Handcuffs MTG Card
Text of card
Target player keeps both hands in contact with each other. If he or she does not, sacrifice Handcuffs and that player sacrifices three cards in play.
"That was fun! Now me." —Gwendlyn Di Corci
Cards like Handcuffs
Handcuffs stands out in the world of Magic: The Gathering as a unique control card designed to keep your opponent’s strategies in check. Its ability to restrict the untapping of a creature shares similarities with established cards like Encrust. While Encrust can immobilize both artifacts and creatures, Handcuffs is exclusively creature-focused but also forces the opponent to pay mana if they want to untap the affected creature.
Comparing it to Ice Over, another card that prevents a creature or vehicle from untapping, Handcuffs adds the strategic advantage of mana taxing, albeit with a higher casting cost. Claustrophobia is yet another card with a freeze effect, which like Handcuffs, locks a creature in place without an additional mana cost, but it lacks the taxing ability that can potentially cripple your opponent’s mana pool over time.
While evaluating control cards within Magic: The Gathering, consideration is given to their impact on gameplay tempo and resource management. With its unique approach to controlling the battlefield, Handcuffs not only inhibits creatures but also taxes the opponent’s resources, placing it as an intriguing option for players looking to refine their control decks.
Cards similar to Handcuffs by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Handcuffs card offers a valuable mechanism to disrupt your opponent’s strategy by forcing discards while replenishing your own hand, thus potentially tipping the scales in your favor during a match.
Resource Acceleration: This card can provide additional utility by unlocking mana resources through its interaction with other cards that benefit from discard or graveyard strategies, enhancing your deck’s overall speed and efficiency.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Handcuffs at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s move or optimize the timing for strategic advantage, maintaining the element of surprise and allowing for optimal play sequencing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Handcuffs necessitates the discarding of a card as part of its activation. This can be a strategic setback when you’re trying to maintain card advantage or when you’re left with a scant number of cards in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a very particular mix of mana, including both blue and black. Such a requirement can be restrictive, only really fitting seamlessly in decks that are tailored to these colors, thereby potentially impeding the card’s flexibility in a varied set of strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the need to invest a relatively large amount of mana to bring Handcuffs into play, it competes with other cards in the same cost bracket that may provide a more immediate or impactful presence on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Handcuffs in Your Collection
Versatility: Handcuffs can seamlessly integrate into a variety of deck archetypes. Control decks in particular may find the card’s restrictive abilities help them steer the game in their favor.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique lockdown capabilities can be the linchpin in a strategy focused on denying resources or freedoms to the opponent, setting up game-winning combos with ease.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where player interaction is paramount, Handcuffs provides a valuable tool for hindering opposing strategies, making it a timely addition to any arsenal.
How to beat Handcuffs
Contending with Handcuffs can be a challenging scenario for many MTG players due to its ability to restrict an opponent’s hand, leaving them scrambling for options. The key, however, is to adapt your gameplay strategically. Cards that clean the board or deal with multiple threats simultaneously, like board wipes or mass removal spells, can level the playing field. Initiating plays that force your opponent to act, which can catch them off guard and potentially disrupt their control setup, might be a smart approach.
Moreover, focusing on inherent abilities that can’t be affected by Handcuffs might tilt the game in your favor. Consider slipping in a range of activated abilities from creatures, lands, or artifacts to skirt around the card’s limitations. Tactics involving graveyard retrieval, such as the aptly named ‘Escape’ mechanic, could also bypass the constraining claws of Handcuffs. Therefore, despite the grip that Handcuffs may seem to have on the game, a well-meditated strategy and a carefully considered deck can overcome its restraining power, ensuring your gameplay remains fluid and dynamic.
Ultimately, while Handcuffs presents a unique hurdle, the depth of MTG’s mechanics offers numerous paths to bypass being locked down, assuring players that with the right moves, they can break free and secure victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Handcuffs 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 Handcuffs 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
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