Binding Grasp MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 60
1997-03-24 - Number 74
2006-07-21 - Number 60
2008-09-22 - Number 41
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
During your upkeep, pay o1o U or bury Binding Grasp. Gain control of target creature; that creature gets +0/+1.
"What I want, I take." —Gustha Ebbasdotter, Kjeldoran Royal Mage
Cards like Binding Grasp
Binding Grasp is an intriguing enchantment card from Magic: The Gathering that opens strategic possibilities. It allows players to take control of a target creature for as long as Binding Grasp remains on the battlefield, which is not dissimilar to Mind Control. Mind Control also enables you to take possession of an opponent’s creature, yet it lacks the flexibility of being able to adjust the enchanted creature’s power and toughness as Binding Grasp does with its upkeep cost feature.
Control Magic is another counterpart to Binding Grasp. Both enchantments allow a player to gain control of enemy creatures. However, Control Magic doesn’t have the pay to maintain option, which can make Binding Grasp a more proactive tool for affecting board state over time. On the flip side, Control Magic is simpler, requiring no additional mana investment after it’s played.
Each card has its own set of circumstances where it can shine. Players who prioritize long-term strategy and incremental advantage may find Binding Grasp to be a valuable technique in their arsenal. It proves that in MTG, the subtle nuances between cards can create vastly different outcomes and experiences within the game.
Cards similar to Binding Grasp by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Binding Grasp offers solid card advantage by not only taking control of an opponent’s creature but also potentially depriving them of a key piece on the board. It hence works twofold; as an enabler for your own strategy and a disruptor of your opponent’s game plan.
Resource Acceleration: While Binding Grasp itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, having control over an additional creature can indirectly contribute to your resource management. Especially if the commandeered creature has abilities that generate mana or other value, it can be a game-changer in terms of accelerating your position in the game.
Instant Speed: One of the greatest strengths of Binding Grasp is its ability to be cast at instant speed. This allows for strategic flexibility, letting you wait for the most opportune moment to take control of an enemy creature, possibly during the opponent’s turn or in response to an action that would remove a creature from your grasp.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Binding Grasp requires the player to maintain its control effect by paying a cumulative upkeep cost, which could lead to a significant loss of resources over time.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands two specific types of mana (one blue and three of any color), which makes it a less flexible option for decks that aren’t heavily focused on blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana cost of four, Binding Grasp is considered costly for the effect of taking control of just one creature, especially when there are alternatives with lower or more versatile mana requirements.
Reasons to Include Binding Grasp in Your Collection
Versatility: Binding Grasp offers a unique twist on control by taking possession of an opponent’s creature and potentially turning the tide of the game. It’s flexible enough to fit into blue control decks or those that look to exploit borrowed resources.
Combo Potential: With Binding Grasp, you can not only gain control of an important creature but also work it into enchantment synergies or strategies that capitalize on having a strong board presence. Additional buffs on the stolen creature can lead to surprising win conditions.
Meta-Relevance: Always relevant in a constantly shifting meta, Binding Grasp can be a great answer to meta-dominant creatures, especially in Commander, where snatching a key piece of an opponent’s strategy can swing the momentum in your favor.
How to beat Binding Grasp
Binding Grasp is a unique aura that can change the course of a game by seizing control of an opponent’s creature. As a control tool, it shines in decks that aim to turn the tables by using the adversary’s assets against them. Unlike similar cards that serve a strictly temporary function, Binding Grasp comes with the added benefit of maintenance paid at upkeep to retain control, providing ongoing strategic advantages.
To outmaneuver Binding Grasp, one must understand its inherent weaknesses. Firstly, since it’s an enchantment, a swift removal can effectively neutralize its effect. Disenchant and Naturalize are straightforward options that can be played to eliminate Binding Grasp from the battlefield. Moreover, always be wary of open mana that could signal this game-changing card and be ready to adjust your strategy. Creature hexproof and shroud abilities also render Binding Grasp ineffective, so including creatures with these protective traits in your deck can safeguard against hostile takeovers. Finally, since the maintenance cost is a commitment, pressuring your opponent’s mana can make Binding Grasp unsustainable, potentially forcing them to rethink their strategy or relinquish control of their bewitched creature.
Adapting to situations and exploiting the vulnerabilities of aura-based control techniques forms the cornerstone of prevailing against enchantments like Binding Grasp, keeping your creatures safe and your strategy intact.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Binding Grasp MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Binding Grasp 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Binding Grasp Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 60 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Ruth Thompson | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 74 | 1997 | Normal | White | Jeff Miracola | |
| 3 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap Theme Decks | CST | 60 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ruth Thompson | |
| 4 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 41 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ruth Thompson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Binding Grasp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |