Keeper of Kookus MTG Card


Keeper of Kookus - Visions
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin
Released1997-02-03
Set symbol
Set nameVisions
Set codeVIS
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number85
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byScott Hampton

Key Takeaways

  1. Gain a board advantage by leveraging opposing creatures without expending extra hand cards.
  2. Activate Keeper of Kookus’s control effect at instant speed for flexible disruption.
  3. Utilize the non-mana upkeep of Kookus for effective mana pool management each turn.

Text of card

oo R Protection from red until end of turn.

Wanted: Thick-skinned goblin for guarding mean ol' Kookus. Must like fires. Must heal quickly.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Keeper of Kookus lets you gain control of creatures without having to expend any additional cards from your hand. This subtle form of card advantage can shift the board state in your favor by leveraging your opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a resource accelerator in the traditional sense, the Keeper of Kookus doesn’t require mana to maintain its control over Kookus, allowing you to utilize your mana pool for other strategies or spells each turn.

Instant Speed: With the ability to activate its control effect at instant speed, this card becomes a flexible tool for disrupting opponent’s plans. This can be particularly potent during the combat phase or in response to enemy spells that would otherwise harm Kookus, ensuring you maintain its benefits.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Keeper of Kookus necessitates that you have a Kookus on the battlefield, which can pose as a deck-building restraint and can be cumbersome if your strategy doesn’t already include the fierce guardian.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost requiring both red and generic mana, integrating Keeper of Kookus into a multi-colored or non-red deck can present challenges when trying to maintain a stable mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana, it can be a significant early-game setback if drawn instead of a more immediately impactful card, making it a potential liability in fast-paced games.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Keeper of Kookus brings a level of adaptability to decks that focus on creature control. As a creature with the ability to dodge being targeted, it’s useful for maintaining a presence on the board in various metagames.

Combo Potential: This card works particularly well with the card it references, Kookus. When paired together, you can create a powerful defensive combo that could deter opponents from attacking. Additionally, its ability to control creatures without summoning sickness offers unique interactions within creature-based combos.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where controlling the board is crucial and swift creature threats are common, Keeper of Kookus can become an unexpectedly key card, revealing its potential against widely used strategies that depend on targeted removals and battlefield presence.


How to beat

Keeper of Kookus stands out among MTG cards with its unique ability to control a powerful creature at the risk of taking damage if you don’t have a sufficient line of defense. This creature requires a strategy to mitigate its potential damage to oneself, while keeping in mind that it can swiftly become an asset in your opponent’s favor. To effectively tackle this creature, consider using removal spells that target it before it becomes a significant threat or ensure you have blockers that can contain its power. Also, look for ways to disable its ability to deal damage or bypass it altogether with evasion tactics.

Direct damage spells are particularly effective against Keeper of Kookus because of its relatively low toughness. When considering Keeper of Kookus within your own strategy, remember that it’s a card that emphasizes balance and careful play, as its upkeep cost can be as perilous to you as it is to your adversary. Overall, understanding the nuances of Keeper of Kookus can help ensure it’s an advantage rather than a liability in the ever-evolving landscape of a Magic: The Gathering match.


Cards like Keeper of Kookus

Keeper of Kookus stands out in the pantheon of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. This card is often likened to gatekeepers like Royal Assassin, which boasts the power to destroy tapped creatures. Keeper of Kookus, though, is unique in its defensive position, only attacking if you control a Kookus. Royal Assassin is more flexible, not limited by such a condition.

Defender of Chaos presents another interesting comparison. Like Keeper of Kookus, it’s a red creature with a twist; it features the ability to be discarded to deal damage. Keeper of Kookus, however, pairs its power with a specific interaction with the Kookus creature, creating a niche synergy. Bloodrock Cyclops is another creature worth mentioning. It shares the forced attack mechanic but doesn’t have the Kookus-dependent clause, making it more aggressive in nature.

Analyzing these cards, Keeper of Kookus’s unique synergy with Kookus adds a layer to gameplay that some players may find intriguing. It exemplifies the creativity of Magic: The Gathering, providing players with niche strategies and specialized combinations to explore.

Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
Defender of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Bloodrock Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Defender of Chaos - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Bloodrock Cyclops - Weatherlight (WTH)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Keeper of Kookus MTG card by a specific set like Visions, 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 Keeper of Kookus and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Keeper of Kookus has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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