Chaoslace MTG Card

Chaoslace alters spell or permanent colors, potentially negating opponent’s color-based plans at a critical moment. Instant-speed usability adds strategic depth, enabling surprise plays and tempo disruption. While niche, it aids decks that benefit from color manipulation or trigger on red spell casts.

Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
1993-08-05 - Number 139

Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
1993-10-04 - Number 140

Unlimited Edition (2ED)
1993-12-01 - Number 140

Chaoslace - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)

Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)
1993-12-10 - Number 140

Collectors' Edition (CED)
1993-12-10 - Number 140

Foreign Black Border (FBB)
1994-04-01 - Number 141

Revised Edition (3ED)
1994-04-01 - Number 141

Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
1994-06-21 - Number 141

Fourth Edition (4ED)
1995-04-01 - Number 182

Chaoslace - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)

Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
1995-04-01 - Number 182

Chaoslace - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)

30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
2022-11-28 - Number 433

30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
2022-11-28 - Number 136

Card sets	Released in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant

Text of card

Changes the color of one card either being played or already in play to red. Cost to cast, tap, maintain, or use a special ability of target card remains entirely unchanged.

Cards like Chaoslace

Chaoslace represents a unique category within MTG, where it alters the color of spells or permanents. Comparable to it is the card Thoughtlace, which shifts the target spell or permanent into blue, but unlike Chaoslace, it doesn’t affect red spells or permanents. Spectral Shift is another similar card that allows for color alteration but stands out with its flexibility to switch colors entirely, not just adding to them.

Then there’s Purelace, which serves a purpose akin to Chaoslace, transforming cards into white rather than red. Its effect can shape card interactions drastically, given that it doesn’t require the target to be nonwhite. This nuanced difference highlights the strategic variety in the game. Purelace, like Chaoslace, doesn’t see much competitive play, but holds interest for its nostalgic value and potential in casual circles.

In summary, while Chaoslace may not be at the forefront of competitive MTG strategies, within its niche, it provides an interesting dynamic for those looking to manipulate colors on the board. The card evokes a sense of playful creativity, reminiscent of Magic’s earlier days.

Cards similar to Chaoslace by color, type and mana cost

March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Chaoslace might not directly draw cards, it shines in its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies which might indirectly lead to a form of card advantage. By changing the color of a spell or permanent, it can negate certain protections or requirements based on color, effectively nullifying or altering an opponent’s play without losing card resources from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Chaoslace in itself does not provide traditional resource acceleration like ramp spells. However, its low mana cost can essentially free up resources to be used elsewhere. Its main contribution to accelerating your game plan lies in its potential to disrupt an opponent’s tempo by modifying the color attributes of cards in a crucial moment.

Instant Speed: Operating at instant speed gives Chaoslace the advantage of surprise and flexibility, allowing you to wait until the most impactful moment to cast it. This can be critical when used in response to an opponent’s spells, making it a potential game-changer during a tightly contested match. The surprise element of altering the color of spells or blockers can be tactically decisive.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Chaoslace’s effect may not justify its place in your hand, especially when your strategy depends on retaining crucial cards for pivotal moments.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a precise combination of one red mana, Chaoslace can be restrictive, fitting only in decks that can consistently generate red resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment of four mana, including three generic and one red, is considerable given the card’s singular effect of changing the color of a spell or permanent, an impact often too subtle to swing the game’s momentum in your favor.

Reasons to Include Chaoslace in Your Collection

Versatility: Chaoslace stands out with its unique ability to change the color of spells or permanents, which can be pivotal in certain matches where color-specific interactions play a significant role.

Combo Potential: Though niche, it can fit into decks that capitalize on color matters effects or those designed to exploit an opponent’s color weaknesses. Moreover, when combined with cards that have beneficial triggers upon casting red spells, Chaoslace can unexpectedly turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in every format, Chaoslace holds a place in the more unconventional decks that challenge the norm. Its ability to shift colors can disrupt enemy strategies relying on protection from specific colors, adding an element of surprise and tactical advantage in meta-games where this can be relevant.

How to beat

Chaoslace stands as a unique card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering with an ability to tamper with the colors of spells and permanents. To strategically outmaneuver an opponent using Chaoslace, awareness of its applications is essential. Players might harness the card to exploit weaknesses in a deck focused on color-specific responses, such as protection from certain colors or color-hate cards. Therefore, employing a deck that is less dependent on color restrictions or that utilizes a broad range of answers to various threats can effectively diminish the usefulness of Chaoslace.

Being prepared for its unexpected uses requires flexible strategies. Adept players will keep a medley of colorless options or spells that offer colorless interaction, further neutralizing Chaoslace’s impact. Furthermore, instant-speed removal or counterspells can directly address the problem at its source by either disrupting the casting of Chaoslace or removing its colored target before the card can have a significant effect. Diligently monitoring the mana availability of an opponent possessing Chaoslace and anticipating their potential plays remains a vigilant approach to maintaining control over the matchup.

Ultimately, understanding and preparing for the situational nature of Chaoslace positions players to turn potential chaos into a calculated victory. Despite the potential for surprise and alteration, a well-crafted strategy ensures that Chaoslace doesn’t disrupt the well-oiled machine of a versatile and adaptive deck.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chaoslace MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Chaoslace and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Chaoslace Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Dameon Willich.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1993-08-05	Limited Edition Alpha	LEA	139	1993	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
2	1993-10-04	Limited Edition Beta	LEB	140	1993	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
3	1993-12-01	Unlimited Edition	2ED	140	1993	Normal	White	Dameon Willich
4	1993-12-10	Intl. Collectors' Edition	CEI	140	1993	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
5	1993-12-10	Collectors' Edition	CED	140	1993	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
6	1994-04-01	Foreign Black Border	FBB	141	1993	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
7	1994-04-01	Revised Edition	3ED	141	1993	Normal	White	Dameon Willich
8	1994-06-21	Summer Magic / Edgar	SUM	141	1993	Normal	White	Dameon Willich
9	1995-04-01	Fourth Edition	4ED	182	1993	Normal	White	Dameon Willich
10	1995-04-01	Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border	4BB	182	1993	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
11	2022-11-28	30th Anniversary Edition	30A	433	1997	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich
12	2022-11-28	30th Anniversary Edition	30A	136	2015	Normal	Black	Dameon Willich

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chaoslace has restrictions

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