Black Carriage MTG Card

Generates card advantage by doubling battlefield threats, challenging opponents to keep up. Enhances resource acceleration, allowing faster deployment of powerful plays and threats. Combines well with cards for instant speed interaction, increasing its versatility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Horse
Abilities	Trample
Released	1995-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Homelands
Set code	HML
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	42
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	David A. Cherry

Text of card

Trample Does not untap during your untap phase. : Sacrifice a creature to untap Black Carriage. Use this ability only during your upkeep.

"The Baron's drivers are also driven." —Chandler

Cards like Black Carriage

Black Carriage embarks on a unique journey into the realm of creature-based decks, offering distinct parallels with other transportive cards within Magic: The Gathering. For instance, it shares the theme of evasion with the likes of Ghostly Chariot, which also provides a way to avoid being blocked. However, Black Carriage is set on a different course, with its built-in ability to regenerate, thus offering resilience against removal that Ghostly Chariot doesn’t possess.

Reflecting on Carriage’s ability to become unblockable, we can also draw a line to the Phantom Carriage. While Phantom Carriage requires specific conditions involving graveyards to be met for reaping benefits, Black Carriage maintains a simpler yet effective approach, gaining unblockable as long as you sacrifice another creature. Comparatively, the Phantom Carriage hinges on a one-time effect upon entry, whereas Black Carriage is capable of consistent evasion, adding strategic depth to its use within matches.

Analyzing the balance between evasion, regeneration, and sacrifice mechanics, Black Carriage can be esteemed as a versatile and formidable inclusion, especially in formats or decks emphasizing on survival and repeated offensive advantage.

Cards similar to Black Carriage by color, type and mana cost

Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions

Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When summoning Black Carriage into play, the ability to generate additional creatures can equate to valuable card advantage. By potentially doubling the number of threats on the battlefield, Black Carriage makes it difficult for opponents to deal with the wave of incoming damage without falling behind in resource count.

Resource Acceleration: Black Carriage excels in providing resource acceleration through its unique mechanics. As it hits the field, the potential to amass a critical mass of power and toughness can be akin to jumping ahead in the resource curve, setting you up for more impactful plays earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Black Carriage does not operate at instant speed inherently, its interaction with other cards that facilitate instant speed deployment can be a game-changer. This versatility can catch opponents off-guard, especially when maneuvering around their removal spells or combat tricks.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Black Carriage often demands that you sacrifice a creature or discard another card when it enters the battlefield, a requisite that might constrain your hand, especially when you’re attempting to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost not only consists of black mana but it may also necessitate a careful balance within your mana base, potentially complicating your deck strategy if you’re running a multi-colored deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher casting cost than some alternative creatures or spells with similar impact, Black Carriage’s mana investment might not align with the tempo of more aggressive decks that aim for efficiency and speed.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Black Carriage is a multi-functional card that can seamlessly integrate into a variety of decks, particularly those requiring defensive strategies or looking to exploit creature-based synergies.

Combo Potential: With its ability to become an indestructible vehicle, Black Carriage pairs well with cards that capitalize on artifact strategies, opening the door for potent combinations.

Meta-Relevance: Given its resilience against common removal spells, Black Carriage holds its ground in environments crowded with targeted destruction or board wipes, making it a robust addition to any collection.

How to Beat Black Carriage

Black Carriage poses a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering, thanks largely to its inherent menace. This dreaded card comes to play with a shroud of invincibility as it can’t be targeted by spells or abilities until it becomes tapped. Overcoming this obstacle requires strategic foresight. One effective strategy is to force it into combat, making cards with the Lure ability invaluable. Deploying creatures that must be blocked can turn the carriage’s strength into a vulnerability.

Alternatively, consider taking advantage of board wipes—a complete reset—that don’t target specific creatures. Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the battlefield, including the Black Carriage, sidestepping the hindrance of targeting it directly. Moreover, utilizing sweepers after the Black Carriage has turned into a creature is a clever maneuver, removing the carriage without needing to target it specifically.

In essence, approach Black Carriage with a method that either compels it into action or employs non-targeting removal tactics. With this in mind, you can harness the right countermeasures to surpass the carriage’s defenses and steer the game to your advantage.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Black Carriage MTG card by a specific set like Homelands, 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 Black Carriage and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Black Carriage has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2008-05-01	The ability that untaps it during your upkeep has been returned to an activated ability. There is no restriction on how many times it can be untapped during your upkeep with this ability.