DECK BUILDING
GUIDELINES AND TIPS
#1- HOW TO BUILD
Build a complete, Commander-legal deck for the player secretly assigned to you, including one commander and 99 cards.
#2- WHAT TO BUILD
Keep the total deck value within the $40 budget limit so every player begins the event on roughly equal footing.
#3- BUILD FOR YOUR RECIPIENT
Consider your recipient’s submitted playstyle preferences, but feel free to surprise them with a creative theme, unusual strategy, or memorable commander.
#4- GIVE THE DECK
Keep your identity and deck a secret, then submit the finished deck by November 13th deadline for budget and rules verification before the December 13 event.
TIPS AND GUIDELINES
Start with your recipient’s preferences, then choose a commander that can create memorable games without depending on expensive cards. A focused deck usually performs better than a pile of powerful cards, so select one strategy and make most cards support it. Include enough mana sources, card draw, removal, and protection to keep the deck active throughout the game. As a starting point, consider about 36–38 lands, 10 sources of ramp, 10 card-draw effects, and 8–10 interaction spells, adjusting those numbers for the deck’s strategy and mana curve. Look for affordable cards that perform more than one job, such as creatures that remove permanents or lands with abilities. Remember that you are building a gift, so add personality through a theme, flavorful card choices, or a surprise synergy. Playtest the deck before submission, confirm every card follows the commander’s color identity, and verify that the deck remains within the $40 budget.
Once Secret Santa assignments are announced, each participant will build for the person they receive and keep the pairing private until the deck reveal. The deck becomes a gift, so only include cards you are prepared to give away. Building affordably is part of the challenge: search your collection, browse bulk boxes, trade for staples, and ask store staff to help locate budget-friendly alternatives. Many strong Commander cards cost only a few cents, especially when you favor synergy over staples. Keep a deck list and check card prices as you build so the final deck does not unexpectedly exceed the $40 limit. Please submit the deck by the November 13th deadline, giving staff enough time to confirm legality and budget compliance before redistribution. Sleeves and a deck box are welcome finishing touches, but they are optional and do not need to be included. If the deck is unsleeved, secure it in a clean bag or temporary card container so nothing is lost or damaged. Check that the deck contains exactly 100 cards, has no duplicate nonbasic cards, and follows its commander’s color identity. Finally, remove notes, receipts, or identifying marks if you want your identity to remain secret until reveal day.
PLAY & PRIZES
CASUAL COMMANDER PLAY
Players will gather in casual multiplayer pods, with four people, and play using the surprise Commander decks they received. Everyone begins with 40 life, places their commander in the command zone, and takes turns casting spells, building their board, making alliances, and responding to the unpredictable moments Commander creates. The goal is to be the last player standing, but this event is centered on creativity, laughter, and enjoying the gift someone built for you—not competitive play. New to Magic or Commander? This is a place to begin. The $40 deck limit keeps the power level approachable, and every player will be discovering an unfamiliar deck at the same time. You do not need an expensive collection or years of experience to join; you only need a willingness to learn and have fun. Players and store staff can help explain cards, turn order, combat, and Commander rules as the game unfolds.
YOUR ENTRY FEE COVERS AN EXPANDING PRIZE POOL
WINNER PRIZE
$25 STORE CREDIT
The winner will receive a $25 store credit prize
WINNING DECK PRIZE
$25 STORE CREDIT
The winning deck will receive a $25 store credit prize
Depending on attendance, other prizes may be announced as well! Stay tuned for more info.