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The most recent season of Magic: The Gathering has seen pretty drastic structural change to the schedule of banned and restricted announcements.
The most recent announcement was late in the embers of last year (December 4th), in which Wizards took the ban hammer to several cards targeting Pioneer and Modern. Karn, the Great Creator, Geological Appraiser, Fury, and Up the Beanstalk were banned, while Smuggler’s Copter was unbanned in Pioneer.
It’s now March, with Murders at Karlov Manor now behind us, and MTG Fallout and Outlaws of Thunder Junction very much in the forefront of everyone’s mind, let’s have a look at when the next MTG Banned and Restricted announcement is with us.
The next MTG Banned and Restricted announcement is on March 11th
According to StarCityGames, the next MTG Banned and Restricted announcement is set for Monday, March 11th. This is based on a recent livestream with Blame Rasmussen, who suggested to tune in for Monday’s B&R announcement.
This falls in line with the mini-ban window scheduled three months after a set is released. Murders at Karlov Manor, for example, launched in mid-February, and we’re closing in on the end of this window now.
Although there’s an announcement planned for Monday, it’s not exactly guaranteed that cards will be banned, nor will cards be unbanned.
MTG Banned and Restricted announcement schedule and timeline
Changes to the recent season of Magic are recorded below. February’s ban on Show and Tell in Historic was a pre-emptive ban in order to balance the game, while the others have been enacted following the card and format’s release.
March 2024
Awaiting bans on March 11th.
February 2024
- Historic: Show and Tell
December 2023
- Explorer: Karn, the Great Creator, Geological Appraiser
- Pioneer: Karn, the Great Creator, Geological Appraiser, Smuggler’s Copter (Unbanned)
- Modern: Fury, Up the Beanstalk
- Pauper: Monastery Swiftspear
- Historic: Flooded Strand, Polluted Delta, Bloodstained Mire, Wooded Foothills, Windswept Heath
- Timeless: Channel, Demonic Tutor, Tibalt’s Trickery
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are cards banned in MTG?
MTG sees frequent bans throughout the year. It’s not without structure, either. Generally, there’s a three-week period after a set is released where the cards are assessed in the different formats. If they are deemed unsuitable for competitive play, then they are banned within that period. Expect to see anywhere between 6-8 ban announcements throughout the Season.
Why do cards get banned in Magic: The Gathering?
There’s a few key reasons why cards are banned in Magic; Power scaling, undesirable gameplay experiences, diversity, and foresight.
Cover Image: Wizards of the Coast
