Next Monday, February 9, 2026, Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the year’s first Banned and Restricted (B&R) announcement. During the latest Weekly MTG stream, host Blake Rasmussen confirmed that this announcement will include updates pertaining to the Commander format, a much-loved aspect of the game.
“We’ve been talking about the Commander format committee for a while. They’ve come back with some recommendations and some changes, so we’ll be announcing those next Monday,” Rasmussen stated, stirring excitement and speculation among fans.
While the community buzzes with theories, the exact implications of the announcement remain unclear. There is uncertainty over whether cards will be removed from the Commander banlist or whether new additions will be made. However, it is confirmed that changes are on the horizon.
Many players are hopeful that popular cards like Jewelled Lotus, Dockside Extortionist, and Mana Crypt may be candidates for unbanning. Such speculation is not new, as enthusiasts often jump to conclusions, only to be disappointed by previous announcements.
Looking back at the last Commander B&R update in April 2025, five cards were unbanned, hinting at a potential trend. Fans are positing that cards such as Golos Tireless Pilgrim, Iona Shield of Emeria, and Paradox Engine might find their way back into play. However, speculation should be taken lightly. Rasmussen did not guarantee any specific bans or unbans, merely mentioning that changes would occur.
It’s equally plausible that the updates could involve alterations not related to the banlist at all, such as adjustments to the game-changer board or tweaks to hybrid mana rules within the format.
As anticipation mounts, fans are encouraged to share their predictions and join the lively discussions on platforms like the Wargamer Discord. This forthcoming announcement has the potential to invigorate the Commander community, and regardless of the specifics, it is sure to spark fascinating conversation and interest among players.