Abduction MTG Card


Abduction offers control and reanimation, disrupting opponents’ board strategies effectively. Its specific mana cost and higher investment require careful deck integration and planning. Flexibility and combo potential make Abduction a versatile card in blue-themed decks.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

When Abduction comes into play, untap enchanted creature. Gain control of enchanted creature. If enchanted creature is put into any graveyard, put that creature into play under its owner's control.


Cards like Abduction

Abduction stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a distinctive control enchantment. What makes it similar to spells like Control Magic is its ability to seize creatures from opponents. However, Abduction takes this one step further by offering a built-in reanimation effect, returning the creature to play under your control should it be sent to the graveyard. Control Magic lacks this reactive element, providing only the creature stealing aspect.

Enchantment options such as Mind Control reflect Abduction’s gameplay, giving control over opponents’ creatures for the same mana cost. However, Mind Control doesn’t share the reanimation ability that makes Abduction unique. Then there’s Treachery, which may seem more efficient by untapping five lands upon enchanting, but it comes at a steeper mana curve without the reanimation feature.

By looking at the intricacies of card features and evaluating similar options, Abduction holds a valuable position within creature control enchantments in Magic: The Gathering. Its capability to not only take control but also to potentially benefit from the creature again after its demise offers strategic advantages that set it apart.

Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Treachery - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Treachery - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Abduction by color, type and mana cost

Steal Artifact - MTG Card versions
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Animate Artifact - MTG Card versions
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Ambiguity - MTG Card versions
Levitation - MTG Card versions
Steal Artifact - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Animate Artifact - MTG Card versions
Merseine - MTG Card versions
Zur's Weirding - MTG Card versions
Psychic Vortex - MTG Card versions
Zephid's Embrace - MTG Card versions
Browse - MTG Card versions
Opposition - MTG Card versions
Collective Restraint - MTG Card versions
Delusions of Mediocrity - MTG Card versions
Thassa, Deep-Dwelling - MTG Card versions
Necroduality - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions
Annex - MTG Card versions
Coastal Piracy - MTG Card versions
Treasure Trove - MTG Card versions
Mystic Restraints - MTG Card versions
Ambiguity - MTG Card versions
Levitation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Casting Abduction provides a two-for-one deal; not only do you take control of a target creature, but if that creature isn’t dealt with, it stays on your side of the battlefield. This kind of effect can quickly tip the scales in a match, letting you benefit from both the creature’s abilities and attacks.

Resource Acceleration: While Abduction itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it effectively denies your opponent’s resources which can be just as advantageous. By abducting their key creature, they lose access to it, which may slow them down and give you the upper hand in the race for board dominance.

Instant Speed: Despite Abduction being an enchantment, it acts immediately upon casting, which can be crucial for disrupting your opponent’s strategies. Being able to spring this surprise during the combat phase or in response to an opponent’s action means you remain flexible and reactive throughout the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Abduction MTG card does not directly necessitate discarding. However, upon the removal or death of the enchanted creature, the loss of the creature effectively functions as a setback. This can lead to a disadvantage if the player no longer controls a beneficial creature they had initially taken.

Specific Mana Cost: Abduction requires blue mana to be cast, which restricts its inclusion to blue-themed or multicolor decks that can accommodate blue mana in their mana base. This may not fit the strategy or color identity of all deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of four mana—including three generic and one blue—Abduction’s cost is on the higher end for an enchantment with a control effect. Given this, players might prefer using other control spells that are more cost-effective for similar or greater impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Abduction in Your Collection

Versatility: Abduction offers a unique flexibility in blue control decks or as part of a theft theme. Its ability to temporarily seize an opponent’s creature adds both a defensive and aggressive tool to your arsenal.

Combo Potential: This card works well in strategies aimed at sacrificing creatures for benefit. Take control of an opponent’s creature, use it to your advantage, and possible remove it with a sacrifice outlet if needed.

Meta-Relevance: Abduction has its place in metas with creature-heavy decks. Interrupt opponents’ strategies by taking their key creatures and turning them against their own ranks.


How to beat

Abduction is an intriguing card in the MTG arsenal that allows you to take control of an opponent’s creature until Abduction is sent to the graveyard. This presents unique challenges and dealing with it requires smart play. To thwart an Abduction, prioritizing enchantment removal spells such as Disenchant or Naturalize can swiftly undo the temporary allegiance shift, returning the creature to your side of the battlefield. Control decks can also leverage counterspells like Negate to prevent Abduction from resolving in the first place, maintaining the equilibrium of power.

Another effective strategy involves targeting your own creature with a sacrifice effect or a card like Rescue that returns it to your hand, rendering Abduction useless if the creature is no longer on the battlefield to be controlled. Ensuring redundancy in creature threats also lessens the impact of a single Abduction, enabling you to sustain pressure even if one creature is temporarily turned against you. By staying vigilant and employing these methods, you can minimize Abduction’s influence and maintain dominance over the game state.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abduction MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and World Championship Decks 1997, 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 Abduction and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Abduction Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by Colin MacNeil.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-06-09WeatherlightWTH 301997NormalBlackColin MacNeil
21997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 pm301997NormalGoldColin MacNeil
31999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 551997NormalWhiteColin MacNeil

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abduction has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 Abduction may be cast targeting an untapped creature.