Commander just got a festive twist perfect for the festive season. In a recent show, creators from a popular channel played a four-player match called "Countdown to XT-Mas."

How the Holiday Format Works

The basic idea is a simple mechanic added on top of a standard Commander game. One special indicator travels around the table. When it the current player's turn, the action briefly pauses. Each participant makes a hidden choice whether they're being Nice or Naughty by using choice cards.

The participants turn over their card together. Next, they carry out the consequence linked to their own choice, beginning with the player holding the marker. The token is subsequently handed clockwise. The countdown moves forward one notch, and regular Commander resumes.

The choices intensify over time go on, seeming well-balanced.

Growing Outcomes

At the start offered small, table-wide advantages for the Nice path, like gaining life or Clue tokens. Conversely, Naughty paths usually provided more targeted benefits, often at the expense of another player. For instance let those choosing Naughty receive a powerful airborne creature. Players that picked Nice made a 1/1 Toy token creature for each player.

The Climactic Showdown

When the last phase, Santa Claus himself showed up, turning the experience. Depending on how often each player selected Nice versus Naughty, Santa handed out sealed “gifts”. They appeared to be deck boxes, but inside were Magic booster packs worth different amounts.

• The nicest player received a high-value special pack.
• Another friendly player opened a another type of premium pack.
• A special guest received a less powerful booster pack.
• The very naughty player got the worst prize: a notoriously weak set that's essentially a joke.

Every card opened instantly were playable for the remainder of the match, played from outside the game by spending mana as though it were all colors. The kinder players, their boon proved to be a significant power spike. However, the naughty players essentially got a punitive gift.

Recreating the Game at Home

While the video included considerable custom components, the format is something any group could easily replicate in their own playgroup. Everybody uses their regular EDH deck, and the additional materials needed would be four different MTG packs with different worth.

One potential challenge is that if everyone are aware beforehand the prize for being Nice, they all strategize for the top prize. One might mix it up with alternatives, like drafting cards together or enabling gamers to use cards from their collection from outside the game.

Judging by the entertaining match, Countdown to XT-Mas stands as a fun method to spread some joy during festive gatherings. It adds a layer to the dynamics in the game in a fun and manner, resulting in a unique way to play among Magic fans this season.