Tangle MTG Card
2000-10-02 - Number 213
2001-08-08 - Number jt213sb
2014-06-16 - Number 237
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn. Attacking creatures don't untap during their controllers' next untap steps.
Gaea battles rampant death with abundant life.
Cards like Tangle
Tangle steps onto the MTG stage as a unique contender in the realm of combat control spells. Similar to Fog, which notoriously prevents combat damage for one turn, Tangle offers an intriguing twist by not only negating damage but also by keeping attacking creatures from untapping during their controller’s next untap step. Fog’s lower mana cost makes it a swift response during combat, but it lacks the additional turn of respite Tangle provides.
Exploring further, we encounter the card Moment’s Peace. This spell echoes Tangle’s effect of negating combat damage with an advantage – it can be played from the graveyard thanks to its flashback ability, offering an extra layer of utility and potential surprise. But, this extended usage comes with a higher cumulative mana investment compared to Tangle’s one-off cost.
To sum up, while Tangle may not be as mana efficient as Fog or as repeatedly useful as Moment’s Peace, it strikes a balance between immediacy and enduring influence on the battlefield. In the strategic shuffle of MTG’s combat control spells, Tangle holds its ground with a distinctive effect that can pivot game momentum in favor of the caster.
Cards similar to Tangle by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Tangle. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tangle offers a strategic benefit by essentially granting an extra turn without any new card draws from your opponents. This can utterly shift the momentum in your favor and give you the upper hand in card plays and battlefield control.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or tokens, Tangle gives you the breathing room to untap all of your lands during your next untap step. This can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by safeguarding your lands for another rotation, ensuring that you can deploy more threats or answers efficiently.
Instant Speed: The ability of Tangle to be used at instant speed cannot be overstated. This flexibility allows you to disrupt your opponent’s combat operations effectively. By waiting until the most opportune moment during their attack phase, you can derail their strategies and protect your life total, buying you critical time to advance your game plan on your terms.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in the gameplay of Tangle forces players to conform to its discard rule. This card demands the departure of another card from your hand, which can skew the balance of power if your options are already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Calibrating your deck to accommodate the green mana requirement of Tangle may be a hurdle for non-green architects. This necessity might restrict its application to only those decks that are lush with green mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Allocating resources for Tangle’s activation might not always be the most economical choice. While the effect it unleashes can be potent, savvy players often weigh other options that could yield a greater impact for the same, or even lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include Tangle in Your Collection
Versatility: Tangle is an essential card for players who are interested in defensive strategies. Its ability to prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn adds resilience to any deck against aggressive opponents.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique effect can sync with cards that benefit from delayed or prevented damage, enabling intricate combos and surprising your opponent with unexpected turn sequences.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where fast-paced, attacking decks are prevalent, incorporating Tangle can give you an edge by disrupting your opponent’s tempo and providing you with crucial time to set up your winning moves.
How to beat
Tangle presents a distinctive challenge amongst cards in MTG, primarily due to its ability to essentially skip the opponent’s next attack phase. This green instant spell not only stonewalls an attack but also prevents all the creatures that attacked that turn from untapping during the next untap step. It’s a form of control that requires strategic planning to manage effectively.
One tactic to counter this is by minimizing the number of creatures you commit to an attack. To ensure your board presence lasts beyond the Tangle turn, consider attacking with fewer creatures, especially when mana open on the opponent’s side suggests Tangle might be at play. Instant speed removal spells can also be key—they allow you to wait until after Tangle has been cast and then eliminate the threat it poses. On the flip side, countering Tangle with spells like Negate ensures it never takes effect, preserving your assault’s momentum.
Adapting your strategy and maintaining a versatile hand are vital. Having a back-up plan if your creatures are rendered temporarily inactive can mean the difference between maintaining pressure or falling victim to this powerful stalling tactic. Successfully circumventing the effects of Tangle is a testament to a player’s flexibility and forward-thinking in the ever-evolving game of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tangle MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Tangle 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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Printings
The Tangle Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by John Avon.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-10-02 | Invasion | INV | 213 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Avon | |
| 2 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | jt213sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | John Avon | |
| 3 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 237 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Avon |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tangle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Tangle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | It identifies the creatures that are not going to untap at the time this spell resolves. |