Embarking on the journey of building an EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander) deck can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With a plethora of cards and strategies to choose from, the possibilities are virtually endless. One of the best places to seek inspiration and guidance is the vibrant EDH community on Reddit. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of EDH deck building, drawing from the wealth of knowledge shared on Reddit.
Before we dive into the specifics, let's briefly understand what EDH is. EDH is a Commander format in Magic: The Gathering, where each player selects a legendary creature as their commander, and builds a 100-card singleton deck around it. The goal is to reduce your opponents' life totals to 0, making it a unique and engaging format that encourages creative deck building and strategic gameplay.
Understanding Your Commander
Your commander is the cornerstone of your EDH deck. It sets the tone for your strategy and influences the types of cards you include. When choosing a commander, consider its colors, abilities, and the overall theme you want for your deck.
Reddit users often share their commander choices and the thought processes behind them. For instance, u/Thoughtseize_King shared their experience with Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, highlighting how her ability to create tokens and the synergy with cards like Anointed Procession and Cathars' Crusade make her an excellent commander for a token-based strategy.
Color Identity
Your commander's color identity determines the colors of your deck. In EDH, your deck must contain exactly 100 cards, and no more than one copy of any card, with the exception of basic lands. This includes cards in your sideboard, if you choose to use one.
Reddit discussions often revolve around the best color combinations for specific strategies. For example, u/EDH_Player_123 discussed the synergy between green and white for a token-based deck, emphasizing the power of cards like Elvish Visionary and Soul Warden in generating and protecting tokens.
Deck Strategy
Your deck strategy is closely tied to your commander and color identity. It dictates the types of cards you include and how they work together. Some common EDH strategies include combo, control, stompy (aggressive creatures), and group hug (benefiting all players).
Reddit is a treasure trove of EDH decklists and strategy discussions. For instance, u/EDH_Technomancer shared their take on a 'group hug' deck centered around Reyhan, Last of the Abzan, demonstrating how cards like Beast Within and Harmonize can benefit both your opponents and yourself.
Building Your Deck
Once you've chosen your commander and deck strategy, it's time to start building your deck. This involves selecting cards that support your strategy and work well together. Remember, EDH is a singleton format, so you'll need to find cards that provide redundancy and can win the game on their own if necessary.
Reddit users often share their decklists and provide detailed explanations of their card choices. For example, u/EDH_Deckbuilder shared their decklist for a 'stax' deck based around Meren of Clan Nel Toth, explaining how cards like Smothering Tithe and Blood Moon slow down opponents and give Meren time to build up her graveyard.
![21 Stunning Deck Design Ideas for Your Backyard in 2026: [Lots of Pictures!]](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/8e/e4/bf8ee4ddfa75b8441b04702918976250.jpg)
Card Selection
When selecting cards for your EDH deck, consider their synergy with your commander and other cards in your deck. Look for cards that can be cast for free or at a reduced cost, as this can significantly increase their value in an EDH game.
Reddit discussions often focus on the best cards for specific strategies. For instance, u/EDH_ComboLover discussed the power of card draw spells in combo decks, highlighting cards like Brainstorm and Ponder for their ability to filter through your library and find the pieces you need for your combo.
Manacurve and Land Base
Your manacurve and land base are crucial aspects of EDH deck building. A well-balanced manacurve ensures that you can cast your spells on time, while a properly tuned land base provides the mana you need to cast them.
Reddit users often share their experiences with different manacurves and land bases. For example, u/EDH_LandLover discussed the importance of having a land base that can support your deck's colors and mana requirements, emphasizing the role of fetchlands and shocklands in providing consistency and flexibility.
As you delve into the world of EDH deck building, remember that the most important thing is to have fun. EDH is a format that encourages creativity and experimentation, so don't be afraid to try new things and make your deck your own. The vibrant EDH community on Reddit is always there to provide inspiration, guidance, and support. So, whether you're a seasoned EDH player or just starting out, there's always something new to learn and discover in the world of EDH deck building.