Chains of Custody MTG Card


Enchanting with Chains of Custody can shift the creature balance, granting card advantage during play. Can accelerate resources, but requires blue mana and discarding, potentially limiting use. Possesses versatility and meta relevance, with potential for strategic combos in various decks.
Chains of Custody - Jumpstart 2022
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released2022-12-02
Set symbol
Set nameJumpstart 2022
Set codeJ22
Number3
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBruno Biazotto

Text of card

Enchant creature you control When Chains of Custody enters the battlefield, exile target nonland permanent an opponent controls until Chains of Custody leaves the battlefield. Enchanted creature has ward . (Whenever it becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays .)


Cards like Chains of Custody

The Chains of Custody card brings a unique mechanic to the arena of control spells within Magic: The Gathering. It finds parallels with cards such as Mind Control and Control Magic, both notably having the ability to take control of a creature. However, Chains of Custody sets itself apart with a distinct element – the ability to transfer control of itself between players.

In the same category, Confiscate is another interesting comparison. A similar control card, but with an additional advantage of being able to take control of any permanent, not just creatures. Contrarily, it lacks the chaining effect of Chains of Custody and also the versatility of changing hands.

Then there’s Persuasion, a more expensive but easier to cast card, without the chaining effect, of course. But its superiority lies in controlling any creature, regardless of its power, unlike Chains of Custody’s target restriction.

All things considered, assessing the relative merits and unique impacts of these diverse control cards, Chains of Custody certainly holds its own within the unique spells of Magic: The Gathering, thanks to the unique, chain-like play mechanics it introduces to the game.

Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Confiscate - MTG Card versions
Persuasion - MTG Card versions
Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Confiscate - MTG Card versions
Persuasion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Chains of Custody by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chains of Custody assists in tilting the card advantage to your favor in MTG gameplay. By enchanting a creature under your control, it allows you to muddy the board state and move critical creature cards to your side, thereby increasing the number of useful cards in your control.

Resource Acceleration: This uncanny ability of Chains of Custody can lead to a potential acceleration of resources. By stealing opponent’s creatures, it has the power to alter equilibrium and quickly ramp up your army, leading to a considerably faster rate of gameplay and strategy execution.

Instant Speed: Though Chains of Custody isn’t an instant card, its enchant aura leads to effects that could give instant-speed interactions a run for their money. By making use of its mechanic to command opponent controlled creatures, you could potentially unsettle your opponents, forcing them to waste instant speed responses.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Chains of Custody requires you to discard a card as part of its casting. This can be detrimental, especially when you’re short on hand cards. Additionally, the discarded card doesn’t come with any cost compensation, making the decision much harder.

Specific Mana Cost: Chains of Custody card has a specific mana cost that includes blue. This makes it limited to decks that run this color, significantly restricting the number of decks it can fit into. Its function might not synergize well with non-blue decks, thus reducing its effectiveness.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of 4 mana for its effect, Chains of Custody is on the high side. While its control effect can be beneficial, this mana cost can prove challenging, particularly in early rounds. Consequently, players might opt for more cost-effective cards offering better resource management or draw capabilities.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Chains of Custody showcases its adaptability in terms of game mechanics. Its potential to shift control of target creature can be asserted in various deck archetypes, thus enhancing its playability across different game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to control creatures offers considerable combo possibilities. Pairing it with cards that benefit from or alter control can conjure game-changing strategies. Coupling Chains of Custody with cards that have powerful creature abilities can allow various strategic maneuvers, adding visible layers to gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: Chains of Custody holds a considerable space in current metagame. Given its control shifting attribute, it offers strategies to combat mainstream creature-heavy decks or act as a game-changer in control strategy scenarios. Hence, the card’s importance in dealing with popular metagame tactics ensures its inclusion in decks.


How to Beat

Chains of Custody is a unique addition to the MTG card family, with its distinct mechanics and gameplay implications. It has the remarkable ability to enable the controller to take possession of a target creature as long as Chains of Custody remains on the field. However, it’s not without its countermeasures, considering the inherent exchange criteria.

Rapid removal of Chains of Custody via destruction spells can abruptly end the opponents’ use of your creature. Spells with such capabilities include Erase, Disenchant, and Naturalize. Creatures with hexproof or shroud abilities can also evade the grapple of Chains of Custody, making them invaluable in such scenarios. Examples of creatures with these abilities include Gladecover Scout and Invisible Stalker.

To conclude, understanding the underlying mechanisms of Chains of Custody potentially mitigates its impact on your game. Anticipating its play and putting in place suitable counters could be the deciding factor in your game. When used strategically, the countermeasures against Chains of Custody can result in the card losing its game-changing potency, thereby putting the odds in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategy behind Chains of Custody and unearth its potential for shaking up MTG play. With its nuanced control capabilities and interaction with creature dynamics, it’s a card that commands attention on the battlefield. Master the delicate art of managing resources and bending the course of play to your advantage. Discover combos and cards that harmonize with this potent enchantment, and iterate on tactics that push your strategy to new heights. Unlock the full power of Chains of Custody by joining BurnMana, as we delve into the world of MTG with a focused lens on gameplay innovation and card mastery.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chains of Custody MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart 2022, 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 Chains of Custody and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chains of Custody has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal