Root Snare MTG Card

Negates opponent’s potential card advantage during their attack, equating to sustained board control. Instant-speed allows for flexible, last-moment defense, preserving life and planeswalkers. Meta relevance as a counter to aggressive decks gives control strategies crucial breathing room.

Core Set 2019 (M19)
2018-07-13 - Number 199

Ravnica Allegiance (RNA)
2019-01-25 - Number 137

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn.

The only casualties were a snapped spear, a lost helmet, and some bruised egos.

Cards like Root Snare

Root Snare is a well-known defense spell among green decks in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to players this turn echoes the effect of cards like Fog, which is the quintessential card for such defensive tactics. Root Snare, however, distinguishes itself by being part of the newer sets and often more readily available.

Comparably, Haze of Pollen can be called a close relative, offering not only the same damage prevention but also cycling, providing players with an alternative use for the card when prevention isn’t needed. Moments of peace also follows suit but comes with a higher mana cost in exchange for preventing combat damage for two turns instead of one, giving a player a longer respite from enemy attacks.

Evaluating the utility and strategic advantages of Root Snare compared to its kin, it manages to hold its ground. It’s a straightforward, low-cost measure for protecting oneself against imminent threats on the battlefield and with its place in green’s defensive repertoire, Root Snare is a staple card to consider for players wanting to avoid costly damage effectively.

Cards similar to Root Snare by color, type and mana cost

Might of the Nephilim - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Root Snare. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Decklist	Free form		79#CS
	Bant Control	Gladiator		Gladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Root Snare doesn’t inherently draw cards, it effectively negates the potential card advantage an opponent might gain from a successful attack, ensuring you maintain parity on the board and in hand.

Resource Acceleration: Though Root Snare doesn’t produce additional resources directly, its low cost allows you to preserve your life total while still deploying other spells or building your board presence.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Root Snare can be cast in response to an opponent’s assault, keeping your strategy flexible and responsive. This allows you to wait until the most opportune moment, such as after your opponent has declared attackers, to nullify their combat damage and protect your planeswalkers or life points without having to commit mana earlier in the turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For decks that focus on card synergy and hand advantage, the absence of a discard aspect can mean that Root Snare could miss the opportunity to be a dual-purpose card which could provide additional benefit.

Specific Mana Cost: Root Snare’s cost is made up of both green mana and generic mana. This specific mana cost means it’s not universally applicable across all deck types, particularly in multicolored decks that may have a tighter mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to instant-speed defense spells, Root Snare’s two mana cost may be considered high by some players, especially when compared to other one-mana alternatives like Dive Down or Spell Pierce which can offer protection for creatures or disrupt opponents for less mana investment.

Reasons to Include Root Snare in Your Collection

Versatility: Root Snare offers pivotal moments of survival against various aggressive strategies. It’s an essential card in decks that need a breather to set up the board or await crucial mana for game-winning plays.

Combo Potential: In combination with cards that allow you to play spells on your opponent’s turn, Root Snare can be a surprise element that protects your life total and preserves your board state, opening up opportunities for impressive combo finishes.

Meta-Relevance: With a metagame often dominated by fast aggro decks, having Root Snare can be a strategic inclusion. It’s that unexpected pause that gives control and ramp decks the edge they need to stabilize and take control of the match.

How to Beat Root Snare

Root Snare stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a defensive staple, often causing frustration for players geared towards aggressive strategies. Known for its ability to prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to a player during a turn, this fog-effect card provides a lifeline for many in critical moments. To effectively bypass this green instant’s shield, one must think ahead and incorporate non-combat strategies.

Consider spells that deal direct damage, like Lightning Strike or Shock, which can target players and bypass the protection Root Snare offers. Another approach is to leverage abilities that reduce your opponent’s life total without relying on combat, such as those found on Furnace of Rath or Questing Beast. Counterplay can also come from using counterspells like Negate or Dispel when Root Snare is cast, nullifying its effect completely.

Understanding the timing and strategic placement of your threats is key. Deploying creatures with haste after a Root Snare has been used or investing in powerful, game-ending spells can ensure that your opponent’s temporary respite doesn’t turn into a route to victory. By diversifying your tactics and maintaining pressure, you can circumvent the protective embrace of Root Snare and lead your deck to triumph.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Root Snare MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Root Snare and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Root Snare Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2019-01-25. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2018-07-13	Core Set 2019	M19		199	2015	Normal	Black	Mitchell Malloy
2	2019-01-25	Ravnica Allegiance	RNA		137	2015	Normal	Black	Craig J Spearing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Root Snare has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal