Hobble MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 2001-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Planeshift |
| Set code | PLS |
| Number | 7 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alan Pollack |
Text of card
When Hobble comes into play, draw a card. Enchanted creature can't attack. Enchanted creature can't block if it's black.
Cards like Hobble
Hobble is a unique control card in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarities to cards like Arrest and Pacifism, which are also used to neutralize threats on the board. Arrest, for instance, prevents the enchanted creature from attacking or blocking and negates its abilities. Pacifism, while it allows abilities to remain active, stops the creature from attacking and blocking as well.
Another peer in its category is Claustrophobia. This enchantment goes a step further by tapping the enchanted creature, guaranteeing it stays out of combat. However, Hobble has the noteworthy upside of drawing a card upon entry, granting immediate advantage. It’s a detail that Arrest and Pacifism do not share.
Deciding on the right crowd control card depends on the match-up and deck strategy. Hobble might be preferred for the added card draw, which can be critical in maintaining card advantage. In contrast, Arrest and Claustrophobia could be chosen for their ability to manage creatures with problematic activated abilities. The choice demonstrates the layered strategies players can apply within Magic: The Gathering, making Hobble a card to consider under the right circumstances.
Cards similar to Hobble by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hobble provides a benefit beyond simply removing a threat by allowing you to draw a card upon resolution. This not only disrupts your opponent’s board but also gives you the upper hand in terms of available resources.
Resource Acceleration: While Hobble itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, the card advantage it provides can lead to a domino effect in finding key pieces for your own board development, effectively smoothing out your game plan.
Instant Speed: Though Hobble operates at sorcery speed, its impact on the board can be immediate and disruptive, akin to instant speed effects, by targeting creatures the moment they’re played and before your opponent can utilize them in combat or for other abilities.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hobble demands the player to part with another card from their hand, which could backfire when options are already scarce. Maintaining card advantage is pivotal in MTG, and this requirement might lead to unfavorable trades.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both white mana and one other, Hobble’s mana needs are precise, potentially clashing with decks that don’t consistently produce white mana or are built around a multi-color base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Hobble’s effect to prevent a creature from attacking or blocking might seem steep, especially when alternatives exist that can remove or neutralize creatures for a similar or lower cost, thus offering a more permanent solution.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hobble excels at adapting to various gameplay situations. It can serve as both a temporary removal for opponents’ creatures and as a draw engine, since it allows you to draw a card when it enters the battlefield.
Combo Potential: While primarily a piece of removal, Hobble’s card draw component can be part of a larger strategy focusing on card advantage. This synergizes with decks that capitalize on drawing cards or need to find crucial combo pieces.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, having a Hobble in your deck offers a reliable control element. Since it also provides card draw, it can maintain or improve your position in the game without losing card advantage.
How to beat Hobble
Hobble is a unique control card in Magic: The Gathering that temporarily neutralizes a creature by preventing it from attacking or blocking, and as a side bonus, allows its controller to draw a card. It’s a handy way to deal with an opponent’s threats without permanently removing them from the battlefield.
But what if you’re on the receiving end of Hobble? To effectively circumvent this setback, you might consider employing removal spells that can dispose of your own creature, such as sacrifice effects, which can turn a temporary disadvantage into an opportunity for a strategic advantage. Alternatively, using enchantment removal, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, can free your creature from the confines of Hobble, allowing it to return to action without the handicap. Activated abilities or creature effects that negate enchantments can also be a game-changer in such situations.
Understanding the specifics of Hobble can immensely aid players in crafting their counter-strategies. By anticipating this card’s application and incorporating versatile responses in your deck, you’ll be prepared to handle Hobble and maintain the momentum on your battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hobble MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift, 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 Hobble 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 Hobble has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |