Banding

Keywords · advanced

Banding is one of Magic's oldest and most complex keyword abilities. It changes how attacking creatures group together and how combat damage is assigned.

How it works

• Attacking in a band: As you declare attackers, a creature with banding may be grouped with other attacking creatures (one of which has banding) into a "band." The band attacks as a unit, and a creature that blocks one creature in the band blocks the whole band.
• Damage assignment: If a creature with banding is blocking or being blocked, the band's controller, not the other player, chooses how that combat damage is assigned.

Rules notes

• Banding is notoriously hard to read and has been discontinued. It is not printed in modern sets.
• "Bands with other" is a related variant that only lets creatures band with specific types.
• If you encounter banding in casual play, it is worth reading the full rule carefully before resolving combat.

Rule reference

[702.22]