Samurai Tribal EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander) is a popular format of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. This format is designed for multiplayer games with a minimum of three players and follows special deck-building rules.
In Samurai Tribal EDH, players build their decks around a specific theme, which in this case, is the Samurai tribe. Samurai are a tribe of human warriors in the Magic: The Gathering universe, known for their martial prowess and honor. The Samurai tribe has been featured in several sets, including Champions of Kamigawa and Betrayers of Kamigawa, and has a unique set of abilities and mechanics that make them an exciting tribe to play.
Building a Samurai Tribal Deck
The first step in building a Samurai Tribal deck is to choose a commander that fits the theme. A commander is a legendary creature card that players can cast from a special zone called the “command zone” and represents the deck’s leader. In Samurai Tribal EDH, several legendary Samurai creatures can serve as commanders, including:
| Commander | Card Type | Mana Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | Legendary Creature – Human Samurai | 2RW |
| Konda, Lord of Eiganjo | Legendary Creature – Human Samurai | 3WW |
| Michiko Konda, Truth Seeker | Legendary Creature – Human Advisor Samurai | 2WW |
Once you have chosen your commander, the next step is to select the cards that fit the Samurai Tribal theme. Some popular Samurai cards include:
| Card Name | Card Type | Mana Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blademane Baku | Creature – Spirit | 1R |
| Bushi Tenderfoot | Creature – Human Soldier | W |
| Konda’s Hatamoto | Creature – Human Samurai | 2W |
| O-Kagachi, Vengeful Kami | Legendary Creature – Dragon Spirit | 5WRBG |
Additionally, it’s essential to add cards that support the Samurai Tribal theme, such as anthems that boost the power and toughness of all Samurai creatures or cards that allow you to draw more cards.
Playing Samurai Tribal EDH
In Samurai Tribal EDH, players aim to defeat their opponents by reducing their life total to zero. Each player starts with 40 life points, and the game continues until only one player remains.
To play a game of Samurai Tribal EDH, players first shuffle their decks and draw seven cards. The player who goes first is chosen randomly, and each player takes turns playing one land and casting spells from their hand. Each player can cast their commander from the command zone at any time they could cast a sorcery, and if their commander is destroyed, they can return it to the command zone to cast it again later.
To win a game of Samurai Tribal EDH, players must strategically use their spells and creatures to eliminate their opponents and protect their life total.
Samurai Tribal EDH FAQ
Q: Is Samurai Tribal EDH a competitive format?
A: Samurai Tribal EDH can be played competitively or casually, depending on the group’s preferences.
Q: How many Samurai creatures should I include in my Samurai Tribal deck?
A: It’s recommended that you include at least 15-20 Samurai creatures in your deck to ensure that your theme is consistent.
Q: Can I use non-Samurai cards in my Samurai Tribal deck?
A: Yes, you can include non-Samurai cards that support your theme, such as anthems or cards that allow you to draw more cards.
Q: What is the maximum deck size for Samurai Tribal EDH?
A: The maximum deck size for Samurai Tribal EDH is 100 cards, including your commander.
Q: Can I use any legendary creature as my commander in Samurai Tribal EDH?
A: No, your commander must be a legendary Samurai creature to fit the theme.
Q: Are there any banned cards in Samurai Tribal EDH?
A: Yes, there is a list of banned cards in the format, which can be found on the Magic: The Gathering website.
Q: How long does a game of Samurai Tribal EDH usually last?
A: A game of Samurai Tribal EDH can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the number of players and the decks being used.
Q: Can I play Samurai Tribal EDH online?
A: Yes, Samurai Tribal EDH can be played online using platforms such as Magic: The Gathering Arena or Magic Online.
Q: How do I find people to play Samurai Tribal EDH with?
A: You can find people to play Samurai Tribal EDH with in your local gaming store or online using social media or gaming forums.
Q: What is the best strategy for playing Samurai Tribal EDH?
A: The best strategy for playing Samurai Tribal EDH depends on your commander and the cards in your deck. It’s essential to have a balance of spells and creatures that support your theme while also providing protection and card advantage.
Q: Is Samurai Tribal EDH a beginner-friendly format?
A: Samurai Tribal EDH can be challenging for beginners due to its unique deck-building rules and gameplay mechanics. However, with practice and experience, it can be a fun and rewarding format to play.
Q: Can I use Samurai Tribal EDH as a teaching tool for new Magic: The Gathering players?
A: Yes, Samurai Tribal EDH can be an excellent teaching tool for new players as it allows them to learn about deck building, strategy, and gameplay mechanics while also enjoying the theme of the Samurai tribe.
Q: How do I improve my Samurai Tribal EDH deck?
A: You can improve your Samurai Tribal EDH deck by testing it against other decks and making adjustments based on your gameplay experience. You can also seek advice from other players online or in your local gaming store.
Q: What makes Samurai Tribal EDH a unique format?
A: Samurai Tribal EDH is unique because it allows players to build their decks around a specific theme, which in this case, is the Samurai tribe. This theme creates a unique and exciting gameplay experience that is different from other Magic: The Gathering formats.
Q: Can I use Samurai Tribal EDH as a platform for storytelling in Magic: The Gathering?
A: Yes, Samurai Tribal EDH can be used as a platform for storytelling in Magic: The Gathering by incorporating the lore and flavor of the Samurai tribe into your deck and gameplay.
Q: Can I win a game of Samurai Tribal EDH without using my commander?
A: Yes, it’s possible to win a game of Samurai Tribal EDH without using your commander if you have a strong enough deck and strategy.
Q: Can I use cards from any Magic: The Gathering set in Samurai Tribal EDH?
A: Yes, you can use cards from any Magic: The Gathering set in Samurai Tribal EDH as long as they are legal in the format and fit the Samurai Tribal theme.
Q: What is the best way to approach building a Samurai Tribal EDH deck?
A: The best way to approach building a Samurai Tribal EDH deck is to select a commander and theme that you enjoy and then research and experiment with different card choices and strategies until you find a deck that works well for you.
Q: Can I use Samurai Tribal EDH as a platform for creating custom cards?
A: Yes, Samurai Tribal EDH can be used as a platform for creating custom cards that fit the Samurai Tribal theme. However, it’s important to ensure that these custom cards are balanced and legal in the format.
Q: Is Samurai Tribal EDH a popular format in the Magic: The Gathering community?
A: Yes, Samurai Tribal EDH is a popular format in the Magic: The Gathering community, with many players enjoying the unique gameplay experience and theme of the Samurai tribe.
Q: Can I use Samurai Tribal EDH as a way to connect with other Magic: The Gathering players?
A: Yes, Samurai Tribal EDH can be an excellent way to connect with other Magic: The Gathering players who share your interest in the Samurai tribe and the format.
Conclusion
Samurai Tribal EDH is a fun and unique format of Magic: The Gathering that allows players to build their decks around the theme of the Samurai tribe. With its special deck-building rules and exciting gameplay mechanics, Samurai Tribal EDH offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to play Magic: The Gathering, we highly recommend giving Samurai Tribal EDH a try!
Thank you for reading, and until next time, happy gaming!