Alena, Kessig Trapper MTG Card


Alena’s ability to untap creatures enhances both offense and defense capabilities during a game. She enables explosive turns by generating significant red mana based on creature power. Her capability at instant speed offers tactical advantages at crucial moments.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Scout
Abilities First strike,Partner
Power 4
Toughness 3

Text of card

First strike : Add an amount of equal to the greatest power among creatures you control that entered the battlefield this turn. Partner (You can have two commanders if both have partner.)

"Halana and I have a bond that'll never be broken."


Cards like Alena, Kessig Trapper

Delving into the capabilities of unique creature cards, especially those that tap other creatures, Alena Kessig Trapper emerges as a distinct choice for players in Magic the Gathering. It’s often measured against familiar cards like Banisher Priest or Fiend Hunter, which can also manipulate the battlefield by isolating opponents’ creatures. However, where Alena Kessig Trapper shines is in its synergy with werewolves and human creatures, dovetailing well with tribal strategies and enabling various combo potentials.

Considering Timberwatch Elf, another card with tapping abilities, it grants a power boost rather than establishing board control like Alena. While they function differently, both cards excel in creature-centric decks that make the most of tapping mechanics. Surprisingly, Village Bell-Ringer also enters this comparison, known for its ability to untap all creatures you control. Although it doesn’t offer direct control over enemy creatures, the Bell-Ringer provides a sudden surge of offensive or defensive potential, which can be a game changer.

In essence, while cards within this niche serve distinct roles, Alena Kessig Trapper stands out particularly for players focused on creature-based strategies and is especially formidable in human or werewolf themed decks where its tapping abilities can be used to greatest effect.

Banisher Priest - MTG Card versions
Fiend Hunter - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Village Bell-Ringer - MTG Card versions
Banisher Priest - MTG Card versions
Fiend Hunter - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Village Bell-Ringer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Alena, Kessig Trapper by color, type and mana cost

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Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Alena Kessig Trapper comes with the ability to untap any number of target creatures. This unique benefit can translate into card advantage by allowing more creatures to be used for various abilities or to be ready for defense after an aggressive turn.

Resource Acceleration: Alena’s power-related mana ability adds a significant amount of red mana to your mana pool. This can lead to a considerable increase in the pace at which you deploy your threats on the board, effectively speeding up your game plan and outpacing the opponent through enhanced resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Alena herself is not an instant-speed spell, her mana generation ability can be used at instant speed, which means you have the flexibility to adapt to the board state and make strategic moves during any phase of a turn. Particularly beneficial if paired with other cards that have flash or abilities that can be activated at instant speed.

Remember, keeping your plays versatile and your resources flowing are critical strategies in MTG, and Alena Kessig Trapper offers both in a dynamic package. Whether you’re powering up for a game-changing play or keeping up defenses, this card could be a valuable asset in your deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Alena, Kessig Trapper requires you to discard a card to activate certain abilities. This can set you back when you’re already tight on card advantage or need to maintain hand presence against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Alena’s casting cost demands a specific combination of mana, including red. This not only restricts her inclusion in decks but also requires you to have the right mana sources available at the right time, potentially limiting her playability in multi-color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher end, Alena, Kessig Trapper competes with other cards that might provide more immediate impact or versatile abilities for the same or lower mana investment. This factor puts her at a disadvantage, especially in fast-paced games where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Alena Kessig Trapper boasts an ability to tap for a significant amount of mana, scaling with the power of the creature you exert. This makes her an excellent addition to decks revolving around big creatures, as well as those that capitalize on mana acceleration.

Combo Potential: Alena’s ability to unlock vast quantities of mana on a single turn enables players to combine her with powerful spells or creatures that would ordinarily be out of reach early in the game, paving the way for explosive plays and momentum shifts.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed can be crucial, Alena Kessig Trapper gives you the edge in ramping up your board state. Her presence complements strategies looking to outpace control decks or establish dominance before opponents stabilize.


How to beat

Alena, Kessig Trapper offers unique advantages in MTG, capitalizing on high power creatures to generate significant mana. To come out ahead against this powerful force, your strategy needs to hinder Alena’s abilities. Removal spells are highly effective: consider using instant-speed options that can disrupt your opponent’s plans mid-combat or before they have a chance to tap her for mana. Addressing creatures on the board that could potentially boost Alena’s mana generation is another key tactic; board wipes or targeted creature removal can diminish her effectiveness.

An alternative approach is to leverage effects that prevent Alena from being untapped, denying them the opportunity to exploit her ability multiple times across turns. Finally, counterspells can prevent Alena from ever entering the battlefield, an ideal play when your opponent attempts to cast her. Regardless of your preferred method, staying one step ahead of Alena’s abilities is crucial to beating this dynamic card in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG is a never-ending adventure filled with challenges and triumphs. Alena Kessig Trapper exemplifies strategic depth with its potential for card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant-speed mana utility. As you sculpt your deck, consider how Alena can amplify your gameplay and empower you to command the battlefield. Reflect on her strengths and weaknesses, and weave her into your strategies effectively. Are you ready to explore deeper synergies and tactics that can elevate your game to the next level? Join us in discovering the creative plays that Alena Kessig Trapper unlocks and claim victory in your upcoming MTG matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Alena, Kessig Trapper MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander Legends, 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 Alena, Kessig Trapper and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Alena, Kessig Trapper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-11-20 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Zoltan Boros.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 862242015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
22020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 1602015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
32020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 5702015NormalBlackZoltan Boros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Alena, Kessig Trapper has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Alena, Kessig Trapper card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-11-10 A creature you control that entered the battlefield as a noncreature permanent and/or under another player's control will be counted for Alena's mana ability.
2020-11-10 Alena's activated ability is a mana ability. It doesn't use the stack and can't be responded to. Players can't attempt to change a creature's power in response to it.
2020-11-10 An effect that checks whether you control your commander is satisfied if you control one or both of your two commanders.
2020-11-10 Both commanders start in the command zone, and the remaining 98 cards (or 58 cards in a Commander Draft game) of your deck are shuffled to become your library.
2020-11-10 Creatures that are no longer on the battlefield won't be considered for Alena's mana ability, even if they entered that turn.
2020-11-10 If something refers to your commander while you have two commanders, it refers to one of them of your choice. If you are instructed to perform an action on your commander (e.g. put it from the command zone into your hand due to Command Beacon), you choose one of your commanders at the time the effect happens.
2020-11-10 If your Commander deck has two commanders, you can only include cards whose own color identities are also found in your commanders' combined color identities. If Falthis and Kediss are your commanders, your deck may contain cards with black and/or red in their color identity, but not cards with green, white, or blue.
2020-11-10 Once the game begins, your two commanders are tracked separately. If you cast one, you won't have to pay an additional the first time you cast the other. A player loses the game after having been dealt 21 damage from any one of them, not from both of them combined.
2020-11-10 To have two commanders, both must have the partner ability as the game begins. Losing the ability during the game doesn't cause either to cease to be your commander.
2020-11-10 You can choose two commanders with partner that are the same color or colors. In Commander Draft, you can even choose two of the same commander with partner if you drafted them. If you do this, make sure you keep the number of times you've cast each from the command zone clear for "commander tax" purposes.