https://pdhhomebase.com is the best first stop -- there is a link to the discord where there are many many folks to ask questions and bounce ideas off of
the secret tech is to just take some time and look through just all the commons on scryfall and get an understanding of the sorts of effects that make up our bread and butter
Generally, first commander is the most daynting question.
My start was pulling up the list of all uncommon creatures, looking at every single one, and making a list of 200+ options for my first few commanders...
Maybe my way isn't very broadly applicable 😅
I ended up with Savage Ventmaw as my first.
Alternatively, instead of going through 5000 legal options, here's a list I've worked on that breaks it down to a few hundred viable options. So pick a 2-color combination and now you're down to tens of options to look through. Makes it much easier to find something that sparks your imagination.
I got into PDH partly by listening to @thepdhpod.bsky.social and getting inspired by the stuff they say there, but just as much because "Hey, I love Vilespawn Spider but it sucks. Whare can I play?"
The best thing this format does is make a good deck from your favourite unplayable uncommon
What is it about PDH that you find attractive? Price? Power level? Unconventional deck-building?
For me it was the brewing restriction of only using commons, and the fact that I could paint on the cards unabashedly. The answer to that question might help you find a commander you like!
You're welcome. :) Failing your LGS' bulk, just getting some bulk lots online will do well enough. You'll probably find some good playables in those sort of lots.
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Step 2) Identify your favorite color / combo.
Step 3) Find the #2CUD, or uncommon creature, that matches both step 1 and 2.
Step 4) Dig through your bulk.
Step 5) Join Discords for PDH Home Base / PDH Pals / Sanctuary PDH / The PDH Pod, and sling Spelltable.
If you’re interested in gameplay we have a growing backlog to check out!
@pdhpals.bsky.social have maybe played with every commander ever printed so I’m positive you could find something there!
We learned a lot from @lobbert8.bsky.social when we started too!
My start was pulling up the list of all uncommon creatures, looking at every single one, and making a list of 200+ options for my first few commanders...
Maybe my way isn't very broadly applicable 😅
I ended up with Savage Ventmaw as my first.
The best thing this format does is make a good deck from your favourite unplayable uncommon
For me it was the brewing restriction of only using commons, and the fact that I could paint on the cards unabashedly. The answer to that question might help you find a commander you like!
If you want ideas on where to get the cards? Just rummaging through your LGS' bulk is about the best way to get virtually anything you need for PDH.