Slingbow Trap MTG Card

Targets flying creatures, offering a reactive tool for decks that struggle against aerial threats. Instant speed allows surprise plays, but specific mana and discard requirements may limit flexibility. Inclusion in collections is warranted for versatility and meta-relevance, primarily in Green decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant — Trap
Released	2010-02-05
Set symbol
Set name	Worldwake
Set code	WWK
Number	111
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daniel Ljunggren

Text of card

If a black creature with flying is attacking, you may pay rather than pay Slingbow Trap's mana cost. Destroy target attacking creature with flying.

The Tajuru elves devised ways to let the forest defend itself.

Cards like Slingbow Trap

Slingbow Trap joins the ranks of reactive cards in MTG with its capacity to control the board. In comparison with cards such as Plummet, Slingbow Trap excels by having a broader removal scope beyond simply destroying flying creatures. Though Plummet is cheaper in terms of mana cost, Slingbow Trap’s flexibility in targeting attacking creatures, regardless of flying, presents a significant strategic advantage.

In the same realm, Crushing Canopy offers a choice between destroying a flying creature or an enchantment. This dual utility is valuable, however, Slingbow Trap’s lower cost and the fact that it can potentially be costless if a permanent you controlled was destroyed this turn, edges out in terms of efficiency. The trap mechanic of Slingbow Trap also adds to its deceptive allure, potentially catching opponents off-guard during their attack phase.

Ultimately, Slingbow Trap finds its niche through its versatility and surprise factor. Its conditional mana cost reduction can be a game-changer, aligning well with strategies that thrive on efficiently managing threats and capitalizing on opponent actions within the MTG environment.

Cards similar to Slingbow Trap by color, type and mana cost

Stonewood Invocation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Slingbow Trap provides a nuanced spin on card advantage. By specifically targeting creatures with flying, this card can help secure an edge against decks that rely heavily on aerial threats. When used judiciously, it can keep your opponent’s board clear and maintain your dominance during combat.

Resource Acceleration: What stands out for Slingbow Trap is its synergy with decks that focus on Resource Acceleration. Through various means in the game, if you control more creatures than your opponent, you can activate the trap for less, giving you an efficient use of resources and the potential to turn the tide of the match in your favor without disrupting your mana curve.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of being an Instant Speed spell cannot be overstated. Slingbow Trap’s ability to be cast at any time provides strategic depth, allowing players to surprise opponents by removing key airborne threats or disrupting combat calculations mid-battle. This reactive playstyle can give players the upper hand in the ongoing mind game that is a match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Slingbow Trap requires a card discard to activate its alternative cost. This could be a setback when your hand is already depleted or when every card in your grip is pivotal to your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This trap card calls for both green and generic mana, which means it won’t fit seamlessly into every deck build. Players running a multi-colored deck may face challenges if they don’t have the proper mana sources available at the crucial moment.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that may be considered steep for its effect, Slingbow Trap might not be the most efficient removal option available. In many cases, players may opt for other removal spells that come at a lower cost or offer additional benefits.

Reasons to Include Slingbow Trap in Your Collection

Versatility: Slingbow Trap offers flexibility to sideboards, capable of dealing with creatures in the air. Its utility is appreciated in formats where fliers pose a regular threat.

Combo Potential: With cards that benefit from the casting of instant-speed spells or those that manipulate untapping mechanics, Slingbow Trap can seamlessly integrate into combo decks.

Meta-Relevance: As flying creatures often emerge in various meta decks, having a cost-effective removal such as Slingbow Trap can give players an edge, particularly in Green, a color traditionally weak in direct creature removal.

How to beat

Slingbow Trap presents itself as a unique response from the green card repertoire in Magic: The Gathering. When facing the challenge of removing flying creatures, this instant offers an efficient and often unexpected solution. However, to outmaneuver the trap, it’s important to be strategic in how and when you deploy your aerial threats.

Timing is everything. Since Slingbow Trap requires an opponent to control four or more flying creatures, managing the number of flyers in play can be key to avoiding the trap altogether. By holding back, and not overextending your flying creatures onto the battlefield, you can limit the card’s effectiveness.

Alternatively, leveraging spells or abilities that grant hexproof or shroud to your creatures can render Slingbow Trap obsolete, as it will be unable to target the shielded flyers. Lastly, employing counter spells as a protective measure ensures that if your opponent aims to spring the trap, you can negate it immediately, keeping your winged warriors free to dominate the skies.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Slingbow Trap MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake, 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 Slingbow Trap and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Slingbow Trap has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Slingbow Trap card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2010-03-01	An “attacking creature” is one that has been declared as an attacker this combat, or one that was put onto the battlefield attacking this combat. Unless that creature leaves combat, it continues to be an attacking creature through the end of combat step, even if the player it was attacking has left the game, or the planeswalker it was attacking has left combat.
2010-03-01	If you cast Slingbow Trap for , you may target any attacking creature with flying, not just a black one.