Spirit Shackle MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 117
1995-04-01 - Number 163
1995-04-01 - Number 163
1995-08-01 - Number 65
2009-09-07 - Number 74
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Put a -0/-2 counter on target creature every time it becomes tapped. Counters remain even if enchantment is removed.
Cards like Spirit Shackle
Spirit Shackle is an intriguing enchantment card in MTG that can really bring some control over the battlefield by weakening an opposing creature. In comparison to other conditional control enchantments like Dead Weight, Spirit Shackle offers the additional twist of forcing the creature to not untap during its controller’s next untap step. Dead Weight, while instantly reducing a creature’s power and toughness, lacks the ongoing control Spirit Shackle provides.
Looking at other similar cards, there’s Malfunction, which completely taps a creature or artifact and prevents it from untapping. Though more versatile due to artifact targeting, it comes at a higher mana cost than Spirit Shackle. Then consider Kasmina’s Transmutation, which serves as a permanent debuff transforming any dangerous creature into a harmless 1/1, but it doesn’t affect the creature’s untapping abilities.
Ultimately, when evaluating control options, Spirit Shackle’s dual role of debuffing and locking down a creature gives it a unique edge in MTG play. It not only weakens a creature but also hampers the opponent’s strategic maneuvers, making it a card worth considering for decks that aim to dictate the pace of combat.
Cards similar to Spirit Shackle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spirit Shackle stands out in deck strategies that benefit from recurring card interactions. When Spirit Shackle is attached to a creature, it can create a deterrent for the opponent. If they opt to remove the creature, the enchantment’s trigger granting you the power to return another creature from the graveyard to your hand generates card advantage and maintains pressure on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or treasure tokens, Spirit Shackle can be considered a form of resource acceleration in a broader sense. By bringing back creatures from the graveyard, it essentially recycles your resources and can accelerate your board state development without expending additional cards from your hand.
Instant Speed: Since Spirit Shackle is an enchantment, it doesn’t have instant speed itself. However, the value of Spirit Shackle grows when combined with instant-speed removal or sacrifice effects. This combo turns the removal into a strategic maneuver that benefits you with its triggered ability. Additionally, it’s essential to understand how Spirit Shackle can synergize with your instant-speed interactions underpinning many successful strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As part of its casting conditions, Spirit Shackle obliges you to relinquish another card from your hand. This can be particularly draining when your hand options are already dwindling, forcing you to make tough decisions about resource allocation.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Spirit Shackle, you will need one black mana. This requirement can be restrictive, as it can only fit smoothly into decks that are based on or include black mana sources. Decks not aligned with black mana may find this card incompatible with their strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Spirit Shackle delivers a unique locking effect on the targeted creature, the two mana overall cost (which includes one generic and one black mana) may be deemed steep. In a game where tempo is key, players might opt for alternatives that offer similar control effects at a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spirit Shackle offers strategic flexibility as it serves both as a removal aid and a deterrent. It can slot into various deck themes, working exceptionally well within control or attrition strategies.
Combo Potential: The card’s ability to leave a debuff on creatures even after it’s gone can be tactically paired with sacrifice effects or other creature removal spells, setting the stage for powerful combos and synergy.
Meta-Relevance: Spirit Shackle shines in a gameplay environment heavy with creature-based strategies. Its lingering effect can make enemies think twice before committing their key creatures to the board, potentially shifting the tide of the game in your favor.
How to beat
Spirit Shackle is an older card from the Legends set that can be quite disruptive in MTG gameplay. When this aura enchants a creature, it requires a clause of losing a life when the creature becomes untapped. This can be tricky, especially in formats where gaining life or controlling creatures is crucial to your strategy.
Defeating a Spirit Shackled creature requires strategic thinking and resourcefulness. Artifact removal, like Disenchant or naturalize effects, can dispose of Spirit Shackle effectively. Additionally, if you can’t remove the enchantment, consider sacrificing or bouncing the cursed creature back to your hand to avoid the life loss. Another tactic is to focus on deck types that function well without relying heavily on creature strategies, thus sidestepping the potentially crippling effect of Spirit Shackle altogether.
Understanding your deck and having a plan for enchantment removal or creature flexibility can mitigate the card’s impact. As with any MTG game, knowing your opponent’s deck and planning your countermeasures is essential for victory. So, while Spirit Shackle can impose a significant threat, a well-prepared player can overcome this challenge.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spirit Shackle MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Spirit Shackle 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Spirit Shackle Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Edward P. Beard, Jr..
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 117 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 163 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 163 | 1993 | Normal | White | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 65 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 5 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 74 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spirit Shackle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spirit Shackle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | Spirit Shackle’s ability triggers only when the enchanted creature changes from untapped to tapped. If Spirit Shackle enters the battlefield attached to an already tapped creature, it won’t do anything (until that creature untaps and becomes tapped again, that is). |