Contaminated Bond MTG Card
2003-10-02 - Number 61
2005-07-29 - Number 120
2005-07-29 - Number 120★
2007-07-13 - Number 132★
2007-07-13 - Number 132
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Whenever enchanted creature attacks or blocks, its controller loses 3 life.
This leash disciplines the master.
Cards like Contaminated Bond
Contaminated Bond, a black enchantment spell that brings subtle but impactful pressure in Magic: The Gathering, bears similarity to other cards that also orient around passive damage tactics. Take, for instance, Underworld Dreams. While it delivers damage to an opponent whenever they draw a card, which is a broader condition than Contaminated Bond’s trigger upon creatures attacking, it doesn’t have the same targeted control.
Another comparison could be drawn to the card Blood Reckoning. This card also punishes attacking creatures but diversifies the damage to include all enemies’ creatures that swing your way. The defensive nature of these cards is a strategic asset, deterring opponents from launching assaults without considering the repercussions. Then there’s Trespasser’s Curse, which places a deterrent on creature spells being cast, indicating the versatility of strategy when opting for punishment-based enchantments. Each card ultimately provides players with nuanced ways to discourage aggressive opponents and chip away at their life totals.
Weighing the pros and cons of these enchantments offers players insights into how each can be most effectively utilized, with Contaminated Bond being particularly powerful in games where an opponent relies heavily on creature combat but wants to keep their life total in check.
Cards similar to Contaminated Bond by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Contaminated Bond doesn’t exactly draw cards but it turns any creature your opponent plays into a potential source of life loss for them, tipping the scales in a long game. This effect can disrupt their momentum and indirectly serve as a form of advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While Contaminated Bond doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense, it does slow down an opponent’s development by penalizing them for playing creatures. This can give you the upper hand and time to build up your own resources or execute your strategy without pressure.
Instant Speed: As an enchantment, Contaminated Bond lacks the flexibility of instant speed; however, it remains on the battlefield affecting each creature your opponent controls, meaning once it’s in play, it continuously works without needing additional mana investment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One drawback of the Contaminated Bond card is that its effectiveness is reliant on opponent’s actions, meaning that if your opponent does not play creatures, or can remove their creatures easily, its impact is significantly reduced. This uncertainty can be a liability when planning your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring black mana means this card is primarily suited for decks that can easily generate that color mana. If your deck isn’t structured to support black mana consistently, including Contaminated Bond might result in it being a dead card in your hand.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost requiring two black mana, Contaminated Bond may compete for resources with other crucial spells in the early game. It may not seem like a significant investment, but in a mana-tight scenario, it can hinder your ability to develop your board position.
Reasons to Include Contaminated Bond in Your Collection
Versatility: Contaminated Bond offers utility in diverse builds, serving as a deterrent against creatures attacking you. It’s an efficient tool in strategies emphasizing life drain and control tactics, providing subtle yet continuous pressure on your opponent.
Combo Potential: This enchantment pairs well with effects that encourage or even force your opponent to attack, making it a part of intricate combos that can turn the tide of the game. It’s also beneficial in synergizing with cards that trigger upon life loss or gain for either player.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where aggressive, creature-heavy decks are prevalent, adding Contaminated Bond to your arsenal can provide an edge. It chips away at an opponent’s life total and can sometimes discourage attacks, potentially disrupting your opponent’s tempo and strategy.
How to beat
Contaminated Bond presents an intriguing defensive mechanic in Magic: The Gathering, placing a deterrent against attacking by causing life loss for the aggressor. This black enchantment targets a single creature, and whenever it attacks, its controller loses 3 life. Unlike other enchantments that might prevent attacks or debilitate creatures, Contaminated Bond doesn’t stop onslaughts directly but punishes opponents for their aggression.
For players looking to circumvent Contaminated Bond’s effects, options like enchantment removal are effective. Cards such as Disenchant or Naturalize can directly target and destroy Contaminated Bond, removing the threat and freeing your creatures to attack without repercussion. Additionally, one may also employ counter measures such as Hexproof or Shroud to protect creatures from being targeted by such enchantments in the first place. Relying on indirect damage or using abilities that don’t require attacking, such as tap abilities for damage or life loss, can sidestep the card’s disadvantages altogether.
Contaminated Bond might seem like a formidable barrier, but by deploying appropriate removal, protection, or alternative strategies, players can dismantle its influence and continue their onslaught without fearing the draining of their life total.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Contaminated Bond MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Ninth Edition, 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 Contaminated Bond 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
Printings
The Contaminated Bond Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Thomas M. Baxa.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 61 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 120 | 2003 | Normal | White | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 120★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 4 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 132★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 5 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 132 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Contaminated Bond has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |