Cowed by Wisdom MTG Card

Gives players card advantage, neutralizing threats without depleting their own resources. Flexibly cast at instant speed to disrupt opponents’ actions and plans effectively. Key strategic play in creature-dominated metas, versatility makes it a collection essential.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Abilities	Enchant
Released	2005-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Saviors of Kamigawa
Set code	SOK
Number	5
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daren Bader

Text of card

Enchanted creature can't attack or block unless its controller pays for each card in your hand. (This cost is paid as attackers or blockers are declared.)

Cards like Cowed by Wisdom

Cowed by Wisdom stands out in the realm of enchantment spells designed to control creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This single white mana cost aura is akin to cards like Pacifism, preventing a creature from attacking or blocking unless a specific mana cost is paid. Unlike Pacifism, Cowed by Wisdom adds the nuanced layer of allowing creature abilities function up to the point where its controller can’t or won’t pay for Wisdom’s tax.

The similarity extends to other control spells like Arrest, which also prevent creatures from attacking or blocking, but goes further by negating all abilities, a trait not shared with Cowed by Wisdom. Another comparable card is Encase in Ice. This card renders a creature useless only if it has a specific color, whereas Cowed by Wisdom’s condition affects any creature regardless of its color, but depends on the financial strategy of the opponent.

In essence, Cowed by Wisdom introduces strategic depth in creature control, placing it in a versatile spot between easier lockdowns like Pacifism and more restrictive ones like Arrest. It epitomizes subtlety in board control, making it a card worth considering for any deck focusing on nuanced dominance.

Cards similar to Cowed by Wisdom by color, type and mana cost

Mask of Law and Grace - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cowed by Wisdom shines in its potential to be a card advantage mechanism in matches. By attaching to a powerful creature your opponent controls, you effectively neutralize that threat while maintaining your card resources, affecting the board state with minimal resource expenditure.

Resource Acceleration: While Cowed by Wisdom itself does not directly result in resource acceleration, it keeps you ahead by slowing down your opponent’s plan. This indirect resource advantage allows you more freedom to deploy your strategies effectively and accelerates your path to victory.

Instant Speed: This enchantment can be cast at instant speed, offering great flexibility. You can respond to your opponent’s moves by casting it during their turn, potentially disrupting their strategy or forcing them to commit more resources to an already-established threat, which can lead to advantageous board states for you.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cowed by Wisdom demands the player discard a card, a potential drawback when options in hand are already scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Cowed by Wisdom includes blue mana, necessitating a deck either centered around or splashing blue, potentially restricting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a three-mana cost for an aura that can be somewhat narrow in its utility, some players may find other cards in the same cost bracket that provide broader benefits or more immediate impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include Cowed by Wisdom in Your Collection

Versatility: Cowed by Wisdom offers a unique blend of control and strategy to various decks. It’s effective in slowing down aggressive creatures and can be a nuisance for opponents relying on strong attackers, making it a fitting choice for different playstyles.

Combo Potential: This enchantment can synergize well with tap or untap mechanics, and cards that benefit from casting spells during an opponent’s turn. It has the potential to be a vital piece in decks that utilize enchantments for larger combos or incremental advantage.

Meta-Relevance: With the current trend of creature-heavy decks, Cowed by Wisdom holds significance for its ability to neutralize key threats. Its low casting cost and handy ability make it especially relevant in a meta that favors quick deployment of threats and instant-speed interaction.

How to beat

Cowed by Wisdom is a unique enchantment in Magic: The Gathering that can restrain your opponent’s capability to play spells, especially those with hefty mana costs. Faced with its taxing ability, players might find themselves strategizing to overcome the challenge it presents. To navigate this obstacle, consider using low-cost spells which escape the taxing effect of Cowed by Wisdom or turn to creature-based strategies that bypass its constraints entirely.

Utilizing enchantment removal such as Disenchant can also prove effective in removing Cowed by Wisdom from the board. Alternatively, spells granting you hexproof protect you from targeted enchantments, rendering Cowed by Wisdom moot. Moreover, bearing in mind its non-aura status, cards that specifically deal with global enchantments are also a valuable addition to your arsenal against it. Finally, strategize around Cowed by Wisdom by playing around it – capitalize on the moment before it’s cast or after it’s been removed to play your higher-cost spells.

In essence, adapting your playstyle and including specific answers in your deck are key in mitigating the control Cowed by Wisdom aims to establish. By preempting it with an appropriate game plan, you retain the upper hand and maintain the momentum in your matches.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cowed by Wisdom MTG card by a specific set like Saviors of Kamigawa, 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 Cowed by Wisdom and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cowed by Wisdom has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal