Ensnared by the Mara MTG Card
2023-10-13 - Number 975
2023-10-13 - Number 84
2023-10-13 - Number 689
2023-10-13 - Number 384
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Each opponent faces a villainous choice — They exile cards from the top of their library until they exile a nonland card, then you may cast that card without paying its mana cost, or that player exiles the top four cards of their library and Ensnared by the Mara deals damage equal to the total mana value of those exiled cards to that player.
Cards like Ensnared by the Mara
Ensnared by the Mara emerges as a unique control piece in the varied landscape of enchantments within Magic: The Gathering. It can be likened to cards such as Pacifism, which also tethers creatures, preventing them from attacking or blocking. Ensnared by the Mara takes it further by not only neutralizing the creature but also by draining life from the opponent, offering a two-fold advantage.
Another enchantment worth mentioning is Arrest, which shares the theme of pacifying creatures but adds the inability to activate abilities, an additional layer of control over the opponent’s resources. This control aspect is somewhat mirrored in Ensnared by the Mara, though without the direct ability restriction. Conversely, Claustrophobia fulfills a similar function, incapacitating a creature upon entering the battlefield. However, it lacks the life-draining feature that sets Ensnared by the Mara apart.
By examining these cards in relation to Ensnared by the Mara, it becomes apparent that while sharing a core mechanic, Ensnared by the Mara distinguishes itself with its added life loss effect. This gives it a dual purpose as both a crowd controller and a passive damage dealer, making it a card worth considering for decks within Magic: The Gathering that aim to disrupt and chip away at an opponent’s life total.
Cards similar to Ensnared by the Mara by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ensnared by the Mara bolsters your hand by replacing itself and another card, contributing to a stronger position as you progress through the match.
Resource Acceleration: Not only does this spell offer a tactical edge, it grants an additional land drop, propelling your resource development and opening up opportunities for earlier and more impactful plays.
Instant Speed: Versatile by nature, casting this card at instant speed gives you the flexibility to interrupt your adversary’s strategies during their turn, or to optimally time your land drop and card draw.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Ensnared by the Mara means you have to discard a card as part of its casting cost, which can set you back if you’re already dealing with a limited hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana colors, which could add complexity to deck building and limit its integration into multi-color decks that don’t support its color requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the world of MTG play, the cost of Ensnared by the Mara might seem steep, especially when you weigh it against other options that bring similar benefits with lower mana investments.
Reasons to Include Ensnared by the Mara in Your Collection
Versatility: Ensnared by the Mara adapts seamlessly to various strategies, enhancing control and tempo decks with its ability to neutralize threats. Its flexible nature makes it a prudent pick for diverse gameplay experiences.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks focusing on manipulating or exploiting the abilities of creatures. The potential to leverage this in combo setups should not be underestimated, as it can be a subtle but game-changing presence on the board.
Meta-Relevance: With an ever-evolving competitive scene, Ensnared by the Mara finds its place countering popular creature-heavy strategies. Its relevance in the current meta can shift the balance during gameplay, making it a tactical asset in matches.
How to beat Ensnared by the Mara
Ensnared by the Mara is a captivating card in MTG, providing players with the ability to harness the elements of control and disruption. The card can be particularly challenging to overcome due to its capacity to sway the battlefield’s dynamics significantly. To effectively counteract the effects of Ensnared by the Mara, it’s critical for players to implement strategic planning. This means keeping up the pace with card advantage and board presence to minimize the impact of being ensnared.
One tactic is to employ spells or abilities that grant hexproof or protection to your creatures, shielding them from being targeted. Additionally, having alternate win conditions that do not rely heavily on creatures can negate the setback caused by this card. It’s also beneficial to have enchantment removal tools at your disposal to directly dismantle Ensnared by the Mara’s grip. Timing is essential when employing these counters – waiting for your opponent to tap out or run low on resources can turn the tide in your favor.
Oftentimes, the difference between victory and defeat lies in the ability to adapt and outmaneuver your opponent’s strategies. Addressing the challenges posed by Ensnared by the Mara exemplifies just such an instance where preparedness and versatility pave the way to triumph in the intricate dance of MTG gameplay.
BurnMana Recommendations
Dive deeper into the MTG realm with Ensnared by the Mara, a card that can transform your gameplay and challenge your strategic intellect. The card’s dual functionality of neutralizing threats and incremental life drain enriches your tactical arsenal, making it a noteworthy addition to control-themed decks. If you’re intrigued by its potential and curious about strategies that can effectively utilize its unique mechanics, or how to shield your own game against it, then our expanded content is tailor-made for your journey. Unravel the layers of intricate gameplay and uncover the full extent of Ensnared by the Mara’s capabilities—let BurnMana be your guide into this mystical and strategic depth.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ensnared by the Mara MTG card by a specific set like Doctor Who and Doctor Who, 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 Ensnared by the Mara and other MTG cards:
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Printings
The Ensnared by the Mara Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-10-13 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by Andrey Kuzinskiy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 975 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andrey Kuzinskiy | |
| 2 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 84 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andrey Kuzinskiy | |
| 3 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 689 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andrey Kuzinskiy | |
| 4 | 2023-10-13 | Doctor Who | WHO | 384 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andrey Kuzinskiy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ensnared by the Mara has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ensnared by the Mara card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-10-13 | A player facing a villainous choice can always choose either option, even if one or both of the options are impossible. For example, if one of the options is to sacrifice a creature, a player who controls no creatures can still choose that option. |
| 2023-10-13 | If a spell or ability requires multiple players to face a villainous choice, the result is a little different from other effects in Magic. In that case, the first player in turn order makes their choice and the action for that choice is performed before the next player makes their choice. Then each of the remaining players repeat this process in turn order. |
| 2023-10-13 | The opponent chooses whether to exile cards from the top of their library until they exile a nonland card or to exile the top four cards of their library. They don't choose whether you cast the cards exiled by the first option. |
| 2023-10-13 | When a player faces a villainous choice, they first choose one of the two options, then all actions in the chosen option are performed. |