Hidden Gibbons MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 1999-02-15 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Urza's Legacy |
| Set code | ULG |
| Number | 104 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Una Fricker |
Text of card
When one of your opponents successfully casts an instant or interrupt spell, if Hidden Gibbons is an enchantment, Hidden Gibbons becomes a 4/4 creature that counts as an Ape.
When these apes want something, it's a matter of gibbon take.
Cards like Hidden Gibbons
The allure of Hidden Gibbons lies in its nuanced transformation ability, a facet that places it within a unique bracket of Magic: The Gathering cards. When compared to other cards like it, one can easily see how it defies expectations. Take for example, Utopia Mycon, which similarly thrives on the conditions set by your opponent’s actions. While Utopia Mycon generates mana based on sacing creatures, Hidden Gibbons flips into a creature itself when an opponent casts an instant spell.
Another parallel can be drawn to cards like Raking Canopy, which guards the skies by dealing damage to flying creatures that attack you. While Raking Canopy offers a defensive deterrent, Hidden Gibbons provides offense by becoming an attacker itself after transformation. There’s also Traproot Kami, which like Hidden Gibbons, grows stronger from opponent’s spells, in this case gaining toughness equivalent to the number of forests you control whenever a creature with flying attacks.
In essence, while other cards interact with opponent’s plays by providing resources or deterring attacks, Hidden Gibbons turns the tables by rewarding you with a creature ready to strike. This active role in combat gives it a intriguing edge in gameplay dynamics, setting it apart from its passive counterparts.
Cards similar to Hidden Gibbons by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Hidden Gibbons. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hidden Gibbons has a unique ability to become a creature following specific triggers, essentially transforming from an unassuming enchantment into a creature without requiring an additional card. This switch can deter opponents’ spells and creates potential for significant board presence without losing card economy.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting mana resources, the card’s low cost facilitates early gameplay, leaving mana available for other strategies. When turned into a creature, it can quickly apply pressure or block, aiding tempo and potentially saving resources that would be used on other creature spells.
Instant Speed: The surprise factor of Hidden Gibbons’ transformation at instant speed creates strategic advantages. It acts during an opponent’s turn, reacting to their noncreature spells, which allows for tactical responses and keeps opponents wary of casting spells that may inadvertently strengthen your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To activate Hidden Gibbons, an opponent must cast an instant card, making its transformation reliant on your opponent’s actions, potentially leaving you with an underutilized card on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Hidden Gibbons requires green mana, which may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored or colorless decks, limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For one green mana, its initial inactive state doesn’t affect the board, and other cards at similar or lower costs could offer more immediate value or board presence.
Reasons to Include Hidden Gibbons in Your Collection
Versatility: Hidden Gibbons offers a unique transformation ability that can quickly turn a seemingly innocuous enchantment into a creature threat. Its flexibility shines in decks that anticipate opponents casting noncreature spells frequently.
Combo Potential: This card has an intrinsic synergy with strategies that aim to control the stack, allowing players to capitalize on opponents’ actions by developing a board presence through its triggered ability.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where instants and sorceries are prevalent, Hidden Gibbons becomes a formidable tool. It can catch opponents off guard, dovetailing perfectly with metagames heavy on noncreature spells.
How to beat
Hidden Gibbons is an intriguing enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, springing into a creature when opponents cast noncreature spells. A straightforward strategy to handle this card lies in avoiding the trigger, thus keeping it dormant as a harmless enchantment. Opt for a creature-heavy deck or creatures with abilities that can offer an edge in the game without the need to cast noncreature spells too often.
You could also employ direct enchantment removal. Spells such as Disenchant or Naturalize allow you to swiftly eliminate the Gibbons before it transforms, or even after, maintaining board control. Another approach is to force the transformation when you are prepared to deal with the creature. Plan your instant removal spells or effects that can bypass the 4/4 creature’s defenses, making it a risk-free move on your part.
Lastly, consider taking advantage of its transformation by using it to your benefit. Have spells that punish your opponent for controlling creatures or strategies that can turn enemy creatures into an advantage for you. In essence, Hidden Gibbons can be easily managed with thoughtful planning and strategic gameplay, ensuring it doesn’t sway the tide against you.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hidden Gibbons MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy, 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 Hidden Gibbons 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hidden Gibbons has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hidden Gibbons 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 | It changes into a creature even if the spell is countered. |
| 2004-10-04 | When it turns into a creature, it is no longer an enchantment. |
| 2008-08-01 | A noncreature permanent that turns into a creature can attack, and its abilities can be activated, only if its controller has continuously controlled that permanent since the beginning of their most recent turn. It doesn’t matter how long the permanent has been a creature. |
| 2008-08-01 | The ability triggers when the spell is cast, so it becomes a creature before the spell resolves. |