Capture Sphere MTG Card
2018-10-05 - Number 31
2019-11-07 - Number 308
2020-04-24 - Number 44
2020-07-03 - Number 47
2022-07-08 - Number 42
2020-09-26 - Number GRN-31
Text of card
Flash Enchant creature When Capture Sphere enters the battlefield, tap enchanted creature. Enchanted creature doesn't untap during its controller's untap step.
Cards like Capture Sphere
Capture Sphere functions as a reliable control tool within Magic the Gathering arena. When we consider other spells that aim to neutralize threats, Frost Lynx comes to mind; it too incapacitates a creature upon entering the battlefield. However, Capture Sphere works differently as it remains attached to the creature and keeps it disabled for as long as the enchantment is in play.
Analogous to Capture Sphere, cards like Claustrophobia also detain creatures without necessarily destroying them. Claustrophobia is a similar enchantment that locks a creature down without dealing any damage. A key difference is Capture Sphere’s flexibility – it can be cast at instant speed, which can significantly impact gameplay dynamics by allowing you to react to your opponent’s moves during their turn.
To sum it up, Capture Sphere is an effective piece of many MTG strategies that focus on controlling the board. Its instant-speed deployment gives players an edge, readying them to disrupt the opponent’s plans at a moment’s notice. While there are other enchantments that provide similar outcomes, the timing and ongoing detainment feature of Capture Sphere make it a standout choice for defensive decks.
Cards similar to Capture Sphere by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Capture Sphere can neutralize a formidable creature your opponent controls, effectively reducing their available resources on the battlefield and tilting the board presence in your favor without losing card quantity in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: By incapacitating a key piece of your opponent’s strategy, Capture Sphere indirectly accelerates your game plan. With one less blocker or threat to deal with, you are free to execute your actions with less resistance, moving you forward in the race to victory.
Instant Speed: This enchantment’s flash ability allows you to surprise your opponent by casting it at instant speed. Whether it’s during their attack phase or at the end of their turn, this flexibility can be a major disruption, ensuring that you’re always able to respond to threats even outside of your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Capture Sphere does not have a discard requirement, it is worth considering that any control card which does require a discard could potentially deplete your hand, making it harder to maintain card advantage in the long run.
Specific Mana Cost: Capture Sphere requires both blue mana and generic mana to cast, which restricts its inclusion to decks that can produce blue mana consistently. This specific cost may not align with all deck strategies, particularly in multicolor decks that already face a tight mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two of which are blue, Capture Sphere can be considered costly, especially when compared to other removal options available in the game. This may slow down your tempo as you have to allocate significant resources to use it, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage against faster, more aggressive decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Capture Sphere shines in decks that require flexible response options, making it a valuable addition for players who favor control or tempo strategies. It can be included in both Limited and Constructed formats, often becoming a reliable tool to neutralize opposing threats.
Combo Potential: As an enchantment with a lockdown effect, Capture Sphere works well with mechanics that reward you for controlling enchantments or casting spells during your opponent’s turn. It can activate various synergy-based abilities, enhancing decks that capitalize on such interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures dominate and the turn of tide relies on key attackers or blockers, Capture Sphere offers a crucial play. Its relevance grows in metas where removing creatures from combat without destroying them can disrupt opponent strategies, making it a strategic choice for adaptive players.
How to beat Capture Sphere
Capture Sphere is a control card that can easily disrupt your battle plans in Magic: The Gathering. This blue enchantment locks down a target creature, rendering it unable to attack or block, which can be a real obstacle if that creature is pivotal to your strategy. But there are ways to breakout from this stifling hold.
A direct and straightforward tactic is to use enchantment removal spells. Cards like Disenchant, Naturalize, or Return to Nature can directly destroy Capture Sphere, freeing your creature to rejoin the fight. Some creatures also come equipped with abilities to protect themselves or to bounce back to your hand, nulling the effect of Capture Sphere when they leave the battlefield.
Alternatively, consider utilizing counterspells to prevent Capture Sphere from hitting the field in the first place. Counters such as Negate or Cancel are essential for maintaining the upper hand against control strategies. Lastly, don’t overlook the power of versatility; cards that can serve multiple purposes, like Thrashing Brontodon or Reclamation Sage, can act as both a creature and enchantment remover, keeping your deck agile and prepared for threats like Capture Sphere.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Capture Sphere MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Mystery Booster, 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 Capture Sphere 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
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Printings
The Capture Sphere Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-10-05 | Guilds of Ravnica | GRN | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Behm | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 308 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Behm | |
| 3 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 44 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jakub Kasper | |
| 4 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 47 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Behm | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | GRN-31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Behm | ||
| 6 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 42 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Behm |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Capture Sphere has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.