Ukud Cobra MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Snake |
| Abilities | Deathtouch |
| Released | 2015-03-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragons of Tarkir |
| Set code | DTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 123 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Johann Bodin |
Text of card
Deathtouch
"The Silumgar hide behind the deadly wildlife of their swamps. They'd rather scheme in their jungle palaces than face us." —Khibat, Kolaghan warrior
Cards like Ukud Cobra
Ukud Cobra stands out in the realm of deathtouch creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This serpent shares its lethal ability with other notables like Typhoid Rats, offering players an effective deterrent against attackers. Where Ukud Cobra diverges is its robustness; with a higher toughness, it can fend off and survive encounters that would fell its smaller cousin. The cobra’s higher casting cost reflects its sturdier disposition in the battlefield dynamic.
Another serpent, Ambush Viper, offers a similar bite with deathtouch but brings the element of surprise as an instant. While the Viper lacks the durability of Ukud Cobra, its flash ability allows for strategic plays not afforded by the cobra’s sorcery speed. Then there is Gnarlwood Dryad, which not only has deathtouch but also gains added power through Delirium. This dynamic makes it a potentially more potent threat later in the game, unlike Ukud Cobra, which maintains a consistent board presence.
Evaluating these comparisons, Ukud Cobra serves a significant role among its deathtouch counterparts in Magic: The Gathering. Its balance of cost, power, and toughness provides a reliable option for players looking to control the board with a steadfast defender.
Cards similar to Ukud Cobra by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ukud Cobra brings resilience on the battlefield by acting as both a creature and a source of card draw, providing a dual threat to the opponent.
Resource Acceleration: This creature might not directly provide resource acceleration but its presence can deter opponents from attacking, indirectly preserving your resources for more strategic plays.
Instant Speed: While Ukud Cobra itself isn’t an instant, its deathtouch ability can be a deterrent, often acting like an instant speed effect that your opponents must consider during every combat phase.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For MTG players looking to maximize their hand, the inclusion of Ukud Cobra may seem like a double-edged sword. While the creature itself offers a substantial presence on the battlefield, it comes at the cost of card advantage. Deploying this serpent means you’ll have to part with another card from your hand, which can potentially set you back in the race for resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Deck building is an art that often involves a delicate balance of mana diversity. Ukud Cobra’s specific mana requirement could restrict its integration into multicolored decks. Needing two black mana can be a hindrance in situations where mana fixing is not optimized, or in games where your mana sources are being disrupted.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting creatures efficiently is key in maintaining tempo. With Ukud Cobra’s mana value, it contends with other impactful four-cost creatures and spells in that pivotal slot. This can make it a less than ideal choice when curating a deck that requires a leaner curve or when the need is for immediate board impact versus long-term, incremental advantages.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ukud Cobra offers a reliable form of creature defense with its deathtouch ability, making it a solid addition to a variety of deck builds that prioritize board control.
Combo Potential: This snake card has the potential to synergize with strategies that exploit deathtouch, such as using equipment or abilities that enable it to deal damage to multiple creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where aggressive creatures are common, Ukud Cobra serves as a deterrent, influencing opponents’ combat decisions and shaping the battlefield in your favor.
How to beat Ukud Cobra
Ukud Cobra presents a challenge with its deathtouch ability, making any combat with this creature potentially perilous. In the universe of Magic: The Gathering, efficiency is paramount when handling such threats. To neutralize Ukud Cobra, one must opt for removal spells that bypass its deathtouch. Direct damage spells such as Lightning Strike or creature exile effects like Path to Exile prove effective as they remove the Cobra without engaging it in combat. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God can clear the field without the risk of losing creatures in battle.
Controlling the board state also plays a key role against creatures like Ukud Cobra. Making strategic plays with enchantments such as Pacifism, which simply prevents the creature from attacking or blocking, can turn the tide by negating its potent ability. In games that stretch to the later stages, countering spells that bring creatures like Ukud Cobra onto the battlefield with cards like Cancel or Dovin’s Veto can keep your opponent’s board clear and maintain your advantage.
Ultimately, understanding and anticipating the threats posed by creatures with deathtouch, combined with judicious use of removals or control elements, are your surest path to diminishing Ukud Cobra’s impact on the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to Magic: The Gathering, equipping a diverse set of solutions in your deck will prepare you for this slithery adversary and many others like it.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ukud Cobra MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Ukud Cobra 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ukud Cobra has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |