---
name: "Word of Binding"
mana_cost: "{X}{B}{B}"
cmc: 2
type_line: "Sorcery"
colors: ["B"]
color_identity: ["B"]
keywords: []
set: "4ED"
set_name: "Fourth Edition"
collector_number: "172"
rarity: "common"
artist: "Ron Spencer"
oracle_id: "8bbc9f21-2b4d-4d03-aef1-f5bf0b79257c"
canonical_url: "https://avascry.com/printing/word-of-binding-4ed"
legalities:
  commander: "legal"
  standard: "not_legal"
  modern: "not_legal"
  pioneer: "not_legal"
  legacy: "legal"
  vintage: "legal"
  pauper: "legal"
  penny: "not_legal"
---

# Word of Binding
- **Mana Cost:** `{X}{B}{B}` (CMC: 2)
- **Type:** Sorcery

## Oracle Text
Tap X target creatures.

## Top 4096-Dim Neural Synergies
1. [Terashi's Cry](/printing/terashis-cry-chk.md) — Sorcery — Arcane
2. [Sleep](/printing/sleep-m10.md) — Sorcery
3. [Asphyxiate](/printing/asphyxiate-bng.md) — Sorcery
4. [Bond of Discipline](/printing/bond-of-discipline-plst.md) — Sorcery
5. [Ostiary Thrull](/printing/ostiary-thrull-gpt.md) — Creature — Thrull
6. [Death Stroke](/printing/death-stroke-sth.md) — Sorcery

## Printing Details
- **Set:** Fourth Edition (4ED) #172
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Artist:** Ron Spencer
- **Total Printings:** 16 across all historical editions

## Format Legalities
Commander: `legal` | Standard: `not_legal` | Modern: `not_legal` | Pioneer: `not_legal` | Legacy: `legal` | Vintage: `legal` | Pauper: `legal` | Penny: `not_legal`