A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding MTG Card

A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding - Innistrad: Crimson Vow

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Spirit
Abilities	Disturb,Transform
Released	2021-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Innistrad: Crimson Vow
Set code	VOW
Power	3
Toughness	1
Number	A-48
Frame	2015
Layout	Transform
Border	Black
Illustred by	Campbell White

Key Takeaways

Versatile utility with a creature that transforms into a controlling enchantment without additional card use.
Resource acceleration through the disturbance cost, plus instant speed play enhances tactical play.
Complex mana needs and high cost balanced by strategic value and adaptability in gameplay.

Text of card

Whenever Binding Geist attacks, target creature an opponent controls gets -2/-0 until your next turn. Disturb (You may cast this card from your graveyard transformed for its disturb cost.)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding offers a unique versatility by providing two cards in one. As you flip between its Spirit side to the Aura enchantment, you effectively have access to different utilities without using additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: The A-Spectral Binding side provides an advantageous boost by not only locking down an opponent’s creature but also potentially accelerating your resource development through its disturbance cost, which can be paid from your graveyard.

Instant Speed: A-Binding Geist can be played at instant speed, which significantly improves your reactive capabilities during gameplay. This allows you to better respond to threats at crucial moments or simply adapt to the changing battlefield without committing to a play too early.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While engaging your opponent with A-Binding Geist or enhancing your defenses with A-Spectral Binding, you’ll need to be aware of the potential drawback. These cards don’t require you to discard, but rather they are dual-faced cards that offer two abilities. The strategic cost here is deciding which side to play and when, as flipping over cannot be done at will and requires a proper understanding of game flow and board state.

Specific Mana Cost: A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding commands a precise mana alignment for casting. This can be restrictive because it requires both white and blue mana which means it fits primarily into decks that can reliably generate those colors. This excludes the card from mono-colored decks and can impact mana curve planning in two-colored or multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: If we look at the value you get from either A-Binding Geist or A-Spectral Binding, the combined mana cost may feel steep for their individual effects. There are alternative creatures or enchantments in the same mana range that could potentially offer more immediate or impactful board presence, making the mana investment into this Ethereal card something players need to weigh with careful consideration.

Reasons to Include A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding in Your Collection

Versatility: A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding serves as a flexible piece in Spirit tribal decks or any build looking to utilize its dual nature. As a creature, it can put early pressure on your opponent while its enchantment side, A-Spectral Binding, offers ongoing board control.

Combo Potential: With its spirit synergy, this card can power up other spirit-related strategies or enable combos with cards that care about enchantments or creatures entering the battlefield, thus capitalizing on both aspects of its double-faced nature.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creatures are key, having access to a card that can affect the battlefield both as an entity and as an enchantment can give players an edge. This duality makes it relevant, especially against decks that struggle with multiple permanent types.

How to beat

A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding is a card that demands attention from players seeking to stay ahead in a match. The front face, A-Binding Geist, with its ability to tap down opposing creatures, can be a real nuisance, particularly as it transforms into A-Spectral Binding. Once flipped, this spectral force provides ongoing control by keeping a creature perpetually tapped down as long as you control A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding.

To effectively counter this spirit, consider options such as instant-speed removal spells which can disrupt the transformation process by targeting the Geist before it becomes an enchantment. Prioritize maintaining a board presence that can withstand being temporarily locked down. In addition, use untap mechanics or cards that can naturally unfreeze your creatures from A-Spectral Binding’s grip. Flexibility in response and efficient timing are key to outmaneuver this controlling spirit and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Remember to adjust your strategy to the evolving dynamics of the game when faced with this card. Each move should enhance your ability to react swiftly, ensuring that A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding doesn’t dictate the tempo of the game.

Cards like A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding

A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding carves its niche within the realm of spirit synergies in Magic: The Gathering. It is reminiscent of cards like Apparition of the Plate, which also supports the spirit-themed decks and offers both offensive and defensive flexibility. Nevertheless, A-Binding Geist brings a twist to the table, as it transforms into A-Spectral Binding, providing a more sustained effect by bolstering your spirit tokens.

Comparing it to other transforming spirits like Departed Deckhand, one notices the latter’s simplicity in providing a straightforward evasive ability. Whereas the dual nature of A-Binding Geist caters to a more tactically inclined play-style, allowing for gradual board control. Then there is the Spectral Sailor, a card valued for its low cost and the added benefit of card draw, which differs from A-Binding Geist’s transformative and token-enhancing capabilities.

To sum up, A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding stands out in spectral builds, blending seamlessly with spirit tokens and providing a flexible approach to controlling the game’s tempo. It proves its worth by combining transformation with token empowerment, setting it apart from other similar spirit-focused cards within Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where A-Binding Geist // A-Spectral Binding has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal