Today’s card is an oldie but a goodie and is still out there creating problems for aggressive players.  Yes, it wasn’t the most popular back in the day (most likely because of Bolmeteus and other cool cards in the Stompatrons set) but it still packs a dominant effect.  Let’s check it out.

 

Bonds of Justice

Cost: 4

Civilization: Light

Type: Spell
 

Rules Text:

• Shield trigger (When this spell is put into your hand from your shield zone, you may cast it immediately for no cost.)
  Tap all creatures in the battle zone that don't have "blocker."
  
   

An effect as beautiful as this instantly reminds me of Holy Awe.  They are both shield triggers and even though Bonds of Justice doesn’t tap all of your opponent’s creatures, it still has the ability force your opponent to end their turn.  As soon as your opponent breaks this as a shield you can instantly tap all of his/her attackers, leaving them in a vulnerable position.  It’s quite spectacular.  Just picture having 4 Bonds of Justice, 4 Holy Awes, and 4 Miraculous Truces in a 40 card deck.  You would basically have a 30% chance of forcing your opponent to end their turn once they break a shield.  Talk about stalling!

 

In addition, let’s consider the fact that Bonds of Justice can also be applied offensively.  The light civilization is renowned for its powerful blockers, which are able to attack other tapped creatures.  Yes, your opponent can still block after you cast Bonds of Justice, but if you time it properly then you’ll suddenly find yourself clearing out your opponent’s side of the battle zone.  On top of that, this spell costs only 4 mana, unlike Holy Awe, and will get the job done faster with mana to spare.

 

The Good:  A cheap spell that can stop opponents in their tracks.

 

The Bad:  This card cannot tap blockers.

 

The Ugly:  Not applicable.  This is a very solid and effective card.

 

Constructed Rating: 4.5/5 – This card is incredible for such a low cost.  It works both offensively and defensively and when you combine it with cards like Holy Awe and Miraculous Truce there will be very little that your opponent will be able to do.

 

Limited Rating: 4/5 – This is highly effective in limited because blockers are so hard to come by.  You’ll be able to have your way with your opponent or his/her creatures.  A card like this can potentially give any duelist the upper hand.

 

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