CommandFest Worcester

July 11-13, 2025

Welcome to CommandFest Worcester

cEDH $5k Tournament with INCLUDED Commandfest badge

We want to welcome everyone to CommandFest Worcester. This event is Commander centered but not all Commander. We have added some competitive events that don’t require a Commandfest badge to play in. Everyone may visit the vendors and artists without a badge. Everything else requires a Commandfest badge to do. The CEDH event is capped at 180 players and has a basic Commandfest badge included.

Each basic Commandfest badge comes with: 3 Four Player Pod constructed events. We are waiting for official approval for 2 of our new events. The first is tentatively named KING of The Hill. This event is super competitive, we are thinking tier 4 to 5. You may use a play voucher or pay the $10.00 entry. The winner of this pod receives 300 prize wall tickets and a FREE Entry into another Four Player Pod constructed event. The second event is tentatively named 7’s are wild. This event is casual style event with a twist. Players have 6 turns to get ready for the wildness that happens on turn 7 and beyond as players are not allowed to win before turn 7! Every player will receive 80 prize wall tickets just for playing. The winner will receive an additional 40 prize wall tickets and an additional FREE Entry into another Four Player Pod. A booster pack of Wilds of Eldraine will cost 40 prize wall tickets.

The event schedule is full of other events in addition to the On demand events. Players with the Commandfest badge have FREE access to the Command Zone, the meet and greet sessions with our content creators. The content creators will be playing games in the Command Zone as well. We want this event to be fun filled with unique play experiences. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tom Shea at: TomSheatj@gmail.com or 508-404-8245.

A CommandFest badge is not needed to play in competitive non commander events, or to visit vendors and artists. For all Commander play, events and activities a badge is needed.

The event schedule below will list all activities that require the badge for access.  Please make sure you purchase your badge in addition to any restricted event tickets. You will need to show badge to participate in the restricted events!

Friday Schedule:
Hall open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Saturday Schedule:
Hall open 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Time	Cost	Name	Badge Required
9:00 AM		Command Zone opens	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: KING of THE HILL *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: : Casual Commander 7’s are wild *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: Casual Commander *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: 2 HG *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: CEDH *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand Events: Final Fantasy Draft, Modern, Pre Modern 8 player *or 4 player voucher	No
9:30 AM	$110*	cEDH $5,000 Tournament  *Tournament included with Commandfest cEDH badge!	Yes
11:00 AM		Meet and Greet with Nitpicking Nerds	Yes
11:30 AM	$75	Final Fantasy Mystery Precon Commander Pod	Yes
12:00 PM	$20	Oathbreaker	Yes
	$10	Commander Pauper 4 player pod ($10 or Voucher)	Yes
1:00 PM		Meet and Greet with The Howling Saltmine Podcasters	Yes
2:00 PM	$50	Commander Party with Promos, & Playmat	Yes
3:00 PM		Meet and Greet with TBA	Yes
4:00 PM	$20	Oathbreaker	Yes
	$100	Final Fantasy 2 HG Sealed	Yes
5:00 PM		Meet and Greet with Steven Kopp	Yes
6:00 PM	$50	Commander Emperor (3 Player Teams)	Yes
	TBA	Commandfest cocktails & Commander: TBA	Yes
10:00 PM		Doors Close

Sunday Schedule:
Hall open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Time	Cost	Name	Badge Required
9:00 AM		Command Zone opens	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: KING of THE HILL *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: : Casual Commander 7’s are wild *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: Casual Commander *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: 2 HG *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand 4-player Pods Commander Pods: CEDH *or 4 player voucher	Yes
	$10*	On Demand Events: Final Fantasy Draft, Modern, Pre Modern 8 player *or 4 player voucher	No
10:00 AM	$25	Rcq: 2 Slot Modern Regional Qualifier
11:00 AM		Meet and Greet with TBA	Yes
11:30 AM	$75	Final Fantasy Mystery Precon Commander Pod	Yes
12:00 PM	$20	Oathbreaker
	$10	Commander Pauper 4 player pod ($10 or Voucher)	Yes
1:00 PM		Meet and Greet with TBA	Yes
1:30 PM	$20	Premodern Swiss	No
2:00 PM	$50	Commander Party with Promos, & Playmat	Yes
3:00 PM		Meet and Greet with TBA	Yes
4:00 PM	$50	Commander Emperor (3 Player Teams)	Yes
6:00 PM		Doors Close

FAQ, Rules, and Policies

What are the security protocols at CommandFest Worcester?

