Reparations MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Enchantment |
Released | 1996-10-08 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Mirage |
Set code | MIR |
Number | 278 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Douglas Shuler |
Text of card
Whenever target opponent successfully casts a spell that targets you or a creature you control, you may draw a card.
"Sorry I burned down your village. Here's some gold."
Cards like Reparations
Reparations is an intriguing enchantment in MTG that offers a unique form of redress when an opponent’s spell or ability targets something you control — you get to draw a card. This places it in a niche category alongside other cards that turn detrimental situations to your advantage. One such card is Rhystic Study, which doesn’t directly protect your permanents but provides a consistent card draw mechanism whenever opponents cast spells, unless they pay extra mana for it.
Conversely, there’s Compost, which rewards you with card draw, but only upon the condition of black cards hitting the graveyard. While not as widely applicable as Rhystic Study, in a meta with heavy black presence, Compost can be an unexpected boon. Compared to Reparations, however, it does rely more on the opponents’ actions than on targeted interaction. Then there’s the comparable Imp’s Mischief, which can change the targets of spells or abilities but doesn’t provide the card draw benefit. It does offer more tactical flexibility to disrupt opponents’ plans, at a cost.
Ultimately, while Reparations doesn’t directly prevent the actions of your opponents, its ability to provide card advantage while deterring targeted strategies contributes to its subtle strength in the right MTG environment.
Cards similar to Reparations by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Reparations offers a steady source of card draw whenever a spell targets one of your permanents. This continuous replenishment is a potent method of maintaining hand superiority against opponents.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or treasure tokens, the advantage gained through card draw can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by finding you the necessary lands or ramp spells to accelerate your game plan.
Instant Speed: Its enchantment nature means that it’s always “on,” effectively deterring opponents from targeting your assets or risking handing over card advantage to you, similar to an instant’s flexibility in managing resources during gameplay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One notable downside of the Reparations card is that it doesn’t directly cause any discard. This means relying solely on this card won’t help trim an opponent’s hand, a method often crucial in controlling the pace of the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Reparations calls for a specific mana combination to play. Requiring both blue and white mana, it is somewhat restrictive, potentially fitting into fewer decks and necessitating a more measured mana base to reliably cast it.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its three-mana cost, including one white and one blue, it’s comparatively high, considering it’s an enchantment that reacts to other cards being destroyed. In the fast-paced modern gameplay, there are alternatives that protect or counter threats at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Reparations in Your Collection
Versatility: Reparations lends itself to various control strategies, fitting into decks that aim to discourage opponents from targeting your spells or permanents with its unique deterrent effect.
Combo Potential: This card meshes well with decks engineered to take advantage of its trigger. It can complement strategies that protect valuable creatures or important enchantments, turning any removal your opponents use into a draw engine for you.
Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where targeted removal is prevalent, Reparations shines by providing continuous card advantage. This can be especially relevant against decks that rely on pinpoint disruption to dismantle their opponent’s board state.
How to beat
Reparations is a unique enchantment within the Magic: The Gathering universe, known for its ability to turn an opponent’s aggression to your advantage by drawing a card whenever a source you don’t control deals damage to you or a permanent you control. This unusual defensive strategy can be a thorn in the side of aggressive decks that rely on constant pressure.
To outplay this card, a proactive approach that focuses on non-damage based removal of enchantments is vital. Consider using cards like Disenchant or Naturalize, which can directly target and destroy enchantments without triggering Reparations’ card draw ability. Planning your strategy also involves patience; wait to deal damage until you can safely remove Reparations from the battlefield. In games where counterplay is essential, keep spells that can counter enchantments or search your library for necessary answers at the ready. This way, the temporary setback Reparations presents becomes a minor delay rather than a game-deciding obstacle.
While Reparations can offer a strategic edge in the right deck, understanding its mechanics and preparing your deck with appropriate answers ensures that you maintain control of the game, even when facing seemingly discouraging cards.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Reparations 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 Reparations 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 Reparations has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |