Commander 2020: Unlock Free Spells Now!

What's up, fellow Planeswalkers and Commander enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into something that gets every Magic: The Gathering player excited: free spells! Specifically, we're going to explore the ins and outs of the Commander 2020 set, also known as Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, and how you can leverage its awesome mechanics to cast spells without paying their mana cost. If you've ever dreamed of casting game-changing spells ahead of curve or just want to make your Commander decks even more explosive, then stick around, guys, because this is for you!

Commander 2020 wasn't just about the epic commanders themselves; it introduced some truly unique and powerful mechanics that allowed for a significant amount of 'free' spellcasting. We're talking about spells that bypass the traditional mana payment, giving you a massive advantage in tempo and resource management. Imagine dropping a powerful removal spell early, or casting a bomb creature much sooner than your opponents expect. That's the kind of power we're unlocking here. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's unpack how you can harness the power of free spells from Commander 2020 and make your opponents say, "Wow, how did they do that?!"

The Magic Behind Free Spells in Commander 2020

The concept of casting spells for free isn't entirely new in Magic: The Gathering, but Commander 2020 really leaned into it with some specific design choices. The primary way this was achieved was through the introduction of mechanics that allowed you to exile cards from your hand or graveyard and cast them without paying their mana cost. This often involved specific conditions or abilities tied to the commanders or other permanents within the set. It’s like getting a bonus turn, but instead of extra turns, you’re getting extra spells without the usual mana investment. This fundamentally changes how games play out, as players who can consistently access these free spells can outpace their opponents significantly.

Think about the core principles of Commander: it's a multiplayer format where long games are common, and resource advantage is key. By casting spells for free, you're essentially generating a massive resource advantage. You're saving mana that can be used for other spells, protecting your board, or developing your own threats. This is especially potent in Commander because the mana curve is generally higher, and big, splashy spells are the norm. Being able to cast one of those big spells for free, or even a cheaper utility spell to smooth out your early game, can set you up for victory in ways that traditional mana ramp might not. It's not just about casting more spells; it's about casting better spells at the right time, often much earlier than anyone anticipates. This strategic element is what makes Commander so engaging, and free spells add a whole new layer of complexity and fun to that equation. We're going to explore the specific cards and strategies that make this possible, so get ready to take notes, guys!

Ikoria's Signature Spells: Your Ticket to Mana-Free Mayhem

When we talk about free spells in Commander 2020, we're primarily looking at the mechanics introduced in the Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths set that directly facilitate this. The most prominent example is the companion mechanic, which, while not directly casting spells for free, allowed you to have an extra card in your opening hand and deploy it under certain conditions, effectively giving you a free card advantage from turn zero. More directly, however, were the spells and abilities that allowed you to cast cards from exile or your graveyard without paying mana. This often involved mechanics like 'cycling' on steroids, or specific creature abilities that let you cast spells from unusual zones. The key here is that these aren't just one-off effects; Commander decks are built for synergy, and these free spell opportunities are designed to be repeatable. The goal is to create a situation where your mana is always maximized, and your opponents are constantly playing catch-up. The sheer variety of ways to achieve this in Commander 2020 is what makes it such a rich environment for brewing and experimentation. You're not just looking for a single card that gives you a free spell; you're looking for engines that can generate multiple free spells over the course of a game. This is where the real power lies, and it’s incredibly satisfying when your carefully constructed engine starts churning out free spells turn after turn. It's a testament to the design team's vision for Commander, pushing the boundaries of what's possible within the format and offering players new, exciting ways to express their creativity and strategic prowess. So, let's dive into some of the key cards and archetypes that enable this glorious mana-free mayhem!

One of the most impactful aspects of Ikoria that fed into the free spell fantasy was the sheer power level and utility of the legendary creatures designed as commanders. Many of these commanders had abilities that directly or indirectly supported casting spells without mana. For instance, some commanders could exile cards from your graveyard and allow you to cast them, effectively turning your graveyard into a toolbox of spells you could deploy for free. Others had abilities that triggered off casting spells, rewarding you with mana or card advantage that could then be used to cast more spells, potentially leading to a cascade of free or low-cost plays. This is where the synergy really shines. A commander that lets you cast a spell from exile for free is amazing on its own, but what if that spell also triggers another ability that lets you draw cards, which then allows you to exile another card from your hand to cast it for free? This kind of chain reaction is the dream scenario for any Commander player, and Ikoria provided the tools to make it a reality. The flexibility and power offered by these commanders meant that players could adapt their strategies on the fly, responding to threats or developing their own game plan with unprecedented speed. It’s not just about brute force; it’s about intelligent resource utilization and creating overwhelming advantage through clever card interactions. The commanders themselves became engines for these free spell strategies, making them central to deck construction and gameplay. We're going to break down some specific examples of these commanders and the synergies they enable, so keep reading, guys!

Commander 2020's Top Free Spell Enablers

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? Which cards from Commander 2020 are the MVPs when it comes to slinging spells for free? We've got to talk about some of the standout legends and spells that really make this strategy sing. First off, let's consider commanders that directly facilitate this. For example, some commanders might have abilities that let you cast spells from your graveyard. Think about the power of casting a reanimated threat, or a crucial removal spell, or even a powerful draw spell, all without needing to dedicate mana to it. This frees up your mana for more impactful plays, like protecting your board or deploying other threats. It's a snowball effect that can quickly overwhelm opponents.

Beyond the commanders themselves, there were also other permanents and instants/sorceries that contributed. Look for cards that let you exile cards from your graveyard and cast them, or cards that have alternative casting costs that involve exiling cards from your hand. These effects, when combined, can lead to explosive turns where you cast multiple spells in a single turn, potentially winning you the game on the spot. It's not just about getting one spell for free; it's about creating an engine. An engine that consistently provides you with free spells allows you to play a tempo game that few decks can match. Imagine countering your opponent's key spell with a free counterspell while also deploying your own threat – all in the same turn. That's the kind of advantage we're talking about. The key is finding the right balance and synergy between these cards. It’s not enough to just jam a bunch of free spell cards into your deck; they need to work together and complement your commander and overall game plan. This is where the art of Commander deckbuilding truly shines, guys.

Some specific examples that come to mind are cards that might have abilities like "You may exile cards with total mana value X from your graveyard. If you do, cast this spell without paying its mana cost." This allows you to tailor what you cast based on what you've put into your graveyard. Similarly, cards that reward you for casting spells from exile are also incredibly powerful. They create a feedback loop: cast a spell from exile, get rewarded, use the reward to cast another spell from exile. This can lead to turns where you cast an absurd number of spells, drawing through your deck and overwhelming your opponents with sheer value and tempo. The commander format thrives on these kinds of powerful, synergistic interactions, and Commander 2020 certainly delivered. It provided a playground for players to explore these