Subdue MTG Card


Subdue enables players to disable threats without card loss, managing game momentum effectively. Its instant speed allows quick reactions to combat or key turns, enhancing strategic play. Subdue’s low cost aids in efficient mana management, allowing for diverse spell casting.
Subdue - Legends
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released1994-06-01
Set symbol
Set nameLegends
Set codeLEG
Number206
Frame1993
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBrian Snõddy

Text of card

Target creature deals no damage during combat but gains X toughness until end of turn; X is target creature's casting cost.


Cards like Subdue

Subdue is one of those intriguing combat trick cards in Magic: The Gathering that can subtly turn the tide during a skirmish. It shares similarities with other spells like Prevent Damage that also stop damage to a creature. However, Subdue distinguishes itself by not only preventing all combat damage that would be dealt to and dealt by a creature, but it doesn’t require the sacrifice of a creature at the end of combat, which is a restriction found in some similar cards.

Looking at the broader spectrum of preventative spells, we see Luminesce, preventing all damage that black or red sources would deal this turn, at a slightly higher mana cost. The scope here is much wider as Luminesce applies to all creatures you control. In contrast, Subdue focuses on shielding a single target, potentially with more precision. Another peer in this category is Moment’s Peace, offering a more impactful, sweeping effect that prevents all combat damage for an entire turn, accommodating a defensive strategy over a crucial turn or against multiple attackers.

Subdue, with its low mana cost and immediate impact, fits well into decks that aim to protect pivotal creatures during crucial combat moments. It may not have the reach of board-wide protection, but its precision makes it a notable tool for safeguarding individual creatures in Magic: The Gathering.

Luminesce - MTG Card versions
Moment's Peace - MTG Card versions
Luminesce - MTG Card versions
Moment's Peace - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Subdue by color, type and mana cost

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Fog - MTG Card versions
Natural Selection - MTG Card versions
Berserk - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Lifelace - MTG Card versions
Crumble - MTG Card versions
Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Seedling Charm - MTG Card versions
Shrink - MTG Card versions
Choking Vines - MTG Card versions
Crossbow Ambush - MTG Card versions
Reclaim - MTG Card versions
Crop Rotation - MTG Card versions
Worldly Tutor - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Might - MTG Card versions
Serene Sunset - MTG Card versions
Sprout - MTG Card versions
Gather Courage - MTG Card versions
Nature's Claim - MTG Card versions
Prey's Vengeance - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Subdue offers you the ability to neutralize an opponent’s threat temporarily without losing card equity. It’s an effective way to delay opponent’s tactics and maintain balance in the state of play.

Resource Acceleration: Although Subdue does not directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost ensures you can keep mana available for other crucial spells and abilities in your turn sequence.

Instant Speed: The swift nature of this spell allows for tactical flexibility, providing the option to respond immediately to adversaries’ moves, especially during combat phases or critical turns.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Subdue requires players to discard a card, which can pose a significant drawback during gameplay, especially when the player’s hand is already sparse. This added cost can lead to a reduction in strategic flexibility and hand advantage, which are crucial in the later stages of a match.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Subdue is fixed at one green mana. This specificity means it can predominantly be played in green or green-inclusive decks, potentially limiting its utility for players who prefer more color-diverse or non-green strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Subdue’s effect can be impactful, its mana cost may be viewed as steep relative to other options available. There are alternative spells in MTG that can prevent damage or neutralize threats at a lower cost, making Subdue a less popular choice among players weighing efficiency and versatility in their deck construction.


Reasons to Include Subdue in Your Collection

Versatility: Subdue is a flexible option for any MTG player looking to enhance their defensive tactics. It can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of decks, from those focusing on life gain to those utilizing creatures with “tap” abilities.

Combo Potential: As an instant, Subdue could be a key component in combos by unexpectedly altering combat outcomes, protecting key creatures, or enabling surprise blocks. Its low cost makes it an easy addition to complex turn sequences.

Meta-Relevance: Given the tempo of current MTG gameplay, the ability to hinder an opponent’s creature without permanent removal can be crucial. Subdue fits well into metas with creature-heavy decks, disrupting the opponent’s strategy with minimal resource expenditure.


How to Beat

Subdue, in Magic: The Gathering, can present a unique challenge thanks to its potential to disrupt combat by preventing all but one damage from a source. To effectively get around Subdue’s protective capabilities, players need to employ multi-faceted strategies. Cards with abilities like trample allow excess damage to carry over to the opponent, even if Subdue is minimizing the damage a creature inflicts. Incidental damage from abilities or effects that trigger “upon attacking” or “upon dealing damage” can also add up and circumvent the cushion that Subdue provides. Furthermore, using removal spells before entering combat can clear a path for your attackers, rendering Subdue irrelevant.

Counterspells remain a solid response, negating Subdue before it ever becomes a nuisance. Alternatively, cards that offer mass removal or those inflicting damage to multiple creatures can diminish an opponent’s defenses heavily. This renders Subdue’s impact marginal when facing a diminished board state. Thus, while Subdue can be an obstacle, it doesn’t have to be game-ending. Instead, it becomes a puzzle that, when solved with the right strategy, scarcely hinders a well-prepared assault.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Subdue MTG card by a specific set like Legends, 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 Subdue and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Subdue has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal