21 Commander Combat Damage

Judge Level 1

Your opponent still has 19 life — and loses anyway.

Cards involved

Zurgo Helmsmasher

Lightning Bolt

Step / 3

Two hits are in

Your commander Zurgo Helmsmasher (7/2) has already hit your opponent twice in combat: 14 commander combat damage. Your opponent is still at 26 life.

Rules: 903.10a

903.10aA player who’s been dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game loses the game. (This is a state-based action. See rule 704.)

What happens?

The third hit.

Zurgo connects again: 7 damage — 21 total. But your opponent still has 19 life. Do they lose?

Pick an answer to continue.

The 21 rule counts combat damage from the same commander over the ENTIRE game (903.10a) — across deaths and recasts too. It's a separate loss condition next to life totals.

Rules: 903.10a

903.10aA player who’s been dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game loses the game. (This is a state-based action. See rule 704.)

And why doesn't the Bolt count?

Only COMBAT damage from the commander itself counts. A Lightning Bolt from the commander player, abilities, or redirected damage don't increase the counter. And: each commander counts separately — 11 from Zurgo plus 10 from a partner commander are NOT 21.

Rules: 903.10a

903.10aA player who’s been dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game loses the game. (This is a state-based action. See rule 704.)

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Stack

Opponent's life:

Zurgo Helmsmasher

Your commander — 7/2

The stack is empty.

Battlefield

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