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Commander is the most popular casual format in Magic: The Gathering, and game stores across the country host weekly Commander nights. Here's how to find one near you.
March 16, 2026
Commander night is a recurring event at local game stores (LGS) where players gather to play Commander, also known as EDH (Elder Dragon Highlander). Most stores host these on weekday evenings — typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday — and they're open to all skill levels. Entry is usually free or costs $5, and many stores offer store credit or promo cards as prizes. Unlike competitive tournaments, Commander nights are casual and social. You'll sit down with 3 other players, shuffle up your 100-card singleton deck, and play a multiplayer game that usually lasts 60–90 minutes. It's the most common in-store Magic event in the country, and nearly every game store that carries Magic runs one.
The fastest way is to search on Scrypoint — just enter your city or zip code and filter by Commander. You'll see every upcoming Commander event at stores within your search radius, with dates, times, and entry fees. Alternatively, you can check the Wizards of the Coast Event Locator, but it's limited to officially sanctioned events and misses many casual Commander nights. Google Maps can help you find local game stores, and most stores post their event schedules on Facebook or their own websites. Scrypoint aggregates all of these sources so you don't have to check each one individually.
All you really need is a Commander deck and a way to track life totals (a phone app like Mana Box or a simple pen and paper works). If you don't have a deck yet, many stores sell preconstructed Commander decks for $30–60 that are ready to play out of the box. These are a great entry point. Bring some dice (stores often have them for sale too), a playmat if you have one, and maybe some snacks or cash for the store's vending. Most importantly, bring a good attitude — Commander is a social format, and being friendly goes a long way.
Don't worry about having the perfect deck. Commander is deliberately casual, and most playgroups are happy to welcome new players regardless of deck power level. Ask about the store's 'Rule 0' or power level expectations before sitting down — some groups play high-power competitive decks while others prefer budget or themed builds. Let people know it's your first time, and they'll often slow down to explain interactions. Don't be afraid to make plays that seem risky — that's where the fun is. And remember: losing is fine. Commander is about the experience, not the win rate.
Scrypoint tracks Commander nights at hundreds of game stores across the Midwest and beyond. Search by city, filter by format, and see exactly when and where the next game is. New events are added daily, so check back often or sign up for email alerts to get notified when new Commander events pop up near you.
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