Snake Cult Initiation MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 2007-05-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Future Sight |
| Set code | FUT |
| Number | 89 |
| Frame | future |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Justin Sweet |
Text of card
Enchant creature Enchanted creature has poisonous 3. (Whenever it deals combat damage to a player, that player gets three poison counters. A player with ten or more poison counters loses the game.)
Cards like Snake Cult Initiation
Snake Cult Initiation is an intriguing card within the realm of Magic: The Gathering that enriches the category of aura enchantments. Its counterparts, such as Unholy Strength, also grant a power boost, yet Snake Cult Initiation adds a unique layer with poison counters. Unholy Strength purely focuses on increasing power, missing the strategic depth of dealing damage in the form of poison counters which can be a game ender.
Moving to Rancor, this card also provides an increase in strength and trample, akin to Snake Cult Initiation’s power uplift. However, while Rancor can return to a player’s hand upon hitting the graveyard, it lacks the menacing poison counter mechanic. Glistening Oil is another similar enchantment that not only boosts power but also applies poison counters. Nevertheless, it carries the downside of having to sacrifice the enchanted creature eventually, unlike the permanence of Snake Cult Initiation’s enhancement.
In essence, while evaluating the impact and tactical advantages of similar enchantments, it becomes clear that Snake Cult Initiation offers a distinct concoction of power increase and alternate win conditions that makes it stand out in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Snake Cult Initiation by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Playing Snake Cult Initiation can bolster your hand with added versatility by allowing for a potential increase in your card pool when turning creatures into valuable deathtouch assets on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: The strategic application of this card may pave the way to synergistic plays, unlocking the capability of your deck to harness its full potential by swiftly escalating the threat level of your creatures.
Instant Speed: The crux of this card lies in its ability to be activated at instant speed, providing a tactical edge by equipping a creature with deathtouch at the most opportune moment—either during an opponent’s turn or in response to an unforeseen threat, thus keeping your adversaries on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Snake Cult Initiation requires you to discard a card, adding pressure to your hand resources. In situations where your hand is already depleted, the discard cost can be particularly onerous, potentially setting you back further when you can least afford it.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation cost of this card is tied to a specific color alignment, making it somewhat restrictive in terms of deck-building. It requires a dedicated mana base, which can be challenging in multicolored decks or formats where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that’s on the higher side for its effects, Snake Cult Initiation might be less appealing compared to other cards in your deck. Players may find that other options provide similar advantages without such a significant mana investment, thereby affecting their strategy efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Snake Cult Initiation offers a unique enchantment aura that can be a game-changer in various deck builds, specifically those harnessing the power of -1/-1 counters.
Combo Potential: The card’s ability to give a creature poisonous counters pairs well with other cards, building potential for an unblockable creature strategy or with proliferate mechanics to magnify its effect.
Meta-Relevance: With many decks focusing on creature-heavy board states, the ability to chip away at an opponent’s life total without having to deal combat damage can tip the scales in your favor, aligning well with evolving gameplay tactics.
How to Beat Snake Cult Initiation
Snake Cult Initiation is a unique enchantment aura in MTG that can turn a simple creature into a hazardous threat. The card grants poison counters to damage dealt by the enchanted creature, potentially edging opponents closer to a swift defeat. However, savvy players can adopt several strategies to counteract this sneaky snake spell.
Removal spells are your first line of defense. Direct creature removal, such as Murder or Doom Blade, can eliminate the threat before poison counters accumulate. Similarly, enchantment removal like Disenchant or Naturalize will strip the creature of its venomous upgrade, demoting it to a less formidable foe. But timing is crucial—acting swiftly before the creature can deal damage is key to maintaining your health total and staying ahead.
Moreover, controlling the board with sweepers like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, clearing any creatures enhanced by Snake Cult Initiation. Remember, resilience is vital. The key to success is to minimize the opportunities for your opponent to utilize the card’s full potential. Prioritize eliminating threats and hindering their game plan to emerge victorious against decks wielding the power of Snake Cult Initiation.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Snake Cult Initiation MTG card by a specific set like Future Sight, 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 Snake Cult Initiation and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Snake Cult Initiation has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |