Secret Santa MTG Commander

Secret Santa Commander at Purple Dragon Games

Registration: August 20–September 7

Admission: $10 per player

Deck Budget: $40 maximum

Deck Submission Deadline: November 13

Game Day: December 13

Format: Casual Commander in four-player pods

Includes: Free pizza and prize support

Special Prizes: Player Champion and Winning Deckbuilder

Purple Dragon Games is bringing a gift-giving twist to Commander with a special event that begins months before the first card is played. Each participant will secretly build a Commander deck for another registered player while someone else builds a surprise deck for them. Registration will be open from August 20 through September 7, and admission is $10 per player. Completed decks must be submitted to Purple Dragon Games by November 13 for verification and safekeeping. The exchange and casual Commander event will take place on December 13, complete with free pizza, prize support, and awards for both the winning player and the builder of the winning deck.

When registering, each player will complete a short preference form describing the colors, strategies, commanders, creature types, themes, and complexity levels they enjoy. Players may also identify mechanics or playstyles they would prefer to avoid. After registration closes, Purple Dragon Games will privately assign each participant a Secret Santa and provide that builder with the recipient’s player profile. The assignment must remain secret until the official reveal. Builders should use the profile as inspiration while still creating a fun surprise that reflects their own creativity.

Each participant must build one complete, Commander-legal deck containing exactly 100 cards, including the commander. The deck must follow its commander’s color identity and may not contain duplicate cards other than basic lands or cards whose rules specifically allow additional copies. The total deck value must remain within the $40 limit and will be reviewed by Purple Dragon Games before the event. This budget is separate from the $10 admission and represents the gift being created for another player. Players can keep costs manageable by using cards from their collections, browsing bulk cards, trading for affordable pieces, and choosing inexpensive cards with strong synergy. Sleeves and a deck box are appreciated but completely optional.

Finished decks must be delivered to Purple Dragon Games no later than November 13. Store staff will check each deck for Commander legality and budget compliance before holding it for the exchange. The deck becomes a permanent gift for its assigned recipient, so builders should only include cards they are prepared to give away. Participants should not exchange decks directly or reveal what they built before Game Day. Anyone who becomes unable to finish a deck should contact Purple Dragon Games immediately so another participant is not left without a gift.

On December 13, players will receive their surprise decks and gather in casual four-player Commander pods. Everyone will begin with 40 life and play using the deck that was built especially for them. The event is designed to be approachable, social, and full of the unpredictable moments that make multiplayer Commander memorable. New players and those trying Commander for the first time are warmly encouraged to participate. The $40 limit keeps the decks approachable, and everyone will be learning an unfamiliar deck together. Purple Dragon Games staff and experienced players will be available to help explain cards, combat, turn order, and Commander rules as the games unfold.

Pod results will determine which players advance to the final game. The winner of the final pod will be named the Secret Santa Commander Champion and receive a special prize. The person who originally created that player’s deck will also receive a prize as the builder of the Winning Deck. Additional prize support will help celebrate the creativity, generosity, and holiday spirit behind the event. Free pizza will be served during Game Day, and the Secret Santa identities will be revealed so players can meet the person who created their new deck. Every participant will leave with a playable Commander deck, a holiday gift from another member of the community, and a story that began months before the final showdown.