Magic: The Gathering Commander Brackets Beta Enters Phase Two with Major Rule Adjustments

Commander Format Panel Details Critical Updates to Organized Play Structure

In a significant announcement for players of the world’s most popular trading card game, the Commander Format Panel (CFP) released a comprehensive update on the Commander Brackets Beta program on October 21, 2025. The update, delivered by lead MTG designer Gavin Verhey, outlines crucial adjustments to the scoring system, fixes for technical issues, and the timeline for the transition into the next phase of testing.

Designed to provide a structured, organized framework for both competitive and casual Commander play, the Brackets system has undergone refinement based on feedback from its initial cohort of testers. The primary goal of these changes is to better align the Brackets scoring with the core philosophy of the Commander format: promoting long, interactive, and memorable games.

Addressing Player Feedback: Scoring and Technical Adjustments

The CFP confirmed that the first phase of the beta successfully identified several areas needing immediate attention, particularly concerning game flow incentives and technical stability across different platforms. The most impactful changes center on how players earn points within the system.

Critical Rule Change: Scoring Refinement

The most notable change addresses the scoring reward for early aggression. To discourage players from focusing solely on quick eliminations and promoting longer, more complex board states, the CFP has adjusted the points awarded for the first player elimination (often referred to as “First Blood”).

• First Player Elimination Point Reduction: The point value awarded for the first player elimination in a match has been reduced by 5 points. This adjustment aims to shift the focus from early aggression toward sustained interaction and strategic late-game plays.
• New Point Thresholds: The update also introduced minor adjustments to points awarded for achieving specific in-game milestones, such as casting a high-cost spell or controlling a certain number of permanents, ensuring these actions are appropriately rewarded within the new scoring curve.

Technical Stability and Platform Fixes

The CFP dedicated a substantial portion of the update to technical improvements, ensuring a smoother experience for the 15,000 beta participants currently testing the system. Key technical fixes include:

• Mobile Sync Resolution: A critical bug affecting the synchronization of match results for players using the mobile app interface (iOS version 3.1.2) has been fully resolved. This previously caused delays and occasional loss of recorded match data.
• Bracket Generation Speed: Optimization of the algorithm used to generate new bracket pairings, resulting in a 30% reduction in wait time between matches.
• User Interface (UI) Clarity: Minor UI adjustments were implemented to improve the visibility of current standings and opponent information, enhancing overall readability.

Phase Two Launch and Future Outlook

The Commander Brackets Beta is officially scheduled to transition into Phase 2 testing starting November 1, 2025. This phase will introduce new features designed to cater to a wider range of playstyles within the format.

Introduction of the Casual League Option

Recognizing that not all Commander players seek a highly competitive environment, Phase 2 will debut a “Casual League” option. This system utilizes a non-competitive ranking structure based purely on participation and the number of unique opponents played, rather than win/loss records or aggressive scoring metrics. This ensures the system remains useful for groups focused on social play and deck variety.

Commenting on the evolution of the system, Gavin Verhey emphasized the importance of community input:

“The feedback we received from the initial 15,000 beta participants was invaluable in shaping this current iteration. We are committed to building a Brackets system that truly reflects the spirit of Commander—fun, social, and strategically deep. The reduction in ‘First Blood’ points is a direct response to player concerns about early game aggression dominating the meta, and we believe Phase 2 will offer a much more balanced experience.”

Next Steps for the CFP

During Phase 2, the CFP will focus on gathering data regarding the long-term health of the new scoring system and the adoption rate of the Casual League option. The panel plans to announce the official launch date for the finalized Commander Brackets system in early 2026, following the conclusion of the beta period.

Key Takeaways for Beta Participants

For players currently involved in the Commander Brackets Beta, here are the essential points to note from the October 21 update:

• Go-Live Date: Phase 2 of the Beta begins on November 1, 2025, introducing the updated scoring rules.
• Scoring Philosophy: Expect games to favor sustained interaction and strategic depth due to the reduction in early elimination rewards.
• New Casual Option: The Casual League provides an alternative ranking path focused on participation and diversity of opponents.
• Required Update: Ensure your mobile application (if used) is updated to the latest version to benefit from the technical fixes, especially the resolved match sync issue.

This update signals a robust commitment from Wizards of the Coast and the Commander Format Panel to creating a standardized, high-quality organized play experience for the beloved format, ensuring its structure supports its community-driven, social nature.