Tangletrap MTG Card


Counters flying or artifact threats at instant speed, providing flexible and timely board control. Requires precise mana but may be underutilized if opponents don’t rely on relevant strategies. Its sideboard versatility and meta relevance make Tangletrap a savvy addition to collections.
Tangletrap - Strixhaven: School of Mages
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2021-04-23
Set symbol
Set nameStrixhaven: School of Mages
Set codeSTX
Number145
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySuzanne Helmigh

Text of card

Choose one — • Tangletrap deals 5 damage to target creature with flying. • Destroy target artifact.

"It's like that old saying: what goes up . . . feeds the arboretum." —Lisette, Witherbloom dean


Cards like Tangletrap

Tangletrap stands out within the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a versatile response tool designed for key battlefield moments. It’s often compared to other artifact and flying creature control cards, such as Broken Wings and Return to Nature. Like Tangletrap, these spells serve a dual purpose, targeting both flying creatures and enchantments or artifacts, making them flexible choices during gameplay. However, Tangletrap’s uniqueness lies in its instant speed and its cost-effective mana price, which is a significant advantage over spells like Naturalize.

When pondering Artifact hate cards, one might consider Disenchant, which has been a staple for its straightforward and efficient removal capabilities. But Tangletrap edges it out in scenarios that commonly involve fliers due to its additional clause of dealing six damage to a creature with flying. Then we have Revoke Existence, which boasts an exile effect rather than destruction, offering a permanent solution to problematic artifacts and enchantments, yet at the trade-off of being a sorcery.

With this comparison in mind, Tangletrap not only holds a worthy place among anti-artifact and anti-flying cards in MTG but also presents tactical benefits in dealing with threats promptly due to its instant nature and low casting cost.

Broken Wings - MTG Card versions
Return to Nature - MTG Card versions
Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Disenchant - MTG Card versions
Revoke Existence - MTG Card versions
Broken Wings - MTG Card versions
Return to Nature - MTG Card versions
Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Disenchant - MTG Card versions
Revoke Existence - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tangletrap stands out by offering a situational advantage when facing artifact or flier-heavy decks, potentially removing a key threat from the board and tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, effectively dealing with an opponent’s threat can indirectly accelerate your game plan by keeping the board in check and maintaining your tempo.

Instant Speed: Its instant-speed nature gives the savvy player flexibility to respond to threats or bluff potential responses, keeping opponents on their toes and maximizing strategic options during the heat of battle.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While there’s no discarding involved with Tangletrap, players must be aware of the situational nature of when this card can be valuable. It’s primarily used to deal with flying creatures or artifacts, and if those aren’t a significant part of your opponent’s strategy, the card might sit unused in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Tangletrap requires two specific types of mana (one green and one generic) for its casting. This can be somewhat restrictive, especially for players running a multicolored deck that might struggle to get the necessary green mana when it’s most needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at two mana might seem reasonably priced, but considering that Tangletrap is a situational card, it may not offer the most cost-effective solution for removal. In some cases, players might find themselves preferring more versatile removal options that can address a wider range of threats beyond just flying creatures or artifact removal.


Reasons to Include Tangletrap in Your Collection

Versatility: Tangletrap is a flexible addition to your sideboard, fitting seamlessly into decks that need answers for flying threats or artifact disruption. Its dual utility ensures it never sits idle in your hand regardless of the opponent’s play.

Combo Potential: Tangletrap isn’t just reactive; it can be proactively used with cards that capitalize on destroying artifacts or creatures to set off a cascade of effects or serve as a surprise counter to an opponent’s key play, thus enabling complex strategy layers.

Meta-Relevance: With many decks utilizing influential flyers or artifact synergies, Tangletrap provides a cost-effective response. It stays relevant in a multitude of matchups, rendering it an intelligent choice for players aiming to stay one step ahead in the evolving competitive scene.


How to beat

Tangletrap is a utility card in Magic: The Gathering that adds an extra layer of strategy to any game. It’s a versatile and cost-effective way to deal with creatures that have flying, helping you maintain control of the board. When facing an opponent’s flying threats, Tangletrap becomes your reliable tool to level the playing field. With two mana, this instant spell not only neutralizes the airborne nuisance but can also destroy an artifact, which further broadens your tactical options.

Adaptability is key when looking to outmaneuver Tangletrap’s potential. Consider using non-flying, high-impact creatures or ones that provide you with bonuses upon entering the battlefield or dying. Alternatively, baiting out Tangletrap with less critical flying creatures before playing your major threats can ensure your key cards are safe. Enhancing your spells with hexproof or using counterspells to protect your assets are also effective ways to sidestep this trap. Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of artifact assessment; sometimes the right move is to minimize reliance on key artifacts or have ready-to-play replacements if you suspect your opponent has Tangletrap at the ready.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tangletrap MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Tangletrap and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tangletrap has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal