How much life do you start with in Commander?

With 40 life, instead of the usual 20.

How does commander damage work?

If you take 21 total combat damage from one single commander, you lose immediately — regardless of your life total. The life counter tracks this per opponent and takes the damage off your life as well.

How many players play Commander?

Usually 4, but the life counter works for 2 to 6 players.

Commander life counter

40 life, commander damage per opponent and poison — for 2 to 6 players, right in your browser.

Start a Commander game →

How it works

Pick Commander and the number of players (4 by default).
Tap the top or bottom of a tile for +1 or −1 life; hold for ±10. Tap a name to change it.
Use ☠ ⚔ on a tile to count poison and the commander damage from each opponent. Anyone who is out gets struck through.
Done? Pick who won. With a free account it counts toward your deck's win rate.

New to Commander? Read the Commander rules in plain language.

Frequently asked questions

How much life do you start with in Commander?: With 40 life, instead of the usual 20.
How does commander damage work?: If you take 21 total combat damage from one single commander, you lose immediately — regardless of your life total. The life counter tracks this per opponent and takes the damage off your life as well.
How many players play Commander?: Usually 4, but the life counter works for 2 to 6 players.

Link your deck? Open the life counter in the app →

Last updated: 12 October 2026