A large part of commander is the naturally occurring dynamic between players who benefit mutually from working together. Forming an alliance with another player to take down the big bad, or currying favor to call in support later on are commonplace. Part of ensuring those deals and alliances work well is convince other players, those involved are serious about working together. After all, an alliance is only as strong if everyone else is convinced they’ll stick together. In this edition of Commander Politics 101 we’re going to discuss the benefits of solidifying your deals and cross table alliances with a long, passionate kiss.
Like a peacock rattling its trains, an ostentatious public display of affection gets plenty of attention from onlookers, both consciously and subconsciously assigning a bond between individuals in a social contract. In other words, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that these two are a team. Not only do others take this bond seriously, usually completely altering further interpersonal interactions based on this information, but also serves as an unconscious designation of viability, or social proofing as it’s sometimes called. It makes both seem more desirable. In other words, getting to first base with your buddy Bob will make other future deals and alliances even more likely among others at the table.
You may be thinking, but I’m married and/or in a relationship and my partner would kill me if they saw me sucking face with my friends at commander night. Right. Sure. Uh huh. Let’s entertain the idea that you’re not full of shit for a moment. There are other ways to use public signals to strengthen temporary partnerships. Even if an alliance is temporary, it’s shown that players who hold hands for the duration of their fellowship have a nearly identical effect to those willing to eat each other’s faces. It’s unlikely your “partner” (body pillows don’t count by the way) will get upset by this.
There are numerous ways to use physical signals to show everyone you mean business, the most advanced of which are employed by professional commanderers. Would you try to target down a commander knowing his buddy’s hand has been up his ass the entire game? I think not. Would you question whether Timmy is going to have Steve’s back while he’s slobbing all over his knob? Doubtful.
There are no right or wrong ways to use these tactics to your advantage, so long as you’re getting people’s attention and you’re both consenting adults. We’re positive by adding this system to your toolbelt you’re going to see a higher rate of success in your politics and a ton more viewers if you are recording or streaming your commander games.