Slave of Bolas MTG Card


Slave of Bolas swings the game by usurping and eliminating key creatures, tipping the scales in your favor. Grixis decks capitalize on this card, but its specific mana cost limits its use in other deck types. Despite limitations, its potential for control and sacrifice combos makes Slave of Bolas a valuable addition.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Gain control of target creature. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. Sacrifice it at the beginning of the next end step.

Nicol Bolas doesn't distinguish between servants and victims.


Cards like Slave of Bolas

Slave of Bolas stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a compelling choice for players looking to control the battlefield. This card draws parallels with Act of Treason, as both enable players to seize control of an opponent’s creature for a turn. However, Slave of Bolas takes it a step further by requiring the creature to be sacrificed at the end of the turn, thus permanently removing it from your opponent’s arsenal.

Compared to other control spells like Control Magic, Slave of Bolas is a one-time use with a more immediate impact, whereas Control Magic offers ongoing control at a higher mana cost. Mark of Mutiny also shares similarities, offering temporary control and a +1/+1 boost to the hijacked creature, but lacks the decisive ending Slave of Bolas provides by forcing a sacrifice.

Each of these cards presents a unique approach to creature control within Magic: The Gathering. Slave of Bolas distinguishes itself with its ability to not just borrow, but also eradicate an opponent’s key creature, making it an effective weapon for players looking to quickly turn the tides of a game.

Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Mark of Mutiny - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Mark of Mutiny - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Slave of Bolas by color, type and mana cost

Drastic Revelation - MTG Card versions
Dark Intimations - MTG Card versions
Hostile Takeover - MTG Card versions
Drastic Revelation - MTG Card versions
Dark Intimations - MTG Card versions
Hostile Takeover - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When casting Slave of Bolas, not only do you gain temporary control of an opponent’s creature, but you also force it to attack and then sacrifice it, essentially removing a threat from the board while depleting your opponent’s resources. This provides a significant swing in card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Although Slave of Bolas doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it effectively denies your opponent’s investments. By taking control of a creature they have spent mana to play, you utilize their resources for your advantage, effectively stalling their momentum while boosting your board position.

Instant Speed: Slave of Bolas operates at sorcery speed, which means it benefits from strategic timing during your main phases. The ability to seize an opponent’s creature just before you declare attackers can pivot the game’s dynamics, catching them off-guard and potentially leading to a decisive turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Slave of Bolas forces you to sacrifice the creature you gain control of at the end of turn, which can be a setback if you’re aiming to build a permanent board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a particular combination of mana colors, making it less flexible and harder to cast outside Grixis (blue, black, red) themed decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of five, including three specific colors, Slave of Bolas can be quite costly compared to other control or steal effects, potentially slowing down your game strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Slave of Bolas offers the flexibility to commandeer an opponent’s creature, serving dual purposes of removing a threat from their board and temporarily adding to yours. This can be a turning point in any game, fitting into a variety of deck strategies that value control and power swings.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate into decks that capitalize on sacrifice mechanics, turning the tide by utilizing a stolen creature for various synergistic plays, thereby getting more value out of a single spell.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where high-value creatures dominate, Slave of Bolas remains a relevant choice. Its ability to disrupt opponent’s strategies while bolstering your own position makes it a tactical addition that remains influential against many popular deck archetypes.


How to beat

Slave of Bolas is a spell that holds the power to dominate the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It allows a player to gain control of an opponent’s creature, untap it, and it gains haste until end of turn, after which the creature is sacrificed. This can turn an opponent’s threats into your advantages, albeit momentarily.

To counter this treacherous card, one should consider playing cards that grant your creatures hexproof or shroud, which effectively shields them from becoming enslaved. Additionally, instant-speed removal can be a saving grace. By removing your own creature from the game in response to Slave of Bolas, you can disrupt your opponent’s plans and maintain control of the game flow. Always keep mana open for reactive plays and prioritize playing creatures with instant-speed escape capabilities. In essence, thwarting Slave of Bolas requires both preparation and timely action, safeguarding your assets from unexpected usurpation.

Remember, anticipating your opponent’s moves and maintaining a lineup of protective spells are key strategies in preserving your creatures and emerging victorious against the manipulative might of Slave of Bolas.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Slave of Bolas card can be a game-changer for MTG enthusiasts seeking control over the battlefield. Its unique ability to seize and sacrifice opponent creatures offers a significant advantage, potentially altering the course of the game in your favor. If you’re keen on maximizing the card’s impact, consider integrating it into decks that thrive on disruption and sacrifice strategies. For those looking to counteract this potent spell, prioritize cards that protect your creatures or have immediate response mechanisms. Ready to conquer with cunning and strategy, or safeguard your forces from domination? Dive deeper with us and master the art and tactics of Slave of Bolas in MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Slave of Bolas MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and DCI Promos, 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 Slave of Bolas and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Slave of Bolas Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2006-01-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 361802003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
22006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 272003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
32009-04-30Alara RebornARB 1362003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
42011-09-02Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol BolasDDH 672003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
52017-06-16Archenemy: Nicol BolasE01 862015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 15342015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
72020-09-26The ListPLST E01-862015NormalBlackSteve Argyle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Slave of Bolas has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-05-01 If you don’t control the targeted creature when the “at end of turn” ability resolves, it won’t be sacrificed. If it’s still on the battlefield but under another player’s control, the ability won’t try to have you sacrifice it again at the end of the turn after that.
2009-05-01 You may target a creature you already control.