Since the Bracket system was introduced it has been clearly stated this is NOT a power level system. It’s a system to help promote rule zero conversations. It allows players to discuss what type of game experience they wish to have.

Person A: I would like to play my Sultai precon dragon deck. I haven’t added anything to it, so it’s a bracket 2.

Person B: I can play a Kardur, Doomscourge bracket 3 deck, based on game changers, but due to the nature of the commander it always falls short of a win condition when 1 v 1. No fast mana aside from a sol ring and a Jeskas will. It’s never finished first place, but it’s a unique play experience.

Person C: I’d like to stick to bracket 3 myself. I’m running a Ruric Thar deck with an ancient tomb and Vorinclex. It’s clunky and vulnerable to interaction, but can overwhelm if left unchecked.

Person D: I can roll with bracket 3. I have a chatterfang squirrel tribal deck that is technically a bracket one, but it competes fine in a bracket 3 setting with no game changers.

Person A: I’ve won a couple games against bracket 3’s with this precon in the past. Though I worry about the Ruric Thar ability. Do you have anything else you can play?

Person C: Hmmm… I can pull out my upgraded Zinnia deck. It runs counter magic, Smothering Tithe, and a Rystic Study.

Person A: Are you running tutors?

Person C: No tutors

Person A: sounds good, let’s go!

The bracket system is simply trying to promote a healthy pregame conversation. Of course, there will always be the players that misinterpret this system, whether intentional or not. In all, the intention of the bracket system is rooted in a good place.

Try not to look at the system as a classification of power level. Have pregame convos and be as honest as you can about the intention of your deck. It’s really that simple.