Cold Snap MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Enchantment
Abilities	Cumulative upkeep
Released	1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Ice Age
Set code	ICE
Number	17
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Randy Gallegos

Key Takeaways

Cold Snap offers card draw and mana acceleration but requires a precise mana base and card discard.
Its instant speed versatility and combo potential can significantly shape game outcomes in strategic decks.
Being prepared with flexible responses and counter measures is crucial for effectively overcoming Cold Snap.

Text of card

Cumulative Upkeep: During each player's upkeep, Cold Snap deals 1 damage to that player for each snow-covered land he or she controls.

Who knows from whence the winter comes?

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cold Snap enables players to get ahead in the game by drawing additional cards. This not only replenishes your hand but also gives more options and responses to the ever-changing battlefield dynamics.

Resource Acceleration: This card can significantly boost mana resources, streamlining the pathway to casting more demanding spells earlier than usual. It’s an essential strategy for decks that require a quick buildup of resources.

Instant Speed: Cold Snap’s capacity to be played at instant speed adds a layer of strategic depth. It allows savvy players to remain flexible, responding to an opponent’s moves effectively and optimizing the timing of their own plays to maintain control of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the hurdles players face with the Cold Snap card is the need to discard another card, potentially putting them at a card disadvantage. This can particularly impact gameplay during tight situations where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Cold Snap has a distinct mana requirement that includes a portion of color-specific mana, which may not seamlessly fit into every deck archetype. Players using multi-colored decks might find it challenging to fulfill the cost without a proper mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to activate the abilities of Cold Snap can be on the higher side, demanding a significant amount of resources that could have been allocated elsewhere. Players might find other cards in their collection that achieve similar effects with less investment, making Cold Snap a less preferable option in a competitive setting.

Reasons to Include Cold Snap in Your Collection

Versatility: Cold Snap cards have a wide berth of uses across different deck archetypes, owing to the set’s unique mechanics like snow permanents and ripple. This allows for integration with various stratagems and can enhance theme-based decks.

Combo Potential: Several cards from the Cold Snap set, such as “Rite of Flame” and “Thrumming Stone,” are known for their synergy with other cards, creating powerful and often game-winning combinations that savvy players can exploit to great effect.

Meta-Relevance: With decks that capitalize on the set’s mechanics, like those revolving around snow lands or cumulative upkeep, Cold Snap cards can significantly influence a game’s dynamic, adapting to and sometimes shaping the competitive landscape.

How to Beat Cold Snap

Cold Snap is a unique MTG card that can alter the state of the game by imposing specific conditions on players during their upkeep. To maneuver around Cold Snap’s icy grip, consider increasing the flexibility and redundancy of the actions available to you. Having multiple options ensures that you can adapt your strategies even under restrictive conditions. Also, incorporate cards that can neutralize or bypass Cold Snap’s effects, such as those that allow for untapping of permanents or provide alternative casting costs that circumvent the limitations imposed by Cold Snap.

Moreover, instant-speed removal or counter spells are key to reacting against Cold Snap before it has a chance to lock you down. Prioritize holding up mana and waiting for the opportune moment to play these cards, thus preserving your board state and keeping your options open. Cards that can destroy enchantments or that offer protection from specific colors can also provide an edge against Cold Snap, ensuring you remain in control even as the chilling barrier seeks to constrain your play.

Ultimately, beating Cold Snap in MTG revolves around being prepared, adaptable, and proactive, using a blend of instant responses and strategic card choices to overcome the challenges it presents.

Cards like Cold Snap

Cold Snap, a card with a unique space in Magic: The Gathering, is often compared to other freeze effects in the game. It’s akin to cards like Frost Breath, which can temporarily lock down two creatures, preventing them from untapping on the next player’s untap step. Where Cold Snap stands out is its ability to affect every untapped creature that doesn’t have snow supertype, potentially controlling a wider swath of the board.

Looking a bit further, Winter’s Chill is another interesting parallel. It doesn’t blanket the board like Cold Snap, but offers a more strategic approach, allowing players to pay extra mana to prevent specific creatures from attacking. This card is similar in its snow theme, playing into the strategic puzzle of MTG. There’s also Skred, which deals damage to a creature equal to the number of snow permanents you control, aligning with the snow synergy yet serving a different purpose.

While evaluating such cards, it’s clear that Cold Snap delivers a distinctive mass-control effect that’s hard to replicate, making it a formidable option in decks harnessing the power of snow lands and permanents.

Cards similar to Cold Snap by color, type and mana cost

The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions

Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cold Snap MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Cold Snap and other MTG cards: