Winter's Grasp MTG Card
1997-05-01 - Number 194
1997-10-14 - Number 265
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Destroy any one land.
Winter settles on the land, and the land prays it will wake.
Cards like Winter's Grasp
Winter’s Grasp strengthens the arsenal of control strategies for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. It stands in line with cards like Ice Manipulator, which also functions to lock down an opponent’s assets, albeit at a higher mana investment and without the permanency of removal. Winter’s Grasp, serving as a targeted land destruction spell, permanently removes a threat from the battlefield, a notch above the temporary stall tactics of the Manipulator.
In the realm of land control, we also see Thermokarst. It too destroys a land, but with an added green mana requirement, it is less flexible than Winter’s Grasp. The advantage, however, is in its ability to produce green mana if the demolished land was a Forest. There’s also Rain of Tears, which mirrors Winter’s Grasp’s ability at the same cost without the color restriction, making it a versatile option in multicolored decks.
Delving into the value of these land disruption spells, Winter’s Grasp holds its own with its straightforward and cost-effective approach to mana denial, a pivotal strategy for those aiming to hobble their opponent’s play tempo in the strategic landscape of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Winter's Grasp by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Winter's Grasp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Oath Ponza | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
 | RG Oath | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Winter’s Grasp grants you the ability to remove key permanents from the battle, effectively giving you an advantage as you limit your opponent’s resources while maintaining your own board state.
Resource Acceleration: By disrupting your opponent’s land base, you indirectly accelerate your own resource advantage. Controlling the pace of the game can lead to significant gains as you operate unhindered.
Instant Speed: The capability to cast Winter’s Grasp at instant speed offers strategic flexibility. You can cleverly navigate around your opponent’s moves and maximize the impact of the card by choosing the most opportune moment for disruption.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Winter’s Grasp requires discarding another card to maximize its effect, which can deplete your hand and leave you with fewer options on subsequent turns.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands two specific mana types which could pose a problem in multicolored decks not focused on those colors, potentially affecting the card’s versatility in diverse deck constructions.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a cost point that could be steep for what it brings to the battlefield, players may find that Winter’s Grasp’s impact on the game does not justify its mana investment, especially when other cards might offer similar or better effects with lower costs.
Reasons to Include Winter’s Grasp in Your Collection
Versatility: Winter’s Grasp stands out with its ability to target and tap any land, allowing for disruption of your opponent’s mana base. This trait makes it adaptable to most deck types looking to gain a tempo advantage.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key component in land denial strategies paired with cards that punish tapped lands or prohibit untapping. Together, they create a synergy that can lock opponents out of crucial turns.
Meta-Relevance: As players assemble land-centered decks harnessing the power of ramp or multicolor strategies, Winter’s Grasp holds significance by impeding their development, making it a tactical choice in the current competitive scene.
How to beat
Winter’s Grasp is a powerful control card in the realm of Magic the Gathering, providing players with the ability to shut down key lands and mana resources of the opponent. To effectively overcome this card, flexibility in your land base is critical. Employing a variety of lands that include basics and ones with assorted mana abilities can minimize the impact of a Winter’s Grasp play. Having instant-speed land tutoring effects or cards that can untap your lands can also help recover from this disruptive spell.
Similarly, cards that can remove enchantments or artifacts are invaluable against a deck that capitalizes on mana denial strategies, since they can handle associated threats like Winter Orb or Static Orb, which may accompany Winter’s Grasp. Moreover, having a curve that allows you to play lower-cost spells even when your mana is being pinched can ensure that one freezing grasp doesn’t completely halt your game plan. Lastly, spells that can regenerate or give indestructible status to your lands offer a proactive defense against this chilling tactic.
Ultimately, while challenging to face, Winter’s Grasp can be thoughtfully tackled to keep your deck running smoothly under icy conditions. Adaptations and strategic foresight are as vital as any spell in your arsenal when it comes to securing victory against such freezing strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Winter's Grasp MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Tempest, 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 Winter's Grasp 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
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Printings
The Winter's Grasp Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 1997-10-14. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Winter's Grasp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |