Trapjaw Tyrant MTG Card


Trapjaw Tyrant excels in removing creatures, providing a significant advantage on the battlefield. Requires strategic manipulation of enrage to maximize its effect and accelerate victory. Despite its power, high mana cost and specific color requirements may limit deck inclusion.
Trapjaw Tyrant - Rivals of Ixalan
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Dinosaur
Abilities Enrage
Released2018-01-19
Set symbol
Set nameRivals of Ixalan
Set codeRIX
Power 5
Toughness 5
Number29
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byChris Rahn

Text of card

Enrage — Whenever Trapjaw Tyrant is dealt damage, exile target creature an opponent controls until Trapjaw Tyrant leaves the battlefield.

"I would advise you not to struggle." —Huatli


Cards like Trapjaw Tyrant

Trapjaw Tyrant stands out in the realm of MTG creatures with enrage abilities. When we consider its closest relatives, the differences become clear. Comparing it to other enrage creatures like Ranging Raptors, which allows for a land search upon being damaged, shows how Trapjaw Tyrant elevates the mechanic. It doesn’t just ramp your mana; it disrupts your opponent’s board, exiling their creatures.

But what about Bellowing Aegisaur? This creature also boasts enrage, and whereas it gives your creatures +1/+1 counters, Trapjaw Tyrant plays a much more control-oriented role. Another dinosaur worth mentioning is Ripjaw Raptor, granting card advantage with each instance of damage. Though both are valuable, the utility of Trapjaw Tyrant for removing threats can be game-changing.

Analyzing these cards, Trapjaw Tyrant claims a unique position. It’s not solely about accruing value over time; it’s a protective beast capable of altering the battlefield dynamics considerably. It rewards strategic play where damage can be turned into a potent tool for creature control. The Tyrant, therefore, is more than just another enrage dinosaur in MTG; it’s a formidable control piece in decks that capitalize on its potential.

Ranging Raptors - MTG Card versions
Bellowing Aegisaur - MTG Card versions
Ripjaw Raptor - MTG Card versions
Ranging Raptors - MTG Card versions
Bellowing Aegisaur - MTG Card versions
Ripjaw Raptor - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Trapjaw Tyrant. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Naya MidrangeNaya Midrange Modern3 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians
Naya AggroNaya Aggro Modern1 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With the ability to exile another creature until Trapjaw Tyrant leaves the battlefield, this dino grants you the upper hand by potentially removing one of your opponent’s key pieces and pivoting the game in your favor. This effectively functions as a form of removal that also strengthens your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Trapjaw Tyrant may not directly ramp your mana, but by potentially thinning out your opponent’s defenses, it can hasten your route to victory. Moreover, pairing it with other enrage-triggering cards can maximize value, potentially leading to a cascade of advantageous effects each turn.

Instant Speed: Although Trapjaw Tyrant operates at sorcery speed, it shines in decks that can trigger its enrage ability at instant speed. This includes using cards that deal damage to all creatures at a moment’s notice which can surprise an opponent by exiling their attacker or blocker mid-combat.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Trapjaw Tyrant doesn’t have a discard requirement per se, it does necessitate using enrage-triggering resources to fully utilize its ability which might feel akin to discarding opportunities especially when unable to trigger its mechanic.

Specific Mana Cost: Trapjaw Tyrant requires a commitment to both white mana and a heavy total mana investment. This double requirement can potentially strain your mana base or slow down your deck’s tempo if it relies on a diverse color strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The five-mana cost to get Trapjaw Tyrant onto the battlefield is substantial, and in faster-paced games or environments with leaner curves, the cost could outweigh the benefits when faster or more impactful plays are necessary.


Reasons to Include Trapjaw Tyrant in Your Collection

Versatility: Trapjaw Tyrant offers dynamic board presence in various deck builds. This card shines in dinosaur-themed decks and any strategy looking to leverage its enrage mechanic for controlled removal.

Combo Potential: With its ability to exile creatures until it leaves the battlefield, Trapjaw Tyrant pairs well with flicker effects or other mechanics that allow you to repeatedly trigger its enrage ability for maximum value.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based decks are prevalent, Trapjaw Tyrant’s potential to disrupt opponent strategies and alter the state of the board cannot be underestimated, making it a relevant choice for many players.


How to beat

Trapjaw Tyrant presents itself as an intimidating presence on any battlefield within Magic: The Gathering. This formidable dinosaur possesses the power to exile creatures whenever it’s dealt damage, making it an opponent not to be taken lightly. The key to toppling this behemoth lies in utilizing removal spells that don’t inflict damage. Spells such as Path to Exile or the swift Final Judgment bypass the tyrant’s enrage mechanic, effectively removing it from play without triggering its ability.

Another strategy is to leverage sacrifice effects. Edict effects like Diabolic Edict force your opponent to sacrifice a creature, which can be a clever way to deal with the Trapjaw Tyrant without having to damage it first. Moreover, countering this dinosaur before it hits the battlefield with counterspells such as Cancel or Mana Leak can prevent the threat from ever emerging. By understanding the intricacies of its enrage ability, players can craft effective strategies to navigate around the tyranny of Trapjaw Tyrant, ensuring it doesn’t dominate the game.

In essence, while the Trapjaw Tyrant may initially appear overwhelming, a well-prepared deck with the proper answers can mitigate its impact, maintaining the balance of the duel in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the strategic depth of MTG, Trapjaw Tyrant emerges as a formidable addition to dinosaur-themed and control decks alike. With its power to alter battles by exiling creatures, this card presents a captivating challenge to both use and overcome. It demands a careful planning of resources and a tactical approach to triggering its enrage ability effectively. Whether you’re looking to harness the tyrant’s power or develop strategies to counter it, there’s much to learn and apply in your MTG journey. We invite you to discover the full potential of Trapjaw Tyrant and refine your deck-building skills with us – together, we’ll unlock new victories and insights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Trapjaw Tyrant MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Trapjaw Tyrant and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Trapjaw Tyrant has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Trapjaw Tyrant 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 Auras attached to the exiled creature will be put into their owners’ graveyards. Any Equipment will become unattached and remain on the battlefield. Any counters on the exiled creature will cease to exist.
2018-01-19 If Trapjaw Tyrant leaves the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves (most likely because it was dealt lethal damage), the target creature won’t be exiled.
2018-01-19 If a token is exiled this way, it will cease to exist and won’t return to the battlefield.
2018-01-19 If lethal damage is dealt to a creature with an enrage ability, that ability triggers. The creature with that enrage ability leaves the battlefield before that ability resolves, so it won’t be affected by the resolving ability.
2018-01-19 If multiple sources deal damage to a creature with an enrage ability at the same time, most likely because multiple creatures blocked that creature, the enrage ability triggers only once.