🧂 Do We Need a "Bracket 3.5"?

The Bracket System has done wonders for Commander.
It’s one of the most impactful tools the format’s ever seen for helping players find the right games in the wild. If you’ve played EDH since the early days—when it was literally just “a pile of cards you owned”—you’ve probably experienced the pain of mismatched expectations. First came “My deck’s a 7,” then the ‘Boom of cEDH’, and somewhere in between we lost sight of the middle ground.

Finding a game where everyone’s on the same page has always been part art form, part gamble. Now, thanks to the Bracket System, we’ve got a shared language. And honestly? I think it solves a ton of problems.

Brackets 1–2: That’s Someone Else’s Business

As I’ve said before: Brackets 1 and 2? No idea what happens there. I assume it’s fun. Props to Wizards for supporting that part of the player base, but I’m not your guide there.

Bracket 3: Where Most EDH Lives

Bracket 3 is where the bulk of Commander players hang out. It’s popular, familiar, and—importantly—it’s got range.

Just today on Twitter (sorry, X still doesn’t sound right), I saw someone post:

And that’s exactly what I want to talk about.

Within Bracket 3, there’s enough internal variation that I think it deserves a split. We need a Bracket 3.5.

Why Bracket 3.5 Makes Sense

If you’ve played ~10 games at Bracket 3, you’ve probably noticed it: not all Bracket 3 decks are built the same.

Sure, the rules are clear:

• No mass land denial

• No chaining extra turns

• Late-game two-card combos are okay

• Up to three "Game Changers" allowed

But the execution? That’s where things diverge.

You’ve got spike-leaning players pushing “upgraded” casual decks to the limit. And then there are folks showing up with classic mid-power brews. Both groups fit the letter of Bracket 3—but not the spirit of each other’s game.

The result? Games that feel off-balance, even though everyone technically followed the rules.

Bracket 4: The “Lost But Seeking” Bracket

Right now, Bracket 4 is having a bit of an identity crisis. It’s a melting pot of:

• Players who leveled up from Bracket 3 to include all their favorite Game Changers

• High-Powered Battlecruiser players who want big spells and Reserved List flexing

• Fringe cEDH pilots who built combo-heavy lists that almost hang with the big dogs

Here’s the thing: all of those decks are valid. But when they sit at the same table, the vibes can get... weird.

Rule 0 helps—absolutely. That conversation can save your night. The line between “optimized casual” and “diet cEDH” isn’t always easy to spot until turn four or five.

The Case for a New Bracket

Introducing Bracket 3.5 (placeholder name—please send better ones) could solve a lot.

It gives “High-Powered Casual” players a place to thrive without facing combo turn-three losses. It gives players with fringe cEDH brews a spot where their decks can compete without pubstomping.

Think of it like this:

• Bracket 3 = Mid Power EDH

• Bracket 3.5 = Optimized, Synergistic Decks (Bracket 3 decks with more or unlimited Game Changers)

• Bracket 4 = Efficient, Combo-Aware Decks (the TRUE “High Power Casual”)

• Bracket 5 = True cEDH

Meren is a perfect example. She’s strong, but she’s not cracking cEDH. Windgrace, Rafiq, Karador—these commanders can shine in Bracket 3.5, or even be pushed into Bracket 4, but they’re not threatening anyone in a pod with Thassa’s Oracle + Tainted Pact.

Let’s give them a better space to play.

But... Do We Really Need This?

You might be wondering: Is this necessary?

Can’t we just use Rule 0 and move on?

Well, sure. You can. But we’re already hearing from folks—at LGS tables, online, and even content creators —saying Bracket 4 is a “pubstomper’s paradise.” And they’re not wrong, but they’re not right either. It just means we need more nuance.

I have decks that live in both worlds—a 4- and a 4+. They feel totally different to play. I bring one or the other depending on how the pre-game conversation goes. A clearer bracket system would just make that easier for everyone, especially newer players or pick-up pods.

Dear Gavin Verhey (and the SEO gods)...

Let’s be clear: the Bracket System is a massive upgrade over the Wild West of “My deck is a 7.” Games at my LGS and on Spelltable have been tighter, more fun, and more aligned ever since it launched.

But there’s room for refinement:

• A new bracket between 3 and 4

• More refinement of the “Game Changers” list (Force of Will? Really?)

• More consistency around deck expectations

All in all, I’m excited about where EDH is headed. With the right tweaks, we can make high-powered Commander games even more fun, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone at the table.

TL;DR:

• Bracket 3 is huge and needs a split.

• Bracket 4 is confused and could benefit from more structure.

• Bracket 3.5 could be the home we’ve all been looking for.

• Rule 0 is still king—but better Brackets make Rule 0 easier.

• Let’s make high-powered EDH (Bracket 4) the best version of itself.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably a Bracket 4 fan like me.
Come chat about it in the comments or find me on TikTok at @NoSaltEDH where we dive into the nuance of high power Commander—minus the salt.

Come join me in Discord! Just getting the community started but would love to have you!

—

🧂 Stay in the Loop

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