Pit Trap MTG Card

As an instant, Pit Trap allows for unexpected plays, disrupting opponent strategies and maintaining element of surprise. Offers board control and creature removal while conserving mana resources for other strategic game plays. Though mana and situational constraints exist, its utility in creature-heavy metas makes it a worthwhile inclusion.

Ice Age (ICE)
1995-06-03 - Number 333

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 307

Seventh Edition (7ED)
2001-04-11 - Number 313

Seventh Edition (7ED)
2001-04-11 - Number 313★

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact

Text of card

,oc T: Sacrifice Pit Trap to bury target creature without flying that is attacking you.

"These traps are truly a symbol of great cruelty and sinister cunning." —Sorine Relicbane, Soldevi Heretic

Cards like Pit Trap

Pit Trap is a useful tool for removing problematic creatures on the battlefield in MTG. Its simmering presence is akin to other creature removal spells like Murder, which outright kills a target creature for three mana. Yet, Pit Trap offers a more subtle and strategic approach, needing creatures to be tapped before springing the trap, allowing players to plan their moves with more precision.

Comparably, we find cards like Icy Manipulator that don’t destroy the creatures but rather tap them, controlling the field without resorting to destruction. Pit Trap, however, eliminates the threat once it’s tapped, ensuring it doesn’t pose a danger in future turns. Then there’s the card Pacifism, another popular control play that incapacitates creatures by preventing them from attacking or blocking. It’s a long-term solution, unlike Pit Trap, which is a one-time use but offers immediate removal.

Gauging the subtle nuances of creature control, Pit Trap sits comfortably among its peers as a tactical card ready to be unleashed. Its ability to wait for the perfect moment to remove a creature without needing upfront mana presents a unique value within the realm of MTG removal cards.

Cards similar to Pit Trap by color, type and mana cost

Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Pit Trap card can be a subtle player on the board, potentially leading to advantageous card interactions. Once in play, if used at the right moment, Pit Trap can remove a valuable creature from your opponent’s side, potentially disrupting their strategy and turning the tide in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While it does not directly accelerate resources, Pit Trap can serve to indirectly maintain your mana economy by offering a versatile removal option without the need to invest in more expensive spells, saving those resources for other pivotal moments in the game.

Instant Speed: Pit Trap operates at instant speed, offering the element of surprise and allowing you to respond to threats immediately. This flexibility permits you to pass your turn without committing mana upfront, keeping your options open to react accordingly to your opponent’s actions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Pit Trap card doesn’t require a card discard but it demands vigilance as it can only be activated under specific conditions which may lead to missed opportunities or delayed strategy deployments during gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring the presence of a white mana, Pit Trap’s particular mana needs can be restrictive, fitting mostly into white-aligned or multicolored decks and potentially hindering its inclusion in others.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost to lay the trap and an additional cost to spring it, players may find themselves investing significant mana to utilize this card. Given the spectrum of available removal options, the efficiency of Pit Trap can be underwhelming in fast-paced matches where mana efficiency is crucial.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pit Trap is a handy tool for a variety of decks, offering a flexible response to threats on the board without committing a slot in your main deck strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can easily become a key piece in setups aimed at controlling the field, working with other cards that capitalize on creatures being tapped or destroyed.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy and aggressive decks commonly seen in current rotations, Pit Trap offers a cost-efficient way to remove imposing creatures and maintain board stability.

How to beat

Pit Trap is a tactical artifact card that can be a game-changer in MTG matches. Its ability to ensnare an opponent’s creature when it attacks can swing the game in your favor at a moment’s notice. However, skilled players know that baiting out this card or playing around it is key to maintaining the upper hand.

One effective strategy against Pit Trap is to deploy creatures with Hexproof or Shroud, limiting the target options for the trap. Alternatively, incorporating cards that can destroy or disable artifacts can neutralize Pit Trap before it becomes a threat. Counterspells are also invaluable, providing the means to stop Pit Trap from ever hitting the field. Another common tactic is to hold back on attacks until you have the resources to summon multiple creatures in a single turn, overwhelming the Pit Trap’s single-use limitation.

Taking these approaches into account can help savvy players circumvent the dangers of Pit Trap and continue to dictate the pace of the game. Recognizing the moments to bait, evade, or neutralize this card can turn a potential setback into a strategic advantage.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pit Trap MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Urza's Saga, 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 Pit Trap and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Pit Trap Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2001-04-11. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1995-06-03	Ice Age	ICE	333	1993	Normal	Black	Anson Maddocks
2	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG	307	1997	Normal	Black	Brian Snõddy
3	2001-04-11	Seventh Edition	7ED	313	1997	Normal	White	Nelson DeCastro
4	2001-04-11	Seventh Edition	7ED	313★	1997	Normal	Black	Nelson DeCastro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pit Trap has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal