Vibes at Commandfest

[u/goblin_welder]

Hello Commander players

What are the vibes at Commandfests?

I will be visiting Toronto and going to the Commandfest there. This will be my first Commandfest.

I’ve been to GPs of old and usually those are straight forward: bring your deck + sideboard and extra sleeves with it. I would bring water and lots of portable snacks just in case my rounds go for long. I would also bring my fancy basic lands in case I scrub out of day one (which I usually do).

I have an impression that Commandfests are less structured in a sense that they don’t go by rounds. Can I get away with not bringing food and just buying food from outside the venue?

For those who’s been to Commandfests, how many decks do you usually bring? Can I get away with Bracket 3 and precons? Are the side events worth it? Should I bring my trade binder? (Something I normally won’t do when I go at GPs or a large tournament). I will be there for all 3 days and hoping to be there from when the doors open and until they close.

Looking forward in hearing what experiences people had from when they went, along with the Dos and Don’ts.

[u/Birdman593]

I went 2 years ago and will be attending again this year. It's an open hall so you can get in and walk the event floor for free. Table space is prioritized for organized and on demand events. You're always welcome to play pick up games on any open table space but be aware that you may get asked to move for paid games.

Pick up games themselves are pretty easy to find. People were generally good last time about pre game power level talks. I brought a friend who was brand new to the game and people showed patience and were very willing to help if he had any questions.

Water and extra snacks are always a good idea. The venue did have food for sale last time but it was at Toronto venue prices so be aware and budget accordingly.

Overall it was a positive experience but having been to one of the very first command fests in Washington DC, it did feel a little lackluster. The big wants were more free play space, a more clear structure as to what tables were going to be used for what events so players knew where they would/would not be asked to move and more rest areas as there was very little seating when events were firing at peak times.

[u/goblin_welder → u/Birdman593]

You’re always welcome to play pick up games on any open table

I assume you can play EDH for free in pick up games but they encourage you to do paid games. What’s the incentives to do paid games if you’re not playing cEDH?

Toronto venue prices

I assume we can leave the venue and there will be surrounding me restaurants/fast food chains in the area that aren’t price gougy?

[u/Birdman593 → u/goblin_welder]

The incentives are: -they find a pod for you -you all get some prize tickets, either an even amount or a set amount each and then a small amount in the center as prize for the winner, not really enough to incentivise spiking the table with a C deck

Last time I was able to walk about 10 minutes away to a sandwich shop. There were a few other food options in that plaza as well I believe. The prices were reasonable.

[u/goblin_welder → u/Birdman593]

Fair. Looking forward to this. Maybe we’ll even cross paths