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Widely known as MTG's most interactive format, the Elder Dragon Highlander format has received a holiday update just in time for the end of the year. As part of a recent episode, creators from a popular channel demonstrated a four-player game called "Countdown to XT-Mas."

How the Festive Variant Function

At its core is a simple layer added on top of a normal Commander game. A designated indicator moves to each player. Once it arrives at the current player's upkeep, the game briefly pauses. Every player secretly chooses if they will be being Nice or Naughty via indicator cards.

All players reveal their choice simultaneously. They then resolve the consequence linked to their decision, starting with the person holding the marker. The token then gets passed clockwise. The countdown ticks up a single increment, and normal gameplay continues.

The Naughty/Nice options become more significant over time go on, feeling finely tuned.

Growing Effects

The initial phases offered small, table-wide benefits for the Nice path, like gaining life or investigation clues. In contrast, Naughty choices typically offered more specific advantages, usually at the expense of an opponent. One round allowed those choosing Naughty receive a 4/4 flying creature. Anyone who picked Nice generated a 1/1 Toy token creature for everyone.

The Climactic Showdown

When the final round, Saint Nick himself made an appearance, transforming the experience. Based on the tally of a participant was Nice versus Naughty, Santa gave out mystery presents. These looked like small containers, but inside were Magic booster packs worth different amounts.

• The kindest player was awarded a premium Collector Booster.
• The second-nicest player got a slightly less valuable Collector Booster.
• Another participant got a mid-range booster pack.
• The most mischievous player got the worst prize: a historically poor booster pack that's essentially a gag.

All cards unwrapped instantly were used for the remainder of the match, played from outside the game by spending mana considered to be colorless. For the nicer participants, their present became a significant power spike. Meanwhile, those who chose Naughty basically received a punitive gift.

Playing the Variant with Friends

While the original showcase included considerable custom components, this is a concept that anybody can adapt at home. Participants uses their standard EDH deck, and all you'd need are a selection of booster packs from different sets.

A possible drawback lies in the fact that if everyone know ahead of time the prize for being Nice, they all might aim for the best booster pack. Groups can add variety in different ways, like drafting cards from a communal pile or letting players pull specific cards not in their deck.

Judging by how the format played out, Countdown to XT-Mas is definitely a fun method to add holiday cheer this holiday season. It complicates the dynamics between players in a joyous way, making it a special experience among MTG fans this season.