Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor MTG Card
2001-10-01 - Number 58
2020-09-26 - Number ODY-58
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Cephalid Noble |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Tap an untapped Cephalid you control: Tap target permanent. o Uo Uo U: Tap all creatures without flying.
"No one can fight the tide forever."
Cards like Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor
Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor offers a very unique position in MTG as a legendary creature that grants control over the battlefield through tapping abilities. Its closest comparisons are with cards like Tidal Force and Beguiler of Wills. Tidal Force allows for the tapping or untapping of permanents once per turn, delivering continuous control but lacking Aboshan’s specificity to creatures and the ability to affect the entire board. On the other hand, Beguiler of Wills focuses on creature control but requires stealing creatures one by one, rather than tapping them en masse.
Other noteworthy comparisons include Lorthos, the Tidemaker, which shares the sea creature theme and has a similar ability to dictate combat by tapping eight permanents when it attacks. However, Lorthos’s control is a one-time effect per attack, contrasting with Aboshan’s repeatable ability each turn. Furthermore, Aboshan’s synergy with other Cephalid or Octopus cards means a well-constructed deck can fully maximize its potential.
Ultimately, Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor distinguishes itself with its strong tribal affinity, repeatable mass control ability, and the strategic advantage this provides in games. For players who enjoy dictating the pace and maneuvers of the battlefield, Aboshan excels as a commander in sea-themed decks.
Cards similar to Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor offers consistent control over the game by providing the ability to tap all creatures your opponents control. This potent ability can be activated every turn, which, when used wisely, can severely limit an opponent’s offensive capabilities and provide you with a significant advantage in card utility, if not outright card quantity.
Resource Acceleration: Flawlessly synergizing with decks that focus on untapping permanents, Aboshan can enable you to make the most of various mana-producing creatures and artifacts. This can lead to resource acceleration by allowing you to use those resources multiple times within a single turn cycle.
Instant Speed: The capability of Aboshan to tap all creatures at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows you to wait until the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn—perhaps right before they declare attackers—to spring the trap, ensuring your tactical move is as disruptive as possible. In the ever-shifting landscape of a Magic game, timing is key, and Aboshan gives you the tools to wield it like a weapon.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor demands a steep price for its abilities, often requiring you to discard other valuable cards from your hand. This requirement can deplete your options and leave you in a precarious position, particularly if your hand is already running low on cards.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor is specific and somewhat burdensome, requiring three blue mana and three generic mana. For players not running a heavily blue-focused deck, meeting this mana requirement consistently to summon him to the battlefield can be challenging. This specificity narrows the card’s versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of six mana to deploy, Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor falls on the higher end of the mana curve. In the fast-paced environment of many MTG games, paying six mana for a creature can be problematic, especially when there are numerous effective creatures and control options available at a lower mana cost.
Reasons to Include Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor in Your Collection
Versatility: Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor shines with its flexibility at the helm of a blue-based control or a creature-focused deck. As a commander, it can adapt to various playstyles by tapping down potential threats or enabling key political moves during the game.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with effects that untap creatures to create lock-down scenarios, or can be part of infinite combo setups that capitalize on the tap/untap mechanic to control the board.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where creature strategies are prevalent, Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor maintains relevance by consistently disrupting opponents’ combat plans and can swing games in your favor by managing the tempo of the battlefield.
How to beat
Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor is a formidable force from the deep in MTG, notorious for locking down opponents with his ability to tap all creatures without flying. Understanding the mechanics and limitations of this legendary creature is key to conquering it on the battlefield. A common strategy to overcome Aboshan is by deploying flying creatures, as they are immune to his tap ability.
Implementing artifact-based removal can also be a game-changer, as these tools are unaffected by summoning sickness and can bypass Aboshan’s control over creatures on the ground. Cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile serve as an efficient way to exile Aboshan before your opponent can establish their defenses. Additionally, counter magic remains a reliable method to prevent Aboshan from ever hitting the board, keeping the path clear for an aggressive strategy.
Maintaining a proactive plan to address threats like Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor can be the difference between a win and a loss. Adapt your deck with a blend of aerial assaults, spot removal, and counter spells to claim victory over the deep-sea emperor and his watery dominion.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and The List, 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 Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2001-10-01. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |