Eightfold Maze MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 2
2009-09-07 - Number 9
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Play Eightfold Maze only after you're attacked, before you declare blockers. Destroy any one attacking creature.
Cards like Eightfold Maze
Eightfold Maze offers strategic depth to players in MTG, comparable to other protective spells like Maze of Ith. Similar to Maze of Ith, Eightfold Maze allows players to untap a targeted creature, thwarting opponents’ offensive moves. Although Maze of Ith doesn’t require mana to activate and doesn’t tap itself, it lacks the ability to deal damage to the blocked creature like Eightfold Maze does.
Glimpse the Sun God is another spell that blurs the lines with Eightfold Maze, as it not only taps creatures but also allows you to tap multiple targets depending on the mana invested. Where Eightfold Maze shines in comparison is its potential for repeatability and board influence. Kor Haven is yet another card to consider. It prevents all damage a creature would deal and, like Eightfold Maze, requires mana to activate, making them both a decision point for resource management during game play.
Evaluating their place in MTG, Eightfold Maze finds its niche as a defensive card that offers both deterrent and direct creature control, standing out amongst similar cards by providing a unique blend of flexibility and threat management.
Cards similar to Eightfold Maze by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Eightfold Maze allows you to potentially remove an attacking creature, while also possibly drawing a card, keeping your hand full and disrupting your opponent’s plans. This combination can tilt the game in your favor by maintaining pressure and options.
Resource Acceleration: Although Eightfold Maze itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it helps preserve your life total and board state, which indirectly maintains your resource advantage. By keeping the board clear, it ensures that your mana and creatures can be used more effectively.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Eightfold Maze at instant speed provides immense flexibility, allowing you to respond to your opponent’s threats during their turn. This element of surprise can be pivotal, turning the tide by dealing with key attackers when your opponent least expects it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in the intricate magic of Eightfold Maze comes at a price; a card must be discarded to harness its power. This demand of a sacrifice can put players at a strategic loss, especially if their hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: The allure of the maze is not for every mage. The requirement of three blue mana restricts its use to those adept in the ways of islands, potentially alienating a broader swath of spellcasters not aligned with these lands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Venturing into the Eightfold Maze is not just a mental challenge but a resource-intensive one as well, demanding four mana total. For such an investment, players might pivot their attention to other spells that offer similar benefits without such hefty demands.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Eightfold Maze offers broad adaptability across numerous deck archetypes given its capacity to neutralize threats. Its instant-speed character allows players to respond to opponents’ moves, adding a layer of unpredictability and flexibility to your game.
Combo Potential: This card excels in combinations, particularly in decks that capitalize on casting instants or controlling the board. Its synergy with cards that care about spell casting can turn the tide in intricate gameplay scenarios.
Meta-Relevance: As the game environment often includes creatures with powerful activated abilities, Eightfold Maze has become increasingly relevant. It serves as an efficient tool to disrupt opponent strategies, making it a significant inclusion in decks looking to remain competitive in the current landscape.
How to Beat Eightfold Maze
Evaluating the challenge posed by Eightfold Maze in MTG requires understanding its role in control decks. Eightfold Maze shines as a defensive card, allowing players to deter attackers and protect their life total. However, there are several strategies to mitigate its effectiveness. For starters, employing non-creature spells that deal direct damage can circumvent its ability to prevent combat damage. Cards with the prowess to target a player directly, such as burn spells, help you maintain offensive pressure without engaging in combat.
Moreover, utilizing creatures with abilities that trigger upon attacking or tapping bypass the protective shield Eightfold Maze provides. This means that even though Maze can hinder combat damage, it cannot prevent these abilities from activating. The inclusion of hexproof or indestructible creatures also poses a significant threat, as they are immune to being targeted or destroyed by conventional means, potentially rendering Eightfold Maze obsolete. Lastly, one must consider enchantment removal spells, which can dispose of Eightfold Maze before it becomes a persistent barricade in the duel.
Ultimately, while Eightfold Maze serves as a solid line of defense in MTG gameplay, a calculated blend of direct damage, untargetable creatures, and smart enchantment management can effectively counter its protective nature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Eightfold Maze MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Masters Edition III, 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 Eightfold Maze 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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Printings
The Eightfold Maze Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Shang Huitong.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 2 | 1997 | Normal | White | Shang Huitong | |
| 2 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 9 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Shang Huitong |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Eightfold Maze has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Eightfold Maze card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | If all the attacking creatures attack your planeswalkers, you can’t cast Eightfold Maze. To cast it, a creature needs to have attacked _you_. |
| 2009-10-01 | If you’re able to cast Eightfold Maze, it can target any attacking creature (including one attacking a planeswalker). |