Karplusan Minotaur MTG Card


Karplusan Minotaur provides unique card advantage and board control through its coin flip mechanic. The creature’s instant speed ability introduces strategic complexity and unexpected gameplay twists. Despite its high mana cost, the Minotaur can be a valuable asset in creature-heavy metas.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Minotaur Warrior
Abilities Cumulative upkeep
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Cumulative upkeep— Flip a coin. Whenever you win a coin flip, Karplusan Minotaur deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Whenever you lose a coin flip, Karplusan Minotaur deals 1 damage to target creature or player of an opponent's choice.


Understanding the Karplusan Minotaur

The Karplusan Minotaur is a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. What sets it apart from other creatures is its cumulative upkeep—flip a coin. This mechanic introduces a game of chance within a match, reminding some players of the card Goblin Assassin, which also employs a flip mechanic to dictate potential creature removal. Both cards add an element of unpredictability and strategy to the game.

Another card that reverberates with the chance-based removal of Karplusan Minotaur is Capricious Efreet. While Capricious Efreet selects a random artifact, creature, or enchantment to destroy each turn, the Minotaur’s ability is specifically tied to its cumulative upkeep, with the potential to remove a creature each time a coin lands on heads. It’s worth noting that these coin-flip outcomes can both benefit the player or backfire depending on the result, making every turn a thrilling event.

Cards like Karplusan Minotaur

When looking at the Karplusan Minotaur, we can draw parallels to creatures like Mogg Assassin. Both cards bring the excitement of a coin flip to determine the fate of creatures on the battlefield. While the Minotaur requires a coin toss during each of your upkeeps, Mogg Assassin allows you to engage in a flip any time you tap it, offering more flexibility at the cost of sacrificing its ability to attack.

Another comparable card is Ral Zarek. This Planeswalker doesn’t rely solely on coin flip mechanics but has an ultimate ability that involves flipping five coins, potentially taking five extra turns. The destructive capability of Karplusan Minotaur’s cumulative upkeep can be seen as a creature-based counterpart to Ral Zarek’s ultimate ability—a testament to the design space created around chance and probability within the game.

Comparing these cards emphasizes the Karplusan Minotaur’s position as a both risky and potentially powerful option for MTG players who enjoy adding an element of luck and excitement to their matches, further enriching the dynamic landscape of creature-based strategies.

Goblin Assassin - MTG Card versions
Capricious Efreet - MTG Card versions
Mogg Assassin - MTG Card versions
Ral Zarek - MTG Card versions
Goblin Assassin - MTG Card versions
Capricious Efreet - MTG Card versions
Mogg Assassin - MTG Card versions
Ral Zarek - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Karplusan Minotaur by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Rocket-Powered Turbo Slug - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Rocket-Powered Turbo Slug - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Karplusan Minotaur offers a unique form of card advantage with its cumulative upkeep ability. Each upkeep, you have a chance to flip a coin. Winning flips can disrupt opponents by potentially removing their creatures from the board without having to spend additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of resource acceleration, Karplusan Minotaur’s ability to control the board can indirectly lead to resource advantages. By clearing away blockers or potential threats, it allows your mana investments in other creatures to pay off more effectively, as opponents will be forced to spend more resources to re-establish their board presence.

Instant Speed: The Minotaur’s triggered ability works at instant speed, introducing an element of surprise and strategy to the game. Since the ability triggers during each player’s upkeep, you can potentially influence the state of the board during your opponent’s turn, all the while keeping your mana available for other instant speed interactions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Karplusan Minotaur demands a unique discard condition upon winning a coin flip, which can disrupt strategic planning and diminish your hand, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage should the game extend to longer turns or if your strategy relies on a full grip of cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating both red and colorless mana, the casting cost of Karplusan Minotaur can be onerous for multicolored decks, making it a less flexible choice compared to more mana-versatile creatures. This limitation can affect deck building decisions and mana base construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a four mana value where two must be red, Karplusan Minotaur’s cost is relatively steep, particularly when benchmarked against other creatures with immediate board impact. For four mana, players might expect a more substantial immediate effect or lower cost synergies to maximize the value of their mana expenditure.


