Insubordination MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Abilities	Enchant
Released	1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mercadian Masques
Set code	MMQ
Number	141
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Andrew Goldhawk

Key Takeaways

Card draw from Insubordination provides a steady stream of options, enhancing your gameplay strategically.
While versatile in many decks, its specific mana requirements may limit its inclusion to certain deck types.
Understanding this card’s unique mechanics can be crucial for both effectively utilizing and countering it.

Text of card

At the end of the turn of enchanted creature's controller, Insubordination deals 2 damage to that player unless enchanted creature attacked this turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Insubordination offers an ongoing effect that can potentially lead to significant card advantage. Every time the enchanted creature becomes tapped, you get to draw a card, allowing you to build up a wealth of options in your hand while disrupting your opponent’s game plan.

Resource Acceleration: Although Insubordination isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration like traditional ramp cards, the constant influx of cards it provides can unearth more land drops or other acceleration mechanisms, indirectly contributing to your mana growth and aiding you in outpacing your opponent.

Instant Speed: This enchantment enters the battlefield at sorcery speed, but its effect is triggered at instant speed whenever the enchanted creature becomes tapped. This means that you can benefit from the card draw immediately during an opponent’s turn, whether they’re attacking, tapping for an ability, or even being forced to tap due to another spell or effect, keeping your hand replenished at crucial moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Insubordination’s activation mandates discarding cards, potentially depleting valuable hand options.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and red mana, the card’s cost can be restrictive, binding it mainly to Rakdos decks or those comfortable with mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: It commands a substantial investment of three mana, which could deter players considering other cards with lower costs and more immediate impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include Insubordination in Your Collection

Versatility: Insubordination is a unique enchantment that can be used in numerous deck strategies. Its ability to punish opponents for not attacking can provide a tactical advantage in control or prison-style decks.

Combo Potential: This card works well in combinations where you aim to restrict your opponent’s choices. By pairing it with cards that tap creatures or with effects that limit attacks, you can consistently inflict damage to your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based decks are common, Insubordination can serve as a deterrent, forcing opponents to make difficult decisions about attacking. It seamlessly becomes a tool to shape the battlefield to your favor and disrupt your opponent’s plans.

How to beat

Insubordination is an enchantment card known for its punishing effects on untapped creatures. Dealing with it requires smart play and an understanding of creature management. A straightforward approach is to ensure your creatures are always tapped, preventing the automatic damage Insubordination can cause at the beginning of your upkeep.

Another strategy is to remove Insubordination directly using enchantment destruction spells, or in the case of blue decks, counter the spell altogether before it hits the battlefield. Green decks offer numerous spells for enchantment removal, like Naturalize or Return to Nature, both being cost-effective methods to deal with troublesome enchantments.

Beyond removal, another tactic is to redirect or mitigate the damage it can cause using life gain spells or abilities that change the target of damage. In a control deck, spells like Redirect can turn the card’s own disadvantage on your opponent by targeting their own creatures. Similarly, incorporating cards that allow you to tap or untap creatures at will gives you greater control over the board and reduces the impact of Insubordination. Implementing these strategies helps ensure you maintain the upper hand against decks utilizing this pesky enchantment.

Cards like Insubordination

Insubordination is a unique enchantment card within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, resonating with players who enjoy control and passive damage effects. This card mirrors the functionality of a card like Hissing Miasma. Both cards punish opponents’ for attacking, but instead of dealing damage per creature like Hissing Miasma, Insubordination deals damage if they don’t attack, thus pressuring opponents into unfavorable combats.

Another card worth comparing is Blood Reckoning, which, akin to Insubordination, creates a deterrent for opponents considering an attack. The difference lies in the timing of the damage, with Blood Reckoning inflicting pain the moment creatures attack rather than during upkeep. This can be a significant factor when planning the pace of your defense.

Compelling players to engaged tactics, Insubordination stands out by flipping the script on the conventional defense methods in Magic: The Gathering. Instead of penalizing active attackers, it targets the passive, strategic player, potentially changing the entire rhythm of a game. Its ability to influence the battlefield compares interestingly with these other control cards, making it a notable card for enthusiasts of control decks.

Cards similar to Insubordination by color, type and mana cost

Chains of Mephistopheles - MTG Card versions

Tribute to Horobi // Echo of Death's Wail - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Insubordination MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Insubordination and other MTG cards: