Labyrinth of Skophos MTG Card

Defensive maneuvering—removes attackers from combat, helping preserve player resources. Dual utility—adds mana and influences game pace with its activation ability. Instant speed activation—offers tactical combat decisions without prior commitment.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
RarityRare
TypeLand

Text of card

: Add . , : Remove target attacking or blocking creature from combat.

Cards like Labyrinth of Skophos

Labyrinth of Skophos stands out as a versatile land in Magic: The Gathering, echoing the utility seen in cards like Maze of Ith. Maze of Ith also allows you to untap a target attacking creature and prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to and by it this turn, without needing to tap. Unlike Labyrinth of Skophos, Maze of Ith does not produce mana, marking a significant difference in function and potential for deck inclusion.

Mystifying Maze is another land with a similar ability to Labyrinth of Skophos. Like Skophos, it requires mana to activate its creature-removing ability, providing a temporary solution to threatening attackers. Its requirement is heavier on the mana base, demanding four mana to activate. The Mystifying Maze does remove the creature from combat completely by exiling it until the end of turn and then returns it to the battlefield. This distinction could be favorable or unfavorable depending on the battlefield circumstances.

In terms of strategic value, Labyrinth of Skophos can be a solid choice for decks looking to interpose creature attacks without losing mana production capability. Its balance of cost and functionality make it an asset to control and midrange decks alike, positioning it as a desirable choice for players who value flexibility in their land slots.

Maze of Ith - MTG Card versions
Mystifying Maze - MTG Card versions
Maze of Ith - MTG Card versions
Mystifying Maze - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Labyrinth of Skophos. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius ControlAzorius Control ModernAzorius ControlCMF Invitational Training #1
Dimir Tainted PactDimir Tainted Pact OtherThe Arena Coliseum - Timeless Trials $1K #001
Mono-Green TronMono-Green Tron ModernMono-Green TronModern League 2023-11-24

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Labyrinth of Skophos doesn’t directly allow you to draw more cards, but it indirectly aids in preserving your hand by providing a robust defensive option. By removing an attacker from combat, you can outpace your opponent’s resources without having to expend another card.

Resource Acceleration: As a land, Labyrinth of Skophos doesn’t traditionally accelerate your resources, but its primary value lies in its dual functionality. It adds mana to your pool, contributing to your overall mana base, while also offering a unique ability that can influence the pace and outcome of the game.

Instant Speed: The maze’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing a tactical advantage. You can decide during the heat of combat whether to use it or not, dictating the flow of the battle and potentially outmaneuvering your opponent without the need to commit to a spell in advance.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Labyrinth of Skophos does not present a discard requirement, which is a positive aspect as it allows you to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: While the Labyrinth can be activated with generic mana, its activation cost is relatively specific, requiring four mana of any color. This may limit its use in more aggressive strategies focused on deploying threats rapidly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Committing four mana to utilize the ability of the Labyrinth of Skophos can be costly, as it requires you to hold back a significant amount of resources that could otherwise be used to affect the board state or further your own strategy.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Labyrinth of Skophos offers flexibility in various deck builds as a land card that also serves a distinct function. Its ability to remove a troublesome attacker from combat can fit into control or midrange decks alike, looking to outpace opponents or prevent key pieces of their strategy from making a significant impact during the game.

Combo Potential: With clever deck construction, Labyrinth of Skophos can be a crucial component in combinations that require control over combat phases. It has the potential to synergize with cards that capitalize on manipulated combat scenarios or activate abilities when attacking creatures become untapped or are removed from combat.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames shift towards creature-heavy strategies or commanders that hinge on combat triggers, Labyrinth of Skophos gains value. Its relevance increases, offering a mana sink to strategically bypass certain engagements without using a spell slot, preserving hand resources. This can be particularly effective in games that stretch into the late phases where every decision can determine the winner.

How to beat

Labyrinth of Skophos is a unique land card in Magic: The Gathering that provides an intriguing defensive mechanism. When effectively incorporated into a deck, it can serve as a reliable tool for dodging unfavorable combats or saving key creatures from an attacker’s wrath. Its ability to remove a creature from combat without targeting makes it an invaluable asset in the right situation. It’s akin to a maze that traps attackers within its bewildering paths, deterring aggression and disrupting the enemy’s battle plans.

To navigate around the labyrinth’s perplexing corridors, one strategy is to include instant-speed removal or bounce effects to counter its activation. Countering the activation with spells like Naturalize or Field of Ruin can be effective ways to dethrone the otherwise sturdy defense it offers. Applying pressure by forcing multiple attacks in one turn can also overwhelm the Labyrinth’s utility, necessitating a tactical approach to combat that ensures your key threats are not stifled by its power.

Ultimately, outmaneuvering Labyrinth of Skophos calls for foresight and a mastery of timing to outwit the opponent’s defensive strategies. With a balanced blend of disruption, pressure, and precise play, this maze-like stronghold can be conquered.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Labyrinth of Skophos MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Theros Beyond Death, 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 of Skophos and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Labyrinth of Skophos Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-01-24 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Jonas De Ro.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 799212015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
22020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 3462015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
32020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 2432015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
42020-01-24Theros Beyond Death PromosPTHB 243s2015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
52020-01-24Theros Beyond Death PromosPTHB 243p2015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
62024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 2722015NormalBlackJonas De Ro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Labyrinth of Skophos has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-01-24 A creature removed from combat by Labyrinth of Skophos remains tapped if it was tapped.
2020-01-24 If a blocking creature is removed from combat, the creature it blocked remains blocked. Unless that creature has trample, it won’t deal combat damage.
2020-01-24 Once creatures attack or block, they remain attacking or blocking creatures through the end of combat step unless removed from combat (by Labyrinth of Skophos or a similar effect).