Courier's Capsule MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2008-10-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shards of Alara |
| Set code | ALA |
| Number | 37 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Andrew Murray |
Text of card
, , Sacrifice Courier's Capsule: Draw two cards.
In ages past, Esper couriers bore messages written on ornate scrolls. The medium has grown more sophisticated, but the principle remains the same.
Cards like Courier's Capsule
Courier’s Capsule stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a unique artifact with a card draw mechanism. When considering analogs, consider Ichor Wellspring which, despite not being exactly card draw on demand, provides card advantage upon entering and leaving the battlefield. Courier’s Capsule requires a pay-off of two mana to trigger its effect, making it a deliberate choice for players valuing flexibility over Wellspring’s passive benefit.
Another card worthy of note is Alchemist’s Vial. While it doesn’t offer card drawing capabilities, Vial serves as a utility piece to control the battlefield, also at an affordable cost. Meanwhile, Courier’s Capsule is strictly a source of card advantage, providing two cards with no immediate board impact but offering long-term gains.
The strategic position of Courier’s Capsule in a player’s arsenal is clear – it is a reserved option, a silent promise of future resources. Amidst alternatives, its presence in a deck denotes a player prepared to invest in the prospect of drawing cards at the precise moment their strategy demands it.
Cards similar to Courier's Capsule by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Courier’s Capsule grants the valuable opportunity to draw two fresh cards when activated. This can swiftly turn the tide of a match by replenishing your hand and providing new options.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or tokens, the Capsule’s low cost and deferred card draw potential enables efficient use of resources, aligning with acceleration strategies by not demanding immediate heavy investment.
Instant Speed: This artifact’s ability to be activated at instant speed offers flexibility. You can efficiently manage your resources, choosing the best moment to sacrifice the Capsule and draw cards, often at the end of your opponent’s turn to maximize options on your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Despite being a low-cost artifact, Courier’s Capsule mandates that it be sacrificed to reap its card-drawing benefit. This requirement makes it a resource-draining option in game scenarios where preserving artifacts on the battlefield is crucial for synergies or victory conditions.
Specific Mana Cost: Drawing cards with Courier’s Capsule necessitates a blue mana investment. This specific mana requirement may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks, particularly those that do not prioritize blue mana or operate with a tight mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The total cost of leveraging the card draw capability of Courier’s Capsule equals four mana—two to cast and another two to activate. This combined cost is significant, especially when compared to other card draw alternatives in the MTG universe which may offer more immediate or cost-effective benefits.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Courier’s Capsule provides flexible card draw that can seamlessly integrate into a variety of deck styles. Its ability to sit on the battlefield until the time is right makes it a suitable pick for control or slow-paced decks looking for a reliable draw mechanism.
Combo Potential: As an artifact, this card holds potential in decks that synergize with artifact utilization or reclamation. In combination with cards that untap permanents, Courier’s Capsule can generate card advantage repeatedly or even in a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: Against decks that apply discard strategies or in games that extend to many turns, having a draw option that’s impervious to hand disruption can offer that extra resource to stay ahead. Additionally, in metas that prioritize artifact strategies, this card can be an essential cog in the engine.
How to Beat Courier’s Capsule
Courier’s Capsule presents a unique approach to card advantage in the world of Magic: The Gathering. As an artifact that allows players to pay two mana and sacrifice it to draw two cards, it offers a strategic reserve option for when you need to refuel your hand. Its deferred card draw can sometimes be a double-edged sword, offering opponents a window to disrupt your plans.
To effectively counter this artifact, consider the timing of your removal spells. Since Courier’s Capsule needs to be sacrificed to trigger its effect, using targeted artifact destruction like Abrade or Naturalize in response to the activation can leave the capsule’s controller without their expected cards and down on mana investment. Additionally, cards like Stony Silence or Collector Ouphe can be devastating, as they prevent the activation of artifacts entirely. By predicting the moment your opponent decides to cash in their Capsule for cards, and responding with the right answer, you can turn their resource advantage into a disadvantage and maintain the upper hand in the match.
Contemporary strategies must account for such utility artifacts, especially in formats where card advantage is paramount. Having the right answers at the right time to disruption-friendly cards like Courier’s Capsule is essential for any successful MTG player looking to come out on top.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Courier's Capsule MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara, 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 Courier's Capsule 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Courier's Capsule has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Courier's Capsule card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | The only difference between a colored artifact and a colorless artifact is, obviously, its color. Unlike most artifacts, a colored artifact requires colored mana to cast. Also unlike most artifacts, a colored artifact has a color in all zones. It will interact with cards that care about color. Other than that, a colored artifact behaves just like any other artifact. It will interact as normal with any card that cares about artifacts, such as Shatter or Arcbound Ravager. |