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Already regarded as Magic: The Gathering's friendliest format, the Elder Dragon Highlander format just got a seasonal update perfect for the end of the year. In a special show, personalities Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong played a multiplayer game titled "Holiday Countdown."

How the Holiday Variant Works

The basic idea involves a straightforward mechanic superimposed on a standard Commander game. One special token circulates to each player. Once it arrives at the current player's turn, the game briefly pauses. Every player makes a hidden choice if they will be being Naughty or Nice via indicator cards.

Everyone flip their card together. After that, they apply the bonus linked to their decision, starting with the person who has the marker. This marker then gets passed clockwise. A special tracker ticks up by one step, and normal gameplay resumes.

The Naughty/Nice options intensify as the rounds progress, seeming carefully crafted.

Increasing Choices

At the start offered small, table-wide boons for choosing Nice, such as gaining life or investigation clues. On the other hand, The Naughty paths often gave more targeted benefits, often at the expense of an opponent. One round allowed those who picked Naughty get a 4/4 flying creature. Anyone who picked Nice created a small artifact creature token for all participants.

The Grand Finale

When the last phase, Father Christmas personally made an appearance, transforming the match. Depending on how often each player was Naughty versus Nice, Santa handed out mystery presents. They appeared to be deck boxes, but held Magic booster packs with different rarities.

• The nicest player was awarded a high-value Collector Booster.
• The next kindest player received a slightly less valuable Collector Booster.
• One player got a less powerful set.
• The very naughty player drew the short straw: a historically poor booster pack acting as a punchline.

Each card opened instantly were used for the remainder of the match, cast from exile by spending mana considered to be any color. The kinder participants, their boon proved to be a significant boost. Meanwhile, mischievous participants basically received a punitive gift.

Trying the Variant Yourself

Although the original showcase included significant custom components, this is a concept that any group could easily replicate at home. Each player uses their usual EDH deck, and the additional materials needed are several booster packs of varying value.

A possible drawback could be that if players know ahead of time the best pack's identity, they all strategize for the most valuable gift. You could add variety with alternatives, for example doing a mini-draft from a communal pile or allowing participants to use cards from their collection from outside the game.

Based on how the format played out, this holiday variant stands as a joyous way to spread some joy when playing with friends. It adds a layer to the social interplay between players in a uniquely festive way, making it a memorable experience among MTG enthusiasts everywhere.