Ambush Paratrooper MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities	Flying, Flash
Released	2022-11-18
Set symbol
Set name	The Brothers' War
Set code	BRO
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	3
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Vladimir Krisetskiy

Key Takeaways

Ambush Paratrooper offers instant speed play and surprise tactics, boosting battlefield presence unexpectedly.
Its flash ability and creature transformation can pivot game dynamics, though it requires a card discard.
While versatile, it demands specific mana colors and has a higher mana cost, weighing on deck strategies.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ambush Paratrooper MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Paratrooper and other MTG cards:

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Text of card

Flash Flying : Creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.

"It would be folly to fight a dragon engine head-on. Let's hit it from above."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ambush Paratrooper provides an advantageous option for players looking to diversify their board presence. As a creature, it contributes to the player’s field, which can be essential for overwhelming the opponent or defending against threats.

Resource Acceleration: This card can potentially alter the pace of the game by offering an additional creature without sacrificing a turn’s main play. The ability to add to your creature count effectively acts as a form of resource acceleration from the battlefield perspective.

Instant Speed: Ambush Paratrooper’s flash ability signifies that it can be cast at instant speed. This element of surprise can turn the tides by allowing strategic block or attack, disrupt the opponent’s plans, and keep mana available for reactionary plays up until the last moment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ambush Paratrooper comes with the caveat of requiring you to discard a card. This can be a steep price, especially in tense moments when every card in hand is pivotal to your strategy. Smart players may find ways to turn this to their advantage, but it’s undeniably a hurdle for optimizing play.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a very specific mana arrangement to cast, which can pose a challenge in multicolored decks. Being tied to just one or two colors can restrict its use, making it less versatile compared to more flexible options in your arsenal.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment required to bring Ambush Paratrooper into the fray is significant when compared to other cards with similar or better abilities. Savvy deck builders must weigh the costs and benefits, as there may be more efficient ways to deploy creatures or activate abilities without such a considerable mana expenditure.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ambush Paratrooper is adaptable to various playstyles, acting as both an aggressive creature and a surprising blocker when an opponent least expects it.

Combo Potential: This soldier has synergy in decks that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield, enabling tactics that can swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy formats, Ambush Paratrooper can serve as an unpredictable element that disrupts the flow of battle and gives you a tactical edge.

How to beat

Ambush Paratrooper shakes up the battlefield with its secretive entrance, catching many off guard in the Magic: The Gathering arena. This card mirrors strategies similar to other surprise attackers but stands out with its ability to flip into a more potent creature upon meeting specific conditions. It’s a card that demands immediate attention, much like other transformative creatures that can quickly escalate if left unchecked.

Dealing with Ambush Paratrooper requires a mix of preventive and reactive measures. One effective strategy is to keep removal spells at the ready, ensuring you can respond to its transformation before your opponent leverages the power shift. Counterspells are also a solid line of defense, stopping the Paratrooper before it can hit the field. Moreover, speed is of the essence; playing aggressively can force an early reveal, stripping away the element of surprise and minimizing the impact of the flip.

Ultimately, while the Ambush Paratrooper can swoop in and change the course of a match, being prepared and proactive can neutralize this aerial threat. Recognizing the possibility of its appearance and maintaining control of the board can safeguard your game from being overturned by this cunning combatant.

Cards like Ambush Paratrooper

Ambush Paratrooper makes a nimble entry into the pool of creature spells with transformative abilities in Magic: The Gathering. In the same league, we have Delver of Secrets, a creature known to flip into a more powerful form. However, where Ambush Paratrooper relies on a condition of entering the battlefield under specific circumstances, Delver metamorphoses through the simple reveal of an instant or sorcery from the top of the library.

Exploring further, comparisons can be drawn with Breakneck Berserker. This card also shows off haste but lacks the transforming surprise attack that defines Ambush Paratrooper’s gameplay dynamic. Additionally, Skinshifter stands out for its versatility, allowing players to choose its creature type each turn. Unlike these cards, Ambush Paratrooper offers a unique twist by potentially changing its form as it drops onto the battlefield, giving it a tactical edge suitable for ambush tactics.

In evaluating Ambush Paratrooper against its counterparts, its cunning deployment mechanic highlights a strategic advantage in creature-based decks, serving as a testament to its distinct role among MTG’s transformative creatures. While each card holds its merit, Ambush Paratrooper offers an element of surprise that keeps opponents guessing and may sway the tide of battle in your favor.

Cards similar to Ambush Paratrooper by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ambush Paratrooper has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Future	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.