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Already considered MTG's most interactive format, the Elder Dragon Highlander format has received a holiday update perfect for the end of the year. As part of a holiday-themed episode, personalities from a popular channel played a multiplayer match titled "Countdown to XT-Mas."

The Mechanics of the Festive Variant Works

Fundamentally is a straightforward mechanic superimposed on a normal Commander game. One special marker travels around the table. When it the current player's upkeep, the game halts for a moment. Each participant secretly chooses if they will be being Nice or Naughty with the help of choice cards.

The participants reveal their card together. Next, they carry out the consequence tied to their decision, starting with the player holding the token. It then gets passed to the next player. The countdown ticks up one notch, and normal gameplay continues.

The choices intensify as the rounds continue, feeling carefully crafted.

Increasing Choices

The initial phases provided minor, collective advantages for being Nice, including life gain or Clue tokens. In contrast, The Naughty choices often gave more specific benefits, often targeting someone else. As an example let those who picked Naughty create a 4/4 flying creature. Players that picked Nice created a small artifact creature token for each player.

Santa's Big Arrival

On the last phase, Santa Claus personally made an appearance, changing the experience. Based on the tally of each player was Nice versus Naughty, Santa distributed wrapped prizes. Outwardly, these were small containers, but contained Magic booster packs of varying value.

• The nicest player received a top-tier special pack.
• The second-nicest player got a slightly less valuable premium pack.
• Another participant got a less powerful booster pack.
• The very naughty player essentially received coal: a historically poor set that's essentially a gag.

Each card from these packs instantly were playable for the remainder of the match, cast from exile with mana as though it were any color. Players who were nice participants, their gift became a huge boost. Whereas, those who chose Naughty were given a punitive gift.

Trying the Format Yourself

Although the demonstration match had considerable polish and preparation, this is a concept that players could easily replicate at home. Participants would bring their usual Commander deck, and the additional materials needed are a selection of MTG packs with different worth.

A possible drawback lies in the fact that if everyone are aware beforehand the best pack's identity, then everyone might aim for the top prize. Groups can change this with alternatives, for example selecting cards from a shared pool or letting players use specific cards from outside the game.

Judging by the successful demonstration, this holiday variant is definitely a fun method to spread some joy when playing with friends. It complicates the dynamics in the game in a fun and manner, creating a special experience among Magic fans everywhere.