Torch Slinger MTG Card


Offers card advantage with its kicker ability, presenting two actions in one – deploying a creature and dealing damage. Versatile with indirect resource acceleration, Torch Slinger can clear the way for more effective attacks. While not instant speed, its flexibility allows for on the fly decisions, optimizing mana pool use.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Shaman
Abilities Kicker
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) When Torch Slinger enters the battlefield, if it was kicked, it deals 2 damage to target creature.

Once thrown, twice burned.


Cards like Torch Slinger

Torch Slinger offers versatility to red deck enthusiasts in Magic: The Gathering, positioning itself as a useful creature card with a kicker ability, allowing players to deal damage while also introducing a threat to the board. A comparative card in this domain is Flametongue Kavu, which similarly provides a creature body accompanied by a direct damage effect when it enters the battlefield, albeit without the kicker cost option.

Another akin card is Ember Hauler, a creature that, while lower in mana cost, offers a similar damage-dealing utility, but this time, through a self-sacrifice mechanism. While each of these cards serves to advance a red player’s board state and strategy, Torch Slinger’s flexibility in being either a straightforward creature or a burn spell through its kicker cost makes it a unique and strategic choice.

Ultimately, Torch Slinger’s adaptability in function ensures its consideration for deck inclusion among red direct damage spells and creatures, showcasing its potential to swing games either by enhancing board presence or removing key threats.

Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Torch Slinger by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
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Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Torch Slinger offers a flexible kicker ability that can be an unexpected source of card advantage. By choosing to employ its kicker cost, you’re effectively getting two actions in one card – deploying a creature and dealing damage, giving you an edge in managing the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing resource acceleration, Torch Slinger’s versatility can lead to indirect advantages. By removing smaller opposing creatures, you pave the way for your attacks, possibly accelerating your path to victory with less resistance.

Instant Speed: While Torch Slinger itself does not have instant speed, the built-in option of playing it with or without its kicker allows you to adapt swiftly to the state of the game. This enables smart resource management as you can decide on the fly how depth you’re willing to go into your mana pool based on what your opponents do.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Some players may find the discard requirement of Torch Slinger to be a steep price, especially if their hand is already depleted or if they’re trying to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Torch Slinger’s specific mana cost, which includes red mana, can be less flexible for players who run multicolored decks or those who need to manage their mana pool carefully for other spells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost and kicker cost that’s on the higher side, Torch Slinger can be less efficient compared to other options in the game that deal direct damage or offer creature control for a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Torch Slinger offers a flexible role in various deck builds, easily slotting into red aggro or midrange decks. Its kicker ability provides both early game presence and late-game utility, adapting to the needs of the game.

Combo Potential: With its kicker cost, Torch Slinger can be an integral part of combos or synergies, especially in decks that capitalize on dealing direct damage or “ping” strategies that require targeting creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creature strategies are prevalent, Torch Slinger remains a relevant choice. It can disrupt opponents’ boards while developing your own, maintaining pressure on the current meta.


How to beat

Torch Slinger presents a unique set of skills on the battlefield, offering flexibility in its kick ability that can create a headache for creatures with lower toughness. Its ability to deal two damage can be pivotal in removing early threats or disrupting your opponent’s board presence. However, it’s not an unstoppable force. To effectively counter Torch Slinger, consider employing creatures that surpass the threshold of two toughness to withstand its kick ability.

Another strategy revolves around leveraging instant-speed removal in response to the kick ability’s activation. This tactic ensures that Torch Slinger is neutralized before it has a profound impact on the game state. Additionally, taking advantage of counter spells can prevent Torch Slinger from ever entering the battlefield, preemptively turning the tides in your favor. Enchantments that restrict activation of abilities can also render Torch Slinger’s kick feature obsolete, further diminishing its strategic value. Ultimately, deploying a blend of superior creature defense, tactical removal, and ability restriction can ensure Torch Slinger’s spark is snuffed out before it ignites your opponent’s ascent to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Torch Slinger MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi, 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 Torch Slinger and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Torch Slinger Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2015-08-28. Illustrated by Andrew Robinson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-10-02ZendikarZEN 1512003NormalBlackAndrew Robinson
22015-08-28Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. EldraziDDP 632015NormalBlackAndrew Robinson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Torch Slinger has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal