Some people can casually start a Rule 0 conversation like they’re hosting a talk show.
The rest of us want to say something normal, not accidentally insult a stranger, and get to the part where we actually cast spells.
These scripts are for the rest of us.
TLDR
- Pick a script based on the pod: strangers, friends, precons, high-power, cEDH, time-crunch.
- Keep it short: power bracket + wincons + feel-bads + proxies + time.
- If someone’s deck doesn’t match, don’t argue. Swap, split pods, or set a one-game constraint.
- Copy/paste blocks are below.
The 30-Second “We Just Met” Script
Hey! Quick Rule 0 check.
What power are we aiming for (bracket or casual/high-power/cEDH)?
How does your deck usually win, and when does it start threatening?
Any big feel-bads tonight (extra turns, heavy stax, mass land destruction)?
Are proxies okay?
The 60-Second LGS Script (strangers, but polite)
Before we start, quick alignment check so nobody has a bad time.
1) What bracket/power are we playing?
2) What’s your main win condition, and what turn do you usually threaten?
3) Any infinite combos, heavy stax/locks, or lots of extra turns?
4) Proxies okay?
5) How much time do we have for this game?
The “Upgraded Precons” Script
Are we keeping this in upgraded-precon range?
No fast mana piles, no super-tutored combos, and wins usually turn 7+.
Sound good?
Also, proxies okay?
The “High-Power but Not cEDH” Script
High-power game?
Fast mana and tutors are fine, combos are fine, interaction expected.
But not full cEDH meta-optimized lines unless everyone’s on that page.
What turn do your decks usually threaten a win?
Any hard locks or extra-turn chains?
The cEDH Script (fast, clear, no drama)
cEDH pod?
Assume anything legal is on the table.
Are proxies okay?
Any special tournament-style expectations (no takebacks, clean shortcuts)?
This is usually enough because cEDH has a default social contract: optimize, interact, win.
The “I Have One Spicy Card” Script
Use this when you’re not trying to be sneaky, you’re just running something that changes the room temperature.
Heads-up: this deck includes [card/pattern], which can be a lot.
If that’s not the vibe, I can swap decks.
Examples of what belongs in the bracket:
- “I’m on a hard stax package.”
- “I run multiple extra turn spells.”
- “I’m on a compact two-card combo.”
The “Time Limit” Script
How much time do we have?
If we’re short on time, I can play a faster deck and we can avoid super-grindy locks.
The “Mismatch Detected” Script (the most important one)
When someone reveals they’re on a very different game, you want a script that de-escalates, not one that starts a debate.
Sounds like we brought different power levels.
No worries, I can swap decks, or we can split pods so everyone gets the game they want.
What’s easiest?
The “Proxies” Script (clear, non-judgey)
Are proxies cool here?
I’m fine either way, I just want everyone to know before we start.
What Not to Say (unless you want to be remembered)
- “That commander is broken.”
- “Combos are toxic.”
- “If you play that, you’re not welcome.”
Try:
- “I’m not really up for that kind of game tonight.”
- “Can we match to that power, or should we swap pods?”
FAQs
Do I have to disclose my whole deck?
No. You’re disclosing the kind of game your deck creates.
What if someone says “I don’t do Rule 0”?
Then keep it minimal: bracket/power, wincons, proxies. If they still refuse, you can opt out of the game.
Are these scripts only for casual?
No. The cEDH one is short on purpose. That scene just has different defaults.
What if I don’t know my deck’s “turn to win”?
Give a rough answer: “Usually not before turn 7 unless the table ignores me.”
What if someone gets offended by questions?
Then they probably wanted the advantage of surprise. That’s useful information.
Wrap Up
You don’t need to be the table therapist. You just need one clean sentence that gets everyone on the same page.
If you want the “why this matters” pillar, read MTG Commander Rule 0: The Pregame Talk That Actually Works.
If you want the “ask better questions” tool, use MTG Commander Power Level Checklist: 10 Questions That Predict the Game.