Cut the Tethers MTG Card


Cut the Tethers can be a game-changer with its potential for massive card draw based on creature count. Its versatility at instant speed offers strategic flexibility but comes with a specific mana requirement. Mana generation through Treasure tokens positions it as a pivotal card for tempo and resource acceleration.
Cut the Tethers - Champions of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Released2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameChampions of Kamigawa
Set codeCHK
Number56
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byRon Spears

Text of card

For each Spirit, return it to its owner's hand unless that player pays .

"You cannot bar the path of gods. You can only divert their journey for a while." —Sensei Hisoka


Cards like Cut the Tethers

Cut the Tethers is an intriguing spell for creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering, offering a unique blend of temporary removal and a scaling advantage. It echoes the utility found in cards like Unsummon or Vapor Snag, which also return creatures to their owners’ hands, allowing players to disrupt their opponents’ boards with precision. However, Cut the Tethers gives the potential for further impact, especially in decks that generate a substantial number of creatures, since for each creature controlled beyond the first, another target creature returns to its owner’s hand.

Comparably, another card in the same vein is Cyclonic Rift, renowned for its ability to clear multiple threats in one swoop. Although it’s at a higher mana cost, it provides a more definitive answer by dealing with an entire side of the board at instant speed. Cut the Tethers doesn’t reach the same level of broad control but offers a more cost-effective option for early to mid-game tempo plays.

Lastly, Evacuation serves as a full reset, bouncing all creatures to hand regardless of who controls them. This can be a double-edged sword in contrast to the selective nature of Cut the Tethers. Looking at these comparisons, Cut the Tethers finds its niche, striking a balance between single-target efficiency and potential mass bounce, depending on your board state.

Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Evacuation - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Evacuation - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cut the Tethers by color, type and mana cost

Juxtapose - MTG Card versions
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Argivian Restoration - MTG Card versions
Juxtapose - MTG Card versions
Baki's Curse - MTG Card versions
Touch of Brilliance - MTG Card versions
Polymorph - MTG Card versions
Diminishing Returns - MTG Card versions
Counterintelligence - MTG Card versions
Ransack - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Scrying - MTG Card versions
Wash Out - MTG Card versions
Dematerialize - MTG Card versions
Deep Analysis - MTG Card versions
Tempted by the Oriq - MTG Card versions
Inscription of Insight - MTG Card versions
Airborne Aid - MTG Card versions
Peer Pressure - MTG Card versions
Mouth to Mouth - MTG Card versions
Sift - MTG Card versions
Distant Melody - MTG Card versions
Sleep - MTG Card versions
Argivian Restoration - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cut the Tethers offers an efficient way to refill your hand by drawing cards equal to the number of creatures you control when you play it. This can provide a significant advantage and turn the tide in your favor, especially in decks built around creature tokens or swarming strategies.

Resource Acceleration: In addition to drawing cards, this spell can give you a lead in resource management by creating a Treasure token for each nonland permanent you return to its owner’s hand. This influx of potential mana can fuel bigger plays or smooth out your mana curve in the crucial mid to late game stages.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Cut the Tethers at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility and surprise to your gameplay. You can disrupt your opponent’s plans during their turn, save your own creatures from removal, or simply use the spell when the timing is most advantageous, making it a versatile tool in many situations.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Casting Cut the Tethers demands that players relinquish one of their cards which could deplete an already resource-strapped hand.

Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s cost consists of both blue and white mana, restricting it primarily to decks that support this color combination.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, including two that are color-specific, some players might find the cost a bit steep for the effect it provides, especially when looking to maintain tempo in a fast-paced game.


Reasons to Include Cut the Tethers in Your Collection

Versatility: Cut the Tethers offers a unique flexibility to player decks, capable of removing multiple threats at once, regardless of their type. Its ability to target nonland permanents makes it a valuable asset in a variety of situations.

Combo Potential: This card shines in setups that capitalize on spell casting or bouncing effects. It can be the linchpin in a combo that aims to clear the board and pave the way for a decisive strike.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-heaviness or artifact strategies are prevalent, Cut the Tethers can act as a crucial reset button, disrupting opponent tactics and tipping the scales in your favor.


How to beat

Cut the Tethers is a distinctive card in Magic: The Gathering that offers players a clever way to evade the bindings of enchantments and auras bogging down your creatures. While it may seem formidable, there are strategies to outmaneuver its effects. Initial tactics involve maintaining a diverse set of spells in your deck that can either counter or dispose of enchantments before they become too problematic. This ensures that even if your opponent manages to slip Cut the Tethers into play, your essential creatures remain unshackled and free to attack or defend as needed.

Another key strategy is to prioritize creatures that have hexproof or shroud abilities, rendering them immune to being ensnared by enchantments such as Cut the Tethers. Alternatively, you could include instant-speed removal spells that let you react promptly to the enchantment’s activation, thereby negating its influence in real-time. Lastly, decks structured around card advantage can draw into answers or pressure opponents to use Cut the Tethers sub-optimally. By always having a well-rounded game plan at the ready, you can keep your key pieces in play and sidestep the disruption that Cut the Tethers aims to introduce.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cut the Tethers MTG card by a specific set like Champions 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 Cut the Tethers and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cut the Tethers has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal