Raking Canopy MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Enchantment
Released	2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Shadowmoor
Set code	SHM
Number	127
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Heather Hudson

Key Takeaways

Raking Canopy acts as passive removal for flying creatures and can deter their attacks.
Its green mana requirement may limit multicolor deck compatibility and flexibility.
It shines in metagames with prevalent flying creatures, offering strong sideboard value.

Text of card

Whenever a creature with flying attacks you, Raking Canopy deals 4 damage to it.

"Raven's Run has awoken, and ravens will no longer cry in its branches." —Roon Ghastbark

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Raking Canopy provides a defensive edge that continually thwarts opponents who rely heavily on creatures with flying. This ongoing effect means it acts as a deterrent and potential repeatable creature removal, conserving your hand by not needing to play additional spells for the same purpose.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing mana or acceleration, Raking Canopy allows you to focus your resources elsewhere, such as advancing your board state or strategy without the need to hold back mana for flying threats, indirectly functioning as a form of resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Raking Canopy itself is an enchantment, the ability it confers operates similarly to an instant, activating whenever a flying creature attacks. This passive capability offers flexible defensive measures on the fly (no pun intended), punishing aggressive aerial strategies without requiring additional mana or actions from you during your turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Raking Canopy is the lack of an immediate impact after casting it. Unlike other spells that actively remove threats or draw cards, Raking Canopy waits passively for conditions to be met before providing value, which can result in a wasted turn if the opponent does not attack with flying creatures.

Specific Mana Cost: Raking Canopy has a requirement for green mana, which may restrict its integration into multicolored decks. Especially for those that do not focus heavily on green or have a mana base that’s not well-suited to generate green mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, its cost is significant, particularly because it doesn’t directly affect the board state upon being played. Other enchantments or spells available at similar mana costs could provide more immediate or versatile effects, enhancing your own board presence or disrupting your opponent’s strategy beyond targeting flying creatures.

Reasons to Include Raking Canopy in Your Collection

Versatility: Raking Canopy is an enchantment that can seamlessly slip into a variety of green deck archetypes. Its ability to deal damage to flying creatures gives it a role as an excellent defensive tool in formats where airborne threats are prominent.

Combo Potential: In combination with other cards that deter or control flying creatures, Raking Canopy can turn the skies into a no-fly zone, disrupting opponents’ strategies that heavily rely on flying creatures, potentially locking them out of the game.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of flying creatures in various MTG decks, Raking Canopy’s meta-relevance is assured. It acts as a strong sideboard card in any green deck, providing an answer to popular flying-centric strategies and ensuring you have the right tool against aerial assaults.

How to Beat Raking Canopy

Understanding the strengths and limitations of Raking Canopy is key for MTG players looking to effectively counter this unique enchantment card. Primarily aimed at defending against creatures with flying, Raking Canopy deals damage to those aerial attackers each time they soar over the battlefield. While this can be a powerful deterrent, it also presents an opportunity for strategic responses.

One straightforward tactic is to employ non-flying creatures or those with reach, which remain unaffected by Raking Canopy’s ability. Alternatively, focusing on spells and abilities that can remove enchantments directly from the battlefield can neutralize its effects entirely. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant are classic examples that can handle Raking Canopy with ease.

Heavy-hitting, ground-based strategies can also overshadow Raking Canopy’s influence, often surpassing the need to engage with flying creatures. In layered defense against multiple threats, this enchantment may fall short. Overall, while Raking Canopy can be a nuisance for flying-centric decks, a diverse strategy that includes enchantment removal, reach creatures, and powerful terrestrial forces can triumph over this particular card.

Cards like Raking Canopy

Raking Canopy stands out among enchantments in Magic: The Gathering with its unique functionality. It provides a defense mechanism against flying creatures, a trait shared with cards like Spiderweb Armor and Gravity Well. However, Raking Canopy distinguishes itself by dealing direct damage to creatures with flying as they attack, whereas Spiderweb Armor merely grants reach to your creatures, allowing them to block flyers.

Another card with a defense against flyers is Windstorm. It allows a one-time clear of the skies based on the mana you spend. Raking Canopy, meanwhile, offers ongoing protection but with the limitation of activation only during an opponent’s attack. Additionally, Aeolipile is worth mentioning; it’s not tailored to targeting flyers specifically but can inflict damage to any creature. Though a versatile option, it fails to offer the consistency against aerial threats that Raking Canopy provides.

Evaluating the differences and strategic uses, Raking Canopy maintains a niche position for players who face frequent flyer-focused decks, offering continuous board control over the fly zone without committing additional resources each turn.

Cards similar to Raking Canopy by color, type and mana cost

The Dragon-Kami Reborn // Dragon-Kami's Egg - MTG Card versions

Rites of Flourishing - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Raking Canopy MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Raking Canopy and other MTG cards: