Masako the Humorless MTG Card


Masako allows tapped creatures to block, enhancing defense and maintaining board presence. Her required card discard for channeling can be a setback when resources are low. Despite her restrictive mana cost, Masako’s versatility makes her a valuable addition.
Masako the Humorless - Champions of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Advisor
Abilities Flash
Released2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameChampions of Kamigawa
Set codeCHK
Power 2
Toughness 1
Number33
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBen Thompson

Text of card

You may play Masako the Humorless any time you could play an instant. Tapped creatures you control may block as though they were untapped.

Konda's servants dared not neglect their duties for a moment under Masako's icy gaze, knowing that what she saw, Lord Konda would hear.


Cards like Masako the Humorless

Masako the Humorless offers a unique twist on creature abilities within Magic: The Gathering. She has a rare and intriguing ability that allows tapped creatures to block, which can be likened to cards like Reconnaissance that also manipulate the combat phase. However, Masako the Humorless is a creature, thus bringing an additional body to the battlefield unlike Reconnaissance which is an enchantment.

Continuing on this theme, Brave the Sands is another card that enriches the defensive capabilities of your creatures, granting them vigilance and the ability to block an additional attacker. While it shares the defensive upgrade feature with Masako the Humorless, it does not enable blocking with tapped creatures. Then there’s Icy Manipulator, a classic artifact that can tap or untap a single target, indirectly influencing the combat phase and blocking potential, though it lacks the straightforward and widespread impact on combat provided by Masako the Humorless.

Appreciating the strategic depth and defensive flexibility provided by Masako the Humorless, she is undoubtedly an asset in MTG decks that seek to surprise opponents and redefine the rules of engagement during the combat phase.

Reconnaissance - MTG Card versions
Brave the Sands - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Reconnaissance - MTG Card versions
Brave the Sands - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Masako the Humorless offers strategic depth by allowing tapped creatures to block, potentially deterring opponents from attacking and maintaining your card presence on the board.

Resource Acceleration: While Masako herself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, her ability can effectively save your creatures from being overwhelmed, preserving your forces and the mana invested in them.

Instant Speed: The enhanced blocking capability is always active as long as Masako is on the field, providing the same surprise element as an instant by changing combat dynamics unexpectedly for your adversaries.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Masako the Humorless has a discard condition for its channel ability, demanding a card to be tossed away to utilize its unique effect. This can be challenging when your hand is already depleted and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Masako the Humorless requires white mana to cast. This mana specificity can restrict her inclusion to decks that consistently generate white mana, potentially excluding her from various multicolored or mono-deck strategies that don’t align with her casting requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that sits on the higher side for her utility, players might consider other options. There are creatures and spells with lower mana costs that could be deemed more efficient in terms of resource management and strategic planning.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Masako the Humorless is not confined to a single playstyle. This legendary creature slips smoothly into white-based control or midrange decks, offering a unique ability to block with tapped creatures, which can dramatically alter combat dynamics.

Combo Potential: Her static ability creates unexpected combo opportunities, especially with cards that tap your creatures for various effects, ensuring they can still be defensive assets. This capability can catch opponents off guard and protect valuable assets.

Meta-Relevance: In a game climate where tapping strategies or summoning sickness can put you at a disadvantage, having Masako the Humorless in your collection offers insurance against these elements, keeping you ahead of the curve in the evolving meta.


How to beat

Masako the Humorless presents a unique tactical challenge for players in Magic: The Gathering due to her ability that permits tapped creatures to block. This can turn the tide of combat in your opponent’s favor unexpectedly. When facing Masako, removal spells that can bypass her ability are crucial. Cards like Murder or Doom Blade can effectively remove her from play without triggering combat-related effects. Additionally, leveraging exile mechanics through cards such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can permanently deal with her, circumventing any potential blocking tricks she might enable.

It’s also advantageous to incorporate board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation in your strategy, which can sweep away multiple creatures regardless of their tapping status. Implementing these cards can assist in clearing a path free of Masako’s influence, allowing you to maintain pressure on your opponent without the worry of tapped blockers. Utilizing instant-speed interactions to remove Masako during your turn can also prevent any untoward blocking scenarios, ensuring that your path to victory remains clear.

Countering her on the stack with spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak is another robust strategy. By preventing Masako from hitting the battlefield in the first place, you neutralize her effect entirely and keep control of the combat phase. Considering these tactics will help you mitigate the impact Masako the Humorless could have on your game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Gaining the upper hand in MTG is often about the nuanced understanding of each card’s potential impact. Masako the Humorless is a gem of subtlety, providing players with a distinctive strategic advantage by enabling previously tapped creatures to block. Understandably, mastering her use requires insight and experience. If you’re looking to add finesse to your matches and thrive in situations that others might find insurmountable, Masako is a card to consider. Dive deeper into the craft of combat and elevate your deck’s defensive capabilities with us. Embrace this legendary creature’s prowess and redefine combat on your terms.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Masako the Humorless MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Masako the Humorless and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Masako the Humorless has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-12-01 Masako allows tapped creatures to block only if they could otherwise block. It doesn’t allow creatures that “can’t block” to block, nonflying creatures to block fliers, etc.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.