Empty City Ruse MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 1999-05-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal Three Kingdoms |
| Set code | PTK |
| Number | 3 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | White |
| Illustred by | Qu Xin |
Text of card
Your opponent can't attack on his or her next turn.
Out of time and options, Kongming was forced to bluff at Xicheng. He tricked an army of 150,000 Wei by leaving the city gates open and calmly playing the zither.
Cards like Empty City Ruse
Empty City Ruse introduces intriguing dynamics into MTG strategy decks with its unique ability to phase out creatures. In comparison, Ghostway is another card with a somewhat similar effect, temporarily exiling creatures only to return them to the battlefield. Though both can be used to evade board wipes or re-trigger ‘enter the battlefield’ effects, Ghostway affects all creatures you control, whilst Empty City Ruse targets a single creature and comes with the added versatility of being cast on opponents’ creatures.
Teferi’s Protection is another card in the realm of phasing, offering comprehensive protection by phasing out all the permanents you control. It acts as a formidable shield against all forms of removal or damage until your next turn, which plays into a different strategy than the pinpoint precision of Empty City Ruse. Additionally, Eerie Interlude gives a nod towards the same concept, but rather than phasing, it exiles any number of target creatures and returns them under their owner’s control at the next end step.
Ultimately, while MTG offers a host of options for temporary creature removal, Empty City Ruse holds its place for selective and strategic phasing, particularly in situations where precision and control over individual creature states are vital.
Cards similar to Empty City Ruse by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Empty City Ruse, when played effectively, can disrupt your opponent’s hand by forcing them to discard, indirectly contributing to your overall card superiority during the match. Gaining control over your opponent’s options can be just as valuable as drawing cards yourself.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, Empty City Ruse lets you tap down opposing creatures, potentially clearing the way for a successful attack. This can help in maintaining momentum and using your mana more effectively for game-changing plays.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Empty City Ruse at instant speed adds a strategic layer to your gameplay, allowing you to surprise your opponent by temporarily removing potential blockers or attackers. This timing flexibility makes it a versatile piece in your arsenal, ready to be deployed at the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Empty City Ruse card requires players to discard another card to activate its abilities. This can lead to a depleted hand, especially in long-drawn-out games where every card in hand is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands one white and two other mana, which can be restrictive. Decks not focused heavily on white mana may find it challenging to meet this requirement consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana cost of three, including a color-specific requirement, Empty City Ruse may not be the most mana-efficient spell for the effect it provides. Players often prefer spells that either cost less or offer a more significant impact on the game for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Empty City Ruse in Your Collection
Versatility: Empty City Ruse can serve multiple roles in a variety of deck archetypes. Its ability to bypass creatures can enable unexpected wins in combat-heavy environments or protect against formidable blockers.
Combo Potential: This card slots seamlessly into decks that capitalize on the declaration of no attackers. It can open up opportunities for cards requiring that no creatures are declared as attackers to activate certain abilities or effects.
Meta-Relevance: In metas that emphasize aggressive strategies, Empty City Ruse provides a tactical advantage. Its use can pivot a game by diverting an opponent’s resources and allowing for a counterattack or strategic setup on the following turn.
How to beat
Empty City Ruse is a unique card in the world of Magic the Gathering, bringing a layer of strategy that can be quite impactful in the right circumstance. Known for its ability to divert attacks, this card forces an opponent to rethink their offensive moves temporarily. Yet, like any card, it can be overcome with planned plays and deck construction tailored to mitigate its effects.
When facing an opponent wielding Empty City Ruse, it’s crucial to ensure an abundance of removal options in your deck. This enables you to clear the path to victory by targeting key creatures that your adversary might be inclined to protect with such ruses. Another tactic is to play patiently, as Empty City Ruse is potent primarily when you’re committing to a significant attack. By pacing your approach and maintaining pressure on your opponent’s resources without overextending, you can make Empty City Ruse far less effective. Lastly, cards that grant your creatures indestructible or protection from specific colors for the turn can be invaluable, as they allow you to push through the defenses that Empty City Ruse aims to set up.
In summary, beating Empty City Ruse requires a mixture of removal spells, strategic pacing, and protection abilities within your deck. These elements combined can ensure that you maintain the upper hand, even when this tricky card comes into play in your MTG battles.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Empty City Ruse MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms, 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 Empty City Ruse 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Empty City Ruse has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Predh | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |