Formation MTG Card

Formation enhances gameplay by allowing card draw and resource acceleration, critical in gaining an upper hand. Flexibility to cast at instant speed makes Formation versatile, apt for dynamic tactical responses during matches. Despite its benefits, Formation’s specific mana and discard requirements may limit its utility in some decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant
Released	1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Ice Age
Set code	ICE
Number	25
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ken Meyer, Jr.

Text of card

Target creature gains banding until end of turn. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.

"I have been a warrior for over four hundred years, and yet each generation of Kjeldorans teaches me new tricks. There can be no better allies." —Taaveti of Kelsinko, Elvish Hunter

Cards like Formation

The Formation card presents an intriguing dynamic in Magic: The Gathering, functioning akin to bolstering effects from cards like Glorious Anthem. Much like its counterpart, Formation offers a boost, but it goes a step further by providing creatures with banding until end of turn. Unlike the static bonus given by Glorious Anthem, Formation’s banding ability opens up strategic defensive and offensive plays during the combat phase, though it’s limited to a one-time event during your upkeep.

There’s also Marshal’s Anthem which brings creatures back from the graveyard in addition to boosting your team, but it lacks the banding utility that Formation provides. Banding, as granted by Formation, can fundamentally change combat resolutions, even though it’s a mechanic that’s often overlooked due to its complexity. It can take players some practice to leverage fully, compared to the more straightforward global power/toughness increase.

To sum it up, while Formation might not be the go-to card for every deck seeking creature buffs, its unique temporary banding effect adds an interesting layer of depth to gameplay, setting it apart from other cards that offer more permanent, but less flexible, enhancements.

Cards similar to Formation by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Formation is a powerhouse when it comes to stocking up your hand with more options. By enabling the draw of additional cards, it provides the essential advantage needed to outmaneuver opponents over the course of a match.

Resource Acceleration: This card is a strong ally in propelling your resources forwards. Not only does it bolster your mana pool, but it also opens avenues for deploying more significant threats earlier, keeping you a step ahead of the competition.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Formation at instant speed is a tactical boon, providing the flexibility to respond on the fly. This attribute ensures you can adapt to the evolving battlefield, making it a key tool in your arsenal for navigating tight spots and capitalizing on opportune moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Formation requires the player to discard a card, which could be a strategic setback, especially in situations where hand size and options are critical factors.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana combination to play, which may not align with every deck’s mana base, potentially restricting its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost of casting Formation can be seen as steep compared to other cards with similar effects, which might lead players to opt for alternatives that provide a more cost-effective solution to their deck’s needs.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Formation is a highly adaptable card, making it an asset in a range of deck archetypes. Its ability to strengthen your creatures makes it suitable for aggressive strategies, fortifying the board presence to push for victory.

Combo Potential: With Formation, the potential to craft powerful synergies in your deck increases significantly. It can combine with cards that benefit from bolstered defenses or those activating upon casting spells, offering a layered approach to your tactical plays.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the shifting landscape of the game, Formation can provide an essential edge in games dominated by attrition and board control. Its contribution to durability and enhanced creature capabilities keeps your deck competitive in diverse meta scenarios.

How to beat Formation

Dealing with Formation in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic finesse. This unique card poses a challenge due to its ability to bolster your opponent’s creatures, making them tougher to overcome in battle. To dismantle its effectiveness, a mix of removal spells targeted at creatures with high power can shift the balance in your favor. Incorporate cards that deal with multiple creatures simultaneously, like Day of Judgment or Wrath of God, which can clear the board, nullifying Formation’s impact.

Alternatively, enchantment removal spells like Disenchant or Naturalize prove to be efficient methods to directly destroy Formation, preventing the bolstering of the opponent’s creatures altogether. It’s also beneficial to play proactively, using control elements or counterspells like Counterspell or Negate to prevent Formation from entering the battlefield. Keep in mind, taking control early before Formation can influence the game significantly reduces its threat.

To summarize, countering Formation hinges on direct removal, mass removal, or pre-emptive countering strategies. It is essential to adapt your game plan to incorporate these tactics in order to hinder your opponent’s Formation and maintain an advantage during your MTG games.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Formation MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Formation and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Formation has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Formation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2008-10-01	A maximum of one nonbanding creature can join an attacking band no matter how many creatures with banding are in it.
2008-10-01	Creatures in the same band must all attack the same player or planeswalker.
2008-10-01	If a creature with banding attacks, it can team up with any number of other attacking creatures with banding (and up to one nonbanding creature) and attack as a unit called a “band.” The band can be blocked by any creature that could block a single creature in the band. Blocking any creature in a band blocks the entire band. If a creature with banding is blocked, the attacking player chooses how the blockers’ damage is assigned.
2009-10-01	If a creature in combat has banding, its controller assigns damage for creatures blocking or blocked by it. That player can ignore the damage assignment order when making this assignment.