A-Imperial Subduer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Samurai |
| Released | 2022-02-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty |
| Set code | NEO |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | A-19 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zara Alfonso |
Text of card
Whenever a Samurai or Warrior you control attacks alone, tap target creature you don't control.
Cards like A-Imperial Subduer
A-Imperial Subduer is an intriguing creature card that brings control to the battlefield, reminiscent of other cards in MTG that aim to suppress opponents’ actions. Much like A-Imperial Subduer, cards such as Lawmage’s Binding also prevent a targeted creature from attacking or blocking, allowing players to effectively neutralize significant threats. However, A-Imperial Subduer offers an extra layer of control by allowing players to pay mana to tap the opposing creature even if it enters the battlefield after the Subduer.
Examining the Banisher Priest, another comparable card, it becomes evident that while it provides a similar temporary removal effect by exiling the opposing creature until Banisher Priest leaves the battlefield, A-Imperial Subduer’s influence lingers as it continuously requires opponents to invest more resources if they wish to utilize their creatures. Conversely, cards like Fiend Hunter cater towards a more permanent solution as their effect exiles the creature until they’re gone, although lacking the recurring lockdown capability of A-Imperial Subduer.
Considering the unique blend of abilities, A-Imperial Subduer carves a niche in control decks within MTG, striking a balance between immediate impact and enduring board influence.
Cards similar to A-Imperial Subduer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A-Imperial Subduer offers strategic potential to weaken your opponent’s board presence. By tapping a creature your opponent controls, you effectively deprive them of resources while maintaining your own, which in many cases can be a decisive factor in gaining the upper hand.
Resource Acceleration: By disrupting your opponent’s flow, the Subduer can indirectly accelerate your own resource deployment. This is because you may not have to assign your own creatures to block or deal with the tapped enemy creature, allowing you to swing the momentum in your favor and make more effective plays.
Instant Speed: Although A-Imperial Subduer itself isn’t played at instant speed, its ability to tap an opponent’s creature can be a crucial instant-speed play in combat or end-of-turn scenarios. It provides flexibility to maneuver around your opponent’s strategies, forcing them to react to your moves while you retain command of the game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A-Imperial Subduer asks players to part with a card from their hand, which could be a drawback during gameplay. When your hand is already depleted, this requirement can put you at a further disadvantage, making it difficult to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The specific mana cost of A-Imperial Subduer requires white mana, meaning it fits best within certain deck types, predominantly white or those that can easily accommodate white mana. This can limit deck-building options and reduce the card’s versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost associated with its abilities, A-Imperial Subduer can be seen as less efficient, especially when compared to other creatures in its mana range. Players may find other cards that provide similar or better effects without the hefty mana investment, potentially making A-Imperial Subduer a less attractive option for competitive play.
Reasons to Include A-Imperial Subduer in Your Collection
Versatility: A-Imperial Subduer can easily find a place in decks that prioritize control and tapping opponents’ creatures. Its ability to consistently hinder your opponent’s board state makes it a valuable tool in maintaining the tempo of the game.
Combo Potential: This card has inherent synergy with strategies that capitalize on tapped creatures, enabling combos that can lock out an opponent’s critical assets and sequester significant threats effectively.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to sideline key creatures, A-Imperial Subduer remains relevant in environments where creature-based strategies prevail. It acts as a form of soft removal, aligning well with decks that aim to outpace and disable the opposition’s game plan.
How to beat
Imperial Subduer is a crafty addition to control decks in Magic the Gathering. It’s a card that can disrupt an opponent’s strategy by incapacitating a key creature each turn. This functionality makes it an asset that control players use to gain traction and maintain board dominance. However, for those facing it, there are ways to mitigate its influence in the game.
To navigate around Imperial Subduer’s ability, you’ll want to look towards creating a wide board presence. By having multiple threats on the board, you reduce the impact that Subduer can have with its targeted ability. Another effective method is to make use of instant-speed removal spells, which can eliminate the Subduer before its controller can use its ability, thus freeing your creatures from its grasp. Moreover, countering it on the stack prevents it from entering the battlefield entirely, circumventing the need to deal with its effects. Finally, utilizing hexproof or shroud-equipped creatures can render Imperial Subduer’s ability futile, as it cannot target them.
Defeating a card like Imperial Subduer requires strategic planning and the right answers in your deck. By deploying these tactics, you can overcome the challenge it presents and turn the tides of the game back in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase A-Imperial Subduer MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the A-Imperial Subduer and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where A-Imperial Subduer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |