Imprison MTG Card

Imprison grants a significant edge by disabling creatures and denying opponents cards. It shines in locking down threats, integrating well with control strategies. In the right meta, Imprison becomes a key tool to combat creature-heavy decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Rare
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Abilities	Enchant
Released	1994-06-01
Set symbol
Set name	Legends
Set code	LEG
Number	107
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Christopher Rush

Text of card

Pay 1 each time target creature attempts to attack, block, or tap. That action is prevented and the creature becomes tapped. Destroy enchantment if mana is not paid.

Cards like Imprison

Imprison stands as an intriguing control element within the array of enchantments in Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship lies with other cards like Pacifism and Arrest, which prevent creatures from attacking or blocking. Where Imprison differs is its application; it zeroes in on a single step of the combat phase, only activating its ability when an enchanted creature becomes untapped, thereby hindering said creature’s utility mostly during the opponent’s turn. Pacifism, while a permanent effect, has a broader impact by limiting a creature’s complete combat abilities.

Analogous to this control mechanic, we also see Icy Manipulator, which actively taps or keeps a creature tapped, however without being an enchantment and with the flexibility of targeting any permanent. Meanwhile, Darksteel Mutation serves as a more severe alternative, rendering the enchanted creature a defenseless insect indestructible by most means, entirely stripping its original powers and attack capabilities. Nevertheless, it doesn’t restrain the creature solely during a specific phase.

Therefore, in evaluating the nuances of these similar cards, Imprison carves out a niche for itself. It offers unique strategic advantages, especially against decks that rely heavily on untapping their perilous creatures, making it a potential staple in control-centric decks.

Cards similar to Imprison by color, type and mana cost

Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions

Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions

Bloodchief Ascension - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Imprison provides a strategic edge by rendering a target creature useless, which can effectively count as removing an opponent’s card from play without them drawing a replacement.

Resource Acceleration: Although Imprison itself doesn’t directly generate resources, it aids in resource acceleration by preventing your opponent’s creatures from attacking or blocking, thus conserving your life and resources.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Imprison at instant speed allows players to disrupt opponents’ combat strategies during their turn, preserving the element of surprise and maintaining board control.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of ‘Imprison’ is the necessity to discard another card from your hand. This effect can be particularly felt in game scenarios where your hand size is already diminished, potentially compromising your game strategy and leaving you at a disadvantage compared to your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The card requires a precise combination of mana types to cast, which can pose a challenge for multicolored decks. Players will need to ensure a consistent source of the required mana colors to deploy ‘Imprison’ effectively, making it slightly cumbersome compared to more versatile cards.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Additionally, the casting cost for ‘Imprison’ is on the higher side when compared to other control spells. While the ability to neutralize an opposing creature is noteworthy, it demands significant investment, and players may find themselves opting for lower-cost alternatives that offer comparable, if not better, board control.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Imprison offers an adaptable control tool for your deck, capable of shutting down key creatures regardless of your opponent’s strategy. Its ability to neutralize threats makes it a valuable asset in diverse game scenarios.

Combo Potential: Integrating smoothly with lockdown strategies, Imprison can be a linchpin in decks that aim to deny opponents their resources while setting up for a game-winning combo. It works well with effects that benefit from incapacitated creatures or prolonged field control.

Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to incapacitate high-value targets, Imprison can be a smart addition in a meta dominated by creature-centric decks. It’s a tool that can turn the tides by addressing the most impactful board presences head-on.

How to beat

Imprison is a nuanced enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, with the ability to immobilize and neutralize key creatures from your opponent. Despite its restricting effect, there are strategic approaches to overcome this challenge. One effective method is to employ enchantment removal spells, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which can directly target and destroy Imprison, liberating your creature and restoring your board presence. Alternatively, one can use bounce spells like Unsummon to temporarily return the affected creature to hand, circumventing Imprison’s limitations until a more permanent solution can be found.

Counterplay can also be established preemptively by including hexproof or shroud creatures in your deck, as these abilities prevent Imprison from targeting them in the first place. Additionally, cards that grant these protective qualities, like Asceticism or Alexi’s Cloak, can also be used proactively or in response to an Imprison attempt. Lastly, utilizing creatures with abilities that trigger upon entering or leaving the battlefield can at least ensure some value even under the hindrance of Imprison, forcing the opponent to weigh the cost of playing the enchantment against the benefits gained.

Overcoming Imprison in Magic: The Gathering boils down to being prepared, adaptive, and wise in resource management, making sure that this temporary setback doesn’t turn into a permanent defeat.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Imprison MTG card by a specific set like Legends, 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 Imprison and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Imprison has restrictions

Format	Legality
Oldschool	Legal
Commander	Banned
Legacy	Banned
Oathbreaker	Banned
Vintage	Banned
Duel	Banned
Predh	Banned

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Imprison 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	Both abilities are triggered abilities. The first one triggers on the activating of a creature ability, and the second triggers on declaration of attacking or blocking.
2013-04-15	A mana ability is an ability that (1) isn’t a loyalty ability, (2) doesn’t target, and (3) could put mana into a player’s mana pool when it resolves.