Ashmouth Hound MTG Card
2011-09-30 - Number 128
2013-03-15 - Number 45
2020-07-17 - Number 290
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Dog |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever Ashmouth Hound blocks or becomes blocked by a creature, Ashmouth Hound deals 1 damage to that creature.
Its fiery paws make it easy to track, which is very useful when you want to go in exactly the opposite direction.
Cards like Ashmouth Hound
Ashmouth Hound finds its place within the realm of two-mana creatures in Magic the Gathering. Its ability to deal 1 damage to an attacking or blocking creature gives it a noteworthy edge in combat situations, reminiscent of the card Goblin Arsonist. While Goblin Arsonist can deal damage to any target upon death, Ashmouth Hound provides continuous pressure during the battlefield skirmishes.
Adhering to the fiery canine theme, Hellspark Elemental also deserves mention. Although it costs one more mana, it boasts a higher power and the trample ability, alongside its ephemeral existence due to Unearth. In contrast, Ashmouth Hound offers a more durable board presence, capable of influencing the game over multiple turns.
Another card to consider is Forge Devil, which brings a direct damage ability when it enters the battlefield, targeting creatures or players. Forge Devil and Ashmouth Hound each have unique advantages, but the Hound’s repeated damage output potentially affects the board more consistently.
Every card shines under different strategies and circumstances, and players value permanence versus immediate effect. In the environment of small and efficient creatures, Ashmouth Hound holds its own, especially for players looking to control the early game creature exchanges.
Cards similar to Ashmouth Hound by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Ashmouth Hound may not directly result in drawing cards, its potential to deal damage to creatures engaged in blocking or blocked by it can help maintain board superiority. By removing smaller creatures without spending additional cards, Ashmouth Hound indirectly contributes to card advantage by forcing your opponent to use more resources to deal with it.
Resource Acceleration: Ashmouth Hound doesn’t provide traditional mana ramp or resource acceleration. However, its low mana cost allows for an efficient use of resources, enabling players to deploy other spells alongside it early in the game. This efficient use of mana helps in curving out your plays more effectively, keeping the pressure on opponents.
Instant Speed: Although Ashmouth Hound itself can’t be cast at instant speed, its triggered ability works during any phase of the game. This allows you to react to your opponent’s actions in combat, potentially clearing out blockers or attackers, akin to the flexibility provided by instant speed interactions. This reactive nature of the card keeps opponents wary in combat decisions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Ashmouth Hound doesn’t have a discard requirement per se, players need to be cautious when building a deck with this card. Cards that synergize with it might include discard mechanics, potentially depleting your hand rapidly, which can be a significant drawback in games where hand size equates to options.
Specific Mana Cost: Ashmouth Hound demands a particular mana setup to cast—specifically red mana. This restriction confines it to certain types of decks, typically mono-red or those that can accommodate a red mana curve, thereby reducing its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost for Ashmouth Hound may not seem excessive at first glance, but in a game where efficiency is paramount, providing only a 2/1 creature can be less impactful. When competition against other two-cost creatures that potentially offer more advantageous effects or stats is considered, Ashmouth Hound may not always make the cut for deck inclusion.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ashmouth Hound offers a flexible role in red aggro and burn decks. Its ability to deal damage when it blocks or becomes blocked adds an additional layer of tactical advantage, allowing it to impact the board just by being present.
Combo Potential: This fiery canine synergizes well within decks that capitalize on ping effects. It can be paired with cards that enable multiple blocks or force opponent creatures to block, maximizing its damage potential each turn.
Meta-Relevance: Considering metagames that are creature-heavy, Ashmouth Hound becomes an efficient tool for controlling opposing hordes. Its inexpensive mana cost allows for a quick deployment, making it a strategic early-game asset against swarm strategies.
How to beat
Ashmouth Hound may seem like a minor threat in MTG, but it has a knack for being a nuisance due to its ability to deal 1 damage to the attacking or blocking creature. This canine requires a strategic approach to overcome its pesky ability without losing valuable creatures in the process.
Strategies to defeat Ashmouth Hound include outpacing it with stronger, larger creatures that can withstand the damage. Removal spells are also effective, as they can directly target and eliminate the Hound without needing to engage it in combat. Utilizing spells that grant your creatures indestructibility temporarily or using damage prevention effects can be key in maintaining your board presence while dealing with the Hound. Similarly, evasion abilities like flying or unblockable can sidestep the Hound’s ability entirely, negating its impact on the battlefield.
Remember, in any MTG match, assessing your opponent’s board and strategically planning your moves while considering all possible outcomes is the foundation of victorious gameplay. As such, understanding the strengths and limitations of cards like Ashmouth Hound can significantly enhance your strategy and approach to the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ashmouth Hound MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt, 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 Ashmouth Hound 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 Ashmouth Hound Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Daarken.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 128 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 2 | 2013-03-15 | Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt | DDK | 45 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 290 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ashmouth Hound has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ashmouth Hound card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-09-22 | Ashmouth Hound’s ability triggers once for each creature it blocks or becomes blocked by. |