What it does
"Burning Chains" isn't a keyword ability—it's a specific card from the Theros block. It's an instant that makes target creature unable to block, and that creature's controller loses 2 life if it attacks during their next turn. Essentially, it's a removal-adjacent combat trick that punishes a key blocker or pressures an attacker.
The nuance people miss: it doesn't kill or tap anything. The "can't block" effect lasts until your next turn, but the life-loss clause only triggers if that creature actually attacks—it's not guaranteed damage. The controller chooses whether to attack, so a defensive player simply holds the creature back and avoids the 2 life loss entirely.
In Commander, it's underwhelming. With 40 life and giant boards, removing one blocker or threatening 2 life rarely swings games. You'll want harder removal or evasion instead.
Iconic cards with Burning Chains
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