Introduction to BDH

Budget Dragon Highlander is a casual format created with two goals in mind:

1. Equal ease of access to both new and experienced players.

2. Freedom to pursue as many playstyles as possible.

With these goals in mind, I have taken created a set of rules for play available on page 2 of this document.  Budget Dragon Highlander is named such due to the budget limit on players’ decks.  The format is similar to Tiny Leaders in that it has a 50 card deck, however there is no cmc limit to the format so as to allow as much freedom as possible.  Any creature may be chosen as a players’ commander, in fact use of non-legendary creatures is encouraged.  With freedom of play in mind, I have taken the liberty of creating a new basic land.  This land is called Mirrodin Sweep.  The land produces 1 colorless mana and has been added to this format to equalize a budget inequality between players of colored commanders and players of colorless commanders.  Basic lands do not factor into a players’ budget, which would severely hamper the budget of those playing colorless creatures as their commanders.

Although this format is meant for casual play, this format is in no way meant to be boring.  In fact, by setting the deck budget I find it pushes players to think of creative new strategies.  The alteration to the rule EDH rule that only allows legendary creatures to be chosen as a commander was to facilitate and catalyze this creative play.  Due to this focus on creative play a more casual and experimental environment is achieved.

This format is meant to be a fun group format, although it can also be played 1 v 1, it is intended for a group of 4+ players.  It is also optimal for Planechase due to the fast pace most games follow.  Thank you for giving this new format a chance and above all else, have fun.