Major MTG Ban Updates and Format Changes on November 10
On November 10, Wizards of the Coast announced significant bans and restrictions across multiple Magic: The Gathering formats, notably dismantling the dominant Viven Cauldron deck in Standard. The update bans Vivi Orniter, Screaming Nemesis, and Proft's Eidetic Memory in Standard, while Heartfire Hero is banned in Pioneer, Entomb and Nadu in Legacy, Winged Wisdom in Legacy, and High Tide in Pauper. These changes respond to ongoing player concerns about game balance and deck dominance, particularly Vivi, which has been identified as the biggest offender in Standard. The ban of Entomb also impacts the reanimator strategy in Legacy, and the ban of Nadu is notable given its controversial status. The announcement follows support from pro players like Hall of Famer Luis Scott-Vargas, who predicted declining participation due to Vivi's dominance. The bans are expected to open the format to new strategies and revitalize player engagement, especially after the dismantling of the popular Vivi deck. This move is part of a broader shift to address longstanding issues in the game, with many players welcoming the changes for Standard and Pauper formats.
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