Aerial Maneuver MTG Card

Provides card advantage by protecting your creatures or countering opponents’ actions during combat. Instant-speed capability allows for real-time responses and unexpected power shifts in battle. The card’s situational nature necessitates careful deck inclusion to avoid becoming a dead draw.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set name	Gatecrash
Set code	GTC
Number	1
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Scott Chou

Text of card

Target creature gets +1/+1 and gains flying and first strike until end of turn.

"When you put all of yourself into an attack, without fear or hesitation, in that instant you may attain greatness." —Predak, Gateless freemage

Cards like Aerial Maneuver

Aerial Maneuver is a versatile option for players looking to enhance their creatures’ capabilities in a game of Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel with other combat tricks like Mighty Leap, which also grants both a power boost and flying to a creature. Aerial Maneuver differentiates itself by adding first strike, allowing creatures to deal damage before those without this ability during combat.

Another card worth mentioning is Moment of Triumph which, like Aerial Maneuver, gives a creature a power boost and provides additional life gain. However, it doesn’t grant flying or first strike, putting it at a slight disadvantage in terms of versatility. Finally, examining the classic card Lavastep Raider illustrates a different approach. This creature can pump its own power but does not provide the critical aerial advantage or first-strike ability.

In summary, Aerial Maneuver holds its ground against comparable cards due to its unique blend of combat enhancements. While some alternatives offer similar benefits, the addition of first strike to its flying and power boost package makes it a card that can decisively impact the battlefield.

Cards similar to Aerial Maneuver by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Aerial Maneuver doesn’t directly provide card draw, it contributes to card advantage by protecting your creatures or removing an opponent’s, effectively negating one of their cards with yours.

Resource Acceleration: Aerial Maneuer in itself may not accelerate resources, it does, however, offer a significant tempo boost by unexpectedly strengthening your creatures to win battles or avoid unfavorable trades during combat.

Instant Speed: The strength of Aerial Maneuver shines at instant speed, allowing you to adapt to battlefield changes on the fly and surprise opponents with a sudden shift in creature power, often when they least expect it.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Aerial Maneuver doesn’t directly force you to discard cards, it’s essential to weigh its slot in your deck against card economy. Every inclusion means another card left out, and given Aerial Maneuver’s situational nature, it may sometimes feel like a discard when it sits unused in your hand during critical phases of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Aerial Maneuver requires both white mana and generic mana, which can sometimes be problematic in multicolored decks. If your mana base is not perfectly fine-tuned, finding the specific mana to cast it precisely when needed can be a challenge, thus reducing its overall flexibility and utility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although not overly expensive, Aerial Maneuver costs two mana for a one-time boost and lacks the permanence of other buffs or auras at similar cost points. In a game where tempo and efficiency are key, spending two mana on a temporary effect may not hold up to the performance of other cards which can provide longer-lasting advantages or immediate creature removal for the same, or even less, mana investment.

Reasons to Include Aerial Maneuver in Your Collection

Versatility: Aerial Maneuver offers a dual benefit by providing both a power and toughness boost as well as flying and first strike. It’s a flexible combat trick that can be a surprise element in limited formats or casual play.

Combo Potential: This instant can be cleverly combined with cards that have synergies with flying creatures or benefit from temporary buffs. It allows for unexpected lethal swings or serves as a way to outmaneuver an opponent’s defenses suddenly.

Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in every deck, Aerial Maneuver can be particularly useful in meta-games where aerial supremacy can tip the scales in your favor. Given the right circumstances, it’s an affordable way to turn the tide of battle and secure victory against unsuspecting foes.

How to beat

Aerial Maneuver is an intriguing instant in Magic: The Gathering that provides a creature with a swift boost in both power and defense, alongside the added benefit of flying and first strike until the end of the turn. These mechanics can be leveraged to turn the tides by enhancing a blocker or attacker’s capabilities at a pivotal moment.

To counter Aerial Maneuver effectively, timing and preparedness are key. Holding up mana for reactive spells or having creatures with reach or hexproof can mitigate its impact. Additionally, cards that negate the combat step or strip a creature of its abilities before Aerial Maneuver can resolve are useful strategies to dampen its effectiveness. Board control spells, like those that clear the field of multiple creatures regardless of their temporary buffs, are also a solid approach against decks capitalizing on combat tricks such as Aerial Maneuver. This card shines in the right context but with appropriate countermeasures in place, its potency can be greatly diminished within the complexity of the game.

Recognizing when to anticipate a trick-like Aerial Maneuver and how to deploy the right counteraction adds a layer of strategy that can bolster your defensive plays. Always be vigilant and ready to adapt to secure your victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Aerial Maneuver MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Aerial Maneuver and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Aerial Maneuver has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal