My Deck Is a Seven!
I had the chance to test it out at the recent Magicon Chicago event and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of fun, learning, and a few pub-stomps along the way. Plus, I got to chat with Gavin Verhey about the future of Commander, and let’s just say, I’ve never felt more confident about where the format is headed.
What’s the Bracket System?
For those who haven’t heard, the Bracket System is a new way to categorize Commander decks, replacing the infamous (and often memed) 1-10 power level scale. Instead of vague numbers, decks are now sorted into four brackets:
- EXHIBITION
- CORE
- UPGRADED
- OPTIMIZED
- CEDH
There’s also a Game Changers List, which highlights specific cards and strategies that can push a deck into a higher bracket. This system is still in beta, with updates expected in late April, but it’s already making waves. 
My Magicon Chicago Experience
I’ll be honest my first few games with the Bracket System were rough. I brought my Vihaan, Goldwaker (thank you PaymoneyWubby for the inspiration) deck, thinking it was solidly in the focused bracket 4, only to get absolutely stomped by an Atraxa Superfriends Infect deck that went infinite on turn 5. Ouch.
But as the weekend went on, things got better. I met some amazing players, adjusted my deck, and even scored my first win with Vihaan! By the end of the event, I was having a blast. The Bracket System helped me find more balanced matches, and the Game Changers List sparked some great discussions about deckbuilding and strategy.
I’m currently dipping my toes into cEDH with a Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy deck I’m working on. It’s still a work in progress (and I’m not the most confident piloting it yet), but the experience was eye-opening. The Bracket System made it clear where my deck stood, and I see it as a great way to ease into the competitive scene
Why I’m Excited for the Future
The Bracket System isn’t perfect (yet), but it’s a huge step in the right direction. It’s more intuitive, less subjective, and encourages better communication between players. Plus, the Game Changers List adds a layer of transparency that helps everyone understand what makes a deck powerful.
During my interview with Gavin Verhey at Magicon Chicago, I got a sneak peek into the team’s vision for Commander, and it’s clear they’re listening to the community. (More to come!) The format is in good hands, and I can’t wait to see how the Bracket System evolves.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence about the Bracket System, give it a try. It’s not just about categorizing decks, it’s about creating better play experiences and fostering a more inclusive community. And if you’re like me, it might just inspire you to attend more Commander events.
Remember: Life is a stack, and I’m here to clear it.
P.S. If you haven’t checked out the Game Changers List yet, do it! It’s a game-changer (pun intended).