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Already considered Magic: The Gathering's friendliest way to play, the Elder Dragon Highlander format has received a festive update just in time for the festive season. As part of a holiday-themed show, personalities Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong played a multiplayer match titled "Countdown to XT-Mas."

The Mechanics of the Festive Format Works

Fundamentally involves a simple layer superimposed on a standard Commander game. A rotating indicator travels between players. Once it arrives at the current player's upkeep, the game halts for a moment. Each participant secretly chooses whether they're being Nice or Naughty by using two cards.

The participants reveal their choice together. After that, they apply the consequence linked to their selection, beginning with the player holding the marker. It is subsequently handed to the next player. The holiday round counter advances by one step, and regular gameplay continues.

The Naughty/Nice options do escalate over time continue, designed to be well-balanced.

Increasing Outcomes

At the start offered minor, collective boons for being Nice, like life gain or investigation clues. Conversely, The Naughty options often gave personal benefits, often targeting an opponent. As an example allowed players who picked Naughty create a powerful airborne creature. Players that selected Nice generated a 1/1 Toy token creature for everyone.

The Grand Finale

On the eighth round, Saint Nick himself showed up, transforming the game. Based on how often each player selected Nice versus Naughty, Santa distributed mystery presents. They appeared to be small containers, but contained MTG booster packs of varying value.

• The nicest player got a high-value special pack.
• The second-nicest player received a another type of Collector Booster.
• Another participant received a older set.
• The least nice player got the worst prize: a notoriously weak booster pack which is basically a joke.

Each card unwrapped immediately became used for the duration, cast from exile using mana as though it were all colors. For the nicer participants, their present proved to be a huge advantage. Meanwhile, mischievous participants were given a punitive gift.

Recreating the Format Yourself

Although the video had significant polish and preparation, this is a concept that players can adapt at home. Everybody plays with their standard Commander deck, and the only extra items required are four different booster packs with different worth.

A possible drawback could be that if everyone know ahead of time the best pack's identity, they all try to get the most valuable gift. One might add variety by using other methods, for example drafting cards from a communal pile or allowing participants to use specific cards from their binders.

From the successful demonstration, this holiday variant is definitely a festive method to add holiday cheer when playing with friends. It changes the dynamics at the table in a uniquely festive manner, making it a unique way to play for MTG enthusiasts in their playgroups.