Contested Game Ball MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Abilities | Treasure |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Number | 251 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Camille Alquier |
Text of card
Whenever you're dealt combat damage, the attacking player gains control of Contested Game Ball and untaps it. , : Draw a card and put a point counter on Contested Game Ball. Then if it has five or more point counters on it, sacrifice it and create a Treasure token.
Cards like Contested Game Ball
The Contested Game Ball card is a unique artifact in the Magic: The Gathering universe, inviting comparisons with other cards that favor a multiplayer setting. One card that often comes into discussion alongside Contested Game Ball is Goblin Game. Though the latter does not share direct gameplay similarities, both present a whimsical interplay involving players’ decisions impacting the outcome, diverging from traditional MTG strategy paths.
Another card to consider is Treasure Nabber. While not identical in function, both revolve around the concept of players benefiting from others’ artifacts. Treasure Nabber focuses on temporarily gaining control of opponents’ mana artifacts during their turn, whereas Contested Game Ball has a broader activation scope but demands conscious strategic involvement from other players to tap into its potential.
Gaining an edge in multi-player rounds is a theme that runs through both cards, although they demand different approaches and offer varying advantages. Players will find that integrating Contested Game Ball into their arsenal requires a balance of tactical thinking and an understanding of group dynamics, much like the careful considerations needed when playing with Goblin Game or leveraging the effects of Treasure Nabber.
Cards similar to Contested Game Ball by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Contested Game Ball grants the opportunity to spin into potential game-changing spells, giving players the chance to outmaneuver opponents through strategic deck manipulation.
Resource Acceleration: Its ability to possibly reveal lands or swift spells from the top of one’s library not only presents an array of options but also enables a player to deploy resources at an accelerated rate, staying ahead of the curve.
Instant Speed: This card’s instant speed provides flexibility, allowing players to wait until the most opportune moment. Reacting to an adversary’s actions or capitalizing on a brief window of weakness can turn the tides of a match with the quick deployment of Contested Game Ball.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Contested Game Ball requires a player to discard another card as part of its activation cost, which can critically diminish your hand, especially during the early stages of the game when card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost demands a strict combination of mana, including two red mana symbols. This may not fit into all deck archetypes, particularly those that don’t focus on red mana or run a multi-colored mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana including two that must be red, Contested Game Ball may take up your entire turn’s mana in the early game. This can be inefficient compared to other cards with a similar impact on the game that cost less, allowing players to execute more actions or establish board presence more rapidly.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Contested Game Ball shines in a variety of decks, adapting seamlessly to strategies that prioritize artifact synergy or benefit from flexible mana acceleration.
Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin in decks that capitalize on artifact-related combos, unlocking powerful interactions and facilitating explosive turns.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to slot into artifact-centric decks, Contested Game Ball can be a game-changer in a meta where such strategies are prevalent or on the rise.
How to beat
Contested Game Ball can be a formidable card in Magic: The Gathering, often turning board states to your opponent’s advantage. The key to overcoming this artifact lies in its activation cost and the fact that it doesn’t immediately impact the board upon entering the battlefield. By focusing on removing or countering key artifacts, players can mitigate the effects of Contested Game Ball. Cards like Abrade and Naturalize offer straightforward solutions by directly destroying the artifact before it can be used.
It’s also effective to pressure your opponent’s mana base, making it more difficult for them to pay for Contested Game Ball’s activation cost. Land destruction or taxing effects that increase the cost of activating abilities can indirectly neutralize the Game Ball. Furthermore, ensuring you have responses like counter spells prepared when your opponent goes to activate Contested Game Ball is crucial, as it prevents them from gaining the card advantage they’re seeking.
Beyond direct removal, pacing your play to maintain card advantage and board presence will often deter an opponent from investing resources into Contested Game Ball. Ultimately, precise timing and smart resource management are your best tools to nullify the Game Ball’s potential influence in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Contested Game Ball MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Contested Game Ball 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 Contested Game Ball has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Contested Game Ball card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-11-10 | Contested Game Ball's triggered ability triggers only once whenever you're dealt combat damage, no matter how many creatures deal combat damage to you at the same time. |
| 2023-11-10 | If point counters are put on Contested Game Ball some way other than its last ability, you won't sacrifice it or create a Treasure token. The check for five or more point counters happens only as the activated ability resolves. |
| 2023-11-10 | In a Two-Headed Giant game, each player on the attacking team is an attacking player. When Contested Game Ball's first ability resolves, you'll choose which member of the attacking team gains control of it. |