Frost Breath MTG Card

Magic 2012 (M12)
2011-07-15 - Number 54

Magic 2014 (M14)
2013-07-19 - Number 56

Core Set 2021 (M21)
2020-07-03 - Number 51

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Key Takeaways

Instant speed allows strategic flexibility, countering threats or managing mana efficiently during combat phases.
Freezing creatures can indirectly provide a tactical edge, resembling card advantage through battlefield control.
Frost Breath’s mana cost and color requirement may limit its use, demanding careful deck composition.

Text of card

Tap up to two target creatures. Those creatures don't untap during their controller's next untap step.

If you have to be stuck somewhere for a while, it's better to be stuck there with a friend.

Card Pros

Instant Speed: As a nuanced strategy, Frost Breath’s instant speed grants the flexibility to disrupt opponent’s plans mid-combat or at the end of their turn, keeping your mana free for other plays until the moment is right.

Card Advantage: Whilst Frost Breath doesn’t directly provide card draw, the ability to temporarily neutralize two of an opponent’s creatures can effectively negate their next two draw phases if timed correctly, providing a subtle form of card advantage through battlefield control.

Resource Acceleration: Although Frost Breath does not accelerate resources in the traditional sense, by freezing opposing creatures, it can indirectly hasten your own board development. By eliminating blockers, you’re able to accelerate your damage output and gain a quicker path to victory, utilizing the time your opponent’s resources are stalled to your advantage.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Frost Breath requires both generic and blue mana, necessitating a commitment to blue mana resources, which may restrict its inclusion in multicolor decks that have a tightly curated mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana for its effect, Frost Breath might be considered too expensive when other spells in the game can disrupt opponents at a lower cost, potentially allowing players to execute more actions per turn.

Discard Requirement: While Frost Breath does not have a discard requirement, it’s worth noting for players evaluating similar control cards that being forced to discard can be a critical setback, especially if the player’s hand is already low on cards.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Frost Breath offers wide applicability in decks that aim to control the board. By temporarily neutralizing potential threats, it gives you the critical turns needed to establish dominance or to prepare a game-winning move.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that capitalize on freezing opponents’ assets. Pairing Frost Breath with cards that benefit from tapped creatures can set up powerful plays, or even turn the tide in your favor during tight matches.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where aggressive creature decks are prevalent, Frost Breath provides a timely and cost-efficient response. Slowing down the pace allows more strategically oriented decks to maneuver into a stronger position, making it a useful tool in the current competitive scene.

How to beat

Frost Breath is an intriguing control card in Magic: The Gathering that momentarily freezes two of your opponent’s creatures in place. Unlike permanent removal spells, Frost Breath doesn’t eliminate the threats, it merely stalls them. This card shines against formidable creatures that are about to unleash havoc on your life total.

To reliably overcome the icy grip of Frost Breath, it’s essential to diversify your strategy. Implementing instant-speed removals or enchantments that neutralize creatures can mitigate the impact of this card. Cards like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile get rid of threats permanently, rendering Frost Breath’s effect less daunting. Similarly, by having a varied army with creatures that have hexproof or indestructible, your opponent’s Frost Breath would lose a lot of its chilling power. If you’re able to maintain a board presence with resilient creatures or simply outpace the Frost Breath player with an aggressive deck, you’ll lessen its ability to set you back.

Remember, staying proactive and maintaining alternative tactics in your game plan will ensure that Frost Breath doesn’t leave you out in the cold.

Cards like Frost Breath

Frost Breath holds a unique place in the arsenal of control cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to tap up to two target creatures and keep them frozen during their controller’s next untap step creates strategic pauses in the opponent’s plan. A comparative spell is Sleep, which taps all creatures your opponents control with a wider scope of influence. Although Sleep affects more creatures, it’s more expensive in mana cost compared to the concise targeting of Frost Breath.

Binding Ice is another card with a chilling resemblance, freezing a single target creature upon entering the battlefield and during each opponent’s upkeep. While it offers a more sustained control over one creature, Frost Breath’s instant speed allows players to react immediately to threats. Winter’s Rest also shares similarities, with the added requirement of having another snow permanent to keep the target tapped. This synergy with snow decks offers nuance but lacks the immediate double impact of Frost Breath.

When exploring options for icy control, Frost Breath emerges as a versatile choice in Magic: The Gathering. It strikes a balance between cost and effectiveness, especially for players seeking to temporarily neutralize multiple threats at a critical moment.

Cards similar to Frost Breath by color, type and mana cost

Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Frost Breath MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and Magic 2014, 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 Frost Breath and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Frost Breath Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by Mike Bierek.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2011-07-15	Magic 2012	M12	54	2003	Normal	Black	Mike Bierek
2	2013-07-19	Magic 2014	M14	56	2003	Normal	Black	Mike Bierek
3	2020-07-03	Core Set 2021	M21	51	2015	Normal	Black	Mike Bierek

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Frost Breath has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2020-06-23	Frost Breath can target tapped creatures. If a targeted creature is already tapped when the spell resolves, that creature just remains tapped and doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.