MTG Player Quiz – What Type of Commander Player Are You?

Discover Your Commander Playstyle

Magic: The Gathering's Commander format is more than just a game—it's a reflection of your playstyle, creativity, and strategic mindset. Are you a Timmy/Tammy, a Johnny/Jenny, a Spike, or do you fit into one of our expanded archetypes?

How This MTG Commander Quiz Works

This quiz consists of 10 multiple-choice questions designed to analyze your playstyle, deck preferences, and overall approach to Commander. At the end, you'll be assigned a player archetype that best fits your personality at the Commander table.

Part 1: Forced Choice - Choose between two options that best reflect your values.
Part 2: Scenarios - Select how you would respond in various situations.
Be Honest - Answer based on how you truly think and act, not how you wish you would.
Trust Your Instincts - Go with your first reaction rather than overthinking.

Remember: There are no wrong answers. Each player type has its own strengths and approaches to the game.

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MTG Player Archetypes – Which One Are You?

The concept of player archetypes originated with Mark Rosewater, Magic: The Gathering's lead designer, who identified three core profiles: Timmy/Tammy, Johnny/Jenny, and Spike. We've expanded this with two additional archetypes plus two unique roles tailored for the social nature of Commander.

Timmy/Tammy – The Power Gamer

✅Loves big, splashy plays
✅Enjoys massive creatures and spells
✅Plays for epic moments, not just for victory

You play Commander for the thrill of the game. You don't care if a play is inefficient as long as it's exciting. Whether it's summoning Craterhoof Behemoth for a devastating attack or casting Expropriate to take over the board, you're here for the spectacle.

Johnny/Jenny – The Creative Deckbuilder

✅Seeks unique and expressive strategies
✅Enjoys unconventional win conditions
✅Plays to showcase personal deck ideas

For you, Commander is about creativity. You might build an Oathbreaker deck with only instants or a tribal deck of an obscure creature type—winning in a unique way is more fun than just winning.

Spike – The Competitive Strategist

✅Loves optimizing deck performance
✅Plays the best cards for efficiency
✅Focuses on winning through skill

You're here to win, but not at all costs. You enjoy refining your deck, perfecting your gameplan, and playing with the best possible strategy. You see Commander as a challenge to be mastered.

Vorthos – The Storyteller

✅Loves Magic's lore and flavor
✅Builds decks around characters or themes
✅Values immersion over raw power

For you, deckbuilding is about creating an experience. You might build a Gerrard Capashen deck for a true hero's journey or a Horror-themed deck based on Innistrad lore. Every deck you create has a deeper meaning beyond just mechanics.

Melvin/Melanie – The System Architect

✅Appreciates well-designed mechanics
✅Enjoys puzzles, synergies, and elegant interactions
✅Prefers cohesive deck structures over chaotic play

You're fascinated by the inner workings of Magic. You love interactions like doubling counters with Hardened Scales or stacking multiple triggers in perfect sequence. A well-crafted deck is like a well-designed machine to you.

Diplomat – The Social Negotiator

✅Enjoys the political aspects of Commander
✅Plays for social interactions as much as the game
✅Thrives on table talk and alliances

You love Commander for the social experience. You're the player who makes deals, brokers truces, and convinces opponents to attack someone else instead of you. Victory is sweet, but influencing the game through discussion is just as fun.

Architect – The Master Planner

✅Loves intricate board states and engines
✅Finds joy in long-term strategies
✅Prefers decks that build momentum over time

You see Commander as an engineering challenge. Whether you're crafting a perfect infinite mana loop or stacking triggers for an unstoppable value engine, you approach deckbuilding like solving a complex equation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the original MTG player types?

Mark Rosewater originally described Timmy/Tammy, Johnny/Jenny, and Spike as the core player types. Over time, additional player profiles, like Vorthos and Melvin, have been recognized.

What is the best Commander playstyle?

There is no best playstyle—Commander is about having fun in different ways. Some players love combo decks, while others prefer group politics or lore-based decks.

Can I be more than one player type?

Absolutely. Many players have a mix of playstyles. You might be 60% Spike, 30% Johnny, and 10% Diplomat, depending on the game or deck you're playing.

How do player types affect deckbuilding?

Your player type often influences your deck choices. For example, Timmy/Tammy players might focus on big creatures, while Johnny/Jenny players might build around unique combos. Understanding your player type can help you build decks that you'll enjoy playing.

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