Assassinate MTG Card
2006-10-06 - Number 95
2007-07-13 - Number 128
2009-07-17 - Number 84
2010-07-16 - Number 81
2012-06-01 - Number 30
2014-06-06 - Number 113
2016-11-25 - Number 30
2018-06-08 - Number 139
2021-03-19 - Number 101
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Destroy target tapped creature.
The rulers of old Dominaria kept assassins on retainer. However, the true loyalty of these master killers was always to their peers. This elite brotherhood survived the fall of the old royal order.
Cards like Assassinate
Assassinate stands as a reliable removal option for players aiming to control the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relative in terms of functionality is Murder, which grants the ability to destroy a targeted creature unconditionally, but at a slightly higher mana cost. However, Assassinate’s restriction to only target tapped creatures can be both a boon and a detraction when compared to Murder, as it requires timing and forethought.
Comparisons can also be drawn with Doom Blade, which offers a more cost-efficient way of dealing with creatures at instant speed. Still, it’s constrained by being unable to affect black creatures. This isn’t a problem for Assassinate, making it a more versatile choice in a multi-colored game. Go for the Throat is another assassin to consider, banishing non-artifact creatures with efficiency, yet withholding the instant gratification in exchange for a cheaper mana investment than Assassinate.
To sum up, while Assassinate may not boast the immediacy of other removal spells, its specific operational clause can be used advantageously, affording it a unique position within the murderously diverse arsenal of creature elimination in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Assassinate by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Assassinate provides a direct method to remove an opposing creature, effectively dealing with a threat and lessening the number of resources your opponent can utilize.
Resource Acceleration: While Assassinate itself does not directly accelerate resources, by removing a potential blocker or attacker, it can indirectly influence the pace of the game in your favor, often resulting in a better position or board state.
Instant Speed: Although Assassinate operates at sorcery speed, it presents the strategic benefit of taking out tapped creatures post-combat, ensuring you can plan your turn without the threat of immediate retribution from the targeted creature.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unrelated to Assassinate itself, some cards in your hand might be key strategic pieces. Having a discard condition could force you to make unfavorable decisions, severing potential game-changing plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Assassinate requires three mana, including two which have to be black. This specificity means it aligns exclusively with black-themed decks or those that can accommodate black mana without disrupting their mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, the single-target removal provided by Assassinate may not stack up against alternatives that either cost less or offer additional benefits. Players might opt for more versatile or low-cost removal spells to optimize their deck’s efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Assassinate is an impactful card that can slide into various black-themed decks. Its ability to destroy a tapped creature ensures it finds usefulness in both aggressive decks that force opponents to block and more controlling strategies that can capitalize on creatures already tapped through various game mechanics.
Combo Potential: With a straightforward destroy effect, Assassinate can be combined with cards that tap opponents’ creatures, setting up the perfect scenario for removal. This potential for board control combos makes it a tactical addition to decks looking to control the tempo of the match.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures with potent abilities dominate and are commonly utilized, having a reliable removal option like Assassinate can prove essential. It operates well within a meta where controlling or diminishing your opponent’s resources is key to securing victory.
How to Beat Assassinate
The card Assassinate from Magic: The Gathering can pose a significant threat by allowing players to destroy target tapped creatures at sorcery speed. Facing this card across the battlefield requires strategy and timing to mitigate its effect. To keep your creatures safe from Assassinate, consider using instant-speed spells that untap them, such as Twitch or Vitalize, which can be played in response to your opponent’s Assassinate.
One can also employ creatures with Hexproof or Shroud abilities to nullify Assassinate’s targeting. Cards like Invisible Stalker or Slippery Bogle would not care about Assassinate due to their inherent protection from being targeted by spells controlled by your opponent. Additionally, maintaining a counter spell like Negate in hand can be effective in safeguarding your creatures from removal spells including Assassinate, ensuring you maintain a presence on the board.
Moreover, it’s vital to manage your gameplay by cautiously deciding when to attack. Since Assassinate only targets tapped creatures, sometimes the optimal move is to hold back your most valuable creatures as blockers or until you can assure their safety. By integrating these tactics within your game plan, you can diminish the impact of Assassinate on your strategy and maintain control of the game state.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Assassinate MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Tenth Edition, 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 Assassinate 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 Assassinate Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral | TSP | 95 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 128 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 84 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 81 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 5 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 30 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 6 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 113 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 7 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 8 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 139 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 9 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 101 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Assassinate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |