The Commander Website has announced today that it's banning the card "Flash" (not the mechanic) from the Commander format after the Commander committee were convinced by cEDH players to make the change.
"Enough cEDH players who we trust have convinced us that it is the only change they need for the environment they seek to cultivate," Toby Elliott explained in the Commander Website. "Though they represent a small fraction of the Commander playerbase, we are willing to make this effort for them. It should not be taken as a signal that we are considering any kind of change in how we intend to manage the format; this is an extraordinary step, and one we are unlikely to repeat."
He continued: "We use the banlist to guide players in how to approach the format and hope Flash's role on the list will be to signal 'cheating things into play quickly in non-interactive ways isn't interesting, don't do that.'"
"Flash" can be used to bring out "Protean Hulk" into play and immediately sacrifice it, so you can get a pile of creatures that can win you the game on the spot at Instand speed. Once "Flash" resolves, the only way to stop the effect is through a "Stifle" effect or a card that can disrupt an activated ability.
In addition to the banning of "Flash", the Commander Website also addressed their thoughts on the Companion mechanic, and how it functions in the Commander format. "We recognize that this does let you go past the 100 card rule that is iconic to Commander," Toby said. "However, a single extra card you have to jump through serious hoops to get is philosophically okay in the same way that a tiny number of cards (like Relentless Rats) are able to violate the even-more-important singleton rule."
Last week, Sheldon Menery, the Godfather of Commander, addressed the Companion mechanic and Lutri in a video with Senior Magic Designer, Gavin Verhey.
Do you think they made the right decision to ban "Flash" in Commander? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths is now available on Magic: The Gathering Arena, and it will be available for tabletop play in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong on April 17, and for tabletop play everywhere else on May 15. Commander 2020 will also be released on May 15.
Related: How You Can Get 3 Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths Booster Packs in Magic: The Gathering Arena
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