Control Magic MTG Card


Control Magic reigns in card advantage by simultaneously bolstering your board and depleting your adversary’s. Though not a mana ramp, using foes’ creatures can save your resources for alternate strategic maneuvers. Demands precise mana colors and can be costly, which may hinder its use in fast-paced games.
Card setsReleased in 22 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

You control target creature until enchantment is discarded or game ends. You can't tap target creature this turn, but if it was already tapped it stays tapped until you can untap it. If destroyed, target creature is put in its owner's graveyard.


Cards like Control Magic

Control Magic has long impressed players of Magic: The Gathering with its ability to seize control of an opponent’s creature. This power aligns it with other notable enchantments such as Mind Control and Treachery. Mind Control, while similar in effect, costs one more mana, which can be significant in the pace of a match. Nonetheless, it provides the same powerful outcome of changing creature allegiance.

Treachery takes the concept even further by untapping five lands when it’s played, essentially making it free if you have enough lands in play. This card grants not only control over an opponent’s creature but also an efficient mana advantage. On the downside, it’s a pricier card to acquire due to its age and power level. Confiscate is another enchantment comparable to Control Magic, with an even broader scope. It can take over any permanent, not limiting to creatures, but again at the cost of a higher mana investment.

Each of these enchantments offers a different balance of cost, flexibility, and additional benefits, making Control Magic a staple in the conversation for its efficiency and straightforward utility in the realm of creature control spells.

Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Treachery - MTG Card versions
Confiscate - MTG Card versions
Mind Control - MTG Card versions
Treachery - MTG Card versions
Confiscate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Control Magic by color, type and mana cost

Steal Artifact - MTG Card versions
Animate Artifact - MTG Card versions
Merseine - MTG Card versions
Zur's Weirding - MTG Card versions
Psychic Vortex - MTG Card versions
Abduction - 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
Dehydration - MTG Card versions
Mystic Restraints - MTG Card versions
Ambiguity - MTG Card versions
Steal Artifact - MTG Card versions
Animate Artifact - MTG Card versions
Merseine - MTG Card versions
Zur's Weirding - MTG Card versions
Psychic Vortex - MTG Card versions
Abduction - 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
Dehydration - MTG Card versions
Mystic Restraints - MTG Card versions
Ambiguity - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Control Magic provides a direct path to card superiority by letting you take command of an opposing creature. This not only adds a valuable asset to your board but also removes one from your opponent’s, effectively serving as a two-for-one advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly increasing your mana resources, Control Magic can accelerate your game plan by giving you access to opponents’ high-value creatures without the need to cast them yourself, saving your mana for other strategic plays.

Instant Speed: While Control Magic is not an instant, its strategic application during your main phase can be as disruptive as instant-speed interaction. By seizing the right creature at the right time, you can alter the pace and outcome of the match, much like an instant can turn the tide at a critical moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Throughout your strategic plays, holding the right cards is crucial. Control Magic, however, does not directly make you discard cards but it requires a particular setup to be effective. If you need to ensure your hand is full to respond to an ever-changing board state, this dependency can feel restrictive.

Specific Mana Cost: Control Magic demands a precise mana cost – two generic and two blue. This is not always easy to achieve, especially early in the game or in multicolored decks that struggle with mana consistency. Players using decks with a heavier color skew may find it challenging to meet this requirement when it counts.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Control Magic is comparatively expensive for what it does – taking control of a target creature. In a fast-paced game, its cost might slow you down. Moreover, in an environment rich with low-cost removal or creature-bounce spells, you might find more efficient ways to deal with threats without locking up four mana on a single spell.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Control Magic offers the ability to snatch an opponent’s best creature, making it a powerful addition across various deck types. It particularly shines in decks looking to leverage the power of their opponent’s threats.

Combo Potential: Not only can it turn the tide of a game by taking control of a key creature, but it can also be part of clever interactions in decks that focus on exchange of control or benefit from manipulating opponents’ boards.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames cycle through creature-heavy formats, Control Magic’s relevance soars, providing a robust answer to dominant creatures that shape the competitive landscape.


How to beat Control Magic

Control Magic is a classic enchantment in the realm of MTG, allowing players to take command of an opponent’s creature. This turnaround can be a game-changer, effectively shifting board dominance. To counter this, consider playing cards that grant you hexproof, such as Leyline of Sanctity, which protects you from being targeted by such control effects.

Removal spells are also an effective strategy, with options like Disenchant or Naturalize that can directly destroy enchantments like Control Magic. Furthermore, many decks include versatile creatures or spells that can bounce Control Magic back to its owner’s hand, resetting the power balance. Keep in mind the importance of instant-speed responses, allowing you to react in the midst of your opponent’s actions.

Ultimately, by utilizing enchantment removal, protecting yourself from being targeted, and keeping instant-speed tricks up your sleeve, you can dismantle the advantage Control Magic seeks to establish, maintaining the upper hand in your MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Control Magic stands as a classic tool in MTG, offering the immense advantage of turning the tide by commandeering an opponent’s creature. Its strategic use not only broadens your battlefield but disrupts your adversary’s plan. Deck builders and strategists alike should not overlook its potential impact. Interested in incorporating this enchantment into your arsenal and dictating the flow of play? There’s a deep well of knowledge and strategies to tap into. Visit us to delve deeper into maximizing the impact of Control Magic in your deck, and ensure your next duel is a display of skillful dominance.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Control Magic MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Control Magic and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Control Magic Magic the Gathering card was released in 20 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 521993NormalBlackDameon Willich
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 531993NormalBlackDameon Willich
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 531993NormalWhiteDameon Willich
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 531993NormalBlackDameon Willich
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 531993NormalBlackDameon Willich
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 521993NormalWhiteDameon Willich
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 521993NormalBlackDameon Willich
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 521993NormalWhiteDameon Willich
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 641993NormalWhiteDameon Willich
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 641993NormalBlackDameon Willich
111996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ml64sb1993NormalGoldDameon Willich
121996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC ml641993NormalGoldDameon Willich
131999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 141997NormalWhiteDameon Willich
142002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 435942003NormalBlackClint Cearley
152011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 431997NormalBlackDameon Willich
162013-11-01Commander 2013C13 352003NormalBlackClint Cearley
172014-03-14Duel Decks: Jace vs. VraskaDDM 302003NormalBlackClint Cearley
182014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 632015NormalBlackClint Cearley
192016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 422015NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
202017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 342015NormalBlackClint Cearley
212022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 522015NormalBlackDameon Willich
222022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3491997NormalBlackDameon Willich

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Control Magic has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2016-06-08 Gaining control of a creature doesn’t cause you to gain control of any Auras or Equipment attached to it.