Backstreet Bruiser MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cephalid Rogue |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Released | 2022-04-29 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Streets of New Capenna |
| Set code | SNC |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 35 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Aaron Miller |
Text of card
Defender As long as there are two or more counters among creatures you control, Backstreet Bruiser can attack as though it didn't have defender.
"I could show you what's in the case, but it'd be the last thing you ever see."
Cards like Backstreet Bruiser
Backstreet Bruiser is a noteworthy combatant among creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It draws parallels to other creatures like Thug Life, which also offers a creature that can grow stronger under certain conditions. Yet, Backstreet Bruiser has the unique angle of improving its strength based on the number of artifacts you control, making it particularly compatible with decks that harness numerous artifacts.
Contrasts can also be made with cards like Foundry Street Denizen. This goblin warrior benefits from the presence of other red creatures entering the battlefield, potentially amassing power very quickly. However, it relies on a creature-heavy strategy, differing from Backstreet Bruiser’s artifact-centric approach. Further examination brings Gearseeker Serpent to the spotlight. Though it belongs to a higher mana cost group, it becomes easier to cast for each artifact under your command, similar to the way Backstreet Bruiser’s might is boosted.
In analyzing Backstreet Bruiser against its kin, it positions itself favorably for those who plan an artifact-based offensive. While each card offers distinct advantages dependent on deck composition, the Bruiser’s synergy with artifacts could be a game changer in the right environment within the realm of Magic: The Gathering.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Backstreet Bruiser provides players with the opportunity to pull ahead of opponents by potentially discarding cards for advantageous effects. This can lead to a superior board state and increase the chance of drawing into key cards.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly a source of financial acceleration, the card’s mechanics can synergize with decks that capitalize on discard or graveyard strategies, thus indirectly accelerating resource availability through strategic play.
Instant Speed: As a creature with Flash, Backstreet Bruiser can be played at instant speed, which adds an element of surprise to your strategy. This allows players to adapt more fluidly to the state of the game and maximize their turn efficiency.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Backstreet Bruiser necessitates a card discard, a steep price if your hand is already depleting. This may force tough decisions in critical moments of gameplay and diminish your leverage, especially against opponents who capitalize on your dwindling card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that specifically demands one black and one red mana, this card locks into a rigid color commitment. This restricts flexibility, demanding a focused mana base that can support such costs, thereby potentially excluding it from a broader range of multicolored or off-theme decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For an investment of three mana, the output Backstreet Bruiser delivers might not stand up to the efficiency of alternatives. Considering the wealth of cards available, players might find the cost-benefit balance tipping unfavorably when this card is pitted against less resource-intensive options offering similar or greater impact.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Backstreet Bruiser boasts flexibility for deck builders, thriving in environments where aggressive strategies are paramount. It can easily slip into your collection and find a home in streetwise, brawler-themed decks or red-black aggressive synergies.
Combo Potential: Utilizing its prowess to swing for hefty damage, this card can work wonders with combat tricks or equipment that boosts its power, potentially turning it into a formidable force on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: If creature-heavy decks are dominating the tables, Backstreet Bruiser has the potential to be a game-changing play. Its ability to pose a significant threat if unchecked makes it a card worth considering when adapting to the prevailing competitive landscape.
How to beat
Backstreet Bruiser can be a daunting presence on the battlefield with its powerful abilities. To effectively beat this card, it’s crucial to disable its strengths tactically. Disruption spells that remove counters can prevent it from becoming a persistent threat. Cards like Vampire Hexmage can be used to strip away all counters from a permanent, taming this bruiser before it gets out of hand.
Alternatively, employing instant-speed removal spells when the opponent tries to swing in for combat can keep the Backstreet Bruiser at bay. Using kill spells like Murder or Doom Blade at the right moment can shut down your opponent’s play, neutralizing their aggressive strategies. Additionally, keeping creatures with deathtouch or cards that can force sacrifice, such as Liliana’s Triumph, ensure that even if the bruiser gets beefed up, you have a reliable contingency plan.
Implementing these strategies will help control the tempo of the game, as timely interventions can prevent your opponent from leveraging the full potential of Backstreet Bruiser. With proper pacing and a well-curated deck that places emphasis on control and removal, ensuring this card doesn’t turn the tides of the game in your opponent’s favor becomes a manageable task.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Backstreet Bruiser MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Backstreet Bruiser 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Backstreet Bruiser has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Backstreet Bruiser card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-04-29 | Backstreet Bruiser's ability looks for two or more individual counters. It doesn't matter if the counters are the same kind or different kinds or whether they are on the same permanent or different permanents. |