Traitorous Greed MTG Card


Traitorous Greed - Core Set 2021
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Released2020-07-03
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2021
Set codeM21
Number166
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred bySvetlin Velinov

Key Takeaways

  1. Traitorous Greed offers direct board control and indirect card advantage by leveraging opponents’ creatures.
  2. The card’s resource acceleration through Treasure tokens allows for potentially game-changing plays.
  3. Countering the spell’s high mana cost requires strategic deck construction and play timing.

Text of card

Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. Add two mana of any one color. (The creature can attack and this turn.)

"Remind me again, what's the going rate for betrayal these days?" —Captain Rhenmir


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Traitorous Greed offers the unique opportunity to gain temporary control of an opponent’s creature. This dual-function effect not only increases your battlefield presence and thus potential damage output but can also deny your opponent a key piece from their strategy, which is a form of indirect card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Alongside commandeering an opponent’s creature, Traitorous Greed grants additional mana through two Treasure tokens. This burst of resources can significantly accelerate your in-game strategy, allowing for larger plays or a more impactful turn.

Instant Speed: While Traitorous Greed is at sorcery speed, the immediate nature of its impact when cast at a strategically opportune time can be as beneficial as an instant. By utilizing this card at the right moment, you can turn the tides of a match, swiftly swinging for unexpected damage or exploiting an opponent’s temporary weakness. Consider the timing of this card as critical for maximizing its potential effect on the game state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Traitorous Greed doesn’t force a discard, but it puts you in a position where casting it without a follow-up plan could lead to an overextended play. You might take control of a creature, but without a way to capitalize, it can end up simply being a costly tempo play.

Specific Mana Cost: Traitorous Greed’s casting cost demands two red mana, which makes it a card that primarily fits into red or red-heavy decks, potentially limiting its versatility in multicolored builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Traitorous Greed does offer the ability to gain control of an opponent’s creature and additional mana, the intensive cost at four mana total can be a steep price. In many cases, decks looking to utilize temporary creature control might opt for lower-cost alternatives to maintain momentum.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Traitorous Greed offers a unique angle in gameplay, able to serve multiple purposes. It allows for temporary control of opposition creatures and can create surprising game turns by shifting board advantage in your favor.

Combo Potential: This card not only facilitates powerful swing turns but also synergizes with sacrifice strategies. By taking control of an opponent’s creature, you can then utilize it for your own sacrificing combos, effectively removing an opponent’s threat and advancing your board state.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that celebrates interaction and assertive plays, Traitorous Greed emerges as a strong contender. Its presence in your card collection becomes even more pertinent when facing creature-heavy decks, providing a temporary edge that can accelerate victory.


How to beat

Traitorous Greed is a unique card that can turn the tide of a game by allowing players to gain control of an opponent’s creature and giving it a temporary power boost with the added benefit of producing two mana in the process. This spell, a clever mix of threat and resource generation, poses a challenge that requires strategic countermeasures.

To effectively counter Traitorous Greed, consider including instant-speed removal spells in your deck that can be cast in response to the card being played. These can either target the creature before the spell resolves or remove the creature from the battlefield after it’s been taken control of, but before it can attack. Cards with the ability to give your creatures hexproof or indestructible for a turn also provide a good defense by preventing opponents from targeting your most valuable creatures with such treacherous spells.

Having counterspells ready is another solid strategy against Traitorous Greed. By countering the spell as it’s cast, you can prevent the shift in control and mana acceleration altogether. In the larger scope of gameplay, try to maintain a steady board presence and be wary of committing your biggest threats if you suspect your opponent might have Traitorous Greed at their disposal. Vigilance and a timely reaction can be crucial in overcoming the unexpected advantages this card could give your opponent.


BurnMana Recommendations

Making the most out of every card is essential in the world of MTG. With Traitorous Greed, you’re not just playing a card, you’re crafting a pivotal moment in your match. It’s essential to recognize the potential of this dynamic card, as well as its limitations within your deck. If you’re curious about how to incorporate Traitorous Greed into your strategy effectively or seeking to thwart it in your opponent’s hands, our team is here to guide you. Advanced plays, nuanced strategies, and the surprise factor—unlock the true power of your deck. Dive deeper into the strategic depth of MTG with us and ensure your next play is a masterstroke.


Cards like Traitorous Greed

Traitorous Greed represents an engaging twist among red spells that focus on temporary creature control. In its ranks, we have cards like Act of Treason, which underpin the trend of claiming an opponent’s creature for a single turn. Still, Traitorous Greed pushes the envelope further by not only enabling you to hijack an opponent’s unit but also bolstering your mana pool with two additional Treasure tokens.

When drawing parallels, Kari Zev’s Expertise also surfaces, bringing along an extra layer—casting a card with a converted mana cost of two or less for free after taking control of a creature. Despite this, it doesn’t provide the same mana ramp potential that comes with Traitorous Greed’s Treasure tokens. On the more expensive side, we find Mob Rule which offers a broader impact by targeting multiple creatures, a factor that can swing the game, yet it demands a heftier mana investment and lacks the Treasure token bonus.

Assessing the dynamics these spells introduce, it becomes evident that Traitorous Greed delivers a unique blend of control and resource acceleration, claiming its rightful place among MTG’s most intriguing red spells.

Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Kari Zev's Expertise - MTG Card versions
Mob Rule - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - Magic 2010 (M10)
Kari Zev's Expertise - Aether Revolt Promos (PAER)
Mob Rule - Fate Reforged (FRF)

Cards similar to Traitorous Greed by color, type and mana cost

Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Deadshot - MTG Card versions
Aftershock - MTG Card versions
Ruination - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
Flameshot - MTG Card versions
Bend or Break - MTG Card versions
Scorching Missile - MTG Card versions
Reckless Crew - MTG Card versions
Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Illuminate History - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions
Flashfires - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Shatterstorm - Antiquities (ATQ)
Anarchy - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Phoenix Heart - Celebration Cards (PCEL)
Reign of Chaos - Mirage (MIR)
Deadshot - Tempest (TMP)
Aftershock - Jumpstart 2022 (J22)
Ruination - Commander 2011 (CMD)
Flowstone Flood - Exodus (EXO)
Relentless Assault - Commander Legends (CMR)
Flameshot - The List (PLST)
Bend or Break - Invasion (INV)
Scorching Missile - Odyssey (ODY)
Reckless Crew - Kaldheim Promos (PKHM)
Draconic Intervention - Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos (PSTX)
Illuminate History - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Demolish - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Granulate - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Touch and Go - Unhinged (UNH)
Sunder from Within - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Traitorous Greed MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Traitorous Greed and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Traitorous Greed has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2020-06-23 Gaining control of a creature doesn't cause you to gain control of any Auras or Equipment attached to it.
2020-06-23 If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Traitorous Greed tries to resolve, the spell won't resolve. You won't add two mana.
2020-06-23 Traitorous Greed can target any creature, even one that's untapped or one you already control.

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