Ensuring the safety and security of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff is our utmost priority.

All participants at CommandFest Worcester should be aware of the following:

• Event personnel may approach you to provide assistance outside, at entry points, or within CommandFest Worcester.
• Wearing your CommandFest Worcester badge is mandatory for CommandFest Worcester areas but not for entry to the DCU Center. This applies to exhibitors, vendors, attendees, speakers, guests, artists, professionals, press, staff, and crew.
• Bag checks may be conducted at our events.

All CommandFest Worcester attendees are kindly requested to:

• Keep personal belongings with you at all times and avoid leaving items unattended.
• Report any suspicious, unusual, or out-of-place observations to our staff.
• Adhere to the instructions of our staff at all times.
• Carry an official form of photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or government-issued ID.

How does TJ Café & Games address counterfeit items?

TJ Café & Games strictly prohibits the sale and purchase of counterfeit, knock-off, unlicensed, or bootleg materials. We are committed to upholding intellectual property rights. Violators of this policy may face the confiscation of counterfeit items and/or removal from the event.

Can I bring my pet to CommandFest Worcester?

We apologize for any inconvenience, but please leave your pet at home. The DCU Center only permits the presence of certified service animals.

What are the guidelines for Cosplay weapons and props at CommandFest Worcester?

Functional props or weapons are not permitted at CommandFest Worcester. Simulated or costume weapons might be allowed, subject to prior staff approval.

TJ Café & Games enforces a strict prohibition on hate symbols, including those incorporated into cosplay. Costumes that bear hate symbols or evoke the symbolism of hate groups, even in historical, satirical, or comic-related contexts, are not allowed at the event.

PLEASE keep it family friendly.

Will there be prop weapon and bag checks at CommandFest Worcester?

Management reserves the right to exercise sole discretion on matters that may affect public safety or the event’s integrity.

Bag checks will be conducted upon entry, and prop weapons will be tagged as needed.

Where do I pick up my badge?

At the Registration Station, our registration staff will be happy to assist you. This station will be on the first floor of the DCU Center.

Who requires a badge?

 The artist area and vendor area are available to everyone and do not require a badge. The RCQ does not require a badge.

All individuals aged 6 and above must secure a badge to participate in CommandFest Worcester events. Children under the age of 6 can accompany a paying adult badge holder at no additional cost.

Where can I preregister for events?

www.tjcommandfestma.com

Some events require registration on-site.

What is the refund policy?

We kindly request that you make your badge choices thoughtfully. Once acquired, CommandFest Worcester badges are non-refundable and non-transferable. Furthermore, badges cannot be replicated or resold. Upgrade packages may be available on-site while supplies last.

General:

 What if I get injured?

In the event that you sustain an injury at the CommandFest Worcester, reach out to the CommandFest Worcester staff, and we’ll promptly provide the necessary assistance.

What if I experience harassment at the CommandFest Worcester?

Should anyone engage in behavior that constitutes harassment, bring it to the attention of a CommandFest Worcester staffer.  We will respond swiftly, taking appropriate action as deemed necessary. This might include expulsion from CommandFest Worcester without a refund. Our policy applies to all participants at the event, including exhibitors, attendees, speakers, guests, professionals, press, and staff.

Will there be free Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi will not be provided at the event.

Can you make an announcement at the event?

We regret that we are unable to utilize the public address system to make announcements for fans or exhibitors. We recommend coordinating a prearranged meeting time and location with your companions. There will be a designated meeting space.

What are vouchers?

Vouchers are for event entry and grant access to those events at no charge. However, Constructed Pod Entry Vouchers do not include sealed or limited format events.

Where is the lost and found?

Lost and Found is located at the Registration Station. Please check there for any misplaced items.

How would I check the lost and found post-event?

Please email TomSheaTJ@gmail.com.

How do I find a game?

Look for the gathering point sign. It will be near the entrance of the command zone.

Location:

DCU Center
50 Foster St
Worcester, MA 01608

Hotel:

Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 35 Major Taylor Blvd
Worcester, MA 01608

Here is the booking link for the hotel room block, please put this just below the hotel information.

Your Attendee Reservation URL (long version) is immediately below. Please use this link specifically as copying it from one browser to another browser will remove the connections required.
Booking Link

About Us:

TJ Café & Games is the evolution of TJ Collectibles. TJ Collectibles opened March 18, 1992 at 227 Main Street, Milford, MA. We opened in 600 feet of space as a Baseball Card/Comic Book shop. In 1996, we relocated to 160 Main Street, Milford. In 1997 we ran our first Magic tournament in our basement; we had 27 players.

TJ Collectibles went on to have 26 players qualify for the Pro Tour. We have been lucky to have had so many great players play in our events over the years. TJ Collectibles organized Magic Grands Prix from 2001, cohosting with Rob Dougherty (Your Move Games), to hosting our own from 2011 to 2016. In 2020, TJ Collectibles relocated during the pandemic and became TJ Café & Games. We appreciate that our customers chose us as their place to game. We are looking forward to hosting CommandFest Worcester. If you need any further assistance, please email Tom Shea at TomSheaTJ@gmail.com.

Vendors: TBA

Content Creators:

Brian David Marshall

Event Information!

On-Demand 4-player Pods:

Top Dog, 7’s are Wild, 2 Headed Giant, CEDH
Entry fee: $10.00 or one 4 player constructed play voucher

Top Dog: very competitive
Prizes: Winner receives 300 Prize Tickets, & FREE ENTRY 4 player constructed pod

7’s Are Wild: very casual, each player gets 6 turns to get ready, no player can be eliminated or win BEFORE TURN 7.
Prizes: Every player receives 80 Prize Tickets

CEDH On-Demand:
Entry: $10.00, 1 Round
Prizes: Winner 120 Tickets, Runner up: 40 tickets

2 Headed Giant: 2 teams face off
Prizes: each player receives 40 Prize Tickets for playing, winning team receives 40 per player

Final Fantasy 2HG Sealed

Team up for this exciting sealed event! Each pair of players will receive twelve Final Fantasy booster packs to build two synergistic decks. Experience this unique cooperative format as you and your partner strategize together to take on other teams. Enjoy a fun, interactive environment with multiple rounds of play, ensuring plenty of action!

Entry: $100 per team ($50 per player)
Round Length: 3 Rounds, 50 minutes each. 60 minutes for deck construction.
Prizes (per player):
3-0 = 480 tickets
2-1 = 160 tickets
1-2 = 40 tickets
0-3 = 40 tickets

Oath Breaker:

You have an Oathbreaker (planeswalker) instead of a Commander. Choose a Signature Spell alongside your Oathbreaker. You start with 20 life. 60 card deck. Singleton format, just like EDH. Vintage legality, with restricted cards banned. Can only cast Signature spell if you control your Oathbreaker. Each additional cast of Oathbreaker/Spell costs 2 more. Build your deck around the abilities of your Oathbreaker. Choose a synergistic Oathbreaker and Signature Spell. Play cards that protect your Oathbreaker. Adapt to the quicker game pace with a low curve.

Entry: You may use your 4 player play vouchers to enter or pay $20.00.

Prizes: Each player will receive 80 Prize Wall tickets for entering, the winner will receive 200 Prize Wall Tickets.

Commander Pauper:

Pauper Commander, like Commander, is a multiplayer format typically played in pods of 3-4 players (though 1v1 is also fairly popular). It has been around since the early 2000s with varying rulesets. The most universally accepted rules are that each player starts with 30 life and plays a deck of 99 unique common cards (excluding basic lands) headed by an uncommon creature (legendary or non-legendary) that is the deck’s commander.[2] Another difference is that a player dies after taking 16 damage from a single commander. Otherwise, the rules follow those of Commander.
Pauper Commander follows the combined paper/online rarities adopted by Pauper[3] but also allows the use of promo cards. This means cards that have only appeared at the common or uncommon rarity in online sets such as Chainer’s Edict and Bastion Protector are legal to play. You can use the Scryfall search engine to find a card’s rarity from any set.
Banned list Like Commander, groups may choose to include or exclude certain cards but most games follow the standardized rules from the PDH Home Base. Under these rules, the following cards are banned[4].
Mystic Remora Rhystic Study

Entry: You may use one of your 4 player commander pod vouchers to play in this event.
Prizes: Each player will receive 80 prize tickets for playing in this event. The winner will receive an additional 80 prize tickets.

Commander Emperor:

Join our Commander Emperor event for a twist on the classic format! In this team-based game, 6 players form two trios. Each team brings their own decks and has an Emperor protected by two Generals. Battle through your opponents to reach and defeat the enemy Emperor. Strategy and alliances are key!

Entry per Team: $30.00
Prizes (Per Player):
Winning Team = 120 tickets per player
Runner Up = 60 tickets per player

CEDH Win-a-Box

Bring your top Commander deck for this competitive event. Fight through challenging matches with the winner taking home a box of Tarkir: Dragonstorm Play Boosters. Earn rewards for each match won: 320 tickets for one win and 80 tickets even if you don’t claim victory. Perfect for experienced CEDH players looking to showcase their skills and win big.
Entry: $25.00
Prizes:
Winner = 1 Tarkir: Dragonstorm Play Booster Box OR 1200 tickets
1 Win = 320 tickets
0 Wins = 80 tickets

Sealed RCQ: Final Fantasy 2-Slot Qualifier

Players will receive 6 Final Fantasy boosters to build their deck. There will be a top 8 draft upon completion of the Swiss. The top 2 finishers qualify for regionals. Prizes are guaranteed to the top 16. Vouchers are not accepted for this event

Constructed Swiss

Battle it out in this 16-player Swiss Constructed Format (Modern, Pre Modern or Standard) event. Play in three rounds of Modern Constructed and receive Prize Tix based on your record!

3-0 = 600 tickets
2-1 = 200 tickets
1-2 = 60 tickets
0-3 = 60 tickets

Final Fantasy Mystery Pre-Con Commander Pod

Experience the thrill of our Commander Pre-Con Pod! Gather with 3 other players, unbox a preconstructed deck from Tarkir: Dragonstorm, and dive into intense battles. Test your skills and enjoy the camaraderie in this 4-player MTG showdown.

Vouchers are not accepted for this event.

120 tickets per player

Duel Commander

Think you have what it takes to triumph in a Commander 1v1? Sign up for Duel Commander Swiss and put your skills to the test in a three-round Swiss format event. Prizes are distributed based on record, so put your best foot forward and get ready to duel.The Duel Commander Ban List will be used for this event

Entry: $30.00

Prizes (per player):

• 3-0 = 900 tickets
• 2-1 = 400 tickets
• 1-2 = 120 tickets
• 0-3 = 120 tickets

On-Demand Events:

Modern On-Demand:

Duke it out with seven other players in a Modern Constructed On-Demand Single Elimination Pod! Be the last player standing and take home a box worth of Prize Tix!

Entry: $20
Round Length: 3 Rounds. Single elimination 8-4-2.

Prizes:

• Winner = 1200 tickets
• Runner Up = 400 tickets

 Commander 1v1

Go head-to-head with your opponent in a game of Duel Commander. Two players enter, and the winner receives 200 Prize Tix while the runner-up walks away with 40 Prize Tix.

Entry: $20
Round Length: 1 Round

Prizes:

• Winner: 200 tickets
• Runner Up: 40 tickets

Swiss Booster Draft: Final Fantasy

Join a Swiss-style 8-person draft featuring any combinations of the sets listed above! Each player starts with three booster packs to draft their deck. Enjoy three rounds of play, where every match counts but no one is eliminated early. Perfect for players looking to maximize their gameplay experience and refine their drafting strategy with the latest set!

Entry: $35.00
Format: Swiss
Round Length: 3 Rounds

Prizes:

• 3 Wins = 200 tickets
• 2 Wins = 120 tickets
• 1 Win = 80 tickets

We can run any on-demand event that 8 players would like to play in addition to these choices.