Gauntlet of Legends: A Revolutionary Magic: The Gathering Format

Introduction

Gauntlet of Legends is a bold new way to experience Magic: The Gathering, blending the innovative structure of a multi-phase battle with the deep strategy of Commander. Designed for both casual and competitive play, this format introduces new tactical challenges while preserving the core essence of Magic.

The Format

Gauntlet of Legends introduces a unique "Commander & Lieutenants" system, where players must defend their Commander by first protecting their four Lieutenants. Each game follows an engaging progression-based battle structure, requiring both strategic planning and adaptive gameplay.

• Life Total: Each player starts with 60 life, allowing for longer, more strategic games.

• Deck Rules:

  • 100-card singleton decks (same as Commander), following the standard Commander ban list.

  • Players can use pre-constructed decks or build their own, choosing themes like tokens, graveyard recursion, control, or aggro.

• Lieutenant Selection:

  • Each deck includes four Lieutenants, legendary creatures that must be defeated before their Commander becomes vulnerable.

Gameplay Overview

The game unfolds across distinct phases, ensuring an escalating battle that leads to an intense showdown.

1. Setup Phase

   • Players reveal their Commander and four Lieutenants at the start of the game.

   • Lieutenants begin on the battlefield (similar to how Commanders function in Commander).

   • Commanders start in the Command Zone and cannot be cast until all Lieutenants are defeated.

2. Main Phase

   • Players take their turn as in normal Magic, but with the added rule of playing up to two lands per turn for accelerated development.

3. Lieutenant Combat Phase

   • Players must target opposing Lieutenants first before attacking their Commander.

   • Defeating a Lieutenant triggers a Power Surge Bonus for the defending player (see mechanics below).

4. Commander Combat Phase (Unlocked after all Lieutenants are defeated)

   • Once a player's Lieutenants are gone, their Commander enters the battlefield immediately.

   • The game enters a final combat phase, where players now target each other's Commanders.

5. Reaction Phase (Unique Rule)

   • On each opponent’s turn, players may cast only one instant or ability during the Reaction Phase (instead of multiple responses).

   • This rule prevents excessive counterplay while maintaining tactical interactions.

6. Winning Condition

   • The game ends when a player successfully defeats their opponent’s Commander.

Key Mechanics

Gauntlet of Legends introduces new mechanics that enhance strategy and immersion:

• Lieutenant Buff:

  • As long as you have at least one Lieutenant, your Commander has Hexproof and cannot be attacked.

  • This encourages players to protect their Lieutenants while planning for the late game.

• Power Surge (Lieutenant Death Bonus):

  • When a Lieutenant is defeated, the defending player chooses one of the following:

    • Draw a card.

    • Gain 2 life.

    • Play an additional land this turn.

  • This mechanic ensures that losing a Lieutenant provides a strategic advantage rather than just a setback.

• Commander Ascension (Final Showdown Buff):

  • Once all Lieutenants are defeated, the Commander gains +3/+3 and Vigilance for the rest of the game.

  • This makes the final battle more intense, ensuring Commanders feel powerful and climactic in the late game.

Why Play Gauntlet of Legends?

For New Players:

• The structured progression makes the game easier to follow—defeat Lieutenants first, then the Commander.

• Less overwhelming than traditional Commander, as there are clear goals at each stage of the game.

For Experienced Players:

• Introduces deep strategic layers, with new mechanics like the Reaction Phase and Power Surge.

• Encourages diverse deck-building by focusing on Lieutenant synergy rather than just ramping into a Commander.

Optional Enhancements

To customize gameplay even further, consider these optional rules:

1. Lieutenant Diversity Rule

   • Each Lieutenant must have a distinct role, such as:

     • Offense (Aggro or Power-Based)

     • Defense (Protective or Buff-Based)

     • Support (Utility or Card Advantage)

     • Disruption (Counterspells, Removal, etc.)

   • This rule ensures that players design well-balanced teams rather than just using four overpowered creatures.

2. Commander Ultimatum Rule

   • Once all Lieutenants are defeated, Commanders unlock a one-time Ultimate Ability, such as:

     • An activated ability that triggers immediately.

     • A powerful spell effect that reshapes the battlefield.

   • This creates epic endgame moments where the final battle feels legendary.

Get Started!

Jump into the action by building your Gauntlet of Legends deck today! Whether you're a seasoned Magic player or new to the game, this format delivers a fresh and captivating experience.

Disclaimer

"Magic: The Gathering" and all related properties are the trademarked and copyrighted property of Wizards of the Coast LLC, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. Gauntlet of Legends is an independent, fan-made format and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast. This project is created with love by passionate Magic fans who seek to explore new ways to enjoy the game. All Magic: The Gathering card mechanics, terminology, and intellectual property remain the exclusive rights of Wizards of the Coast.