Labyrinth Minotaur MTG Card
1995-10-01 - Number 30a
1995-10-01 - Number 30b
1997-03-24 - Number 97
2009-09-07 - Number 39
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Minotaur |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Creatures Labyrinth Minotaur is assigned to block do not untap during their controller's next untap phase.
"I doubt any Labyrinth Minotaurs still live—but then again, we Minotaurs are stubborn beings." —Onatah, Anaba Shaman
Cards like Labyrinth Minotaur
Labyrinth Minotaur is an intriguing creature card that resonates with the essence of strategic defense in Magic: The Gathering. It can be compared with other defensive creatures like Wall of Runes. While Labyrinth Minotaur requires an opponent to pay an additional cost to attack you or a planeswalker you control, Wall of Runes provides an upfront benefit by allowing you to scry upon entering the battlefield. Both cards have their unique roles in defending your life total, but they execute it differently.
Moving along, there’s another card, Guardian of the Labyrinth, that shares a thematic link with Labyrinth Minotaur. Both cards tap into the minotaur and maze motifs. However, Guardian of the Labyrinth lacks the ability to affect opponents’ attacking strategies and instead offers more offensive potential with a higher power stat.
Each card holds value within their respective niches, with Labyrinth Minotaur offering a unique blend of control over combat, guiding the direction of the game much like guiding an opponent through a mystic maze. Players who prefer a controlling playstyle may find Labyrinth Minotaur particularly useful in their decks.
Cards similar to Labyrinth Minotaur by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Labyrinth Minotaur brings an intriguing edge to your deck with its ability to shield itself from single-target spells or abilities. This can often lead to a card advantage as opponents might waste precious removal spells on it, only to have it slip back into the safety of your library.
Resource Acceleration: As a four-mana creature with a modest investment cost, the Labyrinth Minotaur fits snugly into the curve of your deck. Its smooth integration ensures a steady development in your board presence, effectively accelerating your resources as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: One of the subtle powers of the Labyrinth Minotaur lies in its ability to instantly navigate the complexities of combat. When your opponents least expect it, you can weave it into the battlefield, disrupting their strategies and taking full advantage of surprise blocks or sneaky attacks during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Labyrinth Minotaur’s ability often comes with the caveat of discarding a card. This condition can put players at a substantial disadvantage, especially during the late game when card advantage is crucial for maintaining momentum and options.
Specific Mana Cost: Being tied to a specific mana cost can be restrictive, as it dictates that you must have the exact color of mana available. In the case of Labyrinth Minotaur, this could be problematic for decks that run more than one color or lack the necessary mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its power and toughness may be adequate, Labyrinth Minotaur falls behind when considering the mana investment versus the benefit gained. Other cards with similar or lower mana costs could offer the same or greater strengths without the drawback of an additional discard cost.
Reasons to Include Labyrinth Minotaur in Your Collection
Versatility: The Labyrinth Minotaur brings a unique dynamic to decks that thrive on board control. This creature’s ability to potentially alter the course of combat can integrate smoothly into various strategies, from control to midrange builds.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or being tapped, Labyrinth Minotaur can be a pivotal piece in setting up powerful combinations that can overwhelm opponents.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right environment, where intricate combat decisions can tip the scales, Labyrinth Minotaur’s role in your collection becomes increasingly compelling. It’s essential to adapt to a meta where creature-based synergies reign supreme.
How to beat
Labyrinth Minotaur is an intriguing card that requires strategic plays to overcome in Magic: The Gathering. It boasts a combination of abilities that could pose a challenge to unprepared players. Primarily, controlling the battlefield is key. Cards with removal abilities that can bypass the Minotaur’s defensive mechanisms are particularly effective. Employing instant-speed spells that can target creatures, such as Path to Exile or Murder, can dismantle its presence before it becomes a substantial threat.
Another effective method is to limit the Minotaur’s impact by shutting down its ability to navigate through the labyrinth of the game. Countering its ability activations with spells like Stifle or preventing it from attacking or blocking with enchantment-based restrictions can impede the card’s effectiveness. This strategy ensures that your opponent’s investment into the Minotaur’s abilities is mitigated, maintaining your momentum on the battlefield.
In essence, triumphing over Labyrinth Minotaur hinges on preparedness and adaptability. Utilizing removals, countering its activated abilities, or hindering its combat participation can ensure that this daunting creature becomes a mere minor obstacle in your quest for victory in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Labyrinth Minotaur MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Homelands, 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 Labyrinth Minotaur 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
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Printings
The Labyrinth Minotaur Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Anson Maddocks.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 30a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 2 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 30b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 97 | 1997 | Normal | White | Anson Maddocks | |
| 4 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 39 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Labyrinth Minotaur has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Labyrinth Minotaur card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | If the creature Labyrinth Minotaur blocked is untapped at the time its controller’s next untap step begins, this ability has no effect. It won’t apply at some later time when that creature is tapped. |
| 2009-10-01 | Labyrinth Minotaur doesn’t track the creature’s controller. If the affected creature changes controllers before its old controller’s next untap step, this ability will prevent it from being untapped during its new controller’s next untap step. |