What the data shows
The recent MTG banned and restricted announcement has raised an important question: Why was Food Chain banned in the Historic format? The answer is clear—its high win rate and cumbersome digital execution made it a problematic card for players and developers alike. Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Magic: The Gathering, stated, “Food Chain was banned in Historic due to its high win rate and cumbersome digital execution.” This decision reflects a commitment to maintaining a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience for all.
Food Chain, which was introduced to Historic as a Special Guest from the Magic: The Gathering | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration, can create an endless amount of 3/1 creatures as early as Turn 2. This capability allowed players to end games in just three turns, leading to an unbalanced playing field. The Arena team acknowledged that they missed the interaction between Food Chain and another card, Sigardian Evangel, which contributed to the card’s overwhelming success.
Interestingly, this announcement did not result in any changes to tabletop Magic: The Gathering formats. Wizards of the Coast has maintained a mostly fixed ban schedule since mid-2023, and the next scheduled B&R announcement is set for May 18, 2026. This consistency in scheduling allows players to anticipate changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.
As of now, Standard is revolving around Badgermole Cub decks, while Pioneer and Modern formats continue to see innovation. Legacy, on the other hand, has not yet reached a solved endgame, indicating that there is still room for exploration and creativity in deck-building. Wizards of the Coast has indicated that “there’s still room for improvement” in Standard, suggesting that further adjustments may be on the horizon.
Looking ahead, players can expect ongoing discussions about the B&R update. A Weekly MTG discussion is scheduled for 1 PM ET tomorrow, where community members can share their thoughts and strategies in light of the recent changes. This engagement is crucial for fostering a vibrant community and ensuring that players feel heard and valued.
In total, there are seven ban windows scheduled throughout 2026, with the next one coming up in May. This structured approach to banning cards allows for a more dynamic and responsive game environment, addressing issues as they arise. In 2025 alone, 30 cards were banned across four announcements, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the game.
As the MTG community processes this latest announcement, it remains to be seen how players will adapt to the changes and what new strategies will emerge. The excitement of discovering new deck possibilities and the challenge of navigating a shifting landscape are what make Magic: The Gathering a beloved pastime for many.
