Common Cause MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Enchantment |
Released | 1999-10-04 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Mercadian Masques |
Set code | MMQ |
Number | 13 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | John Matson |
Text of card
Nonartifact creatures get +2/+2 as long as they all share a color.
Mercadia City's troops are at their best when they have no enemy to fight.
Cards like Common Cause
Exploring the realm of cooperative enchantments in Magic: The Gathering, Common Cause presents an intriguing parallel to cards like Call to the Kindred or Shared Animosity. It promotes a synergy within a tribe, yet Common Cause shines by granting +2/+2 for each creature that shares a type with it. Unlike Call to the Kindred, which allows for putting a creature directly into play, Common Cause focuses solely on bolstering the power and toughness of your creatures on the battlefield.
Another card in the discussion is Door of Destinies, which also involves tribal amplification. However, it builds over time, accumulating charges each time you cast a creature spell of the chosen type. Its strength grows incrementally, contrasting with the immediate impact of Common Cause. Similarly, Vanquisher’s Banner offers a buff and additional card draw, albeit the boost is a fixed +1/+1 and thus, potentially less potent compared to the dynamic increase by Common Cause.
To sum it up, Common Cause is a particularly valuable addition for players seeking an immediate and considerable boost to their tribal decks. It stands out in its capacity to transform an even modest collection of creatures into a significant threat on the fly, outshining several of its counterparts in its potency and straightforward application.
Cards similar to Common Cause by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By allowing each player to choose a creature type and draw a card for each permanent they control of that type, Common Cause provides a substantial card draw potential. It’s especially potent in tribal decks which can easily turn this into multiple cards drawn, ensuring you stay ahead or catch up in the resource game.
Resource Acceleration: Common Cause can be a key component in ramp strategies, as it feeds into your mana pool for each creature of the chosen type. This can lead to explosive turns where you can deploy more threats or use the additional resources for crucial utility spells.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Common Cause at instant speed gives you flexibility in your gameplay. You can make strategic decisions based on your opponent’s actions, potentially gaining card or resource advantage at the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Common Cause demands players to discard a card, which might deplete an already taxed hand and diminish strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s requirement for a particular blend of mana colors could restrict deck building flexibility and make it less adaptable across various MTG archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher casting cost than some alternative cards offering similar effects, Common Cause might not be the most mana-efficient choice for players aiming to optimize their decks’ performance.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Common Cause is a card that seamlessly integrates into a variety of deck types, particularly those that are creature-focused and benefit from having numerous shared creature types.
Combo Potential: This card is a boon for synergistic play, amplifying power and toughness across your army whenever a shared creature type is declared, setting the stage for powerful interactions.
Meta-Relevance: As tribal decks wax and wane in popularity, Common Cause retains its relevance, adapting to the ever-shifting landscape of the game and providing a consistent boost in decks that favor creature-based strategies.
How to beat
When facing off against Common Cause in MTG, savvy players recognize the importance of disrupting the card’s cooperative potential. This enchantment thrives on the unity of creature types, magnifying their power and toughness through shared attributes. To effectively counter this, focus on removal spells that can clear multiple creatures at once. Cards like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act capitalize on the closeness of the aligned creatures, turning their strength in numbers against them.
Alternatively, relying on spells like Unsummon or Path to Exile can remove key creatures from your opponent’s battlefield, thus nullifying the Common Cause’s boost and diminishing the threat. It’s also wise to manage the board before the enchantment comes into play. Continuous creature removal will keep the buff under control and make the payoffs for Common Cause meager.
Keep in mind that flexibility in your strategy is crucial when diluting the impact of Common Cause. A versatile deck with a blend of creature control, direct damage, and board wipes can preserve your defenses while you prepare to turn the tide in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Common Cause MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Common Cause 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Common Cause has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Common Cause card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | It really does mean “all creatures”, including your opponent’s. |
2004-10-04 | The ability gives +2/+2 to all creatures which are not artifact creatures, as long as every one of those creatures is of the same color. They can have additional colors beyond the one they share, but they all have to share one color. If any creature is not of the shared color, the bonus is lost. |