Encase in Ice is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) Enchant red or green creature When this Aura enters, tap enchanted creature. Enchanted creature doesn't untap during its controller's untap step.
Complete guide
Encase in Ice is a versatile Aura that serves as a powerful freezing tool against specific threats. With the ability to jump into play at instant speed, it effectively neutralizes aggressive red or green creatures by locking them out of the combat phase indefinitely.
What it Does
Encase in Ice is an Aura with Flash that can only target red or green creatures. Upon entering the battlefield, it immediately taps the enchanted creature and then prevents it from untapping during its controller's untap step. It is a permanent solution to a single threat, provided that threat remains a red or green creature.
How it Resolves Step by Step
First, you cast the spell targeting a red or green creature; because it has Flash, you can do this even during an opponent's turn. Once the spell resolves, Encase in Ice enters the battlefield attached to that creature. This triggers its 'enters-the-battlefield' ability, which goes on the stack and, when resolved, taps the creature. From that point forward, as long as the Aura remains attached, the creature's controller is skipped during the untap portion of their untap step for that specific permanent.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting the color requirement. If a creature loses its red or green color identity or ceases to be a creature (for example, if a non-creature permanent was temporarily animated), Encase in Ice will be put into the graveyard as a state-based action. Additionally, remember that while it stops natural untapping, the creature can still be untapped by external effects or spells.
When to Play It
The best time to play Encase in Ice is during your opponent's beginning of combat step or at the end of their turn. By using Flash, you can wait to see which red or green threat is the most dangerous before committing your mana. It is also an excellent answer to creatures with powerful tap abilities.
Interaction examples
Mystic RemoraIf you have Mystic Remora on the battlefield and your opponent casts Encase in Ice targeting one of your creatures, Mystic Remora's ability triggers because Encase in Ice is a noncreature spell. You will be able to draw a card unless your opponent pays {4} before their Aura resolves.
Rhystic StudyWhen you cast Encase in Ice while an opponent controls Rhystic Study, the Study's triggered ability goes on the stack. You must decide whether to pay {1} or let your opponent draw a card. This happens before Encase in Ice enters the battlefield to tap your intended target.
If your opponent attacks with a green creature, you can cast Encase in Ice during their declare attackers step. The creature is already tapped from attacking, but Encase in Ice will ensure it stays tapped during their next untap step, removing it as a blocker for your following turn.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Encase in Ice
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the enchanted creature stops being red or green, or if it stops being a creature, Encase in Ice will be put into its owner's graveyard.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
The creature can still be untapped by other spells and abilities.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Encase in Ice
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.