Commander Format Update - New Unbans Are Live! (Feb 9, 2026)
On February 9, 2026, Wizards of the Coast released the latest Commander Banned and Restricted update, and the big news for EDH players is all about unbanning cards that have been on the sidelines. These changes take effect immediately, and we’ve broken down everything you need to know.
🃏 What’s Back in Commander?
1. Biorhythm — Unbanned
The spell that can create dramatic, game-ending turns is now legal again in Commander play. After significant discussion and earlier hesitation, the Commander Format Panel has voted to remove Biorhythm from the ban list.
This card’s ability to swing games hasn’t become a global staple yet, and the panel believes that its situational nature and counterplay options make it a fun addition rather than a format warp.
Expect some wild finishes and high-stakes moments when this one hits the table. 😄
2. Lutri, the Spellchaser — Unbanned (with a twist)
Lutri is free to be played in Commander again, but there’s a new restriction: it remains banned as a Companion.
This means:
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You can include Lutri in your deck or use it as your Commander.
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You cannot use it as a Companion — the companion mechanic is still off-limits for this card.
Why the nuance? The panel determined that allowing Lutri as a companion warps deckbuilding and game balance, especially for blue-red decks, while letting it play normally adds fun without breaking the format.
📌 Quick Summary
| Card | Status Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biorhythm | ✅ Unbanned | Legal for normal Commander play |
| Lutri, the Spellchaser | ✅ Unbanned | Playable in decks, not as a Companion |
All other banned cards remain unchanged in Commander for this cycle.
🧠 What This Means for Your Games
These unbans are a big deal for Commander players:
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More variety in deckbuilding: Biorhythm brings back a big-mana, finish-oriented spell that’s perfect for certain playstyles.
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More fun interactions: Lutri’s spell-copying madness is now back at the table — just without the guaranteed card advantage of being a companion.
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Safe experimentation: The panel continues to dial in their approach, balancing fun and fairness without sweeping shifts.
Whether you love trying new strategies or you’re just excited to break out cards you’ve missed, it’s time to shuffle up and take these cards for a spin! 🔄
Got Thoughts?
We want to hear how these unbans are shaking up your games. Drop comments, deck ideas, and first impressions below!
Source: Wizards of the Coast Commander Banned and Restricted Announcement — February 9, 2026