Paupers' Cage MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Number | 314 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mike Kimble |
Text of card
At end of target opponent's upkeep, if that player has two or fewer cards in hand, Paupers' Cage deals 2 damage to him or her.
A cage may keep you in, but it does not keep the stones out.
Cards like Paupers' Cage
Paupers’ Cage is an intriguing artifact in Magic: The Gathering that offers a unique approach to controlling opponents’ resources. Its closest parallels include other cards that penalize players for not meeting certain conditions. Black Vise, for example, punishes opponents based on the number of cards in their hand at the beginning of their turns. While Black Vise focuses on the abundance of cards, Paupers’ Cage inversely targets scarcity, imposing life loss for a shortage of cards.
Another similar card is Iron Maiden, which, like Black Vise, targets player’s hand size, but it activates during the upkeep phase of their turn. It’s a subtle shift in timing but can be highly impactful in game mechanics. However, neither Black Vise nor Iron Maiden offer the consistent, inevitable drain that Paupers’ Cage can ensure against low-card states.
Lastly, The Rack deserves a mention as it also shines in a comparable zone of strategy, dealing damage whenever an opponent has too few cards in hand, complementing Paupers’ Cage’s approach to resource punishment. Each card brings a different edge to the table, yet Paupers’ Cage stands out for its unique triggering condition, adding a diverse tool for those aiming to exploit opponents’ hand sizes efficiently.
Cards similar to Paupers' Cage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pauper’s Cage provides a steady advantage by slowly whittling down an opponent’s deck, impacting their ability to draw valuable resources as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct tool for mana acceleration, this card can indirectly influence the pace of the game, allowing for strategic planning and potential resource disparity between players.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Pauper’s Cage at instant speed offers players the flexibiliy to respond swiftly to an opponent’s actions, making it a versatile addition to any deck that values timing and adaptability.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pauper’s Cage demands a card to be discarded from your hand, which can quickly deplete your resources and leave you at a disadvantage, particularly in the late game where every card held can be critical to victory.
Specific Mana Cost: Pauper’s Cage comes with a specific mana cost that necessitates precise color alignment. This means it might not seamlessly integrate into every deck, especially those running a wider color spectrum where its black mana cost could be restrictive.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a total of four mana to cast, Pauper’s Cage’s cost is on the higher end for its functionality. When compared to other cards with similar effects, players may find more mana-efficient options for controlling opponents’ hands, potentially making Pauper’s Cage less favorable in a tightly-curated decklist.
Reasons to Include Paupers’ Cage in Your Collection
Versatility: Paupers’ Cage is a flexible addition to any MTG collection due to its ability to impact the board regardless of the opponent’s deck type. It can be especially useful in control or stax decks, where restricting opponents’ options is key.
Combo Potential: With the ability to chip away at opponents’ life totals, Paupers’ Cage works well in combination with other cards that benefit from or contribute to life loss strategies, providing a consistent source of pressure.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where players are optimizing their resources, Paupers’ Cage can act as a deterrent against decks that rely on a full grip of cards, thereby increasing its value against certain meta decks and strategies.
How to Beat Paupers’ Cage
Pauper’s Cage from Magic: The Gathering is an artifact that can influence players’ strategies, especially when playing with a full hand. But don’t let its presence on the board intimidate you. There are effective methods to mitigate its impact and maintain control. To start, a focus on hand management is critical. Use instants and spells with flash to keep your hand size minimal by the end of your turn, reducing the life loss from Pauper’s Cage.
Another reliable tactic involves including card destruction abilities in your deck. Directly targeting artifacts with spells like Naturalize or Shatter will eliminate Pauper’s Cage and its threat. Similarly, counterspells are also your friends here—stop Pauper’s Cage from being a factor before it even hits the board.
Lastly, playing around Pauper’s Cage by using graveyard-based strategies or leveraging decks that function well with fewer cards in hand can negate its impact. Dredge, reanimation, or madness decks are particular examples that can effectively bypass Pauper’s Cage’s effects. With these strategies, you’re in a good position to outsmart and beat Pauper’s Cage in your Magic: The Gathering games.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Paupers' Cage MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Paupers' Cage 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Paupers' Cage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |