Ambush MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 1995-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Homelands |
| Set code | HML |
| Number | 62 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alan Rabinowitz |
Text of card
All blocking creatures gain first strike until end of turn.
"Don't these goons have anything better to do?" —Joskun, An-Havva Constable
Cards like Ambush
Ambush stands out in the realm of creature elimination spells in MTG. It shares a common goal with cards like Murder, offering an unambiguous solution to remove threats from the board. However, Ambush is unique in its requirement for a creature to be attacking in order to trigger its effect. Meanwhile, Murder offers a more straightforward removal option without any conditions but at a higher mana cost.
Comparably, we find cards like Moment of Craving, which provides removal at a lower cost, also giving a slight life boost. Yet, it restricts its focus to smaller creatures when compared to the broader target range of Ambush. Another card worth mentioning is Cast Down. Although limited in scope as it cannot hit legendary creatures, it facilitates instant removal at a reasonable mana cost.
To sum up, in the panorama of elimination spells within MTG, Ambush provides a situational yet potentially game-shifting response against aggressive decks. When evaluating its place among similar spells, its conditional use is balanced by its mana efficiency, offering players a strategic tool tailored especially for moments of confrontation.
Cards similar to Ambush by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ambush caters to strategies seeking to maintain a hand full of options. The ability to neutralize a threat while potentially drawing into more answers or threats is a significant boon for sustaining dominance on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Although Ambush might not produce physical resources like tokens, it serves as resource acceleration by saving mana. You might avoid spending mana on your turn to deal with a threat, allowing you to develop your board and still have a response ready.
Instant Speed: Ambush shines with its flexibility at instant speed. This allows you to adeptly react to your opponent’s moves, catching them off guard. Whether it’s interrupting a combo or stopping an assault, the element of surprise Ambush provides can turn the tide of a match in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Employing the Ambush card necessitates discarding from your hand, which could hinder gameplay when your card resources are already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Ambush requires a distinct blend of mana, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks aligned with its color identity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Bearing a higher mana cost, Ambush may not be as resource-efficient as alternative cards offering similar battlefield advantages.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ambush proves its multifaceted nature by easily slotting into creature-based decks or even control archetypes that require instant-speed responses to threats on the board.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks that capitalize on enter-the-battlefield effects or with those that benefit from having creatures with flash to surprise opponents during combat.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its ability to disrupt opponent strategies and provide a body on the field, Ambush adapts well to shifting metas, especially if creature-heavy decks are prevalent.
How to Beat
Ambush is one of those stealthy mechanics in Magic: The Gathering that can quickly turn the tide of a game if not carefully countered. To strategically overcome a card with Ambush, you need to be mindful of the open mana your opponent has as well as the creatures currently untapped. Recognizing the pattern of play that usually preludes the activation of Ambush is vital.
One approach is to bait out the Ambush during a less critical phase of your turn, possibly by deploying less essential creatures as pawns to draw out the Ambush. Keep your key creatures in reserve until after you’ve dealt with the threat. Another available strategy is to incorporate instant-speed removal or counterspells in your deck, ready to deploy in response to the activation of Ambush, effectively neutralizing the surprise advantage it offers.
Addtionally, vigilant deckbuilding to include cards that can’t be targeted by abilities or that provide you with hexproof benefits will diminish the efficiency of most Ambush abilities. Ultimately, knowing when to hold back or push forward, and with which creatures, can dictate whether Ambush becomes a stumbling block or just another stepping stone to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ambush MTG card by a specific set like Homelands, 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 Ambush and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ambush has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |