Shackles of Treachery MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Number | 150 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dmitry Burmak |
Text of card
Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. Until end of turn, it gains haste and "Whenever this creature deals damage, destroy target Equipment attached to it."
In that instant, Toralf felt only the power of the storm and the need to destroy.
Cards like Shackles of Treachery
Shackles of Treachery is an intriguing piece in the repertoire of control cards in MTG. Its closest relatives are Act of Treason and Hijack, both of which also allow a player to gain control of an opponent’s creature for a turn. Shackles of Treachery differentiates itself by awarding an additional benefit to the controller, the scry 1 ability, fine-tuning a player’s subsequent draw.
Comparing it to Act of Treason, Shackles of Treachery’s distinct advantage lies in the scry ability, rather than just taking control of a creature. Meanwhile, Hijack ups the ante by extending the control to artifacts as well as creatures. However, it lacks the scry feature that can strategically mold future plays. On the spectrum of temporary theft cards, there is also Wrangle, which is more mana-efficient but limits its control to smaller creatures with power 4 or less.
Assessing various factors, Shackles of Treachery boasts a unique combination of creature commandeering and deck manipulation, positioning it as a versatile choice among red control spells. Its value lies not only in disrupting opponents but also in shaping your own draws to secure a stronger position in the game.
Cards similar to Shackles of Treachery by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shackles of Treachery can unexpectedly shift board state in your favor, often creating an advantageous swing in card utility. By taking control of an opponent’s creature, you not only gain a creature but effectively remove one from your opponent’s arsenal, significantly impacting the card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of mana, using this card can allow you access to additional resources. For example, commandeering a creature with a mana ability can temporarily accelerate your resource availability, potentially unlocking higher-value plays you couldn’t otherwise make that turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Shackles of Treachery at instant speed offers tactical flexibility. It can disrupt your opponent’s strategy during crucial phases of their turn, like combat or end step. This flexibility can lead to favorable interactions and surprise advantages that can be game-changing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Shackles of Treachery can take control of an opponent’s creature, it can also require that you discard a card to utilize its additional cost. This might put you at a disadvantage, especially if your hand is already running low on cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Shackles of Treachery’s casting cost demands one red mana. This can sometimes restrict its integration into multi-colored decks, as you may not always have the red mana available when you need it.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of three mana, with one red mana specifically, can be relatively steep considering other available options in the game. It is especially noticeable when compared to spells of similar effects that may offer a more cost-effective solution or have additional benefits attached.
Reasons to Include Shackles of Treachery in Your Collection
Versatility: Shackles of Treachery is a flexible card that can be a game-changer in various red deck strategies. Its ability to seize control of an opponent’s creature for a turn, and the added benefit of untapping it, means it can fit well into aggressive decks as well as those looking to capitalize on temporary theft and surprise attacks.
Combo Potential: This card shines in scenarios where you can capitalize on the stolen creature’s abilities or use it as a sacrifice fodder for other spells and abilities. It can function as a key piece in combos that require an extra creature on your side of the battlefield, whether for attacking or other synergistic purposes.
Meta-Relevance: With the ever-evolving metagame, Shackles of Treachery can serve as a counter to creature-heavy decks or as unexpected removal by forcing unfavorable blocks. Its place in your collection can be justified by its potential to disrupt your opponent’s plans and turn the tide of a match in your favor.
How to beat Shackles of Treachery
Shackles of Treachery is a unique card in MTG that can turn the tide of a game by allowing you to gain control of an opponent’s creature until the end of turn while giving it a sudden burst of haste. Its ability to disrupt your opponent’s battlefield by taking their creature for a critical attack can be a game-changer. However, there are strategies to mitigate the impact of this card.
One effective method is to keep a watchful eye on the mana your opponent has available. Since Shackles of Treachery requires mana to cast, understanding when your opponent has the means to play such a card can influence your decision-making. Also, keeping creatures with hexproof or shroud on the battlefield can prevent them from becoming targets. Instant-speed removal spells can also ruin the plans of a treacherous takeover by removing the target in response to the cast. Additionally, taking a defensive stance when you suspect your opponent holds this card, by not over-committing powerful creatures to the board without protection, can minimize its impact.
Ultimately, while Shackles of Treachery has the potential to surprise and overpower, with careful play and the right counters, its effect on the game can be significantly reduced, keeping you in control of the match. Being able to anticipate and react can ensure that the treachery doesn’t lead to your downfall.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shackles of Treachery MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 Shackles of Treachery and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Shackles of Treachery has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shackles of Treachery card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-02-05 | Gaining control of a creature doesn’t cause you to gain control of any Auras or Equipment attached to it. |
| 2021-02-05 | If that ability triggers, you must choose a legal target if one is available. It doesn’t matter who controls the Equipment attached to the creature. If that Equipment is no longer attached to the creature as the ability tries to resolve, the ability won’t resolve and the Equipment won’t be destroyed. |
| 2021-02-05 | Shackles of Treachery can target any creature, including one that’s already untapped or one that doesn’t have any Equipment attached to it. |
| 2021-02-05 | The triggered ability gained by the creature will trigger when that creature deals any damage, not just combat damage. |