Kindslaver MTG Card
Text of card
, , Sacrifice Kindslaver: A person outside the game controls target player during that player's next turn. Neither player may advise that person until the end of that turn.
"Just relax—I brought in a substitute."
Cards like Kindslaver
Kindslaver is a unique artifact in the MTG world with an ability that allows its controller to gain control of a target player’s turn. This effect is somewhat mirrored in the card Mindslaver, which also has a powerful control-stealing effect. What sets Kindslaver apart is its association with the Unstable set, hinting at a more humorous and casual playstyle, unlike Mindslaver’s tournament-legal status.
Another card to consider is Worst Fears, which has a similar unnerving effect of commandeering an opponent’s turn. While Worst Fears is a black sorcery spell requiring a considerable mana investment, Kindslaver’s artifact nature offers a different kind of flexibility, usable in any deck color but with a heavy activation cost. The invocation of a silver-bordered card adds the charm of unpredictability and fun that’s not usually present in the more serious black spells.
When comparing these take-control cards, MTG players often debate the strategic value versus the entertainment factor. Kindslaver might not see competitive play, but it sure can create memorable game moments. Its quirky nature indeed earns it a special spot among the memorable cards of the game.
Cards similar to Kindslaver by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kindslaver comes with a unique ability to take control of a target player during his or her next turn. This can potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy while providing you with additional insight into their tactics. Moreover, during this turn, you can use their resources such as spells and creatures, thus gaining substantial card advantage without expending your own cards.
Resource Acceleration: While Kindslaver doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense, the ability to utilize an opponent’s resources allows you to save your mana and cards for future turns. This indirect resource acceleration can lead to a significant tempo boost, as you may play cards from your hand using your opponent’s mana on their turn.
Instant Speed: Although Kindslaver itself is not an instant, it can be activated at instant speed given the right circumstances. This means that you can end your turn without tapping out, holding up the appearance of having instant speed interaction. Then, at the end of your opponent’s turn, you could activate Kindslaver’s ability, catching them off-guard and potentially swinging the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For the Kindslaver to activate, you must sacrifice it along with five mana and control of your turn, which can be a steep price to pay, especially in critical game moments.
Specific Mana Cost: Kindslaver demands a blend of generic and specific mana to cast, making it a challenging addition in decks not tailored to accommodate such diversity in mana needs.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of ten mana to utilize its ability, Kindslaver’s activation is costly compared to other strategies that could be executed with the same amount of mana, potentially setting you back in the game’s pace.
Reasons to Include Kindslaver in Your Collection
Versatility: Kindslaver offers flexibility as a utility piece in decks that can afford the slot. It’s not just about controlling a player’s turn; it’s about the myriad ways that turn can be exploited, which can vary greatly depending on the board state and the decks at the table.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations that can repeatedly untap it, allowing for multiple activations in a single game. With the right set of cards, a player can effectively dominate crucial turns from opponents, swinging the game heavily in their favor.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where long, drawn-out games are common, Kindslaver’s impact could be a game-changer. Its ability to disturb the balance and disrupt opponent’s strategies makes it a noteworthy addition, especially in multiplayer formats like Commander, where political and strategic manipulation are key.
How to beat
The Kindslaver artifact has the unusual and powerful ability to take control of an opponent’s turn, a twist that can sway the course of a Magic: The Gathering match. While this might seem daunting to counter, there are practical strategies to mitigate its game-altering effect. Keeping an eye on its untap condition is crucial. As with any threatening piece, destruction and exile removals like Disenchant or Putrefy are effective ways to handle Kindslaver before it becomes active.
Additionally, denying your opponent the necessary mana to use Kindslaver’s ability by utilizing cards that restrict mana generation or increase the cost of activated abilities, such as Damping Sphere, can be a clear pathway to victory. Counterspells also serve as a preemptive measure against Kindslaver, stopping it cold as your opponent attempts to cast it. Lastly, forcing an opponent to discard as a disruption tactic may remove Kindslaver from their hand before it can impact the game. Cards like Thoughtseize provide such utility.
By understanding and preparing for Kindslaver’s abilities and requirements, players can incorporate strategic defensive plays into their deck construction, giving them a better chance to outmaneuver this powerful artifact during a duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kindslaver MTG card by a specific set like Unstable and The List (Unfinity Foil Edition), 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 Kindslaver 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
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Printings
The Kindslaver Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-12-08 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Zoltan Boros.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-12-08 | Unstable | UST | 150 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Zoltan Boros | |
| 2 | 2022-10-07 | The List (Unfinity Foil Edition) | ULST | 58 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Zoltan Boros |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kindslaver card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | If the person in control doesn’t know anything about Magic, it’s okay to get someone who isn’t you or the controlled player to advise them. Failing that, advising them to just say “go” is okay. |
| 2018-01-19 | If the person you’ve enlisted to control your opponent wanders off or refuses to do anything, assume the controlled player did nothing during their turn and end the turn. |
| 2018-01-19 | If there’s no one around to make a decision, you can call or text someone if you need to. If there’s a physical action required, such as high-fiving, you’ll need someone there. |
| 2018-01-19 | It doesn’t have to be someone who plays Magic. This may be fun. |
| 2018-01-19 | Only decisions called for by cards and the game rules are affected. The controlling player can’t make the player they’re controlling concede or perform illegal actions. |
| 2018-01-19 | The person you enlist makes all decisions for the target player during that player’s next turn. They choose whether any spells are cast, any creatures attack, and so on. |
| 2018-01-19 | You can choose any player not currently in your game. This includes people who used to be in your game but left it. |