Entangling TrapHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Clash Trigger Works

Entangling Trap features a triggered ability that activates whenever you clash, regardless of who initiated it. A clash involves you and an opponent each revealing the top card of your library; the player with the higher mana value wins. Even if you lose or tie the clash, the first part of the ability still resolves, allowing you to tap one target creature an opponent controls.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the spell or ability causing the clash must resolve completely. Once the clash is over and the cards are moved to the top or bottom of the libraries, Entangling Trap's ability is put onto the stack. You choose a target creature to tap. When the ability resolves, the creature taps. If you were the winner of the clash, the ability also applies a replacement effect that prevents that specific creature from untapping during its controller's next untap step.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common misconception is that the tapping happens during the clash. Official rulings clarify that the ability triggers and targets only after the clash ends. Additionally, remember that you still get to tap a creature even if the clash ends in a tie; you simply don't get the 'freeze' effect that prevents untapping unless you actually win.

Strategic Timing

Because Entangling Trap requires a clash to function, it is best used in decks that utilize the Clash mechanic frequently. It serves as a secondary layer of defense, ensuring that even if an opponent's creature survives your other spells, it remains tapped and unable to participate in their next combat phase.

Interaction examples

Freezing the Board

Authority of the Consuls

When an opponent plays a creature, Authority of the Consuls ensures it enters the battlefield tapped. If you then initiate a clash and win, you can target that already-tapped creature with Entangling Trap. The first part of the ability (tapping) does nothing since it is already tapped, but the second part successfully prevents it from untapping during the opponent's next turn.

Defensive Layering

Ghostly Prison

With Ghostly Prison on the battlefield, your opponent must pay mana to attack you. If you trigger Entangling Trap by clashing, you can tap their most dangerous creature before they even reach the declare attackers step. This forces them to spend their mana elsewhere or simply lose the chance to attack with their best threat.

Solo Control

If you cast a spell that says 'Clash with an opponent,' Entangling Trap will trigger after you both reveal cards. You target your opponent's untapped flyer. If your revealed card has a higher mana value, the flyer is tapped and will remain tapped through your opponent's next turn, giving you two full turns of safety from that creature.