Soul Ransom MTG Card

Gives you control and card advantage by potentially drawing two cards from opponents. Tricky mana needs and discard costs can limit its use in some decks. High tactical value against creature-dominant decks enhances its inclusion worth.

Gatecrash (GTC)
2013-02-01 - Number 198

Modern Masters 2017 (MM3)
2017-03-17 - Number 186

Soul Ransom - Archenemy: Nicol Bolas (E01)

Archenemy: Nicol Bolas (E01)
2017-06-16 - Number 87

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Abilities	Enchant

Text of card

Enchant creature You control enchanted creature. Discard two cards: Soul Ransom's controller sacrifices it, then draws two cards. Only any opponent may activate this ability.

Cards like Soul Ransom

Soul Ransom places itself in a unique niche among MTG control-oriented spells. Often likened to cards such as Control Magic, which simply takes command of a creature without additional conditions, Soul Ransom adds a more interactive twist to this ability. The card empowers you not only to gain control of a target creature but also offers the opportunity to draw cards if the creature’s previous controller decides to act. This multifaceted nature sets it apart from the straightforward approach of Control Magic.

In comparison to Sower of Temptation, another card known for its creature control capabilities, Soul Ransom is less immediate but provides potential card advantage. While Sower of Temptation’s effect ends upon its leaving the battlefield, Soul Ransom can turn into a mini card engine if your opponent is eager to reclaim their creature. Moreover, Confiscate, which can take control of any permanent, not just creatures, lacks the interactive card-drawing aspect that Soul Ransom may provide.

In effect, while engaging in a game of MTG, Soul Ransom shows its strength not only as a control tool but also as a strategic play that can swing the tide with added layers of decision-making and potential card advantage.

Cards similar to Soul Ransom by color, type and mana cost

Breathstealer's Crypt - MTG Card versions

Helm of the Ghastlord - MTG Card versions

The Trickster-God's Heist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When you control Soul Ransom, it empowers you with a potential card advantage as it can eventually compel your opponent to hand you two cards to regain control of their seized creature. This transaction can leave you flush with new options and strategies to execute.

Resource Acceleration: While Soul Ransom doesn’t directly generate mana, the ability to discard two cards to draw two cards can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By filtering your hand, you’re more likely to draw into the lands or mana sources you need to propel your game forward.

Instant Speed: One of the finer points of Soul Ransom is its capacity to function at instant speed. Given that you can activate its discard ability whenever you could cast an instant, this gives you the flexibility to wait for the most opportune moment to disrupt your opponent’s plans or dodge removal spells targeted at the enchanted creature.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The ability of Soul Ransom demands a player to discard two cards, a steep price that can deplete your hand, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage in terms of card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Soul Ransom’s casting requirements dictate a precise combination of blue and black mana, potentially restricting its integration in multi-colored decks and making it harder to play in a timely manner unless your mana base is specifically tailored to accommodate it.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its four mana cost for seizing control of an opponent’s creature, one might find other cards in the same mana range that could provide a more straightforward solution or offer a creature with a stronger immediate board impact.

Reasons to Include Soul Ransom in Your Collection

Versatility: Soul Ransom fits neatly into various control and midrange decks, offering flexibility as both a creature removal alternative and a source of card advantage. Its ability to affect the board state by taking control of an opponent’s creature is universally useful, regardless of the specific game plan.

Combo Potential: This enchantment pairs well with discard strategies, allowing you to potentially draw four cards for the price of two if an opponent chooses to free their creature. It also interacts well with sacrifice outlets, enabling you to gain value from the creature before returning it, which can be a linchpin in many combo-oriented decks.

Meta-Relevance: When facing creature-heavy decks or meta-games where stealing opposing key creatures can swing games in your favor, Soul Ransom can become an invaluable tool. Its relevance increases in environments where controlling important threats is crucial for your deck’s survival and ultimate victory.

How to beat Soul Ransom

Soul Ransom offers a unique control dynamic in Magic: The Gathering, allowing players to snatch rivals’ creatures at the cost of two mana types. This zap of enemy resources could sway the tide of a duel. Yet, despite its prowess, clever players can outmaneuver its clutch. Firstly, always be judicious with creature abilities; anticipating Soul Ransom’s control shift can foil an opponent’s strategy.

Beyond cautious play, be sure to prepare answers. Spells and abilities that either sacrifice or return your creature to your hand can nullify the control transfer, leaving the opponent’s Soul Ransom without a target and effectively wasted. Keeping a low-cost instant that grants such effects is crucial in decks that face control-heavy opponents. Abundant mana also aids in this defensive tactic, ready to reclaim your creature before the opponent utilizes its full potential.

Ultimately, understanding Soul Ransom’s mechanism grants players the tact to render it ineffective, preserving your grid and ensuring that your creatures remain under your command in the fantastical battlegrounds of Magic: The Gathering.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Soul Ransom MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Soul Ransom and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Soul Ransom Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2017-06-16. Illustrated by Steve Argyle.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2013-02-01	Gatecrash	GTC	198	2003	Normal	Black	Steve Argyle
2	2017-03-17	Modern Masters 2017	MM3	186	2015	Normal	Black	Steve Argyle
3	2017-06-16	Archenemy: Nicol Bolas	E01	87	2015	Normal	Black	Steve Argyle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Soul Ransom has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-03-14	In most cases, you’ll enchant a creature controlled by an opponent, which will cause you to gain control of that creature. Any of your opponents can activate the last ability of Soul Ransom by discarding two cards. When that ability resolves, you’ll sacrifice Soul Ransom and draw two cards.
2017-03-14	You’ll draw two cards even if you can’t sacrifice Soul Ransom, perhaps because it left the battlefield in response to Soul Ransom’s ability.