Hapatra's Mark MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2017-04-28
Set symbol
Set name	Amonkhet
Set code	AKH
Number	169
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Lindsey Look

Key Takeaways

Offers instant speed protection and counter-removal, enhancing your strategic flexibility in matches.
The card’s specific mana cost may constrain deck construction, especially in multicolored decks.
Can be and integral part of counter-centric decks, showcasing its combo potential in MTG.

Text of card

Target creature you control gains hexproof until end of turn. Remove all -1/-1 counters from it. (A creature with hexproof can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)

"If you fear poisons, it is because you are ignorant of them." —Hapatra, vizier of poisons

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hapatra’s Mark is adept at protecting your key creatures, essentially nullifying a removal spell your opponent aims at your creature, thereby preserving your board presence and card resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Hapatra’s Mark itself does not directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, it helps in maintaining your creature-based strategies operational. Keeping crucial creatures on the battlefield can be critical for certain decks that rely on synergy and combos, indirectly accelerating your route to victory.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Hapatra’s Mark at instant speed grants you significant tactical flexibility. You can wait until the most opportune moment within your opponent’s turn to counteract their plays, making it a versatile tool in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside to playing Hapatra’s Mark is that, in the right circumstances, you might need to discard other valuable cards to accommodate it in your game strategy. This can potentially leave you at a disadvantage if you’re forced to part with a key piece of your deck to maintain board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: With Hapatra’s Mark, the reliance on both green mana and generic mana can pose a challenge. This card’s specific mana cost may limit flexibility in deck construction, particularly in multi-colored decks where mana distribution is crucial.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When examined closely, Hapatra’s Mark might seem less appealing due to its relatively high mana cost for its function. In a game where pacing is important, there are instances where investing two mana into an instant that simply gives a creature you control hexproof until end of turn could hinder your tempo, as there are other spells or creatures that could be a more efficient use of your mana resources.

Reasons to Include Hapatra’s Mark in Your Collection

Versatility: Hapatra’s Mark offers a swift response for protecting your most valuable creatures. Its instant-speed utility allows it to safeguard not just from removal, but also from -1/-1 counter placements, making it a flexible choice for any green-centric deck.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks designed around counters. Pair it with creatures that benefit from having counters or with those that have negative counter synergies. The potential to nullify a negative counter while keeping your creature on board opens doors for numerous interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where interaction and combat tricks reign, Hapatra’s Mark can be a game-changer. It keeps key creatures in play against removal-heavy decks, maintaining your board presence and momentum. Its low mana cost enables it to easily fit into your curve, making it a smart addition for competitive play.

How to beat

Hapatra’s Mark, a beloved tool in many Magic: The Gathering green decks, has proven to be a thorn in the side of opponents thanks to its instant speed and its ability to counteract damage and removal attempts. It stands out with the capacity to grant a creature you control hexproof until the end of the turn and to remove all -1/-1 counters from it, which turns it into a solid protective measure for valuable creatures against targeted spells or abilities.

To effectively deal with Hapatra’s Mark, switch your strategy to use board wipes and global effects that do not target individual creatures. Sweepers like Damnation or Wrath of God can sidestep Hapatra’s Mark’s protection since they do not target. Alternatively, applying consistent pressure by advancing your board state can force the Mark out early and leave the opponent’s key creature vulnerable later on. In essence, baiting out the Mark and then employing non-targeting removal is a sound strategy to mitigate the impact of this troublesome card.

The key to beating Hapatra’s Mark lies in smart play and maintaining resources that will help remove threats en masse or indirectly, ensuring that when your window to act does open, you’re ready to take full advantage and secure your victory on the battlefield.

Cards like Hapatra's Mark

Hapatra’s Mark is an intriguing card that offers creature protection in Magic: The Gathering, serving a similar function to spells like Blossoming Defense. Both cards provide a means to shield a creature from harm with the added ability to grant a boost to power and toughness. Hapatra’s Mark differs in that it can remove -1/-1 counters and it costs less, being only one green mana, which can be pivotal in early-game plays. Additionally, its instant speed allows for surprise plays during combat or in response to an opponent’s actions.

Comparatively, Heroic Intervention provides a wider protective scope by granting hexproof and indestructible to all your permanents, not just a single creature. While Heroic Intervention is more expensive at two mana and does not remove -1/-1 counters, its breadth can be a game-changer in preserving a strong board presence during critical moments of the game.

Hence, Hapatra’s Mark is a valuable addition, especially in decks that encounter numerous -1/-1 counter scenarios. Its cost efficiency and removal of negative counters offer a distinct advantage over similar spells, making it a robust choice for specific deck strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Hapatra's Mark by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hapatra's Mark MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet, 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 Hapatra's Mark and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hapatra's Mark has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal

Rules and information

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