Free-for-All MTG Card


Free-for-All enhances your hand and game response with multiple draws and resource acceleration. Instant speed and tactical versatility make Free-for-All an adaptable surprise play card. Considerations include discard requirements and specific, high mana costs against its benefits.
Free-for-All - Unglued
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment
Released1998-08-11
Set symbol
Set nameUnglued
Set codeUGL
Number25
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byClaymore J. Flapdoodle
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Text of card

When Free-for-All comes into play, set aside all creatures in play, face down. During each player's upkeep, that player chooses a creature card at random from those set aside in this way and puts that creature into play under his or her control. If Free-for-All leaves play, put each creature still set aside this way into its owner's graveyard.


Cards like Free-for-All

The Free-for-All card stands out in Magic: The Gathering’s roster of multiplayer game dynamics. It shares the spotlight with other multiplayer-focused cards like Goblin Game, which brings a chaotic chance element to the table. While Goblin Game involves hiding objects and potential life loss, Free-for-All takes a different approach by resetting the game state and pitting players in an impromptu mini-game of survival and strategy.

Closely related is the card Scrambleverse, which also thrives on the chaos created by randomizing ownership of permanents. This leads to sudden and often game-altering shifts in board presence. Unlike Free-for-All, Scrambleverse doesn’t incorporate playing subgames but can still turn the tide of multiplayer games in whimsical fashion. Then there’s Thieves’ Auction, which blends elements from both cards by having players choose permanents in sequence, an event that can be just as disruptive and engaging as a Free-for-All scenario.

Each of these cards can dramatically shift the dynamics of a game, but Free-for-All distinguishes itself with its unique gameplay twist that redefines the game’s progress. For players who relish prolonged turns filled with complex choices, Free-for-All certainly delivers a distinct experience in multiplayer interactions.

Goblin Game - MTG Card versions
Scrambleverse - MTG Card versions
Thieves' Auction - MTG Card versions
Goblin Game - MTG Card versions
Scrambleverse - MTG Card versions
Thieves' Auction - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Free-for-All by color, type and mana cost

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Leyline of Singularity - MTG Card versions
Psychic Possession - MTG Card versions
Steal Artifact - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Animate Artifact - MTG Card versions
Merseine - MTG Card versions
Zur's Weirding - MTG Card versions
Abduction - MTG Card versions
Zephid's Embrace - MTG Card versions
Opposition - MTG Card versions
Collective Restraint - MTG Card versions
Delusions of Mediocrity - MTG Card versions
Thassa, Deep-Dwelling - MTG Card versions
Necroduality - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions
Coastal Piracy - MTG Card versions
Treasure Trove - MTG Card versions
Mystic Restraints - MTG Card versions
Ambiguity - MTG Card versions
Annex - MTG Card versions
Leyline of Singularity - MTG Card versions
Psychic Possession - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Free-for-All card provides a substantial edge by allowing multiple draws, significantly bolstering your hand and raising your chances to respond to opponent’s moves effectively.

Resource Acceleration: This card can swiftly shift the momentum of the game by unlocking a surge of resources, permitting a swift escalation in your board presence.

Instant Speed: The capability to play Free-for-All at instant speed offers tactical flexibility, allowing for surprise plays and optimal response timing to the unfolding game state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The mechanics of Free-for-All require players to discard cards, which can strain your hand if you’re already managing limited resources. Carefully considering what to discard is crucial, as it could impact your late-game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Free-for-All demands a precise configuration of mana, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks that can comfortably produce the necessary color mix. This might not sync well with decks that run a different color scheme or multi-color decks that struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to play Free-for-All is significant when compared to other cards with similar effects. This high cost demands careful deck construction and strategic planning to ensure that when it’s played, your resources are optimized, and it doesn’t cripple your tempo in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Free-for-All is a dynamic addition to collections due to its adaptability in various playstyles. Its inherent chaos factor can turn the tide in multiplayer matches, making it a thrilling wildcard for any social game night.

Combo Potential: This card pastes itself naturally into strategies that thrive on unpredictable interactions or that benefit from prolonging the game, revealing numerous innovative ways to outmaneuver opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games often come down to massive multiplayer skirmishes, Free-for-All stands out as a game-changer, keeping the meta-game fresh and competitive players on their toes.


How to beat

The Free-for-All card creates intense situations on the battlefield, inviting all players to unleash their creatures in a chaotic combat phase. Navigating this challenge requires strategic play and the right counters. One effective tactic is to control the battlefield with board wipes such as Damnation or Wrath of God, resetting the stage to your advantage. If you’re not geared towards control, focusing on building a robust defense through efficient creatures like Silent Arbiter can discourage opponents from attacking you even during a Free-for-All.

Additionally, preparing your deck with instant-speed removals or combat tricks like Path to Exile or Settle the Wreckage can turn the tide in your favor by removing key creatures during combat. Another strategy involves political play by forging temporary alliances, persuading others to take down the biggest threats together. Lastly, having a deck equipped with versatile answers like Counterspell ensures you maintain the upper hand. Remember that adaptability and foresight are your allies in overcoming the chaos that Free-for-All introduces into the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Free-for-All MTG card by a specific set like Unglued, 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 Free-for-All and other MTG cards:

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