Involuntary Employment MTG Card


Involuntary Employment can generate significant card advantage by repurposing opponents’ creatures for your gain. Instant speed disrupts opponents’ plans unexpectedly and elevates strategic depth in gameplay. Despite its benefits, the card’s cost and discard requirement may constrain its use in some decks.
Involuntary Employment - Streets of New Capenna
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Treasure
Released2022-04-29
Set symbol
Set nameStreets of New Capenna
Set codeSNC
Number110
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMilivoj Ćeran

Text of card

Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. Create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color.")


Cards like Involuntary Employment

Involuntary Employment adds a unique twist to the Magic: The Gathering arsenal of creature control cards. It invites comparisons with classic control spells like Control Magic, which allow players to take over opponents’ creatures. Involuntary Employment features the novel mechanism of not only seizing control but also mandating the creature to attack each combat if able. Unlike Involuntary Employment, Control Magic doesn’t impose the attack requirement, offering more flexibility.

When eyeing Mind Control, we observe a similar ability to commandeer opponents’ creatures, yet it lacks the aggressive stipulations of Involuntary Employment. This might be a strategic advantage in some scenarios where an all-out assault isn’t ideal. Conversely, Act of Treason enables the temporary theft of a creature and forces it to attack, similar to Involuntary Employment. Though, Act of Treason does not offer a persistent effect, making Involuntary Employment more impactful over a longer game.

Delving into card dynamics, Involuntary Employment stands out by pushing players towards a more confrontational playstyle. Each card serves a distinct purpose, but for those looking to keep the battlefield lively and maintain pressure, Involuntary Employment is an intriguing option in Magic: The Gathering.

Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Involuntary Employment excels at disrupting your opponent’s board while offering you the chance to utilize their creatures, potentially leading to substantial card advantage. This ability to hijack an opponent’s threat can shift the game in your favor, making each cast of Involuntary Employment a power play.

Resource Acceleration: While it may not directly produce additional mana like traditional acceleration, Involuntary Employment can accelerate your resources by denying your adversary’s assets and turning them into your own. This tactical conversion of resources can prove invaluable, particularly when you’re seizing key creatures that your opponent relies on for their strategy.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Involuntary Employment at instant speed adds a significant layer of surprise and strategic depth. It allows you to react swiftly to threats or wait until the most opportune moment to undermine your opponent’s plans, making it a versatile tool in any player’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Involuntary Employment mandates a card discard from your hand to cast it, presenting a challenge when your card resources are dwindling. This creates a situation where you must weigh the benefits of summoning a creature against the immediate cost of decreasing your hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Involuntary Employment is not only steep, but it also requires a specific blend of mana types. This could restrict its integration into decks that don’t readily produce both black and red mana, potentially limiting the card’s versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its combined mana cost, Involuntary Employment might be seen as a pricier endeavor, especially when you’re aiming to maintain tempo in the early to mid-game. There’s inevitably a comparison with other cards in the same mana range that could potentially offer more immediate board impact or value.


Reasons to Include Involuntary Employment in Your Collection

Versatility: Involuntary Employment shines in its ability to mesh well with a variety of control and tempo decks. The card can shift the tide of creature control which could be pivotal in matches.

Combo Potential: This card has excellent synergy with sacrifice strategies. By taking control of an opponent’s creature and then using it as a resource, you can facilitate powerful plays in combo-centric decks.

Meta-Relevance: Given the current environment where creatures are key to victory, Involuntary Employment could prove essential in disrupting opponent strategies and turning the game in your favor.


How to beat

Involuntary Employment is a unique card that can temporarily turn the tide of the game by hijacking your opponent’s creature. Overcoming this can seem daunting, but there are a few strategies that can effectively neutralize its impact. First off, cards with hexproof protect your creatures from being targeted by such spells, preserving your control over them. Secondly, instant-speed removal spells allow you to respond by destroying the targeted creature, ensuring that your opponent won’t reap the benefits of Involuntary Employment.

Counter-spells are an equally effective approach, as they prevent Involuntary Employment from resolving in the first place. This way, the spell is neutralized before it can affect the board state. Lastly, playing around the card by not committing your most valuable creatures to the board when your opponent has the mana open for Involuntary Employment can mitigate the potential damage. By adapting your game plan and being mindful of your opponent’s capabilities, you can maintain the upper hand despite this disruptive card.

While Involuntary Employment can create momentary setbacks, a well-prepared deck with the right mix of protective, reactive, and proactive cards can overcome the challenges it presents, keeping your strategy intact and leading you to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

The strategic nuances of Involuntary Employment offer MTG players both challenge and advantage. As you consider integrating this card into your decks, reflect on how its unique mechanics can provide a competitive edge or disrupt your opponent’s tactics. Our insights delve into the potential and versatility of Involuntary Employment, ensuring you understand its implications in various game scenarios. For players looking to refine their deck-building skills and game strategies with this intriguing card, we provide in-depth analysis and valuable tips. Embrace the complexities of MTG and join the ranks of players who command the game with knowledge and finesse. Enhance your play with BurnMana’s expert guidance.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Involuntary Employment MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Involuntary Employment and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Involuntary Employment has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal