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Already known as Magic: The Gathering's most social format, Commander has received a holiday twist just in time for the festive season. As part of a holiday-themed episode, hosts from a popular channel demonstrated a four-player match titled "Countdown to XT-Mas."

How the Holiday Format Works

The basic idea is a straightforward mechanic superimposed on a regular Commander game. One special marker travels to each player. Upon reaching the current player's upkeep, the action briefly pauses. Every player privately decides whether they're being Nice or Naughty with the help of two cards.

All players reveal their card at the same time. They then resolve the consequence associated with their selection, beginning with the person holding the token. This marker is subsequently handed to the next player. The countdown moves forward one notch, and normal Commander resumes.

The Naughty/Nice options become more significant over time go on, seeming finely tuned.

Escalating Outcomes

Early rounds provided modest, shared benefits for being Nice, like life gain or investigation clues. On the other hand, The Naughty choices usually provided more targeted benefits, frequently at the expense of another player. As an example allowed those who picked Naughty receive a 4/4 flying creature. Those who picked Nice made a small artifact token creature for everyone.

The Grand Showdown

During the eighth round, Saint Nick himself made an appearance, turning the game. Based on the frequency with which each player selected Nice versus Naughty, Santa gave out wrapped prizes. These looked like small containers, but contained Magic booster packs of varying value.

• The most benevolent player received a premium special pack.
• The second-nicest player got a different premium pack.
• A special guest received a less powerful booster pack.
• The least nice player essentially received coal: a historically poor set which is basically a punchline.

All cards from these packs immediately became used for the rest of the game, cast from exile by spending mana as though it were all colors. Players who were nice players, their boon proved to be a significant advantage. Whereas, mischievous participants basically received a punitive gift.

Recreating the Game Yourself

Although the video had significant custom components, the format is something any group could easily replicate in their own playgroup. Everybody would bring their regular Commander deck, and the only extra items required are several booster packs of varying value.

One potential drawback lies in the fact that if everyone are aware beforehand the best pack's identity, they all try to get the best booster pack. Groups can change this by using other methods, for example drafting cards together or enabling gamers to pull cards from their collection from outside the game.

Judging by how the format played out, Countdown to XT-Mas is definitely a festive format to add holiday cheer this holiday season. It adds a layer to the social interplay at the table in a uniquely festive way, making it a memorable way to play for MTG enthusiasts in their playgroups.