Chains of Custody

Strategy & Gameplay

Chains of Custody represents a compelling blend of tempo, protection, and resource denial that appeals to white-based control and creature-focused strategies across multiple formats. This two-mana white Aura enchants one of your creatures while simultaneously exiling a target nonland permanent your opponent controls until the Aura leaves play, essentially functioning as a temporary removal spell that scales based on your own board development. The enchanted creature gains ward 2, making it significantly more difficult for opponents to target and creating a protective shell around your invested threats. This dual functionality makes it particularly valuable in decks that want to protect their key creatures while disrupting opponents' plans, especially in matchups where permanent-based threats dominate the board state. The strategic depth of Chains of Custody shines in formats like Commander, where exiling problematic permanents temporarily while protecting your own creatures provides excellent value in the mid-game turns. It fits seamlessly into Aura-focused strategies, creature-centric control decks, and white-based aggro-control shells that prioritize efficient threats with built-in protection. In Limited formats and Pauper, the card's modest casting cost and dual effects make it an early pick that generates immediate value. The ward ability prevents targeted removal and disruption, which is particularly important when you've invested resources into a key creature. Players seeking efficient answers that don't consume additional cards or mana in the long term, while simultaneously advancing their board position, will find this card an excellent inclusion that punishes opponents for trying to interact with your threats while controlling their resources.