Caught Red-Handed MTG Card

Caught Red-Handed - Murders at Karlov Manor

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Abilities	Suspect
Released	2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set name	Murders at Karlov Manor
Set code	MKM
Number	115
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Donato Giancola

Key Takeaways

Offers strategic advantage by revealing the opponent’s hand for informed decisions and gameplay disruption.
Instant speed allows optimal timing for play, adding to deck flexibility and tactical surprise.
Despite its advantages, it requires card discard and specific mana, which may limit its use.

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Caught Red-Handed. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Sealed Deck	Limited		Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Caught Red-Handed MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Caught Red-Handed and other MTG cards:

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Text of card

This spell can't be countered. (This includes by the ward ability.) Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. Suspect it. (It has menace and can't block.)

"Wait, stop! I've been framed! Extremely convincingly!"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Caught Red-Handed provides a strategic edge by unveiling your opponent’s hand, ensuring you’re always one step ahead. It allows you to make informed decisions and disrupt their gameplay while bolstering yours.

Resource Acceleration: This card can change the tide of the game by not just showing the opponent’s hand but also by potentially removing a critical card from the game. Disposing of an opponent’s tool grants you a significant lead, as they lose access to that resource.

Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in MTG and Caught Red-Handed, being an instant, can be played when most advantageous – during your opponent’s turn. This timing can throw off their strategies and protect your board without sacrificing your own turn’s actions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Caught Red-Handed necessitates discarding a card, potentially diminishing your hand and affecting your strategic options, especially when your hand is already sparse.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands red mana, constraining its inclusion mainly to red-oriented or multicolor decks, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Needing four mana to deploy, Caught Red-Handed’s benefit may not equate to its cost when compared to alternative spells with similar or lower mana requirements, potentially making it a less than ideal choice in faster-paced games where efficiency is key.

Reasons to Include Caught Red-Handed in Your Collection

Versatility: Caught Red-Handed can seamlessly integrate into a variety of deck archetypes. As a card that can disrupt opponent strategies by dealing with creatures and potentially providing additional benefits, it’s flexible for numerous game situations.

Combo Potential: Its ability to exile creatures and create Treasure tokens can synergize with other strategies within your deck. These tokens can be used to ramp up your mana or activate abilities that work with artifact tokens.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based decks are prevalent, having an answer like Caught Red-Handed can give you an advantage. Plus, with the extra mana from the Treasures, you can respond faster to threats or build up your board presence more quickly.

How to beat Caught Red-Handed

Caught Red-Handed is part of an intriguing subset of MTG cards that challenge players to think tactically. This card operates under unique conditions—flagging a creature that then becomes stolen if targeted again. To navigate around this card’s potential disruption, it’s essential to adjust your strategy accordingly.

One of the most effective tactics is avoiding casting multiple spells targeting the same creature if you suspect your opponent has Caught Red-Handed in hand. This helps to maintain control over your crucial creatures. Additionally, adopting cards that provide hexproof or shroud to shield your creatures from being targeted can be vital. These protective measures not only thwart the theft but preserve your gameplay focus.

Moreover, considering the timing of Caught Red-Handed is sorcery speed, utilizing instant speed removal or bounce spells in response to the initial cast can save your creatures from peril. Prioritizing such plays can maintain board presence and swing the momentum in your favor. Ultimately, staying one step ahead and carefully selecting when to shield or remove your creatures is key to outmaneuvering those who would try to catch you in the act.

Cards like Caught Red-Handed

Caught Red-Handed introduces an interesting dynamic to the lineup of red theft spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest kin is Act of Treason, which also allows a player to gain control of an opponent’s creature for a turn. Where Caught Red-Handed takes a unique turn is in its additional ability to create Treasure tokens if the stolen creature deals combat damage, offering an added economic advantage.

Comparatively, Wrangle stands out for costing less mana, enabling earlier gameplay moves with a steal mechanic, albeit without the added benefit of Treasure generation. Yet another card worth mentioning is Hijack, which not only targets creatures but also artifacts, presenting a broader range of tactical uses. However, Hijack lacks the Treasure creation that makes Caught Red-Handed an attractive option in MTG.

Evaluating the various theft spells, it’s clear that while others offer benefits such as lower costs or wider targeting options, Caught Red-Handed uniquely rewards successful combat with additional resources, making it a compelling choice for players looking to combine temporary creature control with a touch of ramp potential.

Cards similar to Caught Red-Handed by color, type and mana cost

Beacon of Destruction - MTG Card versions

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Caught Red-Handed has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Standardbrawl	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Future	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal