🔗 Share this article

Widely regarded as MTG's most social way to play, Commander just got a holiday twist just in time for the holidays. In a recent episode, personalities from a popular channel played a multiplayer game called "Holiday Countdown."

How the Holiday Format Function

The basic idea is a straightforward layer added on top of a regular Commander match. One special indicator moves to each player. Upon reaching the current player's turn, the action briefly pauses. All gamers privately decides if they will be being Nice or Naughty via indicator cards.

Everyone turn over their choice simultaneously. Next, they apply the effect tied to their selection, starting with the player who has the marker. The token is then passed to the next player. A special tracker moves forward one notch, and regular gameplay carries on.

The choices do escalate as the rounds progress, designed to be carefully crafted.

Escalating Effects

Early rounds provided minor, collective boons for the Nice path, such as life gain or investigation clues. On the other hand, Naughty choices usually provided more specific benefits, frequently to the detriment of another player. As an example let those choosing Naughty get a powerful airborne creature. Anyone who selected Nice generated a 1/1 Toy creature token for all participants.

The Climactic Finale

During the eighth round, Santa Claus personally showed up, changing the game. According to the frequency with which each player was Nice versus Naughty, Santa gave out mystery presents. They appeared to be small containers, but held Magic booster packs worth different amounts.

• The nicest player was awarded a high-value special pack.
• The next kindest player got a another type of premium pack.
• Another participant received a mid-range set.
• The least nice player essentially received coal: a historically poor set that's essentially a gag.

All cards opened could then be playable for the duration, used as a bonus by spending mana treating it as colorless. Players who were nice players, their boon proved to be a significant boost. Meanwhile, mischievous participants essentially got a punitive gift.

Trying the Game Yourself

Although the demonstration match included a lot of production value, it's one that anybody can adapt in their own playgroup. Everybody would bring their regular Commander deck, and all you'd need are four different MTG packs of varying value.

A possible issue could be that if everyone know the rewards in advance what being nice gets you, players might try to get the top prize. You could add variety by using other methods, for example drafting cards together or allowing participants to pull cards they own from outside the game.

Judging by the entertaining match, Countdown to XT-Mas is definitely a joyous way to create laughter when playing with friends. It adds a layer to the strategy between players in a uniquely festive manner, creating a special way to play for Magic players everywhere.