Magnetic Theft MTG Card


Magnetic Theft - Fifth Dawn
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2004-06-04
Set symbol
Set nameFifth Dawn
Set code5DN
Number74
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDave Dorman

Key Takeaways

  1. Magnetic Theft offers strategic equipment attachments without a mana cost, enhancing in-game resource management.
  2. Instant speed casting allows for disruptive plays and unexpected combat advantages in MTG.
  3. Deck synergy is crucial; red mana requirement limits its use to specific MTG deck types.

Text of card

Attach target Equipment to target creature. (Control of the Equipment doesn't change.)

Among the Vulshok, the most prized blades are those that killed their original owners.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Magnetic Theft offers strategic value by enabling artifact equipping without a mana cost, which can often lead to indirect card advantage. This can swing a match by saving resources while executing crucial game maneuvers.

Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, the card excels in resource acceleration. It allows for an unexpected redistribution of equipment, potentially amplifying the power of creatures without the usual mana investment, thus keeping your resources ready for additional plays.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Magnetic Theft at instant speed allows for surprise interactions during combat or in response to opponent’s actions. This can disrupt opponent strategies or enhance your attacks without prior notice, making it a tactical asset in various gameplay scenarios.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Magnetic Theft demands a precise cost in red mana. This stipulation confines its playability strictly to decks that can generate red mana, potentially excluding a broad span of other deck archetypes that might benefit from its effect yet do not align with red mana dependencies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Magnetic Theft’s mana cost is not inherently steep, in a fast-paced gaming environment, deploying a card with even a moderate mana cost might lag behind more efficient options. Cards with similar or lesser costs could provide an immediate impact on the game, making Magnetic Theft a less appealing choice in certain scenarios.

Discard Requirement: Another aspect to consider when evaluating Magnetic Theft is the deck synergy and the strategic moment of play. Although it doesn’t have a discard requirement as part of its casting cost, utilizing such a specific card could metaphorically ‘discard’ opportunities to play other, possibly more impactful cards at the right moment, especially in the absence of imminent equipment targets.


Reasons to Include Magnetic Theft in Your Collection

Versatility: Magnetic Theft is a card that can seamlessly slot into a variety of deck builds. It’s particularly adept in strategies that revolve around equipment, allowing you to circumvent equip costs and surprise opponents by shifting gear between creatures at instant speed.

Combo Potential: This card opens up numerous combo avenues, synergizing with artifacts that have powerful equip effects. In the right setup, it can contribute to an unexpected win by transferring a critical piece of equipment to a creature that can immediately utilize it for a lethal attack.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where equipment-based strategies are prevalent, Magnetic Theft can give players a significant edge. Its low mana cost and the instant speed play further enhance its utility, making it a smart meta choice for someone looking to gain an advantage in equipment-heavy games.


How to beat

Magnetic Theft is a versatile card that can shift the momentum of the game by attaching equipment to creatures unexpectedly. Known for its ability to disrupt and surprise, it can be a real game-changer in the heat of battle. To counter this strategy, consider running instant-speed removal spells to destroy or exile the equipment before it can be attached. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant can provide a direct solution to the equipments in question.

Furthermore, countermagic plays a significant role when facing a card like Magnetic Theft. Holding up a counter like Mana Leak or Negate ensures you can prevent the spell from resolving. Being proactive is also key. Playing a deck that limits the number of targets for Magnetic Theft, such as one with fewer creatures, can reduce its impact. Lastly, cards that restrict actions during combat, such as Silent Arbiter, can weaken the effectiveness of surprise equipment plays. By staying one step ahead and keeping these strategies in mind, you can effectively neutralize the threat posed by Magnetic Theft and maintain the upper hand.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the tactical layers of MTG reveals cards like Magnetic Theft that challenge traditional playstyles. As you’ve seen, its ability to disrupt the status quo and create surprise advantages can be pivotal in any match. Embracing strategic flexibility and considering the meta relevance of equipment in your own deck is key. Whether you’re shaking up your tactics or seeking cards with unique effects, include Magnetic Theft in your collection for unexpected twists and turns in gameplay. Curious to harness these strategies for your next clash? Deploy Magnetic Theft and watch the equipment dance between creatures. Deepen your MTG knowledge with us and transform your gameplay today.


Cards like Magnetic Theft

Magnetic Theft provides a unique strategic advantage in Magic: The Gathering by giving players the ability to attach equipment to a target creature as an instant. A card that echoes a portion of its ability is Brass Squire, which also attaches equipment but does so as a creature’s activated ability that must be used during your turn or with proper timing if you give it flash. Magnetic Theft stands out by being more spontaneous, allowing surprise plays.

Affinity for artifacts enthusiasts might compare Magnetic Theft to Auriok Windwalker, which not only attaches equipment for free but also harnesses the ability as an activated effect of a creature. While Windwalker is repeatable and doesn’t require additional cards to perform the action, Magnetic Theft remains unparalleled in its instant speed and mana cost efficiency.

Conversely, Sigarda’s Aid, another card in a similar bracket, offers an ability that lets you attach equipment as soon as it enters the battlefield and at instant speed. It provides continued value over the course of a game, which is advantageous in decks focused on equipment strategies. Nevertheless, Magnetic Theft is the go-to spell for an immediate and unexpected attachment at a critical moment, potentially swinging the game in your favor.

Brass Squire - MTG Card versions
Auriok Windwalker - MTG Card versions
Sigarda's Aid - MTG Card versions
Brass Squire - MTG Card versions
Auriok Windwalker - MTG Card versions
Sigarda's Aid - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Magnetic Theft by color, type and mana cost

False Orders - MTG Card versions
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Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
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Enrage - MTG Card versions
False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Pyroblast - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
Burst Lightning - MTG Card versions
Fever Charm - MTG Card versions
Electrostatic Bolt - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Speed - MTG Card versions
Enrage - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Magnetic Theft MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn, 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 Magnetic Theft and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Magnetic Theft has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Magnetic Theft 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 Magnetic Theft can cause an Equipment one player controls to be attached to a creature another player controls. The controller of the Equipment can pay the equip cost to move the Equipment to a creature they control (but only any time that player could cast a sorcery).

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