Contraband Kingpin MTG Card


Contraband Kingpin excels in artifact synergy, improving deck flow with its scry ability. Its specific mana requirements may limit deck versatility, requiring careful construction. The Kingpin’s role extends beyond mere card advantage, influencing board state and strategy.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Aetherborn Rogue
Abilities Lifelink,Scry
Power 1
Toughness 4

Text of card

Lifelink Whenever an artifact enters the battlefield under your control, scry 1.

"Don't waste my time with trifles. Bring me works of art, and I will make you rich."


Cards like Contraband Kingpin

Contraband Kingpin is a unique piece in Magic: The Gathering’s roster of creature cards, standing out for its synergy with artifact strategies. Akin to cards like Baleful Strix, the Kingpin provides immediate board presence with its lifelink ability, giving artifact-based decks an edge in resilience. Unlike the Strix, however, the Kingpin does not offer card draw directly, but its scry ability whenever an artifact enters the battlefield under your control refines deck manipulation, a trait that is more nuanced than the straightforward value of Baleful Strix.

Etherium Sculptor shares a related space, reducing the cost of artifact spells and, consequently, energizing artifact-themed decks. While the Sculptor does not provide the defensive utility of lifelink or scrying, it offsets this by amplifying the speed at which you can deploy your artifacts. Another comparable creature is Glint-Nest Crane. Although primarily used for artifact card advantage, the Crane similarly contributes to board presence like the Kingpin, and it has the added benefit of being able to dig through the deck for a specific artifact.

In the end, while assessing these cards side by side, Contraband Kingpin might not deliver direct card advantage, but it offers a combo of life gain and board state refinement, making it a nuanced and tactical choice for artifact-centric MTG decks.

Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Etherium Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Glint-Nest Crane - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Etherium Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Glint-Nest Crane - MTG Card versions

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Disciple of Deceit - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Contraband Kingpin shines by streamlining your deck’s efficiency. Whenever an artifact enters the battlefield under your control, the Kingpin’s ability lets you scry, effectively curating your next draw to ensure you get the resources you need when you need them.

Resource Acceleration: This MTG card works well in artifact-heavy decks, synergizing to rapidly populate the board with useful artifacts. This strategy not only solidifies your board presence but accelerates your game plan by providing you with more options each turn, keeping the pressure on your opponents.

Instant Speed: The scry ability triggers from artifact plays, which can be executed at instant speed with the right cards, allowing for strategic planning and adjustments in response to the ever-changing landscape of an MTG match. This element of flexibility can keep opponents guessing and give you the upper hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: This MTG card doesn’t force players to discard, which is a positive attribute in the context of card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Contraband Kingpin requires both blue and black mana for casting, which can sometimes restrict deck-building flexibility if you’re not operating within a UB (blue/black) synergy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana – one blue, one black – Contraband Kingpin’s impact might not feel as substantial considering other two-drop creatures in the game. In competitive settings, players might opt for cards that have an immediate impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Contraband Kingpin fits seamlessly into artifact-heavy and control-oriented decks, with its ability to scry each time an artifact enters your side of the field, streamlining your draw.

Combo Potential: This card’s scry ability has excellent synergy in strategies that involve frequent artifact play, allowing you to set up your deck for future combos while maintaining board presence with a deceptively tough lifelink defender.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting MTG landscape that often values quick information and board control, Contraband Kingpin can provide consistent value against a variety of competitive decks.


How to beat Contraband Kingpin

Contraband Kingpin is a formidable card known for its ability to strengthen artifact strategies in MTG. With its lifelink ability and the knack for manipulating the deck, it can be a challenge to overcome. However, it’s not impervious. Targeted removal spells, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, can efficiently dispatch the Kingpin before his influence spreads on the battlefield. Graveyard removal is also effective, ensuring it doesn’t come back through various recursion methods.

Another tactic is to limit the number of artifacts your opponent controls, cutting off the Kingpin’s synergy. Cards that destroy or neutralize artifacts like Shatterstorm or Stony Silence can dismantle the linchpin of a Contraband Kingpin-centric strategy. In addition, employing counterspells when the Kingpin is cast can prevent it from entering the field at all, eliminating the threat before it begins to accrue value for your opponent.

While Contraband Kingpin can bolster your opponent’s position when left unchecked, with careful planning and the right cards, you can mitigate its impact on the game and maintain control over the match’s outcome.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embracing the finesse of MTG’s intricate gameplay, decks that integrate the Contraband Kingpin are often a step ahead. Offering a unique blend of board control and foresight through its artifact-centric scry ability, this card can be the lynchpin of a well-oiled machine. Consider adding Contraband Kingpin to your collection to refine your strategy and to adapt to the meta that rewards keen insight and board presence. Visit BurnMana for a deeper dive into optimizing your deck’s potential with this multifaceted card and ensure your arsenal is equipped to face a diverse range of opponents.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Contraband Kingpin MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Mystery Booster, 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 Contraband Kingpin and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Contraband Kingpin Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Anna Steinbauer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 1772015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14102015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
32020-09-26The ListPLST KLD-1772015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
42020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 1902015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Contraband Kingpin has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2016-09-20 If multiple artifacts enter the battlefield simultaneously, you'll scry 1 that many times. You won't look at more than one card from your library at once.