A reminder that my Discord has a 100% free "Looking For Game" section, with games of everything from Commander to Modern (and even Pauper) firing off. So if you want to get some webcam Magic, just check out discord.gg/tolariancommunitycollege

Helpful tip for token decks: if you use paper tokens and make a mass of a certain type, you only need two of those tokens. Have one upright and the other tapped behind that one. then use dice to represent the number of untapped and tapped tokens. Helps keep the board clear and concise.

Opponent: “professor, who are you talking to? Why are you just looking off to the side of the table? Take your turn already! It’s been like 15 minutes!”

Learn these unwritten rules and watch your opponents continue to break them anyway.

Man it seems insane that you have to talk about hygienic habits but it's absolutely a problem and Im glad you put it in the video. I've stopped going to so many LCS because unfortunately people just smell awful and no one does anything about it.

Moxfield is great for showing you what tokens your deck generates, I use it for all my commander decks so I don't have to take apart my deck to make swaps etc

This sounds like now you have to design an official Tolarian Community College Playmat with all zones and trackers

Will like to see a mat with all those zones representing the stack and what not. It would be perfect for spell table and not have to worry about post it notes.

I've noticed actual tokens are important especially with something like my Krenko deck. Cause many times the new tokens can't attack, but the old ones can. So usually I'll have one token that represents goblins that can't attack and one for ones that can.

I came just expecting an explanation of what to expect from the pre-game discussion/rule 0 type stuff since I know plenty of players still aren't onto that, was not ready for a whole lot of great out-of-actual-game advice. Wonderfully thorough as always, thank you Prof!

I have never once walked away from a table due to power levels or personality - I feel like among magic players this sort of thing can work itself out over time. I can't count the number of times I've walked away because the person sitting next to me smelled like a burning dumpster fire. I've left game nights at my LGS early because every open table had a stinker. Please shower.

As a new commander player I loved this video. It really helps to know some expected etiquette during matches but also high lights the things I’ve found fun when playing commander. It does SUCK to lose but sometimes I’ve had fun watching a friends deck finally pop off and beat another friend who usually wins. I’ve tried to remind myself that this game is bigger than myself and that I am in it for the experience and the people I’ve met the last 4 months. When I appreciate those small things the wins just become something extra sweet rather than the whole pie.

Asking other players at the LGS for advice is super helpful. Many times when I've made new decks, I've been able to ask other players who have played similar themed decks about interaction advice and card upgrades.

Absolutely love you asserting that "power levels" are essentially meaningless and that you outline ways to have a more productive discussion on the subject

"be kind and wear deodorant" words to live by

Great video as always. Something I find difficult to approach because so many players have habits because they're normal human beings, but I have misophonia. Which means some sounds evoke an uncontrollable uncomfortable reaction. Mostly it's just card flicking, but sometimes it's mouth clicking or something similar. I didn't ask to have this reaction but I have it, and the people doing those things aren't being malevolent, so it's a difficult topic to broach because I don't want to sound controlling to have them change something they don't even know they do and I dont want to sound weird in general.

As someone who's very recently getting into MTG in general, exclusively Commander, this helped me a lot. Thanks, professor. That said... "shower yourself"? Is there really people out there that don't do it? 😰

This is precisely why I run my spot removal/boardwipe tribal. It keeps the whole table organized and the game running smoothly.

I feel called into question...I always forget my counters and tokens... >.> I love that the Prof is basically telling us to wash ourselves :D

Thank you so much. As a person who has struggled my whole life being a sore loser, these etiquette videos have really helped. My play group has seen an improvement, and they have voiced this improvement. So now I can proudly say that the ocean finally has more salt than I do. Thank you professor! ❤

So glad I jumped into this game. I used to play yugioh and it’s become so disgustingly toxic. It’s so open and welcoming. Not to mention it evolves in a positive way. Thank you for being a beacon of light.

This video is excellent. I'm trying to set up an MTG club for my students focused on commander and if it ends up happening I'll 100% be playing this video for them before at the start to set expectations for what the club should be about.

WOW, the Professor is taking us to school! I might just use this video to teach my adult son how to interact with people in real life IN GENERAL, since most of this video is packed with transferrable information for socially awkward people of ANY genre, hobby, or setting. Thanks, Prof!

🎉 so many thing to remind myself while simultaneously glad that this is just being put out there for all players. We put so much of ourselves into our decks, even if net decking, and put so much time into a game of commander. It can be difficult to remember to that it is a game to enjoy with others and that there are boundaries and norms that need to be followed so everyone has an equal opportunity to have fun. Always appreciate all your content.

The professor is always a class act

One thing I would add is if a new player is joining a play group, let the player play they're deck. I've seen far too often (and been a victim of myself) of a new player being ganged up on because the other players don't know about the new players deck. Let everyone have some fun and learn with the new players. You may get surprised.

Thank you Prof for another awesome video. Making the game we love as much fun as possible for everyone is such an important part of growing your playgroup.

such a vastly important topic and a wonderful video. thank you for addressing these matters so thoroughly, explicitly, and eloquently.

Thank you for your videos, Prof. I've been playing since Mirage, but I took a long break (until a few years ago). Your videos have done much to maintain my interest in this game as well as make me a better player. I raise a glass to you, good sir!

This is my favorite mtg channel. That said, have you ever watched a fast food commercial? The professor and his friendly gameplay, I am happy for them, its like the perfect looking burger. The reality is when you open it up and go to your LGS its a mess. Half the people are salty. It's so bad now just simply playing one counterspell on someone all game can set them off and ruin your night. Like the professor, find people and make your own private group. It may take a few months of figuring out at the LGS but it is well worth it. More than half the games I've won have been not even enjoyable. My win rate is like 10 to 15%. I'm kind. I dont target players out. I play like the prof probably does in his videos. Trust me. Form that group ASAP. Goodluck. Have fun!

Wow, I really like the idea of specifically marking the zone, especially the spell being cast. Really good idea.

Prof, I have been loving your comedy videos, gameplay videos, and salty rants about WOTC. But, man, I forgot how good it is when you lay out important information with thought and clarity. This was brilliant, and I look forward to more.

This was an amazing video! ❤ so thoughtful of how to make sure everyone has fun.

Very insightful Professor, and definitely a message that is worthwhile to be told every once in a while! Even already knowing this information, hearing it again is a good reminder to value/reflect on your interactions with others and respecting them.

Commander players " We want to play vintage casually." Me: That's stupid and impossible.... but I'll Play."

omg i loved this video! thanks prof! nice to see these unwritten rules actually explained thoroughly!

I'm very happy to have the unwritten rules, soft though they might be, said out loud for once. I especially like this particular take on the ever-evolving Rule-0, or pregame Conversation. With such a big playerbase, having everyone agree on what power levels actually mean is always going to be near impossible.. Not to mention how, by the nature of the game itself, inconsistency of power level is inherent to the game. Sometimes a 5 will get a lucky draw and play as a 9, sometimes a 9 will mull down to 4 and get screwed the rest of the game. The thing that really matters, is what the actual goal of the deck is, and how that will effect the course of the game. Got a deck that wants to play fast and has minimal late-game strats? Might not do well at a pillowfort table. Got a deck that coasts along until it hits some explosive turns in the mid-late game? Maybe don't bring it to the table that wants to combo off by turn five. Feeling a little burned out by your only deck getting hated out of the game because it always becomes the archenemy? Maybe borrow a deck for the night. Basically, enjoy riding the line between co-operation and competition. There would be no games to win, if not for the other players at the table after all.

this is probably my favorite video i've seen from you so far, thanks so much for all the information and advice. didn't even realize i needed it tbh

I have no idea how to say this but it feels like this video was the point of your channel. It sums you and what you've been trying to do with people and the community for the past however many years.

Prof your videos are always awesome and I think this may be one of the best yet. Its so simply but so important in the process of making thw game what it is. Keep up the great work prof.

All of this advice is much appreciated, and very helpful to new players or people playing with strangers, and of course over Spelltable... That said I'm so glad I got a set group. We have a big unorganized stack of tokens anyone can grab from, we use whatever dice we got, there's no "Rule 0" conversations. Mana trackers, really!? We just play and have fun without having to worry over every little thing!

Somebody thought it was excessive that I tutored twice in a turn, but I didnt care cause it was in my hand and it was the only thing I was able to do at the time, my deck is a combo deck but I dont really care about peoples feelings about playing it its like if you dont want me to combo then stop me in stead of complaining about my deck

I find that when all 4 players are equally ripe smelling that's when the game truly gets good.

Thank you for the mention, and thank you for this great guide! Many players don't know that dice should be placed over the text on SpellTable so it can read the card. Whether or not players will follow all of this advice, they should at least be aware of it in order to decide if they agree or disagree.

This is an excellent video and I'll definitely be sharing it with some folks I just built decks for. Thanks prof! :)

One thing I learned at PAX this year is that I have to temper my expectations of what's acceptable social interaction. I played with a number of people who were likely not neurotypical, and found it personally challenging, much to my surprise. It important to accept people for who they are and not impose our expectations of what's acceptable or normal. Feel free to add air quotes as you see fit

This is so inclusive and helpful even for kids and people with learning disabilities! I didn't expect a video on the basics to go so above and beyond! This is truly a guide to access for everyone to play Magic: the Gathering. You're an inspiration to all competitive communities - not just Magic. If everyone followed this, it would be a lot easier for newcomers to be welcomed in.

The social contract that my group agrees to, whether they want to or not, is having their permanents annihilated by my colorless deck.

Love the detailed information you share. It applies for Yu-Gi-Oh! as well. Thank you, Professor.

Thanks Prof! Especially for all the clarifications. I hope everyone takes something from this, cause it seemed like there was something in there for everyone

Super great video Professor!!! Loved watching this one.

As a very casual player, this was great. While there were plenty of things I knew of already or that seemed very common sense, there are a couple nuances of the commander style that I wasn't aware of. And having an idea of the social etiquette will hopefully keep me from getting into too much trouble with the more seasoned players of the format. Thanks!

A basic, concise, educated and superb video about the social aspect of Commander. Love it, this kind of content is very much always welcome, and the ideas for helping the readability of the board are super clever! Will apply most of those for sure!

I'm a local L1 Judge and I've been trying to emphasise "Positive Play Experiences" and Community Contracts/ engagement... This video was incredible :)

One thing I didn’t notice being talked about during the board phase is having clearly delineated areas for each permanent type. It can be confusing when someone puts their mana generating artifacts in with their lands

What an amazing video, so many delicate concepts described and explained thoughtfully and sensitively. Tokens are my personal bugbear - I make sure to have at least two of each type of token my deck produces (more in certain token-based decks) so that it’s clear what’s what, and when I see major content creators or people who’ve obviously spent time and effort building their decks slap down a few empty sleeves it really detracts from the experience.

Great tips, Professor! Thank you~

In pregame, I like to tell what my deck DOES NOT do rather than what it DOES do (no tutors, nothing infinite, no hard locks, whatever the case may be).

Just wanna tell you that is by far the most positive piece of media I have seen in a while. Going to my Commander Gathering now.

i like that idea of setting a zone for the stack. i did make sure to go through my decks to look for token generators and gather the correct ones although some of them need updating

Prof, just wanted to say that we are god-damn lucky to have you as part of the MTG community.

This is probably the best worded guide to keeping commander games fun for everyone. Personally I like to let everyone decide on what we are playing. Usually it's Almost Anything Goes Commander (no budget limit, but banned cards are not allowed) but running precon only or budget decks (precons and decks under 150) are always fun too, because usually in anything goes everyone targets the strongest/most expensive deck first 🤣

Being able to just chill is great. I will have this on in the background of my next play group. They will slowly learn how to play social commander (=

idk why but the way this was so well laid out about respect made a tear come to my eye. Iv been wanting to get int MTG but have been nervous, this was really helpful

This is my favorite of your videos thus far.

That introduction was so beautiful my gosh

I just got back into mtg/commander and I enjoy changing things up, so I'm glad my current pod doesn't mind me proxying.

The only thing with touching peoples cards: if you don’t wanna anyone touching your stuff at all, that needs to be part of the pre game discussion. Theft effects are as old as the game itself and if you refuse to allow them, thats fine, but at least give the rest of the table the opportunity to swap to a deck without them.

This video was definitely needed.

It’s not enforced at 99% of tournaments or games but technically tracking floating mana with dice is expressly against the MTR at competitive or professional REL under “Player Communication”. And I know that at least 1 major EDH tournament organizer does enforce this rule

What a great video - thank you!

Great video! You are the representation of the best parts of MtG

I didn’t even think about using dry erase to display power/toughness on spelltable for modified creatures. Great video, I see my dice aren’t the greatest for spelltable

Very informative and helpful. Thanks for the video Professor. :)

Great watch!

Awesome video Prof!

Professor, it’s time to Kickstart “Commander Ready” playmats. I love your suggestions, thank you!

One of my personal board states is maintaining a D10 on my commander in the command zone to help maintain how many times I've played them. Then when cast, I'll tick it up and place next to my life counter. I also usually keep extra D10s when I play my Atraxa deck so everyone can maintain their poison count as the game goes.

Thanks for this. Solid advice here.

The Social Contract is proof that the format needs Sideboarding implementation to allow for adjustments against how the table is set....

ok. now I want a dry-erasable version of all these XD but thank you professor for mention personal space and health and safety, that is also why we love u

I love This kind of videos! Thanks prof for you content

thank you for this channel professor!

"Always ask before touching or grabbing a player's [possessions]." I had to learn this the hard way. I was going off and I couldn't keep track of everything I was doing, so I grabbed another player's dice to use. Immediately afterwards I remembered how much of a germaphobe he was and saw the look of horror on his face. I also remembered some of the crazy stories I have heard about his childhood traumas. After the game I had to apologize profusely and now I ask before doing anything of the sort.

Best way to start my morning at work 👍

As someone who as made the investment to start playing over spelltable this was very useful, thanks alot Prof ❤

Thank you for providing the education on basic sociol skills everyone should have learned before touching a card.

Exceptional content!

Very well said Professor.

Teach Prof! Quality advice good sir.

Professor! Niiice tie in this video, and the knot is on point

I dunno if that's a new lighting setup but it is very flattering! Also picked up some tips for when I get to play Commander next.

Thanks for this.

Didn't think I'd learn that much things, thanks professor

I’ve used some of these rules personally when I host or when I’m at a lgs and it has help tremendously! The lgs guys tent to remember me and my play group likes that I host more now and have asked that I do.

Love the video and the topic. Especially the Wash yo self section....

Great video!

Great video prof 🙌

A major one for me that will cause me to play with someone as little as possible is interrupting/ignoring priority. If I go to cast Return to Dust on my main phase, you're next in priority, and you say "Ok" followed by the next player passing priority, I will assume the spell goes through. Don't go ahead and say something like "Wait I counter it" once you find out it targets one of your permanents, I will only give one chance and if it continues, I will actively avoid playing with you whenever possible. I've had to tell a few entitled players "I'll give it to you this time but don't say OK if you're going to counter my spell" and they improved as players and improved quality of games.

Beautifully said.