The start of game procedure for EDH is as follows:
Players announce their choice of General and move that card to the command zone.
Players may then sideboard if the optional rules for sideboards are being used.
Each player draws a hand of seven cards.
Players may mulligan, using the modified “Partial Paris” method.
Being a General is not a characteristic[MTG CR109.3], it is a property of the card. As such, “Generalness” cannot be copied or overwritten by continuous effects, and does not change with control of the card. Examples
If a player has been dealt 21 points of combat damage by a particular General during the game, that player loses a game. Details
While a General is in the command zone, it may be cast. As an additional cost to cast a General from the command zone, its owner must pay {2} for each time it was previously cast from the command zone. (ie: it costs 6WW to cast for the third time.) Details
If a General would be put into a graveyard or exile from anywhere, its owner may choose to move it to the command zone instead. Details
Players begin the game with 40 life.
Generals are subject to the Legend rule; they will be put into the graveyard or command zone at the same time as any other Legendary creatures with the same name.