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Widely considered MTG's friendliest format, the Elder Dragon Highlander format just got a festive update perfect for the end of the year. As part of a holiday-themed video, hosts from a popular channel played a multiplayer game dubbed "Holiday Countdown."

How the Holiday Variant Function

The basic idea is a simple layer superimposed on a standard EDH match. A rotating indicator circulates around the table. When it the active player's turn, the game halts for a moment. Every player secretly chooses if they will be being Naughty or Nice with the help of indicator cards.

All players reveal their choice together. They then carry out the bonus linked to their own choice, first with the person holding the token. It is then passed to the right. The countdown ticks up by one step, and regular Commander continues.

These decisions do escalate as the rounds go on, designed to be well-balanced.

Increasing Outcomes

The initial phases provided minor, collective advantages for the Nice path, such as gaining life or investigation clues. Conversely, Naughty choices typically offered more specific upsides, frequently at the expense of another player. One round let players choosing Naughty create a powerful airborne creature. Players that selected Nice created a 1/1 Toy token creature for everyone.

The Climactic Showdown

On the eighth round, Saint Nick personally showed up, changing the match. Depending on the frequency with which a participant was Naughty versus Nice, Santa handed out sealed “gifts”. They appeared to be deck boxes, but contained Magic booster packs of varying value.

• The kindest player was awarded a high-value Collector Booster.
• The next kindest player received a slightly less valuable Collector Booster.
• Another participant got a less powerful set.
• The least nice player got the worst prize: a historically poor booster pack which is basically a punchline.

All cards opened immediately became playable for the remainder of the match, cast from exile using mana considered to be any color. Players who were nice participants, their gift became a significant advantage. Whereas, mischievous participants essentially got a punitive gift.

Playing the Game Yourself

While the demonstration match featured significant production value, this is a concept that players can easily try with friends. Each player plays with their standard Commander deck, and the only extra items required are four different MTG packs from different sets.

A possible drawback lies in the fact that if everyone know ahead of time the prize for being Nice, players might might aim for the most valuable gift. Groups can change this with alternatives, like selecting cards together or enabling gamers to pull cards from their collection not in their deck.

From the entertaining match, this holiday variant is definitely a joyous method to create laughter during festive gatherings. It adds a layer to the strategy at the table in a uniquely festive manner, resulting in a memorable way to play for Magic fans everywhere.