Uba Mask MTG Card


Uba Mask converts card draws into instant-access resources, bypassing hand size restrictions. It calls for strategic play due to its drawback of potentially losing drawn cards. Despite its high mana cost, Uba Mask can significantly disrupt opponent hand strategies.
Uba Mask - Champions of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact
Released2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameChampions of Kamigawa
Set codeCHK
Number272
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byRandy Gallegos

Text of card

If a player would draw a card, that player removes that card from the game face up instead. Each player may play cards he or she removed from the game with Uba Mask this turn.


Cards like Uba Mask

Uba Mask presents a unique dynamic in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, altering the traditional flow of card access. Among its peers, it’s often contrasted with cards like Oracles’ Vault, which also manipulates how players draw cards. But Uba Mask stands out by essentially removing the concept of a hidden hand after drawing, with cards being put into exile and playable for the turn. Oracles’ Vault, in contrast, gradually builds towards card advantage without disrupting hand secrecy.

Another related artifact, Future Sight, grants players the ability to play the top card of their library, similar to Uba Mask’s temporary openness. Yet, Future Sight allows continuous access as long as the card remains on top of the library, unlike Uba Mask’s restriction to just one turn. Also in the mix is the prominent Teferi’s Puzzle Box, which forces a new hand every turn, creating a different but somewhat related effect to Uba Mask’s game-turning strategy.

Assessing the subtle yet impactful differences, Uba Mask distinctly reshapes the battlefield by exposing potential strategies temporarily, serving as a powerful tool in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering artifacts, especially for those who can capitalize on immediate play capabilities.

Future Sight - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Puzzle Box - MTG Card versions
Future Sight - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Puzzle Box - MTG Card versions

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Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Jade Monolith - MTG Card versions
Jade Statue - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Lich's Tomb - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Jade Idol - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Condor - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Red ShopsMono-Red Shops Vintage2023 NA Vintage Champs

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Uba Mask offers a unique approach to card advantage by allowing players to access the cards they draw without having to add them to their hand, circumventing traditional hand size limitations and strategies that target a player’s hand.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct form of resource acceleration, Uba Mask accelerates a player’s options, providing immediate access to a wider array of cards, which can indirectly lead to more efficient use of resources each turn.

Instant Speed: Even though Uba Mask itself is an artifact that operates at sorcery speed, it fundamentally changes the gameplay by allowing players to cast any card they draw at instant speed for the remainder of the turn, maximizing flexibility and surprise factor in their plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Uba Mask changes the way players draw cards by putting them into a temporary exile zone, forcing players to play those cards the same turn or lose them—this can be a major downside if you’re unable to utilize those cards immediately.

Specific Mana Cost: Uba Mask has a specific mana cost that requires four generic mana, which means it can be included in any deck; however, its cost might not harmonize with mana curves optimized for speed and efficiency in certain deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though Uba Mask offers a unique effect that disrupts normal hand card play, its cost of four mana is substantial. In a game where tempo is critical, dedicating a turn to deploying Uba Mask can put you at a disadvantage if not synergized with your overall strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Uba Mask offers a unique twist on card advantage, fitting seamlessly into various decks that aim to disrupt traditional draw mechanics or capitalize on immediate play options.

Combo Potential: This artifact pairs well with cards that care about non-traditional draws or hand manipulation, creating opportunities for powerful and unexpected synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where opponents rely heavily on hand strategies, Uba Mask can disturb their plans and give you a tactical edge regardless of the ebb and flow of the meta.


How to beat

Uba Mask offers a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering, fundamentally altering the way players use their hands by forcing them to play cards the same turn they draw them or lose them. To outmaneuver this artifact, consider using cards that allow you to draw on your opponent’s turn, such as instant-speed cantrips. This way, you benefit from the drawn cards before they are exiled. Additionally, strategies that rely less on the draw and more on graveyard play, like Dredge or Reanimator archetypes, can effectively bypass Uba Mask’s constraints.

Deck construction is also key in overcoming Uba Mask’s impact. By including a range of low-cost spells, you enhance your ability to play multiple cards in a single turn, reducing the chance of losing out on card advantage. Moreover, artifact removal spells, like Naturalize or Shatter, are essential inclusions to directly handle Uba Mask and restore the game to its normal flow, allowing for traditional hand management to resume.

Relying on proactive counters like Duress to disrupt your opponent before Uba Mask hits the field, or even better, employing a strategy that doesn’t hinge on drawing a lot of cards can render the card inconsequential. Remember, adapting your tactics and keeping your deck versatile is often the difference between victory and defeat.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is an evolving challenge, and with cards like Uba Mask, the game’s intricacies magnify. Tailoring your deck to leverage the distinct abilities of such cards can drastically alter the tide of play. To adeptly navigate these waters, it’s essential to absorb the strategies that work harmoniously with Uba Mask’s unique mechanics, uncovering potent combinations and overrides. We encourage you to keep expanding your collection with a tactical mind and a discerning eye. Delve deeper into the universe of MTG with us and unlock new levels of play that can transform every match you engage in. Explore more and refine your strategies to secure your next victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Uba Mask MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Uba Mask and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Uba Mask has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Uba Mask card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-12-01 Any cards you don’t play just remain exiled when the turn ends.
2004-12-01 You can’t play cards you exiled with Uba Mask on previous turns.