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Already known as MTG's most interactive way to play, the Elder Dragon Highlander format has received a festive makeover perfect for the festive season. As part of a holiday-themed show, hosts Josh Lee Kwai and Jimmy Wong demonstrated a four-player match titled "Countdown to XT-Mas."

The Mechanics of the Festive Format Works

Fundamentally involves a straightforward layer superimposed on a standard EDH match. A designated marker circulates to each player. When it the current player's upkeep, the action halts for a moment. All gamers privately decides whether they're being Nice or Naughty with the help of indicator cards.

The participants turn over their card together. They then apply the consequence tied to their selection, starting with the player holding the marker. This marker then gets passed clockwise. The holiday round counter moves forward one notch, and regular gameplay resumes.

The choices intensify with each passing round go on, seeming finely tuned.

Increasing Choices

At the start granted modest, shared benefits for the Nice path, like gaining life or Clue tokens. On the other hand, Naughty choices often gave more targeted advantages, often at the expense of another player. As an example allowed those who picked Naughty get a 4/4 flying creature. Players that selected Nice created a small artifact creature token for each player.

The Grand Showdown

During the last phase, Saint Nick personally made an appearance, turning the game. According to the tally of a participant was Nice versus Naughty, Santa handed out wrapped prizes. Outwardly, these were small containers, but inside were MTG booster packs worth different amounts.

• The nicest player received a high-value special pack.
• The second-nicest player received a different Collector Booster.
• A special guest received a older booster pack.
• The least nice player essentially received coal: a notoriously weak set that's essentially a gag.

Each card unwrapped immediately became playable for the remainder of the match, used as a bonus with mana as though it were all colors. The kinder players, their gift wound up being a significant advantage. However, mischievous participants essentially got a punitive gift.

Recreating the Variant Yourself

Although the original showcase had significant production value, the format is something anybody can easily try at home. Everybody uses their standard EDH deck, and the only extra items required are a selection of booster packs from different sets.

A possible issue lies in the fact that if players are aware beforehand the best pack's identity, then everyone strategize for the top prize. One might change this with alternatives, for example selecting cards together or allowing participants to pull cards from their collection not in their deck.

Based on how the format played out, Countdown to XT-Mas stands as a joyous format to add holiday cheer during festive gatherings. It complicates the strategy in the game in a fun and way, making it a memorable experience for MTG fans everywhere.