Sol Ring is indeed banned in 1v1 Commander, also known as Duel Commander. The ban lists for Commander and Duel Commander are quite different, primarily due to the difference in gameplay dynamics between multiplayer and 1v1 formats.
In regular multiplayer Commander games, Sol Ring is allowed and widely played because it provides a significant advantage in ramping up mana production at the early stages of the game. This is especially beneficial in multiplayer games where players have more time to recover from the explosive starts enabled by Sol Ring. The format is designed with the understanding that players have access to powerful cards like Sol Ring, which can lead to explosive and swingy plays.
On the other hand, Duel Commander focuses on a more competitive and streamlined experience, where the games are played in a 1v1 setting. In this format, the absence of other opponents means that the advantage gained from playing Sol Ring is magnified. Being able to ramp up your mana production by two in the early turns of the game can lead to a significant tempo advantage over your opponent, potentially resulting in an insurmountable lead. This can lead to games becoming heavily influenced by who draws and plays Sol Ring first, rather than focusing on skill and strategy.
As a result, the governing bodies of Duel Commander have decided to ban Sol Ring in their format to promote a more balanced and skill-intensive gameplay experience. By removing Sol Ring from the equation, players are encouraged to rely more on their deckbuilding choices, tactical decisions, and skillful play rather than relying on the explosive starts provided by the powerful artifact.
It’s worth noting that the banlists for Duel Commander are separate from those of regular multiplayer Commander. Each format has its own unique banlist tailored to its specific gameplay dynamics. The goal is to create a fun and balanced environment for players to enjoy the game in their preferred format.
In my personal experience, I have played both regular multiplayer Commander and 1v1 Commander (Duel Commander) games. The absence of Sol Ring in Duel Commander definitely changes the dynamics of the game. Without the explosive mana acceleration provided by Sol Ring, the early game is more focused on developing a board presence and making strategic plays rather than rushing out powerful spells. This creates a more tactical and interactive experience, where players have to carefully manage their resources and plan their moves accordingly.
The ban of Sol Ring in 1v1 Commander is a deliberate choice to create a more balanced and skill-dependent gameplay experience. While Sol Ring remains a staple in regular multiplayer Commander, its absence in Duel Commander allows for a more strategic and tactical approach to the game.