Subcontract MTG Card
Text of card
A person outside the game looks at target opponent's hand and chooses a nonland card from it. That player discards that card.
Martha was in and out in exactly two minutes—thirty seconds to administer the poison plus a minute and a half to properly refold the napkins.
Cards like Subcontract
The Subcontract card delves into the strategic realm of creature control within Magic: The Gathering. It joins the ranks of creature removal spells but with a distinctive twist akin to Contract Killing, which not only destroys a creature but also rewards you with Treasure tokens. While Subcontract missions to eliminate a creature, it distinguishes itself through its added capability of revealing your opponent’s hand, offering valuable intel.
We can draw parallels to Draconic Roar in terms of leveraging revealed information, albeit Roar is tailored specifically for Dragon-themed decks and offers direct damage instead of outright creature destruction. Another comparable card is Go for the Throat, which offers efficient creature removal without the added perks that Subcontract provides. It’s leaner on the mana cost yet devoid of the strategic advantage of knowing your opponent’s hand.
Assessing Subcontract alongside its counterparts, it’s clear that its unique blend of removal and reconnaissance makes it a tactical option for players who value knowledge just as much as control in their MTG gameplay.
Cards similar to Subcontract by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Subcontract card gives you an edge by potentially disrupting your opponent’s hand while simultaneously letting you peek at their strategy. This can lead to significant card advantage, putting you in a better position for subsequent turns.
Resource Acceleration: While Subcontract itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it can indirectly aid in resource acceleration by removing key threats or resources from your opponent’s hand, thus slowing them down and allowing you to play your resource ramp cards more safely.
Instant Speed: The instant speed of Subcontract allows you to flexibly decide when to play it, be it during your opponent’s end phase, in response to an action, or simply when the most strategic information can be gained. This responsiveness is crucial in maintaining tempo and control in a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Subcontract requires the player to discard a card as an additional cost to playing it. This creates a potential setback when your hand is already depleted, or when you’re forced to get rid of an essential card that could be crucial for later stages of the game.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana combination to be played. While it can fit seamlessly into decks that naturally generate the required mana types, it becomes a less flexible choice for multicolor decks that might struggle to produce the exact mana needed at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of Subcontract might be deemed high relative to the benefits it provides. In a game where tempo plays a critical role, using a card with a high mana investment could slow you down, especially when compared to other cards with similar effects but lower casting requirements.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Subcontract is an adaptable card that can be incorporated into a multitude of deck strategies, lending itself as a powerful tool for players who appreciate flexibility in their deck building. Its ability to swap out less crucial pieces of your strategy in real-time ensures it can be a game-changer in various situations.
Combo Potential: Subcontract shines in its capacity to mesh with combo-centric decks. Players can use it to dig for essential combo pieces or disrupt opponents’ combinations, making it a dual-threat card that’s valuable both offensively and defensively.
Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamism of the current MTG meta, Subcontract can be especially potent. Its utility in outmaneuvering specific archetypes and adjusting to the evolving landscape of player decks makes it a prudent addition to any collection staying competitive in today’s game environment.
How to beat
Encountering Subcontract in an MTG match demands strategic insight. This tricky card allows its controller to unleash a potent creature at a moment’s notice, potentially turning the tides of battle in their favor. It’s essential for opponents to be one step ahead, by keeping constant pressure and reducing their available creatures to limit Subcontract’s effectiveness. Similarly, employing creature removal after Subcontract has been activated can swiftly neutralize the immediate threat.
Another effective tactic is to make use of counter spells. This can preemptively stop Subcontract from ever resolving, effectively removing the threat before it manifests on the battlefield. It’s also prudent to hold on to instant-speed removal or bounce spells which can handle the creatures that emerge as a result of the card’s effect. Moreover, keeping track of your opponent’s graveyard can give you an indication of the potential threats Subcontract might bring into play, allowing you to plan your removal strategies accordingly.
In essence, overcoming Subcontract requires anticipation, precise timing, and effective resource management. Successfully disarming the card will not only prevent your opponent from gaining a substantial advantage but will also tilt the game’s momentum in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Subcontract MTG card by a specific set like Unstable, 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 Subcontract 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
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Subcontract card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | If there’s no one around to make a decision, you can call or text someone if you need to. If there’s a physical action required, such as high-fiving, you’ll need someone there. |
| 2018-01-19 | It doesn’t have to be someone who plays Magic. This may be fun. |
| 2018-01-19 | You can choose any player not currently in your game. This includes people who used to be in your game but left it. |