Is Preordain Banned in Modern? The Definitive Answer and FAQs
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No, Preordain is currently not banned in the Modern format of Magic: The Gathering. While it was previously on the ban list, it has since been unbanned, marking a significant shift in the format’s landscape. This means that players are now able to include this powerful cantrip in their Modern decks.
The History of Preordain in Modern
Why Was Preordain Banned in the First Place?
The initial banning of Preordain (along with Ponder) in Modern was a preventative measure. Wizards of the Coast (WotC) recognized the significant consistency these cantrips provided to combo-oriented decks like Storm and Splinter Twin. The ability to filter through the deck with such efficiency increased the reliability of these decks in assembling their game-winning combinations. This perceived over-consistency was seen as problematic for the overall health and diversity of the format.
The Unbanning of Preordain
After a period of observation and format evolution, WotC decided to reevaluate Preordain’s status. The format had changed considerably, and the risks associated with the card were deemed manageable. Its unbanning was a part of a yearly update aimed at refreshing the meta and exploring new deckbuilding possibilities. The intention was to inject new life into the format by giving decks access to another potent card filtering option.
Preordain’s Power in Modern
Understanding Its Strengths
Preordain is considered a strong card because it allows you to not only see two cards but also arrange them in your desired order, putting the unwanted card to the bottom of your deck. This ability to manipulate your draws and streamline your strategy makes it exceptional compared to other cantrips in Modern. Unlike cards like Consider and Opt, which are instant-speed, or Serum Visions, which provides a similar card-look but lacks the option to order them, Preordain excels in its ability to sculpt the next draw step precisely to the player’s needs.
Comparison to Other Cantrips
While other cantrips have their uses, Preordain’s strength lies in its powerful combination of card selection and card arrangement. It doesn’t just give you a single look and shuffle your deck. It provides the ability to manipulate your top two cards, allowing you to get the most relevant ones to hand while pushing unwanted cards to the back. This level of precision and control is what makes it such a valuable addition to many decks.
Modern Format Legality
Set Legality
The Modern format includes cards from all regular core sets and expansions since Eighth Edition. Additionally, cards from Timeshifted in Time Spiral, Planeswalker decks, and Buy-a-Box promos are also legal in the format. This broad scope of card legality leads to a diverse pool of card options for deckbuilding.
What Cards Are Not Legal?
It’s important to know which cards are not legal in modern. The main reason for a card not being legal is that it is on the banned list. This list is updated periodically, though not frequently and includes:
- Ancient Den
- Arcum’s Astrolabe
- Birthing Pod
- Blazing Shoal
- Bridge from Below
- Chrome Mox
- Cloudpost
- Dark Depths
This is not an exhaustive list, but it illustrates the range of cards that have been deemed detrimental to the format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Ponder also unbanned in Modern?
No, Ponder remains banned in the Modern format. While Preordain was unbanned, the same has not happened for Ponder. This differentiates the two cantrips in the current Modern meta.
2. Why is Ponder still banned?
Ponder is still banned due to concerns that it would be too powerful alongside Preordain. WotC decided unbanning both would have pushed the format into an undesirable place with too much consistency.
3. What sets are legal in Legacy?
Unlike Modern, Legacy is a non-rotating format. This means all cards from all Magic sets are allowed, with the exception of cards on the banned list.
4. Are Un sets legal in Legacy?
Yes, Un sets, including Unfinity with eternal cards, are legal in Legacy, Vintage, and Commander formats. Some of the cards printed at common rarity are also legal in the Pauper format.
5. What is the “75% Rule” in MTG?
The 75% rule refers to a way of building Commander decks that are powerful but purposely not optimized for a 100% perfect strategy. This approach aims to create more fun and balanced games.
6. Are cards from Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks legal in Modern?
No, cards from the Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks are not legal in Modern. They are legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage.
7. Is the Lord of the Rings set legal in Modern?
Yes, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth set is legal in Modern. This set introduced unique mechanics and cards to the format.
8. Why was Umezawa’s Jitte banned in Modern?
Umezawa’s Jitte was preemptively banned to make space for aggro decks by preventing the card from completely dominating aggro matchups.
9. Why is Cloudpost banned in Modern?
Cloudpost was banned for generating too much mana too fast, leading to unbalanced games, especially in conjunction with other fast mana producing cards.
10. What are the legal uses for oversized Commander cards?
Oversized Commander cards are only legal to represent your commander in the command zone or the battlefield. When your commander is in a hidden zone (hand, library), you must use the regular card.
11. Why are Mox cards banned?
Mox cards are banned due to their potential to create excessively fast mana, disrupting the balance of most formats. They are only restricted in Vintage and completely banned in most other formats.
12. Why is Flash banned in Commander?
Flash is banned in Commander due to its ability to create overpowered combos, particularly with Hulk decks, in competitive formats.
13. Why is Tinker banned in Commander?
Tinker is banned in Commander because of its potential to easily tutor powerful and broken artifacts from the deck and place them directly into play.
14. What formats is Urza’s Fun House legal in?
Urza’s Fun House (from Unfinity) is not playable in any formats, making it a uniquely non-sanctioned card.
15. Why is Sol Ring Banned in Legacy?
While Sol Ring isn’t banned in Legacy, it was deemed to powerful for the format. For this reason, it is banned in Legacy and Restricted in Vintage.
Conclusion
Preordain’s unbanning in Modern has introduced new strategic depth to the format. While it initially faced a ban due to consistency concerns, its return is a welcome change for many players. It’s essential to stay informed about format updates and card legality to maintain a competitive edge in Magic: The Gathering. Keep exploring, innovating and brewing new decks and strategies using this now legal powerhouse.