Fiend Binder MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 26
2019-11-15 - Number 7
2023-03-21 - Number 29
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever Fiend Binder attacks, tap target creature defending player controls.
She had not believed any shred of humanity remained in these writhing monsters until the twisted form of her partner appeared before her.
Cards like Fiend Binder
Fiend Binder holds its own within the realm of creature cards that control the battlefield. With its ability to tap target creatures, it serves as a strategic piece akin to cards like Gideon’s Lawkeeper. Yet, distinguishing it from this single-target tapper, Fiend Binder taps an opponent’s creature only as it attacks, offering a different tactical dimension to combat.
Similarly, creatures like Blinding Mage also present an ability to tap opponents’ creatures, however, this can be applied at any time for the cost of mana, providing more flexibility outside of combat scenarios. Conversely, the passive ability of Fiend Binder aligns with a player’s aggressive approach, disabling potential blockers and enabling a clearer path for attackers.
Exploring the dynamics across similar cards in Magic: The Gathering, Fiend Binder carves a niche for players who favor combat-driven strategies and schemes to keep the opposing frontline at bay. Its unique conditional tap ability makes it an intriguing option for anyone looking to dictate the flows of battle.
Cards similar to Fiend Binder by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Fiend Binder may not draw cards directly, but its ability to tap potential blockers can lead to successful attacks, maintaining pressure and potentially drawing out resources from your opponent’s hand as they deal with a recurring threat.
Resource Acceleration: Although Fiend Binder doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional MTG sense, controlling the battlefield lets you utilize your existing resources more effectively, turning the tide of creature combat in your favor.
Instant Speed: Fiend Binder’s effect occurs at the speed of combat. This advantage cannot be understated as it can surprise an unwary opponent during an attack, forcing them to reconsider their blocks and potentially leaving them open to other combat tricks you might have up your sleeve.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Fiend Binder may not necessitate discarding cards, but understanding its implications within deck strategies is crucial. A card that demands sacrifices or discards can disrupt your hand and gameplay, especially when resources are dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Fiend Binder’s mana requirements are strictly white, requiring two generic and one white mana. This can restrict its inclusion to mostly mono-white or two-color decks, potentially limiting its versatility across the broader spectrum of Magic deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Fiend Binder’s mana cost sits at three, its ability to only tap attacking creatures may not measure up to other cards with similar or lower costs offering more immediate board control or impact. Players could find themselves choosing more cost-efficient creatures or control spells to fit into their decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Fiend Binder is a useful card to have on hand due to its ability to lock down opponents’ creatures. This white creature card can seamlessly integrate into various white or multicolored strategies, especially those that benefit from controlling the battlefield.
Combo Potential: The ability to tap an opponent’s creature enhances synergies with cards that capitalize on tapped creatures, such as those that deal damage or provide benefits when your opponents’ creatures become tapped or stay tapped.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where creature-heavy decks prevail, Fiend Binder’s ability to consistently neutralize potential threats each time it attacks can significantly impact the flow of the game, making it a practical choice in the current deck-building strategies.
How to beat
Fiend Binder is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to tap an opponent’s creature whenever it attacks. This can pose a challenge, particularly when faced with the prospect of having one of your key defenders incapacitated just when you need them the most. The key to countering Fiend Binder lies in being able to remove it from play or manipulate the combat phase to your advantage.
Targeted removal spells are a straightforward solution. Cards like Murder or Doom Blade can dispatch Fiend Binder before it has a chance to attack and employ its ability. Alternatively, the use of instant-speed tricks to buff your creatures or give them indestructible during combat can negate the effect of the tap ability. A well-timed Giant Growth can turn the tables on an attacking Fiend Binder, potentially removing it and safeguarding your defense simultaneously.
For players using a controlling strategy, board wipes or controlling enchantments such as Pacifism effectively neutralize Fiend Binder without having to wait for an attacking phase. By understanding and preparing for the strategies Fiend Binder might be part of, you can fortify your deck against it and maintain the upper hand in your games.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fiend Binder MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Game Night 2019, 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 Fiend Binder 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
Printings
The Fiend Binder Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by David Gaillet.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 26 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet | |
| 2 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 7 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet | |
| 3 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 29 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fiend Binder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Fiend Binder card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | In a multiplayer game, Fiend Binder’s triggered ability can only target a creature controlled by the player it’s attacking (or by the controller of the planeswalker it’s attacking). |