Yukora, the Prisoner MTG Card

Yukora, the Prisoner - Betrayers of Kamigawa

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Demon Spirit
Released	2005-02-04
Set symbol
Set name	Betrayers of Kamigawa
Set code	BOK
Power	5
Toughness	5
Number	90
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Tony Szczudlo

Key Takeaways

Demands multiple opponent resources, translating into significant card advantage.
Sheer size and cost ratio accelerates game pace and forces opponent reactions.
Flash enablers can turn Yukora into a surprise threat or blocker.

Text of card

When Yukora, the Prisoner leaves play, sacrifice all non-Ogre creatures you control.

It took ninety-nine monks to weave the spell that trapped Yukora. Upon the death of the ninety-nine, the spell was broken, and the demon returned to the mortal world seeking vengeance for its imprisonment.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Yukora, the Prisoner, can create a significant presence on the battlefield, demanding multiple resources from an opponent to deal with it. If answered by a single removal spell, the exchange is even, but if Yukora demands more, it translates into card advantage for the player.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana sources, Yukora, the Prisoner’s sheer size for its casting cost allows for aggressive plays that can outpace an opponent’s development, effectively accelerating your position in the game. It can shave turns off the clock, forcing responses and potentially leading to a shorter path to victory.

Instant Speed: Although Yukora itself is not an instant, the ability to be played off of flash enablers like Vedalken Orrery means it can be a surprise blocker or an end-of-turn threat. This flexibility can catch an opponent off guard and allow for strategic plays that leverage both the tempo and element of surprise.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Yukora, the Prisoner has no direct discard requirement, its presence in your deck could push you towards specific strategies that could potentially lead to card disadvantage in order to maximize its power.

Specific Mana Cost: Yukora requires a significant amount of black mana — four black mana symbols in its total cost. This intense color demand makes it a challenging fit in multi-colored decks and can affect the overall mana base and consistency of your deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of eight mana to cast, Yukora’s investment can be quite steep. Given the competitive landscape of the game, there are other creatures or spells with lower mana costs that provide immediate impact or greater versatility on the battlefield.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Yukora, the Prisoner proves to be a malleable force on the battlefield, complementing a range of deck types that capitalize on powerful creatures. With the potential to be an early game threat in the right build, this card adjusts well to various playstyles.

Combo Potential: The latent synergy of Yukora, the Prisoner with sacrifice mechanics or those amplifying creature abilities is notable. This lends itself to intricate combo setups, providing seasoned players a means to exploit its latent board impact.

Meta-Relevance: Given the current competitive landscape, Yukora, the Prisoner can surprise opponents not expecting such a hefty creature at a four mana value. Its presence can reshape the pacing of the game, making it a uniquely relevant choice for adaptive gameplay.

How to beat

Yukora, the Prisoner presents a unique challenge in Magic the Gathering gameplay. This hefty creature comes at a significant mana cost but can be a force to reckon with once on the battlefield. A deep understanding of its strengths and weaknesses is crucial in formulating a strategy to counter it effectively. Unlike other creatures that may require specific conditions to be met, Yukora brings sheer power to the table, demanding a decisive and timely answer from opponents.

The most straightforward way to handle Yukora is through removal spells that bypass its potential for devastating attacks. Using spells like Path to Exile or Murder can be a clean and cost-efficient way to remove Yukora from the game before its effect becomes overwhelming. Creature control through bounce effects such as Unsummon or temporary measures with cards like Pacifism can also provide a respite, albeit less permanent. Additionally, enchantment-based answers like Darksteel Mutation can neutralize the threat by turning Yukora into an insignificant creature without abilities.

Ultimately, prevailing over a foe like Yukora, the Prisoner requires an arsenal of effective tools and the strategic foresight to deploy them before it can lock down the game. Keeping these strategies in mind ensures that when Yukora makes an appearance, it remains a prisoner rather than a jailor on your gameboard.

Cards like Yukora, the Prisoner

Yukora, the Prisoner is an interesting creature card within the vast library of Magic: The Gathering. Its closest kin in terms of raw power and impact is likely Dreadmaw Colossus, as both are sizable threats that command attention upon hitting the battlefield. Yet, Yukora stands alone with its unique downside of compelling you to sacrifice it if you control no other demons, a trade-off not found in the straightforward Dreadmaw Colossus.

Another card to consider in comparison is Demonic Taskmaster. Similar to Yukora, it also presents a challenge by requiring the sacrifice of another creature during your upkeep. Both cards are daunting for an opponent to face, but each comes with their own strategic considerations. Furthermore, Pestilence Demon offers a direct parallel to Yukora with its demon typing and also poses a hefty threat. However, Pestilence Demon’s ability to deal damage across the board gives it a different kind of board presence and control compared to Yukora’s more singular focus on sheer brute force.

Each of these cards offers a glimpse into the balance of risk and reward that demon-themed MTG cards often showcase, with Yukora, the Prisoner holding a unique spot due to its potential for both explosive plays and dramatic drawbacks.

Demonic Taskmaster - Avacyn Restored (AVR)

Pestilence Demon - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)

Cards similar to Yukora, the Prisoner by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)

Demon of Catastrophes - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Bold Plagiarist - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Scourge of Numai - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)

Faceless Butcher - Time Spiral Timeshifted (TSB)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Yukora, the Prisoner MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Yukora, the Prisoner and other MTG cards: