Ambush Party MTG Card
1995-10-01 - Number 63a
1995-10-01 - Number 63b
1997-03-24 - Number 208
2008-09-22 - Number 115
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Rogue |
| Abilities | First strike,Haste |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
First strike Ambush Party can attack the turn it comes into play on your side.
"Call it a cost of doing business. The best way to protect against thieves is to hire better thieves." —Eron the Relentless
Cards like Ambush Party
Ambush Party brings a unique dynamic to creature spells in MTG. When compared to similar cards, Ambush Party is reminiscent of cards like Goblin Heelcutter. While both share the ability to disrupt opponents by rendering a creature unable to block, Ambush Party offers the added versatility of being both a creature and an instant through its flash ability. This affords players the opportunity to strategize in more reactive and surprising ways during a game.
Additionally, we find similarities with the card Fervent Champion. Both cards are aggressive red creatures that provide immediate impact on the board. However, Ambush Party doesn’t have the equipment synergy that Fervent Champion enjoys. Instead, it capitalizes on its surprise element and combo potential, making it a potentially more formidable play during complex board states.
In summary, Ambush Party may share characteristics with other red creatures in MTG but its flash attribute and board influencing capability give it an edge during gameplay, making it a strong contender in its own right among red instant-speed surprises.
Cards similar to Ambush Party by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Ambush Party card empowers players with the potential to unexpectedly summon creatures, thereby bypassing the normal casting cost associated with such abilities. This sneaky maneuver can shift the balance of the game by introducing unexpected variables on the battlefield, all while conserving cards in hand for future plays.
Resource Acceleration: Ambush Party can effectively fast-track your game plan by putting pressure on your opponent out of nowhere. By launching creatures ahead of schedule, it gives you the upper hand, effectively accelerating your resource deployment and putting your adversary on the defensive.
Instant Speed: Ambush Party can change the course of a duel when cast at instant speed. By waiting for the perfect moment, such as during an opponent’s end step or in response to an attack, one can make strategic plays that can leverage both the element of surprise and optimal timing to maximize the card’s effect on the game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ambush Party necessitates players to discard a card to activate certain abilities, potentially depleting hand advantage and impacting strategic flexibility, especially when the game stretches into later turns where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Deck building with Ambush Party demands a commitment to red mana sources, making it less versatile across multicolor deck strategies that might prioritize mana fluidity and diverse spell options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that leans towards the higher end for its effect category, Ambush Party might not always be the most mana-efficient option in a slot where lower-cost alternatives could provide similar or better board impact. Players often have to weigh the card’s cost against its impact on the game state, considering other cards that might achieve comparable results with less investment.
Reasons to Include Ambush Party in Your Collection
Versatility: Ambush Party is a card that seamlessly integrates into decks that thrive on surprise attacks and sudden shifts in board presence. It’s an excellent choice for players who value flexibility and unpredictability in their strategy.
Combo Potential: With its ability to quickly change the dynamics of combat, Ambush Party can work wonders in combination with cards that reward you for dealing combat damage or having a certain number of creatures on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that rewards aggressive plays, Ambush Party can be a serious game-changer. Its potential to turn the tide makes it a must-consider for anyone looking to stay competitive and challenge control-dominated tables.
How to beat
Ambush Party is a notable card that can catch opponents off guard in Magic: The Gathering. This card grants creatures haste and increases combat potential for a sudden strike. To counter such a card effectively, one should consider strategies that control the pace of the game. Including cards that limit the abilities of opponent creatures or that can remove creatures swiftly before they become a threat are essential strategies.
For instance, incorporating instant-speed removal spells allows you to react to Ambush Party’s activation before your opponent gets the chance to attack. Playing cards with flash can significantly disrupt the tempo, giving you the upper hand. Additionally, cards that impose tapping restrictions or summoning sickness can be critical to stopping Ambush Party in its tracks, preventing a well-timed offensive from your adversary.
Therefore, it’s vital to build a deck that doesn’t just respond to creature threats, but one that is also equipped to handle surprise tactics. Careful planning and a robust defense can ensure that Ambush Party doesn’t derail your strategy and keeps you firmly in control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ambush Party MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and 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 Party 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
Printings
The Ambush Party Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 63a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 2 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 63b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 208 | 1997 | Normal | White | Charles Gillespie | |
| 4 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 115 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Charles Gillespie |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ambush Party has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |