Hey everyone! This week is part 2 of the power level explanation started the week prior. Hope your all having a great spring break thus far. Seeing as its still break time this post won’t be extremely long but it will hopefully give more clarification about how commander players build decks and how we define a power level.

To begin before breaking down the levels its important to mention that there are 10 levels of the power scale. 1 being the weakest and 10 being the strongest. Moving on from there lets break down the power levels by groups of 2.

Power levels 1-2 –

The most basic of decks are power level one oftenly power level 1 decks don’t follow a theme, and don’t really work either. They more often than not are illegal decks as they wont follow the basic standards of commander. Typically power level 2 are legal but are poorly constructed but at the least follow the basic standards set for commander.

The above graphic helps give a basic idea of the themes mentioned above.

Power levels 3 – 4 –

The power levels here are essentially for Pre constructed decks sold by WoTC. Power level 3 is usually a precon that is considered on the weaker side. Its still good and playable but it does struggle a bit compared to higher power levels. Power level 4 is similar in that its a pre-con but the key thing is they decks can often hold their own, they are strong enough to compete most more casual level decks and can even at times fight some of the higher tier decks depending on the pre-con. The key thing is this is speaking of the UNEDITED versions of the pre-con. This means of course the card was not edited or changed at all, it’s the default precon using the default commander.

Power Levels 5 -6 –

This is when the decks become more and more optimized, level 5 decks are usually decks with no themes but typically have synergy and more often then not stronger cards. Most casual decks fall around here and level 6. Level 6 decks are usually tier 5 decks btu they are starting to become focused they have a set plan and intend to carry it out. They have better synergy with better cards and again have a focus in mind this is when things start getting more intense.

For clarification the T12 and T8 here is actually the rough estimate of how consistently the deck can win. T12 = Turn 12 and T8 = Turn 8 etc. etc.

Power Levels 7 -8 –

Here is where most CEDH (Competitive) decks are created power level 7 is usually considered a weak CEDH deck. Its slow by the standards set but it wins fast and consistently It may be slow to start but if the ball starts rolling it’s going to end fast. The only difference between power level 7 and 8 is speed. Where 7 is typically slower, 8 begins going faster it starts to get more intensive much quicker they both are consistent winners but where 7 might be ready to win on turn 6 from a slow buildup that can be stopped. Power level 8 typically will break out its major wincons by turn 4 and will usually finish its combo again on turn 6 on average.

Power levels 9 – 10 –

The big winners in CEDH these are those decks that cost a lot of money and can win so fast it’s terrifying. These decks are the ones that when you see CEDH gameplay will be used and will usually be a stable. Power Level 9 is powerful and scary but the thing that holds it back is usually only that it has a weak set of interaction possible that results in failed win. Power level 10 however are the top of the iceberg, any and all interactions are made to win and to win fast. The decks are so well optimized they can win as early as turn 2 and often win on turn 3. These are the scariest decks out there and in all honesty the least fun to play against, if your trying to stay a more casual group of friends and play commander level 3 – 7 are the ideals! Id say 5 being in the middle is perfect as most casual players want around a power level 5 deck!

That concludes power levels in Commander! Next week I’m thinking of posting a decklist of my most powerful deck but i’m not sure yet. I might instead do a brief breakdown of banned cards and house rules. I think in the long run it may be more informative for those interested in the card game and how they can adapt or changes things to their own liking!