Reasons to Include Karplusan Minotaur in Your Collection

Versatility: The Karplusan Minotaur offers a flexible role in red or multicolored decks. Its ability to potentially affect each combat phase makes it useful against a variety of opposing strategies, adapting to both aggressive and more control-oriented playstyles.

Combo Potential: The coin flip mechanism opens the door for interesting combo possibilities with cards that manipulate chance or benefit from coin tosses. Integrating this Minotaur into such synergies can lead to unexpected and game-changing effects, creating opportunities for inventive gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s heavy with creature-based strategies, the Karplusan Minotaur’s damage-dealing abilities can act as a deterrent and control element. It disrupts opponents’ board development and can shift the momentum in your favor, making it a potential asset in the current environment.


How to beat

Karplusan Minotaur presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield with its coin-flipping ability that can dictate the tempo of a game. Successfully navigating this card’s randomness can be the key to maintaining control. To effectively counter it, consider using instant-speed removal spells that can target and destroy the Minotaur before its controller gets the opportunity to capitalize on its abilities. Options like Doom Blade or Path to Exile are excellent, as they can disrupt your opponent’s strategy with minimal mana investment.

Control decks that can manipulate or dictate the outcome of coin flips also stand a strong chance against Karplusan Minotaur. Utilizing cards that enable you to win coin flips or safeguard your creatures can nullify its destructive potential. Swift and strategic plays are essential, as allowing the Minotaur to dominate the board with its coin flip mechanics for too long can quickly turn the game in your opponent’s favor. Keep a sharp eye on the board state and be ready to act quickly to mitigate the threat this creature poses.

Mastering the art of patience and timing is therefore crucial when pitted against Karplusan Minotaur. With thoughtful planning and a dash of luck, you can turn the tide and gain the upper hand in your MTG matches against this formidable foe.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Karplusan Minotaur is much more than a mere creature; it’s a testament to the fascinating blend of skill and chance that makes MTG an endlessly captivating game. With every coin flip, you’re not just taking a shot at board control but also embracing the heart-pounding excitement that comes with elements of randomness. Karplusan Minotaur’s presence on the field will surely keep every player on their toes. If you’re ready to add this unique card to your arsenal or simply want to learn about strategically integrating chance into your playstyle, join us. Dive deeper into the world of MTG and discover how Karplusan Minotaur could be the game-changer in your deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Karplusan Minotaur MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and The List, 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 Karplusan Minotaur and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Karplusan Minotaur Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2006-07-21. Illustrated by Wayne England.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-07-21ColdsnapCSP 862003NormalBlackWayne England
22020-09-26The ListPLST CSP-862003NormalBlackWayne England

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Karplusan Minotaur has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Karplusan Minotaur card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2006-07-15 If a spell or ability uses a coin flip to determine what happens on a heads result versus a tails result, the flipping player doesn’t call “heads” or “tails.” Such flips have no winner or loser.
2006-07-15 The Minotaur’s last two abilities will trigger whenever you win or lose any coin flip. For example, if you cast Stitch in Time, one of the Minotaur’s abilities will trigger.
2006-07-15 The coin flip rules have changed. You now win or lose a flip only if *you* flipped the coin. If your opponent loses a flip, that no longer means that you win that flip. Only coin flips caused by cards that say “win” and/or “lose” anywhere on them have a winner or loser.
2006-07-15 When Karplusan Minotaur’s cumulative upkeep ability resolves, you either flip a number of coins equal to the number of age counters on it, or you sacrifice it. Once you start to flip, you can’t stop; you must continue until all flips are made. If you flip, you call heads or tails for each flip. Each time you’re right, the Minotaur’s second ability triggers. Each time you’re wrong, the Minotaur’s third ability triggers. The triggers wait until after you’re done flipping, then they all go on the stack in whatever order you choose. Each may have a different target.