Slave of Bolas MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When casting Slave of Bolas, not only do you gain temporary control of an opponent’s creature, but you also force it to attack and then sacrifice it, essentially removing a threat from the board while depleting your opponent’s resources. This provides a significant swing in card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Although Slave of Bolas doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it effectively denies your opponent’s investments. By taking control of a creature they have spent mana to play, you utilize their resources for your advantage, effectively stalling their momentum while boosting your board position.

Instant Speed: Slave of Bolas operates at sorcery speed, which means it benefits from strategic timing during your main phases. The ability to seize an opponent’s creature just before you declare attackers can pivot the game’s dynamics, catching them off-guard and potentially leading to a decisive turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Slave of Bolas forces you to sacrifice the creature you gain control of at the end of turn, which can be a setback if you’re aiming to build a permanent board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a particular combination of mana colors, making it less flexible and harder to cast outside Grixis (blue, black, red) themed decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of five, including three specific colors, Slave of Bolas can be quite costly compared to other control or steal effects, potentially slowing down your game strategy.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Slave of Bolas offers the flexibility to commandeer an opponent’s creature, serving dual purposes of removing a threat from their board and temporarily adding to yours. This can be a turning point in any game, fitting into a variety of deck strategies that value control and power swings.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate into decks that capitalize on sacrifice mechanics, turning the tide by utilizing a stolen creature for various synergistic plays, thereby getting more value out of a single spell.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where high-value creatures dominate, Slave of Bolas remains a relevant choice. Its ability to disrupt opponent’s strategies while bolstering your own position makes it a tactical addition that remains influential against many popular deck archetypes.

How to beat

Slave of Bolas is a spell that holds the power to dominate the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It allows a player to gain control of an opponent’s creature, untap it, and it gains haste until end of turn, after which the creature is sacrificed. This can turn an opponent’s threats into your advantages, albeit momentarily.

To counter this treacherous card, one should consider playing cards that grant your creatures hexproof or shroud, which effectively shields them from becoming enslaved. Additionally, instant-speed removal can be a saving grace. By removing your own creature from the game in response to Slave of Bolas, you can disrupt your opponent’s plans and maintain control of the game flow. Always keep mana open for reactive plays and prioritize playing creatures with instant-speed escape capabilities. In essence, thwarting Slave of Bolas requires both preparation and timely action, safeguarding your assets from unexpected usurpation.

Remember, anticipating your opponent’s moves and maintaining a lineup of protective spells are key strategies in preserving your creatures and emerging victorious against the manipulative might of Slave of Bolas.

BurnMana Recommendations

The Slave of Bolas card can be a game-changer for MTG enthusiasts seeking control over the battlefield. Its unique ability to seize and sacrifice opponent creatures offers a significant advantage, potentially altering the course of the game in your favor. If you’re keen on maximizing the card’s impact, consider integrating it into decks that thrive on disruption and sacrifice strategies. For those looking to counteract this potent spell, prioritize cards that protect your creatures or have immediate response mechanisms. Ready to conquer with cunning and strategy, or safeguard your forces from domination? Dive deeper with us and master the art and tactics of Slave of Bolas in MTG.