Is Fastbond Banned in Commander?
Direct Answer: Yes, Fastbond is banned in Commander format.
In Commander, ban lists are determined by the EDH (Eternal Deck Husband/Wife) Committee, a group of Magic: The Gathering designers and playtesters responsible for maintaining the balance of the format. The ban list is used to prohibit certain cards that are considered too powerful or unbalanced, ensuring that the format remains fun and competitive for all players.
Why was Fastbond Banned?
Fastbond was originally printed in the 2014 set "Journey into Nyx" as a powerful addition to aggressive red decks. Its ability to create infinite loops by copying and linking creatures to each other quickly made it a popular choice among competitive players. However, this same ability led to abuse and an imbalanced play environment.
Fastbond allowed players to quickly ramp into powerful spells, generate infinite mana, and create insurmountable board advantages. This, in turn, led to a few issues:
• Slow Gameplay: The card encouraged players to build slow, grindy decks that would eventually win due to Fastbond’s ramp and recursive capabilities.
• Power Imbalance: Fastbond gave certain cards and archetypes an unfair advantage over others, creating an uneven playing field and stifling creativity.
• Loss of Fun: The dominant presence of Fastbond-heavy decks made it difficult for other players to enjoy the game, leading to a decrease in popularity and enjoyment.
Current Ban List
The EDH Committee carefully reviews cards and reevaluates their impact on the format to ensure the game remains balanced and fun. Currently, Fastbond is one of the few cards banned in Commander. Here’s the current list of banned cards:
- Fastbond
- Channel
- Black Lotus
- Ancestral Recall
- Balance
Are There Any Other Cards Worth Noticing?
Other cards, such as Tinker and Biorhythm, are worth mentioning, although they are not banned. Tinker, a card that can search for and cast other cards from your deck, is restricted in Commander, meaning it can only be used in limited numbers. Biorhythm, a powerful card that creates an unfair advantage, is not allowed in Commander decks.
Comparison to Modern and Vintage Formats
While Fastbond is banned in Commander, it is currently unbanned in Modern and Vintage formats. In Modern, it’s a viable card in some decks, but it’s still restricted to reduce its impact.
Takeaways
To summarize, Fastbond was banned in Commander due to its imbalance and dominance. The card created a grindy, slow gameplay environment and discouraged creativity. Players should consider alternative cards and strategies when building their decks. For a fun and competitive gameplay experience, ensure you are familiar with the current ban list and tournament rules.
Additional Tips
When building your Commander deck:
• Avoid Fastbond and other banned cards.
• Focus on creative, balanced deck designs.
• Consider restricted cards and their usage limits.
By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of having a fun and enjoyable experience in the Commander format.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUZZEaQVc8g