Centurion Commander is a variant of the non-multiplayer Commander format, born from the passion of the Italian community in January 2019. Created with the goal of providing a competitive and balanced experience for 1v1 Commander, the format quickly gained popularity.
Today, we’ll take a look at some of its key advantages.
1. 25 Life Points: Balanced without Sacrifice
One of the core aspects of Centurion Commander is the 25-life total. If you’re familiar with other formats like Modern, you might wonder why this number was chosen. Originally, Centurion started with 30 life points, but after extensive testing and adjustments, 25 was found to be the ideal number to balance the pace of the game. Those extra 5 points, compared to the traditional 20, significantly reduce the need for bans, making Centurion one of the 1v1 Commander variants with the leanest banlist. This means that commanders like Asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar, Akiri, Line-Slinger, Geist of Saint Traft or Zurgo Bellstriker are free, enriching the variety of decks and strategies available without disrupting the format’s balance.
2. Banlist Policy
In recent years, Wizards of the Coast has been pushing the power level of cards higher and higher, and Centurion has adapted to this shift in a thoughtful way.
To keep the format both interesting and balanced, we only intervene when a card truly disrupts the metagame. At the same time, we aim to unban cards that have been overshadowed by newer and more powerful cards. This approach allows players to experiment and build original decks without being restricted by constant changes. The result? A healthy metagame that rewards creativity and doesn’t hinder deck-building freedom.
3. Shared Tax: More Strategic Freedom
With the introduction of commanders with the partner ability, 1v1 Commander players had to deal with incredibly powerful combinations. Since this mechanic was designed for multiplayer, various communities sought ways to avoid having to ban an excessive number of commanders.
- Some chose to implement a rule where players using two commanders must put a certain number of cards at the bottom of their deck after mulligans, equal to the number of mulligans taken plus one.
- Others decided that you could only cast one of your two commanders during the game.
- In Centurion Commander, we opted for a shared commander tax between the two partners.
This not only allows partner decks to continue existing without unfair penalties but also gives players more strategic options throughout the game. A good example of this flexibility is the Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful / Jeska, Thrice Reborn deck, which takes full advantage of the synergy between these two commanders.
4. An Attentive and Responsive Committee
One of Centurion’s greatest strengths lies in how the format is managed. The Centurion Committee is devoted to the administration, promotion, and development of the format, investing their personal time and resources into its upkeep. Operating independently from Wizards of the Coast, the committee has a flexible structure that can evolve over time based on the needs of the community, without a fixed number of members or rigid roles.
Our committee is made up of active players who live and breathe the format, staying closely connected with the community and responding quickly to its needs. We’re not distant or unreachable—receiving constant feedback from players and making necessary adjustments to keep the game balanced. With a network of local coordinators, we can act swiftly and ensure that every player’s voice is heard.
5. A Welcoming Community and a Inclusive Format
Even though Centurion is a competitive format, the atmosphere at tournaments is surprisingly friendly. You’ll often find opponents who are ready to share a laugh and discuss their love for Magic, creating an environment where the goal isn’t just winning, but enjoying the game. The Centurion community is known for its welcoming nature, making every tournament an opportunity to meet new friends and discover new strategies.
Centurion Commander also encourages diversity in deck-building and playstyles. Thanks to a reduced banlist and rules that allow for a wide variety of commanders, players are incentivized to experiment. Whether you prefer controlling the battlefield with powerful spells or launching quick attacks with agile creatures, there’s always room for your unique playstyle in Centurion.
Interested in playing Centurion Commander? Our Beginner’s guide and helpful links page have all the information you’ll need to get started.
