Partner

Keywords · intermediate

Partner -- you can have two commanders if both have partner. Their combined color identity sets your deck's color identity.

How it works

• Both partners go in the command zone at game start.
• Both pay commander tax independently.
• Combined color identity governs deckbuilding -- a R/G partner + a U/W partner unlocks four-color Bant + Gruul = WUBR? No -- just the two combined identities (R, G, U, W in this case).
• Commander damage is tracked per commander, per player -- 21 from either kills the player.

Variants

• Partner with [Name]: a more restricted form. The named pairing is the only allowed partner. Pir, Imaginative Rascal / Toothy, Imaginary Friend.
• Choose a Background: a creature with this ability can be paired with a Background enchantment, which then also functions as a commander.
• Friends forever (Adventures in the Forgotten Realms): same idea as partner, separate keyword to limit pool.

Common interactions

• Partner pairs unlock unusual color combinations and dual win cons.
• Tutor up the second partner can be slow without a way to fetch a commander -- some decks lean on Wizardly Hour / Imperial Recruiter etc.
• Bracket impact: most partners are fine in B2; some specific pairs (Tymna + various) lean B3+.

Rule reference

[702.124]