Canopy Spider MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 217
2001-04-11 - Number 234★
2001-04-11 - Number 234
2003-07-28 - Number 236★
2003-07-28 - Number 236
2007-07-13 - Number 254
2007-07-13 - Number 254★
2015-05-06 - Number 166
2018-06-08 - Number 191
2019-07-12 - Number 339
2019-11-07 - Number 1154
2020-09-26 - Number BBD-191
| Card sets | Released in 12 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spider |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Canopy Spider can block creatures with flying.
"We know our place in the cycle of life—and it is not as flies." —Eladamri, Lord of Leaves
Cards like Canopy Spider
Canopy Spider is a green creature card that finds its strength in its reach ability, enabling it to block flying creatures effectively. This two-mana spider shares some characteristics with other cards like Deadly Recluse and Giant Spider. Deadly Recluse also offers the formidable combination of reach and deathtouch for just two mana. While it’s similar in mana cost and abilities, the deathtouch enables it to destory any creature it blocks or becomes blocked by, adding an extra layer of defense against formidable flyers. Giant Spider, on the other hand, requires four mana to play, which is double the cost of Canopy Spider, but comes with a bigger body.
Other cards in this space include Sporecap Spider, which like our Canopy Spider, is a reliable blocker against flying creatures with its reach ability. However, it also has a greater focus on synergizing with other Spiders, making it particularly effective in arachnid-themed decks. Finally, comparing these cards highlights Canopy Spider as a cost-effective early game option for any player looking to bolster their defenses in the air without compromising too much on ground support.
Spotting these minute yet crucial differences among similar cards can give players the edge they need during gameplay. In a game as strategic as MTG, understanding the nuanced roles of cards like Canopy Spider can significantly influence deck building strategies and combat decisions.
Cards similar to Canopy Spider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Canopy Spider offers a unique board presence by combining efficient defense with cost-effectiveness. This two-mana creature can deter early flying aggressors, thereby protecting your more valuable cards and helping you maintain board control.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly create mana, the low casting cost of the Canopy Spider allows for rapid deployment alongside other spells, effectively accelerating your resource deployment on the field.
Instant Speed: The spider can’t be cast at instant speed, but its reach ability can be a surprise element against unsuspecting airborne threats at any point in the combat phase, acting as a spontaneous roadblock and preserving your life total.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Canopy Spider does not directly require a discard, having to discard cards for other abilities within a green deck could hamper its synergy, especially since green decks typically rely on creature presence to overpower opponents.
Specific Mana Cost: Canopy Spider demands a specific green mana in its casting cost, which could restrict deck-building options, particularly for those looking to integrate it into a multicolored deck without sufficient green mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana for a 1/3 creature, some players might find Canopy Spider less efficient compared to other two-mana creatures that may provide more significant offensive or defensive benefits.
Reasons to Include Canopy Spider in Your Collection
Versatility: Canopy Spider is a green creature card that finds its place in decks focusing on defense as well as those that emphasize the importance of reach. Its low casting cost makes it an accessible card for various stages of the game.
Combo Potential: This two-mana spider pairs well with cards that benefit from having creatures with reach, or with those that capitalize on the spider’s status as an early defender, creating space for more sophisticated plays later in the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta with heavy flying attackers, Canopy Spider provides an excellent defensive line at a low cost, blocking most early and mid-game airborne threats and protecting key life points as you develop your board presence.
How to Beat
The Canopy Spider card is a green creature known for its high functionality in MTG decks focused on early game defense. As a two-mana spider with reach, the Canopy Spider can deter flying creatures from attacking uncompromised, effectively serving as a low-cost shield in the initial rounds. While it boasts a strength in blocking airborne threats, its weakness stems from its mere one power which limits its offensive capabilities.
When facing the Canopy Spider, exploiting its offensive shortfall is key. Utilizing spells or abilities that necessitate high-power creatures or target specifically grounded creatures allows you to navigate around the spider’s reach attribute. Moreover, leveraging flying creatures with power greater than one or presenting multiple threats simultaneously can overwhelm the Canopy Spider’s single-blocking capacity.
To conclude, while the Canopy Spider presents a decent block against flying creatures early on, it struggles against robust flyers or a multitude of attackers. An understanding of its limitations enables players to craft a successful strategy to overcome this particular obstacle in MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Canopy Spider MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Seventh 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 Canopy Spider 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 Canopy Spider Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 217 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 234★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mike Raabe | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 234 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mike Raabe | |
| 4 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 236★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 5 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 236 | 2003 | Normal | White | Christopher Rush | |
| 6 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 254 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 7 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 254★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 8 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 166 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 9 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 191 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 10 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 339 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 11 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1154 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 12 | The List | PLST | BBD-191 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Canopy Spider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Canopy Spider card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | This card now uses the Reach keyword ability to enable the blocking of flying creatures. This works because a creature with flying can only be blocked by creatures with flying or reach. |