Magic: The Gathering Unveils Pick-Two Draft—Commander Nights Just Got Faster and More Fun
Magic: The Gathering is shaking things up again, and this time, it’s all about making draft night faster and more fun for Commander fans. Wizards of the Coast just announced a brand-new draft format called Pick-Two Draft—and if you love Commander but hate waiting for eight players, you’re going to want to check this out!
- Magic: The Gathering introduces Pick-Two Draft, a new official draft format
- Designed specifically for four-player Commander groups
- Draft, deckbuild, and play matches—all in just 90 minutes
- Format tested at MagicCons and now coming to local game stores
Pick-Two Draft: What’s New?
Let’s get right to the point. The Pick-Two Draft is a draft format for exactly four people—just like your typical Commander pod. Instead of the usual six or eight players, you only need your regular playgroup to get started. Here’s how it works: everyone gets three booster packs, just like in a standard draft. The twist? Every time a pack comes your way, you pick two cards instead of one before passing it along. This rule isn’t totally new—it was already used in the Commander Masters sets—but now it’s an official way to draft!
Fast, Focused, and Fun
One of the biggest perks of Pick-Two Draft is speed. The whole process—drafting, deckbuilding, and playing—can be wrapped up in just 90 minutes. That’s a huge win for anyone who’s ever spent half a night just getting through the draft! This “lightning” approach was first tested at MagicCons under the name Lightning Draft, and feedback has been pretty enthusiastic. Curious what it looks like in action? Check out the official video here:
How Does the Game Work?
After drafting, you build a 40-card deck using your picks and any basic lands. Then, the pod splits into two groups. Each group plays, and the winners face off for bragging rights—or maybe a prize if you’re playing at a tournament. Since it’s now an official format, expect to see Pick-Two Draft events popping up at your local game store soon. It’s also a great way to add variety to your regular Commander night.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Like any big change in Magic, the response has been mixed. Many players are excited about the new format and can’t wait to try it. But some Limited format purists are skeptical, seeing it as another sign of Commander’s growing influence. Either way, Pick-Two Draft is here to stay—at least at major events. You’ll be able to play it at the next MagicCon in Atlanta in September.
If you’re a Commander fan looking for a quick, fun way to draft with friends, or just want to shake up your next game night, Pick-Two Draft could be exactly what you need. Will it become your group’s new favorite? There’s only one way to find out!
