Banishment Decree MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2011-02-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mirrodin Besieged
Set code	MBS
Number	3
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	James Ryman

Key Takeaways

Instant speed and tactical flexibility of Banishment Decree disrupt opponents during crucial turns.
The card demands a discard, posing strategic challenges when resources are scarce.
Its versatile nature makes it an essential disruptor against various permanent types.

Text of card

Put target artifact, creature, or enchantment on top of its owner's library.

"Unworthy of consecration." —Axsh, lesser cenobite

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Banishment Decree offers a powerful removal option that can disrupt your opponent by returning a target creature or planeswalker to the library. This movement not only depletes an opponent’s board presence but can also lead to a subtle card advantage as they lose access to vital components of their strategy.

Resource Acceleration: While Banishment Decree doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the way a mana rock or a land card might, its ability to effectively postpone an opponent’s threats can provide you the time needed to develop your resources and establish board control, indirectly contributing to acceleration.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Banishment Decree at instant speed offers significant tactical flexibility. You can respond swiftly to the changes on the battlefield, utilizing it during an opponent’s turn to maximize surprise and minimize their ability to react or prepare. This can be a game-changer, especially when timing is crucial.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When playing Banishment Decree, one of the drawbacks is that it requires the discarding of another card in addition to its mana cost. This can prove to be a significant setback, especially when your hand is already depleted, and each card counts towards your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation to consider is the card’s specific mana cost. Banishment Decree necessitates a particular combination of mana, which can be challenging to generate, especially early in the game, or in a multicolored deck not focused on its color identity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Lastly, while Banishment Decree can be a powerful tool in controlling the game’s pace, its relatively high mana requirement makes it less efficient compared to other removal options. Some players might find other cards to be more impactful choices for their deck when considering the speed and tempo of the game.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Banishment Decree is a powerhouse of flexibility, fitting snugly into any deck that thrives on controlling the board. Its ability to exile any nonland permanent ensures it’s always relevant, whether you’re up against pesky creatures, enchantments, or otherwise troubling artifacts.

Combo Potential: This card is fantastic for setting up game-winning combos. By removing potential blockers or disabling opponents’ combo pieces, Banishment Decree smooths the path for your strategies to unfold without interference.

Meta-Relevance: With many decks focusing on powerful permanents to dominate the game, Banishment Decree serves as a critical answer to the ever-evolving metagame. Whether you’re aiming to disrupt your opponent’s plans or clear the way for your victory, incorporating this card could be a game-changer.

How to Beat Banishment Decree

Banishment Decree is a formidable card that can shift the battlefield in your opponent’s favor, effectively removing a threat from your side of the board. Tackling this card involves understanding its potential impact and finding strategies to mitigate its effects. Instead of overcommitting with your most valuable creatures, play mindfully, keeping in mind that your opponent might be holding this trump card. Diversify your threats and maintain a varied board state to avoid losing momentum when facing removal spells.

Consider using cards with hexproof or shroud to safeguard your key creatures from being targeted by Banishment Decree. Additionally, cards that can counter spells or offer protection, such as counterspells or “Veil of Summer,” can be invaluable. Knowing the right moment to deploy these defenses is crucial — holding back until your opponent attempts to cast Banishment Decree ensures your resources are used effectively. By remaining a step ahead and anticipating your opponent’s moves, you can turn the tables and keep your pivotal creatures in play.

Ultimately, playing around Banishment Decree requires a careful balance of aggression and reserve. By sculpting a robust and adaptable strategy, you assert control over the game, minimizing the disruption caused by your opponent’s removal tactics. Keep your gameplay flexible and proactive to retain your position and outmaneuver the decree’s powerful exile effect.

Cards like Banishment Decree

Banishment Decree is a unique piece in the toolbox of control strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Its mechanics bear resemblance to classic removal spells, like Oblivion Ring, which also temporarily removes targets from the battlefield. Banishment Decree distinguishes itself by allowing the controller to put the targeted nonland permanent on top of its owner’s library, rather than exiling it. This subtle shift means not only a temporary removal but also sets the opponent back by drawing the same card again.

Comparably, Condemn is another card with a similar disruptive tactic but is limited to attacking creatures. It tucks the creature into the owner’s library rather than placing it back at the top. There’s also the infamous Path to Exile, which permanently exiles the target creature but compensates the opponent with a basic land. Unlike Banishment Decree, this can accelerate the opponent’s mana growth and potentially help them recover quicker from the disruption caused.

When examining the landscape of white control spells, Banishment Decree holds its position reliably. It not only impedes the opponent’s current board state but also hinders their next draw, a double-edged sword in the strategic battle of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Banishment Decree by color, type and mana cost

Scars of the Veteran - MTG Card versions

Charge Across the Araba - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Banishment Decree MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Banishment Decree and other MTG cards: