MTG Imposes Bans Across Six Formats on November 10
On November 10, significant changes were imposed across six formats of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) as part of a comprehensive Banned and Restricted announcement by Wizards of the Coast. This update addresses imbalances within multiple formats to foster a healthier competitive environment.
Standard Format Updates
Three cards have been banned in the Standard format:
- Vivi Ornitier
- Screaming Nemesis
- Proft’s Eidetic Memory
This decision was prompted by the dominance of the Izzet Cauldron deck, which leveraged Vivi Ornitier and Proft’s Eidetic Memory effectively. This strategy was criticized for lacking counterplay options and disrupting the format’s diversity. The bans aim to create space for new archetypes and reduce the influence of powerful combo-control strategies.
Screaming Nemesis was also banned to limit the dominance of Mono-Red Aggro, which was becoming increasingly disruptive. The card’s life gain negation abilities positioned it as an overwhelming threat in competitive play.
Future Update Plans
Wizards has announced plans for more frequent update windows in 2026, with the next announcement scheduled for February 9, 2026, to provide greater stability within the Standard format.
Pioneer Format Changes
In the Pioneer format, Heartfire Hero has been banned. This decision comes as part of efforts to balance the dominance of Mono-Red Aggro, which has demonstrated an exceptionally high win rate, particularly in Best-of-One matches on MTG Arena. Banning this card is intended to preserve Mono-Red’s viability without compromising the format.
Modern Format Status
Wizards has confirmed that no changes will be made to the Modern format following the Pro Tour Edge of Eternities and Regional Championships. The current state is deemed healthy, with decks like Tameshi Belcher and Amulet Titan continuing to perform well. However, Wizards will monitor the situation regarding potential deck interactions closely.
Legacy Format Bans
For the Legacy format, three cards have been banned:
- Entomb
- Nadu, Winged Wisdom
- Winged Wisdom
The ban on Entomb is seen as crucial after its long-standing impact on the format, particularly in enabling turn-one Reanimate plays. Meanwhile, Nadu, Winged Wisdom faced removal due to gameplay issues affecting fair matchups, despite its combination options remaining popular.
Vintage and Pauper Updates
The Vintage format remains unchanged, with Wizards reporting a diverse competitive landscape featuring eight distinct archetypes. In contrast, the Pauper format experienced a ban on High Tide. Initial optimism for its unban faded due to unbalanced gameplay and repetitive strategies that hindered player experiences.
Conclusion
This latest round of bans reflects Wizards’ commitment to maintaining balance in MTG. As the team prepares for upcoming updates, all eyes will be on how these changes will reshape competitive play across formats.
