What Is Commander Tax?
One of the first special rules new Commander players encounter is Commander Tax.
If you've ever heard someone say:
"I can cast my Commander again, but now it costs two more."
They're talking about Commander Tax.
Understanding this rule is essential because it affects every Commander deck in the format.
What Is Commander Tax?
Commander Tax is an additional cost you must pay whenever you cast your Commander from the Command Zone.
The extra cost is:
2 generic manafor each previous time you have cast that Commander from the Command Zone during the game.
Example
Imagine your Commander costs:
3RG(5 mana total)
The first time you cast it:
3RGIf it dies and returns to the Command Zone:
The second time you cast it costs:
5RG(7 mana total)
If it dies again:
The third time costs:
7RG(9 mana total)
Each additional cast increases the tax by:
+2 generic manaWhy Does Commander Tax Exist?
Without Commander Tax, some Commanders would be extremely difficult to deal with.
Imagine destroying an opponent's Commander only for them to immediately cast it again for the same cost every turn.
Commander Tax creates a meaningful penalty for repeatedly losing your Commander while still allowing you to keep playing your deck.
Does Commander Tax Apply If My Commander Is Countered?
Yes.
This surprises many new players.
Commander Tax cares about:
how many times the Commander was castnot how many times it successfully resolved.
If you cast your Commander and an opponent counters it:
- It was still cast.
- Commander Tax still increases.
Does Commander Tax Apply If My Commander Is Exiled?
Only if it returns to the Command Zone.
Whenever your Commander would move to:
- Graveyard
- Exile
- Hand
- Library
you usually have the option to move it to the Command Zone instead.
If you later cast it from the Command Zone, Commander Tax applies normally.
Does Commander Tax Apply If My Commander Returns Directly to the Battlefield?
No.
Commander Tax only matters when you:
castyour Commander from the Command Zone.
If a card reanimates your Commander directly onto the battlefield, Commander Tax does not increase because you didn't cast it.
Can Commander Tax Be Reduced?
Yes.
Commander Tax is simply an additional mana cost.
Any effect that reduces casting costs can also help offset Commander Tax.
For example:
- Cost reduction effects
- Creature cost reducers
- Tribal discounts
can all help make repeated casts easier.
Which Commanders Ignore Commander Tax Best?
Some Commanders naturally handle Commander Tax better than others.
Examples include:
- Commanders with low mana costs
- Commanders that generate mana
- Commanders that can return themselves
- Commanders that avoid dying
Meanwhile, expensive Commanders often become increasingly difficult to recast multiple times.
This is one reason why protecting your Commander is often important.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Forgetting Commander Tax Exists
One of the most common mistakes is planning a turn assuming your Commander costs its printed mana value.
Always remember to count previous casts.
Not Protecting Important Commanders
If your deck relies heavily on its Commander, repeatedly paying Commander Tax can slow you down dramatically.
Protection spells and equipment often become more valuable than new players realize.
Counting Battlefield Entries Instead of Casts
Commander Tax only cares about:
casts from the Command ZoneNot:
- Reanimation
- Blink effects
- Clones
- Battlefield entries
Final Thoughts
Commander Tax is one of the rules that makes EDH unique.
Each time you cast your Commander from the Command Zone, you'll pay an additional two generic mana for every previous cast.
While the rule may seem intimidating at first, it quickly becomes second nature after a few games.
Understanding Commander Tax will help you plan your turns more effectively, protect important Commanders, and avoid one of the most common beginner mistakes in the format.
Import your decklist and find matching cards
Learn more about EncoreH Cards
Other Guides maybe can help you:
Read our complete MTG proxy guide.
Read our Most Played Commanders Guide
Read our Commander Staples Guide