Anurid Brushhopper MTG Card
2002-05-27 - Number 137
2002-08-14 - Number bk137
2003-08-07 - Number dz137sb
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Frog Beast |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Discard two cards from your hand: Remove Anurid Brushhopper from the game. Return it to play under its owner's control at end of turn.
It's so tough it can frighten *itself* into hiding.
Cards like Anurid Brushhopper
Anurid Brushhopper, a unique creature within the vast repertoire of Magic: The Gathering, exhibits similarities to other elusive creatures. A standout trait of Anurid Brushhopper is its ability to dodge removal by discarding two cards, making it a formidably evasive creature. This is reminiscent of the tactic employed by Aquamoeba, which can also alter its characteristics to prevent damage or removal though it requires only a single card discard to change its power and toughness.
In a similar context, there’s Basking Rootwalla, that can be played for free if discarded, showing a synergy with the discard mechanic that could complement Anurid Brushhopper’s abilities. While Basking Rootwalla doesn’t possess the same immediate evasiveness, its potential for a cost-free play can be a strategic advantage. Additionally, Wild Mongrel, shares the creature type and the ability to discard cards for a benefit, though it gains power and toughness per discard rather than evading threats.
Anurid Brushhopper stands out for its protection and unpredictability in combat. The card combines elements of power flexibility and evasion, setting itself apart from others with the added benefit of potential combat survival, a trait that is both rare and valuable, securing its place in the meta for players valuing resilience and adaptability.
Cards similar to Anurid Brushhopper by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Anurid Brushhopper. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Five-color Combo | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
| Five-color Midrange | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am | |
 | The Rock | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am | |
 | Balancing Tings | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With the capability to dodge removal and sweepers by temporarily exiling itself from the battlefield, Anurid Brushhopper ensures you can often retain board presence without losing card value.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly creating mana or accelerating resources, its demanding color activation cost encourages deck building that optimizes mana flexibility and can lead to more efficient turns by necessitating good mana base strategies.
Instant Speed: Anurid Brushhopper’s ability to exile itself at instant speed provides significant tactical advantages, allowing you to react swiftly to opponents’ threats or surprise them by removing it from expected calculations during combat or in response to targeted spells.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Anurid Brushhopper compels players to discard two cards to activate its ability. This can pose a strategic setback if your hand is depleted or if you’re forced to discard valuable cards to leverage its effect.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green and white mana, Anurid Brushhopper may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that do not support these colors. Its specific mana cost can limit deck-building flexibility and may not synergize with all strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two specific colors, Anurid Brushhopper has a steeper cost compared to other creatures in its class. Players may find more economical options for a comparable board presence or abilities, which could impact its inclusion in competitive play.
Reasons to Include Anurid Brushhopper in Your Collection
Versatility: Anurid Brushhopper distinguishes itself by seamlessly adapting to aggressive and defensive playstyles. Its ability to dodge removal makes it a resilient threat on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This creature’s self-flickering mechanism offers unique interactions with various enters-the-battlefield effects and graveyard shenanigans, opening up innovative combo avenues for deck builders.
Meta-Relevance: With metagames often fluctuating, the brushhopper holds its ground by providing a swift and evasive option that can outmaneuver slower, control-oriented decks, keeping your strategy one step ahead.
How to beat
Anurid Brushhopper presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This creature card from Magic: The Gathering boasts not only a substantial power and toughness — with stats clocking in at 3/4 — but it also has an ability that allows it to dodge targeted removal. When faced with a spell or ability, a player has the option to discard two cards and momentarily phase Anurid Brushhopper out of play, making it elusive and tricky to deal with.
The key to overcoming the Anurid Brushhopper lies in avoiding reliance on targeted removal spells. Instead, players should consider board wipes or global effects that don’t target individual creatures, such as Wrath of God or Damnation. Since the Brushhopper can only avoid targeted spells, it still succumbs to these sweeping removals. Additionally, preventing the opponent from amassing the necessary cards to fuel the Brushhopper’s ability can be highly effective. Strategies that limit hand size or force discards indirectly weaken the Brushhopper’s defensive capabilities, setting the stage for a more permanent removal.
Cleverly strategizing around Anurid Brushhopper’s strengths requires a balanced approach. By adjusting your removal suite and applying hand disruption techniques, you can mitigate the advantages this green and white creature brings to the table, ensuring your victory isn’t hopped away by this crafty amphibian.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Anurid Brushhopper MTG card by a specific set like Judgment and World Championship Decks 2002, 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 Anurid Brushhopper 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
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Printings
The Anurid Brushhopper Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2002-05-27 and 2003-08-07. Illustrated by Arnie Swekel.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-05-27 | Judgment | JUD | 137 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Arnie Swekel | |
| 2 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | bk137 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Arnie Swekel | |
| 3 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | dz137sb | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Arnie Swekel |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Anurid Brushhopper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |