Control of the Court MTG Card

Control of the Court - Portal Three Kingdoms

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery
Released	1999-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Portal Three Kingdoms
Set code	PTK
Number	105
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	White
Illustred by	Li Yousong

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage by filtering top library cards, crucial for dictating the game’s pace.
Accelerates resources by untapping lands, fostering a player’s ambitious strategies.
Operates at instant speed, allowing flexible and unpredictable gameplay maneuvers.

Text of card

Draw four cards and put them into your hand. Then discard three cards at random from your hand.

"Power-hungry eunuchs, the curse of the dynasty, have thrown the masses of the people into the depths of misery."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Control of the Court provides a superb tactical edge by enabling players to selectively sift through the top cards of their library. This strategic move not only filters future draws but also ensures a steady flow of resources, which is crucial for outmaneuvering opponents in the intricate dance of MTG play.

Resource Acceleration: In the orchestrated clash for supremacy, Control of the Court masterfully accelerates players’ resources. By potentially untapping lands, it acts as a catalyst for resource optimization, fueling an ambitious game plan and pacing the trajectory of the match towards its wielder’s victory.

Instant Speed: Striking with the precision and timing that only instant speed cards can offer, Control of the Court caters to the cunning tactician. It allows players to deftly navigate the battlefield, maintaining a veil of unpredictability while ensuring they have the right tools at the most opportune moments, thereby laying the groundwork for a decisive turn of events.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Control of the Court comes with the prerequisite of discarding a card. This trade-off can be detrimental to your hand, especially if you’re struggling to maintain card advantage or running out of useful plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost is pinpointed not only to a particular color but also requires color diversity. It demands both blue and white mana, which might not align smoothly with every deck’s mana base, restricting its inclusion to certain types of decks only.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total cost that’s relatively high for its effects, Control of the Court might be overlooking more accessible options. Players may find better efficiency and utility in other cards that offer similar benefits without such a significant mana investment.

Reasons to Include Control of the Court in Your Collection

Versatility: Control of the Court offers a unique ability to redirect the flow of the game. Tailored to control decks, this card can seamlessly fit into a variety of gameplans, from disrupting the opponent’s strategies to protecting your own key spells or permanents.

Combo Potential: For those who appreciate intricate gameplay, this card paves the way for combo interactions. It can be a linchpin in situations where specific triggers are needed to untap the potential of your game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a gaming environment where tempo and card advantage are king, Control of the Court stands out. It’s highly effective against decks that rely on a steady curve or certain combo pieces, carving a niche for itself in the competitive scene.

How to beat Control of the Court

Control of the Court is a strategy often utilized by players looking to dominate the game flow in Magic: The Gathering. These decks typically rely heavily on counter spells, removal, and other means of disruption to keep their opponents at bay while gradually advancing their own game plan. Successfully overcoming this card requires a mix of patience, timing, and the right countermeasures.

To maneuver around Control of the Court, players might want to consider incorporating cards that can’t be countered or employing tactics that render their spells more resilient to counterspells. One approach includes deploying threats at a pace the control player struggles to match, limiting the opportunities for them to effectively use their control tools. Additionally, cards with “flash” can be invaluable, allowing you to play on your opponent’s turn when their guard may be down. Another strategy is to take advantage of the windows when the control player is low on resources, namely after they’ve played their namesake card and potentially exhausted their mana pool.

The key is to apply constant pressure and adapt your playstyle to be less predictable, challenging the control player’s ability to manage the game. By doing so, you increase your chances to outpace Control of the Court and seize the upper hand.

Cards like Control of the Court

Control of the Court is an intriguing tactical tool for Magic: The Gathering deck builders, much like its precedent, Mystic Confluence. This versatile blue spell allows players to choose among multiple effects, influencing the flow of the game significantly. Both cards offer the valuable ability to counter spells, a staple in control strategies. However, Control of the Court is singular in its potential to offer card advantage while disrupting opponents.

Conversely, Supreme Will also invites comparison, as it permits players to look at the top cards of their library and pick the most needed, or act as a counter when necessary. But Control of the Court offers a distinct advantage due to its ability to affect multiple opponents in a game, which can be crucial in multiplayer formats. Then there’s Fact or Fiction, a comparable card enabling players to reveal the top cards and divide them into two piles, providing versatile card selection. Yet, Control of the Court’s broader impact on the game can often outweigh the more focused selection that Fact or Fiction provides.

Thus, in the arena of control spells, Control of the Court presents a unique blend of flexibility and advantage, situating itself as a valuable asset in a player’s MTG arsenal.

Cards similar to Control of the Court by color, type and mana cost

Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - MTG Card versions

Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Control of the Court MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms, 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 Control of the Court and other MTG cards: