Dauthi Trapper MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dauthi Minion |
| Released | 1998-03-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Stronghold |
| Set code | STH |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 56 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Thomas M. Baxa |
Text of card
oc T: Target creature gains shadow until end of turn. (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.)
Merfolk tell their young of Dandân, humans of Rag Man. Dal tell tales of the Dauthi, and they are far worse.
Cards like Dauthi Trapper
Dauthi Trapper steps into a niche category of shadow enablers in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to give shadow to any creature parallels that of Dauthi Embrace, which offers a more flexible use at the cost of an additional mana. Both cards open up avenues for unblockable attacks, but the Trapper does so at a lower mana value and targets individual creatures.
When looking at Soltari Visionary, another similar card, we notice a key difference—Visionary comes with its own shadow, and it’s a creature that can remove enchantments upon dealing combat damage. Here, the Trapper’s role is more supportive, serving to transform any creature into a stealthy threat rather than self-enabling.
Lastly, there is Soltari Foot Soldier which, much like the Visionary, is a creature inherently equipped with shadow. However, it lacks the interactive abilities of Dauthi Trapper. Opting for the Trapper in a deck can pave the way for strategic plays that empower a wider variety of creatures and create unexpectedly clear paths to victory.
Comparing these cards highlights Dauthi Trapper’s unique tactical utility in giving players the power to selectively pass through enemy defenses, making it a valuable component in decks built around shadow mechanics.
Cards similar to Dauthi Trapper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dauthi Trapper may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, but it plays a key role in ensuring your Dauthi creatures or those with shadow can connect with your opponent uninterrupted. This can lead to sustained pressure and often leaves your opponent at a disadvantage as they struggle to block your unblockable attackers.
Resource Acceleration: The Trapper itself doesn’t accelerate your mana resources, yet its low casting cost complements a strategy that moves quickly. By investing just three mana to get the Trapper on the board, you have more resources to allocate towards other spells that can further your game plan.
Instant Speed: The Trapper’s ability to grant shadow operates at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to decide during combat whether to make a creature unblockable. The surprise element can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, especially when they’re calculating blocks or anticipating your attacks.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Dauthi Trapper card requires a precise combination of cards to truly thrive, meaning at times you may need to let go of valuable cards to set the board to your advantage. For players that want to maintain hand advantage, this can become a restrictive aspect of using this card effectively.
Specific Mana Cost: Dauthi Trapper’s activation cost necessitates black mana, potentially limiting its seamless integration into multi-colored decks. This can pose an issue in formats where mana flexibility is vital for deck consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a requirement of three mana to put Dauthi Trapper into play and one black mana to activate its ability, it may be considered a steep investment when compared to other utility creatures in the same mana range. Players might find other cards that bring more immediate board presence or have lower activation costs for similar effects.
Reasons to Include Dauthi Trapper in Your Collection
Versatility: Dauthi Trapper can be a key addition to decks focusing on shadow creatures or evasion tactics. Its ability to make a creature unblockable by most creatures ensures it can fit into black-based aggressive or control strategies adeptly.
Combo Potential: Dauthi Trapper unlocks numerous combinations, pairing well with creatures that benefit from connecting with an opponent, such as those wielding “saboteur” effects or those that trigger upon dealing combat damage to a player.
Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where ground stalls are common, Dauthi Trapper can alter the course of a match by granting unblockability. This maintains its relevance especially in formats where evasion is critical.
How to beat
Dauthi Trapper may seem unassuming, but its ability to grant shadow can tip the scales in a game of MTG. This characteristic allows creatures to become virtually unblockable by other creatures without shadow, setting the stage for consistent combat damage against opponents. Central to overcoming Dauthi Trapper is disrupting this mechanism.
Targeted removal spells are a primary tactic, effectively eliminating the Trapper before its ability can be activated. Creature-destroying spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile are efficient answers. Board wipes also come in handy to clear the path, with options like Wrath of God to reset the playing field. Alternatively, countering the Trapper upon casting with spells like Counterspell, prevents it from ever becoming a nuisance. Moreover, utilizing enchantment-based removals, such as Darksteel Mutation, can disable the Dauthi Trapper without destroying it, keeping strategies that rely on creature deaths at bay.
The key is to act swiftly and prevent your opponent from leveraging the cloaking power of shadow, ensuring your defenses remain impermeable. By understanding the importance of strategic removal, players can keep Dauthi Trapper from tipping the game out of their favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dauthi Trapper MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold, 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 Dauthi Trapper and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Dauthi Trapper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |