Springleaf Drum MTG Card


Boosts mana ramp and color fixing early in the game, crucial for multicolored decks. Enables more strategic and reactive gameplay with instant-speed actions. Demands careful consideration of opportunity costs and board position.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

, Tap an untapped creature you control: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool.

After trying mudskippers for an afternoon, Scratch decided that crickcarp made the best noise.


Cards like Springleaf Drum

Springleaf Drum is a notable artifact in the MTG realm, offering a unique resource advantage. In the same sphere, Paradise Mantle is often brought into the discussion. Like Springleaf Drum, Paradise Mantle allows a creature to tap for any color mana, but it requires equipping the creature instead of merely tapping an untapped creature you control.

Another competitor for mana generation is Mox Amber. It requires no tap action but limits you to generate mana only of the color of your legendary creature or planeswalker. While Mox Amber has the potential for faster mana ramp, Springleaf Drum provides more consistent utility across various decks without the legendary restriction.

Lastly, there’s the classic card, Birds of Paradise, which, instead of an artifact, is a creature that can be tapped for any mana color. While Birds of Paradise offers flying defense and can be used the turn it’s played if not affected by summoning sickness, Springleaf Drum doesn’t run the risk of creature removal quite as directly. In light of these comparisons, Springleaf Drum showcases itself as a versatile and durable option for mana acceleration in the MTG environment.

Paradise Mantle - MTG Card versions
Mox Amber - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Paradise Mantle - MTG Card versions
Mox Amber - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Springleaf Drum by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Ivory Tower - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Triangle of War - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Ivory Tower - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Triangle of War - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Springleaf Drum. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Hammer TimeHammer Time ModernHammer TimeModern League 2024-05-04
Patchwork StompyPatchwork Stompy LegacyPatchwork StompyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Jeskai AffinityJeskai Affinity PauperJeskai AffinityPauper League 2024-05-03
Mono-Green Hardened ScalesMono-Green Hardened Scales ModernHardened ScalesModern Challenge 32 2024-05-03 (1)
AffinityAffinity ModernAffinityModern Challenge 32 2024-05-03
Jund ScamJund Scam ModernJund ScamModern League 2024-05-04
Azorius AffinityAzorius Affinity PauperAzorius AffinityPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
Grinding StationGrinding Station ModernGrinding StationModern Challenge 32 2024-05-03 (1)
Thopter ComboThopter Combo ModernThopter ComboModern Preliminary 2024-05-03

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Springleaf Drum doesn’t directly draw you cards, it effectively turns your creatures into additional mana sources without a need to tap for combat. This allows you to leverage your board presence to stretch your mana capabilities and play more cards than you otherwise could.

Resource Acceleration: Springleaf Drum excels at ramping up your resources in the early game. By tapping a creature, it provides that crucial additional mana of any color, which can be instrumental in executing multicolored decks or simply to accelerate the deployment of your strategy.

Instant Speed: Although Springleaf Drum is an artifact that operates at sorcery speed, it enables instant-speed plays by freeing up your mana. With a Drum on the field, you might tap a creature to empower a surprise block, manage threats, or cast counterspells during your opponent’s turn, keeping the dynamic of the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Springleaf Drum doesn’t directly cause you to discard, but it can force you to tap a creature that could be used for blocking or attacking. This effectively means giving up other potential plays, which is indirectly a similar disadvantage to discarding.

Specific Mana Cost: While the Drum itself is versatile in mana production, it has an upfront cost that may not align with every deck’s mana curve. Although colorless, its initial casting requires a precise turn investment, potentially disrupting early-game flow.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite being just one mana to cast, the real cost of Springleaf Drum comes into play when considering opportunity cost. Tapping a creature as part of its activation can be costly compared to other zero-mana artifacts, which don’t require tapping a potentially valuable creature.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Springleaf Drum is a unique artifact that enables a vast array of decks to accelerate their mana without significant setup. It can be a crucial piece in decks with creatures that can’t attack right away or those that utilize tap abilities.

Combo Potential: Given its ability to untap a creature for extra mana, Springleaf Drum works heavily in your favor with cards that capitalize on creatures being tapped or untapped. It opens up room for intricate combos in both casual play and competitive scenes.

Meta-Relevance: Its meta relevance is palpable in formats like Modern or Pioneer where the speed of mana ramp can be the difference between victory and defeat. Springleaf Drum allows for a more efficient use of your resources, fitting perfectly into fast-paced games.


How to beat

Springleaf Drum has established itself as a reliable mana accelerator in the MTG landscape. Simply by tapping an untapped creature you control along with the Drum itself, it offers the flexibility to generate one mana of any color. This transforms even your smallest creatures into valuable assets for your mana pool, comparable to cards like Mox Amber which also provide color fixing without a mana payment.

Strategically, the focus against Springleaf Drum lies in disrupting the synergy it creates. Targeted removal of creatures prior to their use for the Drum’s ability can undermine an opponent’s mana strategy. Cards like Fatal Push and Lightning Bolt can swiftly eliminate key creatures your opponent might tap for mana. Furthermore, artifact removal spells like Fragmentize or Abrade can tackle the Drum itself directly, cutting-off the otherwise consistent mana resource it provides. Considering the importance of tempo, responding quickly to Springleaf Drum’s deployment is crucial for maintaining control over the game’s pace.

To summarize, overcoming a Springleaf Drum strategy involves a mix of swift creature removal and direct responses to artifacts. By prioritizing these tactics, players can effectively minimize the Drum’s impact and maintain the upper hand in resource availability.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding MTG strategy often involves recognizing the utility of versatile cards like Springleaf Drum. With its ability to generate any color mana by tapping an untapped creature, this artifact fits seamlessly into various deck types, providing essential mana acceleration. Leveraging its strengths will help you adapt to the fast-paced mana race in formats like Modern and Pioneer. Keep in mind, considering alternative cards like Paradise Mantle or Mox Amber and their distinct advantages can further refine your deck. If you’re keen on optimizing your deck’s performance with strategic card choices like Springleaf Drum, delve deeper with us and expand your MTG prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Springleaf Drum MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Born of the Gods, 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 Springleaf Drum and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Springleaf Drum Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-10-12LorwynLRW 2612003NormalBlackCyril Van Der Haegen
22014-02-07Born of the GodsBNG 1622003NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
32020-08-07Double Masters2XM 2912015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
42022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 551997NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
52022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 118z1997NormalBlackJakub Kasper
62022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 1181997NormalBlackJakub Kasper

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Springleaf Drum has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-08-07 You can tap a creature that hasn't been under your control since your most recent turn began to activate Springleaf Drum's ability.