Amok MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Enchantment |
Released | 1998-03-02 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Stronghold |
Set code | STH |
Number | 76 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Dermot Power |
Text of card
o1, Discard a card at random: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.
Crovax's rage was horrifying. Within moments only blood and shreds of flesh remained of the shapeshifter.
Cards like Amok
Amok brings its own flair to the arena of creature boost spells in Magic: The Gathering, drawing parallels with other notable buffs such as Giant Growth. The fundamental essence of Amok lies in its potential to significantly amplify a creature’s power, akin to how Giant Growth gives a creature a quick and formidable +3/+3 boost. Yet, what sets Amok apart is not just the sheer increase in power but also the trample it bestows, ensuring that excess damage cascades over to the opponent.
Invigorating Surge is another card that echoes the theme of creature enhancement. Where Amok focuses on power, Invigorating Surge excels in versatility by granting both +1/+1 counters and doubling up any existing ones, which can result in a substantial surge in both power and toughness. However, unlike Amok’s instant timing, Surge works at sorcery speed, offering a different tactical approach to gameplay. Berserk is also in the conversation, allowing for not only an increase in power but also a nifty attack trigger at the cost of the creature at the end of turn, unlike Amok which doesn’t have such a drawback.
When examining the offerings within the realm of creature enhancers, Amok proves to be a formidable contender for Magic: The Gathering players who favor aggressive strategies and seek to deal decisive blows by bulking up their creatures and trampling over defenses.
Cards similar to Amok by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Amok ensures that each creature you sacrifice isn’t a complete loss. Instead, it mitigates the downside by drawing you a card. This helps keep your hand filled with options, maintaining pressure on your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: By offering the added benefit of trampling over defenses for lethal damage, Amok can quickly shift the tide, applying tremendous pressure and potentially ending games faster.
Instant Speed: Amok’s ability to be cast at instant speed provides incredible flexibility. This allows players to wait for the most opportune moment, such as during combat or in response to an opponent’s actions, to unleash a devastating surprise attack.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Amok requires players to drop a card from their hand into the graveyard to cast it. This action can deplete your hand, leaving fewer options for upcoming plays.
Specific Mana Cost: With its need for both black and red mana, Amok’s accessibility is limited mainly to dual-color decks, potentially restricting its inclusion in more mono-color focused strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Demanding a total of five mana, three generic and one each of black and red, Amok’s casting cost is on the higher side. In high-speed games, this mana investment can put you behind other players who might opt for lower-cost, quicker spells.
Reasons to Include Amok in Your Collection
Versatility: Amok finds its place in a diverse array of strategies, whether it’s powering up aggro decks or providing removal options for more controlled plays, its adaptability is key.
Combo Potential: With its ability to play both offense and defense, Amok can synergize with cards that feed on power boosts or utilize sacrificial mechanics, opening up several combo avenues.
Meta-Relevance: Given that Amok thrives in a battlefield where creature presence dictates the flow, it remains potent in metas dominated by creature-centric decks, maintaining its relevance across various competitive environments.
How to beat
Amok stands as a formidable challenge for players navigating the battlefields of Magic: The Gathering. This potent card can single-handedly turn the tides of a duel by empowering a creature with overwhelming strength and trample, enabling it to crush defenses and deal significant damage. To successfully disarm this threat, the key is in preemptive measures and reactive strategies.
To counteract Amok’s buff, a timely removal spell is essential. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can eliminate the enhanced creature before it has a chance to attack. If Amok is already in play, instant-speed interaction is your ally. Direct damage spells or effects that force the creature to tap without attacking can minimize the impact. Having a robust defense is also an effective strategy. Building a wall of creatures that can absorb the damage or employing cards with the “reach” ability to handle flying threats helps to prevent the loss of life points.
Ultimately, anticipating the play and maintaining control of the battlefield through strategic planning and resource management are the crucial components to ensure Amok doesn’t run rampant. By having the right answers at the right time, you can nullify its power and keep the game in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Amok MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold, 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 Amok and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Amok has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |