Ixalan's Binding MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 17
2020-09-26 - Number XLN-17
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
When Ixalan's Binding enters the battlefield, exile target nonland permanent an opponent controls until Ixalan's Binding leaves the battlefield. Your opponents can't cast spells with the same name as the exiled card.
Jace awoke to the certainty that he was lost.
Cards like Ixalan's Binding
Ixalan’s Binding is a distinctive card in MTG, offering players a powerful control option by exiling an opponent’s nonland permanent and preventing them from casting other spells with the same name. This effect mirrors that of Oblivion Ring, a classic removal that also exiles until it leaves the battlefield, though without the casting restriction. Cast Out is another similar card, which has flash and cycles for a different mana cost, remaining versatile despite lacking Ixalan’s Binding’s lockout clause.
Detention Sphere operates similarly to these enchantments, targeting not just one but all permanents with the same name. Its broader reach can sometimes offer a significant advantage in removing multiple threats at once. Conversely, while Ixalan’s Binding does not remove multiples, it neutralizes future copies, altering your opponent’s gameplay strategy significantly, potentially rendering parts of their hand useless.
Each of these spells has its place in MTG, but Ixalan’s Binding finds its niche by not only dealing with current on-field problems but by also proactively disrupting your opponent’s future plays. This preemptive strategy can offer a key advantage in a match, making it a compelling choice for control decks.
Cards similar to Ixalan's Binding by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ixalan's Binding. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | Set Roulette Spring 2024 | |
 | Deck the Halls with Mox and Foggy (tralalalala, lala lala) | Free form | Set Roulette Spring 2024 | |
 | Bant Dream Halls | Free form | Set Roulette Spring 2024 | |
 | Abzan Midrange | Free form | Set Roulette Spring 2024 | |
 | Boros Midrange | Pioneer | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Hartford - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ixalan’s Binding doesn’t just remove a threat from the battlefield, it effectively strips your opponent’s deck of any additional copies of the exiled card. This preemptive measure can cause a substantial advantage shift, especially if targeting a key component of your adversary’s strategy.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly impacting mana, Ixalan’s Binding aids in resource acceleration by forcing opponents to spend additional resources to deal with a card they can no longer use. This indirect effect may lead to a more favorable board state and preserve your resources for more critical plays.
Instant Speed: Despite being an enchantment with sorcery speed, its effect is akin to that of instant-speed interactivity, in that it can immediately neutralize threats upon casting. Although you can’t cast it on an opponent’s turn, its powerful lockdown effect compensates for this, making it a strategic tool for controlling the tempo of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Ixalan’s Binding does not have a discard requirement, players should be mindful of maintaining card advantage when using any sort of removal or control card. Every card played must count, especially in formats where Ixalan’s Binding is legal.
Specific Mana Cost: Ixalan’s Binding costs two generic mana plus one white and one plains mana. This specificity can be restrictive for multi-colored decks that may struggle with mana consistency, potentially leading to a delayed play or an inability to cast it when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a converted mana cost of four, Ixalan’s Binding’s investment in mana can be a downside considering its utility. In a format where speed is key, the cost of four may be detrimental as it competes with other impactful four-mana spells or could delay your development on the board.
Reasons to Include Ixalan’s Binding in Your Collection
Versatility: Ixalan’s Binding isn’t just a simple removal spell. Its ability to prevent your opponents from casting spells with the same name as the exiled card can disrupt various deck strategies. Ideal for both Standard and Commander formats, this card can fit seamlessly into sideboards and main decks alike.
Combo Potential: Beyond its primary function, Ixalan’s Binding can be a linchpin in decks designed around exile synergies. It pairs well with processors in Eldrazi decks or works with cards that benefit from opponents being unable to cast certain spells.
Meta-Relevance: Given its strength against decks that rely on specific cards to win, Ixalan’s Binding gains importance if the meta is heavy with combo or singleton decks. It has the potential to swing matches in your favor by neutralizing key pieces of your opponent’s strategy.
How to beat
Ixalan’s Binding is a powerful control tool in Magic: The Gathering, capable of removing key pieces from your opponent’s arsenal. Unlike simpler removal spells, this enchantment locks away the affected card and also keeps opponents from casting copies of the exiled card. Overcoming Ixalan’s Binding can be crucial when you rely on a specific card for your strategy.
To dismantle Ixalan’s Binding, consider adding enchantment removal to your deck. Spells like Naturalize or Disenchant can effectively deal with it, allowing you to regain access to your trapped card. Additionally, cards with the ability to counter non-creature spells, such as Negate, can stop Ixalan’s Binding before it takes effect, saving your resources from exile. It’s wise to keep such answers on hand to navigate around potential lockdowns and maintain the flow of your game plan.
In essence, including versatile responses to various threats enhances your resilience against strategies relying on cards like Ixalan’s Binding. Insightful sideboarding and anticipating challenges allow you to adapt and triumph in dynamic MTG environments. Thus prepared, you can turn the tide in your favor and secure victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ixalan's Binding MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and The List, 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 Ixalan's Binding and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- 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
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Printings
The Ixalan's Binding Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2017-09-29. Illustrated by Chase Stone.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ixalan's Binding has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ixalan's Binding card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-09-29 | Auras attached to the exiled permanent will be put into their owners’ graveyards. Any Equipment will become unattached and remain on the battlefield. Any counters on the exiled permanent will cease to exist. |
| 2017-09-29 | If Ixalan’s Binding leaves the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves, the target permanent won’t be exiled. |
| 2017-09-29 | If a token is exiled this way, it will cease to exist and won’t return to the battlefield. |
| 2017-09-29 | If the exiled card has a different name in exile than it did on the battlefield, Ixalan’s Binding stops players from casting spells with the name of that card as it exists in exile. |
| 2017-09-29 | If the exiled card is a land card that’s become a nonland permanent, Ixalan’s Binding won’t stop players from playing lands with that name. |
| 2017-09-29 | If there is no exiled card (perhaps because the exiled permanent was a token or was a commander that moved to the command zone in the Commander variant), Ixalan’s Binding won’t stop players from casting spells. |
| 2017-09-29 | In a multiplayer game, if Ixalan’s Binding’s owner leaves the game and another player owns the exiled card, the exiled card will return to the battlefield under its owner’s control. Because the one-shot effect that returns the card isn’t an ability that goes on the stack, it won’t cease to exist along with the leaving player’s spells and abilities on the stack. |
| 2017-09-29 | The exiled card returns to the battlefield immediately after Ixalan’s Binding leaves the battlefield. Nothing happens between the two events, including state-based actions. |
| 2018-01-19 | There are many important moments in the story, but the most crucial—called “story spotlights”—are shown on cards. These cards have the Planeswalker symbol in their text box; this symbol has no effect on gameplay. You can read more about these events in the official Magic fiction at http://www.mtgstory.com. |