Kor Hookmaster MTG Card
2009-10-02 - Number 20
2014-09-05 - Number 52
2016-06-10 - Number 18
2017-03-17 - Number 10
2019-11-07 - Number 154
2020-09-26 - Number EMA-18
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kor Soldier |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Kor Hookmaster enters the battlefield, tap target creature an opponent controls. That creature doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
"For us, a rope represents the ties that bind the kor. For you, it's more literal."
Cards like Kor Hookmaster
Kor Hookmaster is a white-aligned creature card notorious for its ability to control the battlefield by detaining opposing creatures. It bears a resonance with cards like Glimmerpoint Stag, which similarly exiles a target temporarily, providing a tactical edge. Though both cards impede the opponent’s creatures, the Hookmaster focuses on tapping and doesn’t allow untapping during the next untap step, whereas the Stag provides a brief exile that can reset counters or end enchantments.
Captain’s Hook is another card that plays off the ability of the Kor Hookmaster, albeit indirectly. While Captain’s Hook is an equipment that boosts the creature it’s attached to, both are steeped in the flavor of control and aggression. Yet, the Hookmaster’s effect is inherent upon entering the battlefield, relying on no additional mana investment post-cast.
In assessing white creatures that share some mechanical theme with Kor Hookmaster, comparisons can also be drawn with cards like Blinding Beam, which can tap opponent’s creatures while also preventing them from untapping in the subsequent turn. Despite not being a creature, Blinding Beam can often achieve a broader impact. Therefore, when considering utility and board presence, the Kor Hookmaster’s place within MTG plugs a niche for players seeking precision creature control in their deck configurations.
Cards similar to Kor Hookmaster by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kor Hookmaster comes with the ability to tap a target creature an opponent controls. This often means that your opponent will have one less blocker available, effectively giving you a tactical advantage as you create openings to pressurize your opponent or protect yourself from potential threats on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, Kor Hookmaster’s effect can be thought of as a tempo play, effectively accelerating your game plan by slowing down your opponent. This can be incredibly advantageous as it can lead to you outpacing your opponent in both development and board presence.
Instant Speed: Though Kor Hookmaster itself doesn’t have an instant-speed ability, its enter the battlefield (ETB) tap effect is triggered upon casting. This allows for strategic plays during your main phases and can be combined with flash creatures or other instant-speed spells to optimize your turns and maintain control of the game flow.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Though the Kor Hookmaster does not directly demand discarding cards, it’s pivotal to consider not only the card played but also the broader impact on hand resources. Playing the Kor Hookmaster at the wrong time could mean fewer options and missed opportunities on subsequent turns if not planned well.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires both white mana and generic mana, making it an unsuitable choice for mono-colored decks beyond white or multicolor decks that may not always have the white mana readily available when it’s most needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costed at three mana for a 2/2 creature that temporarily taps down a single opponent’s creature, there are alternatives in MTG that could provide more value or longer-term control for a similar or lesser investment, leading some players to bypass the Kor Hookmaster in favor of other cards that better fit into their deck’s strategy or mana curve.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Kor Hookmaster’s ability to tap down an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield means it can seamlessly integrate into aggressive decks or those looking to control the tempo of the game. It’s a useful inclusion regardless of whether you’re buying time for a powerful setup or keeping the pressure on your adversary.
Combo Potential: By incapacitating potential blockers or important utility creatures of your opponent, Kor Hookmaster synergizes well with other cards that capitalize on opponent’s units being tapped or unable to block. Combine it with mechanics like exert or inspired for added utility.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based aggression or the need to respond to threats swiftly is key, Kor Hookmaster can play an essential role. Its relevance may wax and wane with the shifts in popular deck types, but its utility in certain matchups can be a game-changer.
How to beat
Successfully navigating the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering often involves strategic plays against cards that can stall your momentum, such as the Kor Hookmaster. This tap-down creature effectively sidesteps one of your threats by removing it from combat for a turn. Understanding the mechanics of cards like Kor Hookmaster is crucial for devising a strategy against them.
Key tactics include employing instant-speed removal to eliminate the Hookmaster before it has the chance to impact the board state, thereby maintaining your offensive pressure. Alternatively, inclusion of cards that can untap your creatures serves as a direct countermeasure, allowing you to regain control swiftly. Additionally, leveraging abilities or spells that grant hexproof or protection can nullify the Hookmaster’s ability, thereby keeping your creatures in the fray. Remember, anticipation and timely response are your allies in gaining the upper hand against cards with similar lockdown effects.
While Kor Hookmaster can be a temporary setback, a well-crafted strategy using the appropriate counters ensures that this card remains a minor hurdle rather than a significant obstruction. Keeping your plays adaptable and responsive is key to triumphing over such control-oriented tactics in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kor Hookmaster MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning, 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 Kor Hookmaster and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Kor Hookmaster Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 20 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 2 | 2014-09-05 | Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning | DDN | 52 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 3 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 18 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 4 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 5 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 154 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 6 | The List | PLST | EMA-18 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kor Hookmaster has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kor Hookmaster card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-03-14 | Kor Hookmaster’s ability can target a creature that’s already tapped. It still won’t untap during its controller’s next untap step. |