Wizards of the Coast Tests “Trial Unbans” in Magic: The Gathering’s Pauper Format
Throughout the history of competitive play in Magic: The Gathering, numerous cards have either become obsolete or been formally banned from official gameplay. In a novel approach, Wizards of the Coast is introducing a system to experiment with card legality: “trial unbans.” This initiative aims to evaluate the impact of previously banned cards in the Pauper format.
Update (3/31, 4:30 PM ET): This article has been updated to clarify the nature of the trial unbans compared to previous methods of returning banned cards to different formats. Movies & TV regrets the error.
Pauper Format Welcomes High Tide and Prophetic Wisdom Back for Trial Period
In a recent announcement made by Wizards of the Coast, two cards are getting a temporary reprieve in the Pauper format—High Tide and Prophetic Wisdom. Pauper, a competitive format focusing exclusively on common cards, officially received support from a WOTC rules panel in 2022, following nearly two decades of informal play.
High Tide, a blue card that doubles resources tapped for Islands, has been banned since the consolidation of Pauper’s banlists in 2019. Similarly, Prophetic Wisdom, a colorless artifact banned in 2022 allowing players to generate any color mana, will also be part of this unique trial phase.
Details of the Trial Unbans: What Players Need to Know
During this trial, High Tide and Prophetic Wisdom will be legal for play until Wizards announces its next round of bans and restrictions. Feedback from the community—regarding the performance and impact of these cards—will help determine their future legality. It’s worth noting that future unbans in this format might not necessarily include a trial period.
While other Magic formats occasionally unban cards when sets rotate, this trial initiative in Pauper provides a unique opportunity to gauge player reactions and assess card performance in a structured environment. This aligns with Wizards’ goal of ensuring competitive balance and player satisfaction.
Wizards of the Coast’s Commitment to Pauper Format Experimentation
Gavin Verhey, a principal game designer at Magic, commented on the initiative: “No other format has really tried this, and we think Pauper is a great place to experiment. You should not expect to see this in any other formats, and it’s something the Pauper Format Panel (PFP) is specifically interested in.” This focus is based on Pauper’s accessibility for players and its popularity in online arenas.
The Context: Recent Changes in the Commander Format
The trial unbans come on the heels of significant changes in another Magic format—Commander. Following community dissatisfaction over bans of popular cards such as Dockside Extortionist and Mana Crypt, Wizards dissolved the Commander Rules Committee and initiated a new five-tier power system known as Brackets. This system aims to foster better communication regarding deck competitiveness and card evaluations.
This year’s introduction of the “Game Changers” list—designating certain powerful cards as playable but monitored—reflects Wizards’ ongoing efforts to create a more balanced and community-oriented game experience. Verhey noted that this new structure provides a mechanism to unban cards without permanent restrictions, helping to fine-tune the meta without abrupt changes.
FAQs About Trial Unbans in Magic: The Gathering’s Pauper Format
What does the trial unban of High Tide and Prophetic Wisdom mean for Pauper players?
The trial unban allows players to use these two cards for a limited time while Wizards collects player feedback to assess their impact on gameplay.
How long will the trial unbans last?
The trial period for High Tide and Prophetic Wisdom will be in effect until the next banning announcement by Wizards of the Coast.
Will other formats implement trial unbans like Pauper?
Currently, Wizards of the Coast has no plans to extend this trial unban system to other formats beyond Pauper.
How often does Wizards of the Coast ban cards in Magic: The Gathering?
Wizards regularly evaluates card balance across all formats, adjusting the banned list after thorough consideration of player feedback, tournament results, and the overall game state.
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