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Already considered MTG's most interactive way to play, the Elder Dragon Highlander format has received a festive twist perfect for the end of the year. In a recent video, creators Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong demonstrated a multiplayer game called "Holiday Countdown."

The Mechanics of the Festive Format Function

Fundamentally is a simple layer superimposed on a normal Commander match. One special indicator circulates between players. Once it arrives at the current player's upkeep, the game briefly pauses. All gamers makes a hidden choice if they will be being Naughty or Nice with the help of two cards.

All players flip their card together. Next, they carry out the consequence linked to their decision, beginning with the person holding the marker. It is subsequently handed clockwise. A special tracker ticks up a single increment, and regular Commander continues.

These decisions do escalate with each passing round continue, feeling carefully crafted.

Escalating Choices

Early rounds provided minor, collective advantages for being Nice, such as gaining life or investigation clues. In contrast, Naughty options usually provided personal advantages, frequently to the detriment of another player. One round let players choosing Naughty create a powerful airborne Reindeer token. Anyone who selected Nice made a small artifact token creature for all participants.

Santa's Big Arrival

On the eighth round, Saint Nick personally made an appearance, turning the experience. Based on the frequency with which each player was Nice versus Naughty, Santa distributed wrapped prizes. Outwardly, these were small containers, but held Magic booster packs with different rarities.

• The kindest player was awarded a top-tier Collector Booster.
• The second-nicest player opened a slightly less valuable Collector Booster.
• One player got a mid-range set.
• The most mischievous player drew the short straw: a famously bad set that's essentially a gag.

Each card opened instantly were used for the remainder of the match, cast from exile using mana considered to be all colors. The kinder players, their boon wound up being a significant power spike. Meanwhile, mischievous participants essentially got a punitive gift.

Playing the Format Yourself

While the video featured significant production value, the format is something any group could easily replicate with friends. Each player plays with their usual EDH deck, and the only extra items required are a selection of booster packs of varying value.

One potential drawback lies in the fact that if everyone are aware beforehand what being nice gets you, players might strategize for the top prize. One might mix it up in different ways, for example doing a mini-draft from a communal pile or letting players use cards they own not in their deck.

From the entertaining match, this holiday variant is definitely a fun format to create laughter this holiday season. It complicates the strategy in the game in a fun and way, making it a memorable experience among MTG players this season.