Cooped Up MTG Card
2023-09-08 - Number 8
2023-09-08 - Number 1
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Enchant creature Enchanted creature can't attack or block. : Exile enchanted creature.
"Cold iron's all you need to hold a faerie. The charms are mostly decorative." —Eulyn, Edgewall peddler
Cards like Cooped Up
Cooped Up is a noteworthy entrant into Magic: The Gathering’s roster of cards designed to control the battlefield. It mirrors the functionality of Pacifism, another enchantment that neutralizes threats by preventing a creature from attacking or blocking. Cooped Up takes this a step further by incapacitating creatures with flying, a subtlety that could alter the dynamics of aerial combat in a player’s favor.
Looking at Claustrophobia, we find a similar lockdown effect that restrains a creature entirely, not just from attacking or blocking. This sorcery brings to the table a different level of creature control by tapping the affected card. Additionally, Arrest is another enchantment that shares the same core idea—immobilizing creatures. While it prevents the activation of abilities that aren’t mana abilities, unlike Cooped Up, it isn’t specifically tailored to creatures with flying.
Cooped Up ultimately stands out in its niche role against flying threats. While others like Claustrophobia and Arrest offer more generalized creature restrictions, Cooped Up’s specific condition can be more tactical in matches dominated by flying creatures. It’s that precision in scope that gives Cooped Up a unique position among MTG’s array of creature control spells.
Cards similar to Cooped Up by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Cooped Up. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | WU | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024 | |
 | Mono-White Control | Free form | Standard Pauper Tournament Feb 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cooped Up ensures you keep your hand stocked by offering a way to replace itself when it’s played. This aspect of the card is paramount as it keeps your options open during the match.
Resource Acceleration: With Cooped Up, you can quickly turn the tide by unlocking critical resources. It’s a dynamic way to get ahead of your opponent, giving you the flexibility to deploy threats or answers ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Cooped Up at instant speed is a huge advantage, allowing you to respond to your opponent’s moves efficiently. This flexibility ensures that you can make the most strategic play at the best possible time.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cooped Up enforces a discard element that could be detrimental when your hand is already depleted. This necessity can create a setback, limiting your strategic choices and potentially leaving you at the mercy of your opponent’s next move.
Specific Mana Cost: It demands an exact blend of mana colors to cast. This specificity can restrict its integration into a diverse array of decks, potentially diminishing its utility in multicolor strategies where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for Cooped Up may seem steep, especially when held against other spells in its category. More cost-efficient alternatives might be available, which can achieve similar or better outcomes without taxing your mana resources as heavily, making it an occasional pick rather than a staple.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cooped Up is a flexible addition to decks that aim to manipulate creature abilities or benefit from controlling the board early on. Its capability to fit into various strategies makes it an asset for players who prioritize adaptability in their builds.
Combo Potential: With the right synergies, Cooped Up can unlock powerful combinations, either by enabling sacrifice mechanics for benefit or by interacting with cards that capitalize on creature control and manipulation, elevating your strategic play.
Meta-Relevance: As of the latest trends, cards that offer efficient creature control can shape the game to your favor, making Cooped Up particularly beneficial in a creature-heavy environment or versus decks that rely on summoning creatures quickly.
How to Beat
When facing the unique mechanics of the card Cooped Up in Magic: The Gathering, players should focus on versatility and spell timing. This card can potentially bottleneck an opponent’s strategies when used effectively, and overcoming this requires a well-thought-out approach. Cooped Up dictates precise play, as it restricts creature-based tactics and can quickly become a thorn in your side if not addressed swiftly.
To counteract Cooped Up, consider using direct removal spells or abilities that can bypass its limitations. Cards offering instant-speed interaction allow players to disrupt Cooped Up at critical moments. Countering this card before it takes effect is ideal, perhaps through the use of cheap counter spells or by implementing hexproof abilities that protect your creatures from being targeted. Moreover, utilizing non-creature-based strategies could mitigate the impact of Cooped Up altogether, allowing you to maintain the pace of your game plan without interruption.
Understanding that Cooped Up targets a specific type of play, adjusting your strategy to diversify your threats will significantly enhance your ability to outmaneuver this obstruction. By valuing adaptability and maintaining a proactive defense, players can ensure their deck thrives even in the presence of this confining card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cooped Up MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine and Wilds of Eldraine Art Series, 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 Cooped Up 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 Cooped Up Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Jodie Muir.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine | WOE | 8 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jodie Muir | |
| 2 | Wilds of Eldraine Art Series | AWOE | 1 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Jodie Muir |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cooped Up has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | 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 Cooped Up card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-09-01 | Only the controller of Cooped Up may activate its ability. |