Post-Ban Standard Emerges: Four Pillars Lead the RCQ Metagame

With the August bans on Badgermole Cub, Stormchaser's Talent, and Gran-Gran, Standard shifts toward four pillars—Four-Color Control, Izzet Spellementals, Dimir Excruciator, and Mardu Discard—while speculative options like Temur Omniscience, Dimir Midrange, and Boros Dragons (inspired by The Hobbit) surface. RCQs start this weekend, and decks are expected to slow down and diversify as players adapt their one- and two-mana lines, rebuild green strategies, and explore the new tools from The Hobbit.