Magic: The Gathering Commander bans cause price apocalypse for most sought after cards

As a seasoned Magic: The Gathering player with over two decades of collecting under my belt, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions following yesterday’s Commander ban announcements. On one hand, I understand the reasoning behind the bans – Mana Crypt, Dockside Extortionist, and Jeweled Lotus have been powerful staples in the format for years, warping the gameplay experience for many. However, on the other hand, the immediate impact on the value of these cards is staggering.

Yesterday, the rules committee announced some surprising bans for Magic: The Gathering’s widely favored format Commander, and this decision is causing quite a stir in the real world, as some highly desired cards have seen a drastic decrease in their worth practically overnight.

Yesterday, the Commander rules committee posted an announcement that Mana Crypt, Dockside Extortionist, Jeweled Lotus (alongside Nadu, Winged Wisdom) were getting banned across the format. These cards have always been coveted, powerhouse staples in our game – instant additions to your deck if you had them. The aspiration to own these cards often came with a hefty price tag.

As per the report from auction house CardMarket, which primarily operates in Europe, these bans have significantly affected the cost of these items. Yesterday, Mana Crypt was priced at a minimum of €153, but now it’s averaging €47.69 daily. Similarly, Jeweled Lotus, previously valued at €109, is currently averaging €21.59 per day. Dockside Extortionist, which used to sell for as low as €79.99, is now available for as little as €15. These prices are still decreasing further.

It’s clear that a significant amount of value has been lost for many collectors due to the plunge in prices for prized pulls from recent sets. This is particularly frustrating since Wizards of the Coast recently included Mana Crypt and Jeweled Lotus as chase cards in Lost Caverns of Ixalan and Commander Masters, respectively. It’s worth mentioning that the Commander Rules Committee, which operates independently, isn’t affiliated with Wizards of the Coast. For many stores selling singles, this sudden drop in value means a considerable loss, especially since they often have multiple copies of these cards.

There is sound reasoning behind the bans

In simple terms, these cards are incredibly strong in the game’s format. They function as ‘rapid mana,’ providing you with a greater number of resources than your opponent, often with little to no drawbacks or requirements. For instance, playing a five-cost commander on turn two using a Jeweled Lotus gives you a significant edge in any game.

Magic: The Gathering Commander bans cause price apocalypse for most sought after cards

Jeweled Lotus cannot be played in any format.

For decades, these playing cards have significantly altered the structure of games and can foster feelings of ‘haves’ versus ‘have nots’ at any gathering. This disparity can be particularly awkward when the sole distinction among players is those who can afford high-priced cards that often exceed $100, even reaching $200. From a gameplay standpoint, it’s logical to comprehend the reasoning of the rules committee, as they elaborate in their ruling statement. However, this rationalization may provide little solace to those who viewed these cards as an affordable investment.

The Commander Rules Committee has faced criticism lately for being too meticulous and not making significant changes to the format. This new move seems like an attempt to shatter this perception, and given the wide array of opinions on this action, it’s safe to say that it will generate much debate in the future.

2024-09-24 13:48

Magic: The Gathering Commander bans cause price apocalypse for most sought after cards

There is sound reasoning behind the bans

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