Giant Trap Door Spider MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 293
2001-12-01 - Number 33
2006-07-21 - Number 293
2008-09-22 - Number 195
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spider |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
o1o Ro G,oc T: Remove from the game target creature, which doesn't have flying and is attacking you, and Giant Trap Door Spider.
"So large and so quiet—a combination best avoided." —Disa the Restless, journal entry
Cards like Giant Trap Door Spider
The Giant Trap Door Spider card introduces a unique dynamic to creature interaction in MTG. This creature’s ability to remove opponents’ creatures from combat resonates with spells like Arena which also allows players to force creatures to fight outside of combat phase. Although Arena is not a creature, it facilitates a similar concept of confronting two creatures, benefiting from the controlled aggression of the battlefield.
Comparing the Giant Trap Door Spider to the Ambush Viper reveals a similarity in instant combat interaction. The Ambush Viper shares the potential for surprise element due to its flash ability, enabling it to engage in battles unexpectedly. While the Giant Trap Door Spider requires an activation cost and does not have flash, its consistent presence on the battlefield offers recurrent tactical advantages against attacking creatures.
Against the arachnid-themed Arachnus Spinner, the Giant Trap Door Spider stands out for its direct and cost-effective creature removal ability. The Arachnus Spinner, meanwhile, leans more toward webbing the battlefield and creating a synergy with web counters and tokens, providing a different strategic angle to creature control.
Ultimately, the Giant Trap Door Spider finds its niche within MTG’s creature-oriented strategies, offering players a card that combines the elements of creature control and recurring board impact.
Cards similar to Giant Trap Door Spider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Giant Trap Door Spider gives players the upper hand by potentially removing an opponent’s creature from the game, maintaining a balanced board and preserving card equity.
Resource Acceleration: By allowing a quick resolution against incoming threats, this creature can effectively save the resources typically allocated for more costly removal spells, thereby accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: With the ability to activate its effect at instant speed, the Giant Trap Door Spider provides flexibility, letting players adapt to the ever-changing battlefield without committing their actions during their own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Giant Trap Door Spider card requires players to discard another creature card to activate its ability. This can pose a challenge when your hand is already running low on options or when you’re unable to spare a creature due to your board state.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Giant Trap Door Spider, you need both red and green mana. This cost specificity commands a commitment to a two-color deck, potentially reducing the card’s versatility in decks that cannot consistently provide both types of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With three mana needed to cast and an additional need to tap it for its activated ability, some players might find the mana investment for what Giant Trap Door Spider offers compared to other three-cost cards not as effective, particularly when it comes to aggressive or tempo-based strategies where every mana point is crucial.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Giant Trap Door Spider offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. Its ability to destroy any creature it blocks or becomes blocked by, due to its triggered ability, makes it a flexible pick for decks running red and green.
Combo Potential: This spider excels in decks built around creature control. Its triggered ability can be a key piece in combos that aim to clear the battlefield while developing your own board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where large creatures dominate, the Giant Trap Door Spider can become a valuable asset. Its ability to deal with formidable threats without having to invest in high-cost spells keeps you at pace with the meta, while preserving resources for other strategic plays.
How to Beat
Giant Trap Door Spider presents a unique threat on the battlefield. This creature can be quite a nuisance with its ability to ambush attackers and potentially take them out of the game. Overcoming it requires strategic maneuvering and an understanding of your own deck’s strengths.
To effectively counter this cunning arachnid, consider using removal spells that can bypass its triggered ability. Direct damage spells, such as Shock or Lightning Bolt, can target it before it has the chance to swing into action. For a more permanent solution, exile effects from cards like Path to Exile ensure the spider can’t return from the graveyard, closing its trap door for good.
Alternatively, taking advantage of spells that prevent the spider from blocking can keep your attackers safe. Slippery creatures, especially those with hexproof or shroud, remain elusive against Giant Trap Door Spider’s tricks. In matches where you anticipate facing this eight-legged menace, tailoring your sideboard with these countermeasures can significantly turn the tides of combat in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Giant Trap Door Spider MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Deckmasters, 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 Giant Trap Door Spider 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 Giant Trap Door Spider Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Heather Hudson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 293 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 2 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 33 | 1997 | Normal | White | Heather Hudson | |
| 3 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap Theme Decks | CST | 293 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 4 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 195 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Giant Trap Door Spider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Giant Trap Door Spider card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If Giant Trap Door Spider leaves the battlefield before its ability resolves, the ability will still resolve as normal. The targeted creature will be exiled. |
| 2004-10-04 | If the targeted creature leaves the battlefield (or otherwise becomes an illegal target) before the ability resolves, the ability won’t resolve. Giant Trap Door Spider will remain on the battlefield. |