Binding Geist // Spectral Binding MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 48
2022-01-28 - Number 315
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Disturb,Transform |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Offers dual utility as an obstructive creature and a late-game enchantment, enhancing deck flexibility.
- Can accelerate resources and fit into competitive spirit strategies, maintaining meta relevance.
- While it has mana and discard restrictions, it remains a strong and adaptable card choice.
Text of card
Whenever Binding Geist attacks, target creature an opponent controls gets -2/-0 until end of turn. Disturb (You may cast this card from your graveyard transformed for its disturb cost.)
Card Pros
Card Advantage: As a flip card, Binding Geist // Spectral Binding grants versatility to the player, offering two distinct ways to gain an edge over the opponent. When transformed into Spectral Binding, it provides recurring value each turn, maintaining pressure and card advantage on the board.
Resource Acceleration: Spectral Binding aids in resource acceleration by potentially reducing the cost of spirit or arcane spells. This can lead to quicker deployment of threats or defenses, providing a strategic advantage in the tempo of the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to use Binding Geist at instant speed affords players the flexibility to respond to threats immediately or surprise an opponent during combat. This quality greatly enhances any strategic plays, allowing for dynamic interaction during crucial moments in the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Binding Geist // Spectral Binding demands players to make choices around hand management, potentially discarding valuable cards to fulfill its conditions. This necessity can place players at a disadvantage, especially in tight games where each card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana needed to cast this card includes blue mana, making it best suited for blue-inclined decks. Players running multicolored decks may find the specific mana required for Binding Geist // Spectral Binding limiting, restricting its versatility in deck construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that may be considered steep for its effects, players could find themselves in a bind when other cards in the same mana bracket offer more impactful board presence or game-altering abilities. This higher cost might deter players from including it in decks where efficiency and speed are paramount.
Reasons to Include Binding Geist // Spectral Binding in Your Collection
Versatility: Binding Geist // Spectral Binding serves dual roles in gameplay, offering both an early-game obstructive creature and a late-game enchantment that can turn the tide by making your creatures harder to block.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key piece in spirit or disturb mechanic-centric decks, contributing to strategies that focus on graveyard play and the utilization of both sides of the card.
Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability and the presence of spirits in competitive formats, Binding Geist // Spectral Binding can be a strong contender against various deck types, keeping it relevant in diverse metagames.
How to beat
Binding Geist // Spectral Binding in Magic: The Gathering introduces an element of control and tempo to the battlefield. This spirit creature can both disrupt opponent’s strategies by tapping down their key creatures and later on entangle them by becoming an enchantment. To effectively counter this card, there are a few tactics players can employ. Removing it, either through direct removal spells or board wipes, is a straightforward strategy. It can’t persist on the field if it’s not there.
Target its weakness by using spells like Naturalize or Disenchant, which can address both its creature and enchantment sides. In a game where speed is crucial, employing instant speed removal ensures that you are not falling behind on your own board development. Besides removal, using hexproof or protection granting abilities can nullify the tapping ability of Binding Geist. Playing creatures that can’t be targeted or ensuring your key creatures have indestructible are both effective methods of negating its influence during crucial turns.
Overcoming Binding Geist // Spectral Binding boils down to maintaining versatility and readiness within your deck. A well-prepared sideboard and keeping removal handy can keep this ghostly nuisance in check and ensure that it does not overshadow your path to victory.
Cards like Binding Geist // Spectral Binding
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Binding Geist // Spectral Binding carves out its own identity. This card echoes the mechanics of other spirits, like Geist of the Archives, with its asset in strategic defense. Both cards utilize the defender ability to fortify your playing field, yet Binding Geist takes this a step further by offering a spectral twist. The card can flip to Spectral Binding, offering not just a blocker but now also enhancing your creatures’ offensive potential with the Spirit you get to attach.
Another peer in this spectral space is Shacklegeist. Both share ghostly lineage, yet Shacklegeist offers a continuous tactical advantage by tapping two untapped Spirits you control to tap an opponent’s creature. While Shacklegeist promotes a more active board control, Binding Geist’s dual nature provides a more passive yet versatile role. This duality in its design makes it adaptable, suitable for bolstering defense or enhancing an attack, contingent on what the battlefield demands.
Comparatively, when considering these spirit-themed cards and their unique abilities, Binding Geist // Spectral Binding stands out due to its flexibility, striking a balance between offering protection and pressuring the opponent, which definitely makes it a compelling choice for any MTG player’s deck.
Cards similar to Binding Geist // Spectral Binding by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Binding Geist // Spectral Binding MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Binding Geist // Spectral Binding and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Binding Geist // Spectral Binding Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Campbell White.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 48 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Campbell White | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 315 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Campbell White |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Binding Geist // Spectral Binding has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
