Kongming's Contraptions MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 1999-05-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal Three Kingdoms |
| Set code | PTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 10 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | White |
| Illustred by | Jiaming |
Text of card
After you're attacked, before you declare blockers, you may tap Kongming's Contraptions to have it deal 2 damage to any one attacking creature.
Cards like Kongming's Contraptions
Kongming’s Contraptions carves out a unique niche in the lineup of artifact players in Magic: The Gathering. When examining cards with similar functions, it beckons comparisons with gadgets like Pilgrim’s Eye. Both cards are dedicated to smoothing out your mana curve and facilitating land drops, yet Kongming’s Contraptions adds an inventive flair with its ability to construct various engine pieces across multiple turns.
Comparing it to Ichor Wellspring, another staple in decks leaning towards artifacts, reveals some nuanced trade-offs. Ichor Wellspring offers immediate card draw upon entering and leaving the battlefield, however, it lacks the overarching building mechanic that Kongming’s Contraptions brings to the table. Similarly, Myr Retriever shares the trait of being a reusable resource, though it strictly focuses on retrieving fallen artifacts from your graveyard rather than building new ones.
Considering the versatility and potential for escalating benefits over time, Kongming’s Contraptions finds its place in the arsenal of artifact-based strategies within Magic: The Gathering. It is this ability to incrementally increase value that may appeal to players crafting decks around long-term tactical advantages and intricate combo setups.
Cards similar to Kongming's Contraptions by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kongming’s Contraptions shines in the card advantage department by offering you the opportunity to deploy multiple artifact tokens, effectively adding more utility to your side of the battlefield while keeping your hand stocked.
Resource Acceleration: This card provides a significant boost in resource acceleration. By generating artifact tokens which can potentially be tapped for mana or sacrificed for other benefits, Kongming’s Contraptions assists in propelling your game plan forward at an accelerated pace.
Instant Speed: The power of instant speed cannot be overstated. The ability to cast Kongming’s Contraptions in response to an opponent’s action adds a layer of flexibility and surprise, allowing you to adapt to the evolving state of the game while keeping your opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Kongming’s Contraptions may demand that players discard a card, which could be a tough pill to swallow when your hand is already dwindling down to the essentials.
Specific Mana Cost: The precision in mana exacted by Kongming’s Contraptions means you need to have the right energy sources at the ready. This can be especially challenging in multi-color decks looking to maintain a smooth mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With many alternative spells hovering around a lower mana threshold for similar or better impacts, the mana investment for Kongming’s Contraptions must be weighed against other potential plays that could provide a more immediate advantage on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Kongming’s Contraptions offers a wide range of utility for decks that thrive on intricate mechanics and artifact synergy. Its ability to produce various advantages can be a game-changer in many gameplay scenarios.
Combo Potential: With its unique functionalities, this card can seamlessly integrate into combo strategies, acting as a catalyst for powerful plays. It serves as a springboard for combos that capitalize on artifact manipulations and engine builds.
Meta-Relevance: As the metagame fluctuates, a card like Kongming’s Contraptions remains a relevant addition due to its capacity to adapt and counter prevailing strategies, providing its users with a means to stay one step ahead in the competitive scene.
How to beat
Kongming’s Contraptions in MTG is a card that demands a strategic approach to defeat. This card can dramatically alter the battlefield with its inherent ability to craft numerous artifacts that may tip the scales in your opponent’s favor. To counteract this, the key lies in maintaining a robust artifact removal strategy within your deck. Cards such as Abrade or Naturalize offer efficient solutions, swiftly removing the intricate contraptions Kongming produces, thus dismantling your opponent’s game plan.
Timing is also of the essence when dealing with Kongming’s Contraptions. It pays to hold back your removal until the contraptions are deployed, ensuring that you disrupt your opponent’s intended synergies. Additionally, incorporating counter spells that prevent your opponent from ever casting Kongming’s Contraptions can serve as a preventative measure, thwarting their strategy before it takes shape on the field.
In essence, while Kongming’s Contraptions can indeed be a formidable force in MTG, a deck equipped with targeted removal and strategic foresight can navigate and overcome the complexities it presents. Anticipation, preparation, and timing are paramount when seeking to claim victory over the cunning inventions of Kongming.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kongming's Contraptions MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms, 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 Kongming's Contraptions 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 Kongming's Contraptions has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Predh | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |