Descend on the Prey MTG Card
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2014-03-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Battle the Horde |
| Set code | TBTH |
| Number | 7 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zoltan Boros |
Key Takeaways
- Generates two flying tokens, increasing board presence and providing strategic flexibility during matches.
- Demands discarding a creature card, potentially limiting future options and hand resources.
- Offers tactical depth, complementing decks centered on counters and flying synergies.
Text of card
Whenever a Minotaur attacks this turn, it gains first strike until end of turn and must be blocked this turn if able.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Generates an opportunity for card advantage by creating two 1/1 bird creature tokens with flying. This not only boosts your board presence but also gives you more flexibility during gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: Each bird token represents a potential boost in resources. Whether they are used for chump blocking to protect your life total or sacrificed for various synergies within your deck, they can dramatically alter the pace of the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Descend on the Prey allows for surprise interactions on your opponent’s turn, making it a versatile tool in both defense and offense. It can also be used tactically during your end step to optimize mana usage and retain the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Descend on the Prey requires you to part with a creature card from your hand, which could deplete your hand and decrease future play options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands both green and white mana, which might restrict its integration into multicolor decks that don’t focus on these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its casting cost of four mana, including two that are color-specific, can be a bit steep for the effect you receive, especially if you’re aiming to maintain a fast-paced game.
Reasons to Include Descend on the Prey in Your Collection
Versatility: Descend on the Prey is a flexible card that can easily find a place in decks looking to enhance their creature tokens or amass a formidable air force with flying threats.
Combo Potential: It pairs well with strategies revolving around +1/+1 counters, as it not only bolsters your creatures but can also synergize with mechanics that trigger upon gaining counters or attacking with a certain number of creatures.
Meta-Relevance: Flying creatures can often evade popular ground-based removal spells, making Descend on the Prey effective in metagames where board presence and evasive attacks are key to victory.
How to Beat Descend on the Prey
Descend on the Prey shines in Magic the Gathering as it allows players to add +1/+1 counters to each of their creatures with flying and then untap them. This can turn the tide of a game, especially when unexpected aerial power is unleashed. To counter this strategic card, consider leveraging instant-speed removal spells to disrupt your opponent’s plans before they can capitalize on the untapping effect. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently remove key flying creatures, diminishing the impact of Descend on the Prey.
Moreover, incorporating board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can serve as a reset button, clearing out all creatures and reducing the value gained from +1/+1 counters. Additionally, strategic timing is important; hold back on playing creatures until after your opponent has played Descend on the Prey to minimize its effect. Utilizing counter spells such as Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto if you’re in the appropriate colors can also be a straightforward solution to prevent the card from resolving in the first place.
Addressing Descend on the Prey calls for a multifaceted approach with removal, counterplays, and timing, harmonizing these elements will position you to navigate around its potential and maintain control of the match.
Cards like Descend on the Prey
Descend on the Prey introduces a thrilling dynamic to Magic the Gathering’s array of creature boosting spells. Within this spectrum, we can draw parallels to cards such as Charge, which also grants a swift enhancement to creatures. Descend on the Prey escalates this with an element of surprise, allowing for creature boosts during combat, akin to a flash effect. Unlike Charge, Descend on the Prey can turn the tides by not only strengthening but also multiplying your forces.
Collated with Make a Stand, which provides a similar temporary boost and indestructibility, Descend on the Prey offers a unique advantage by leaving behind additional creature tokens. Conversely, Make a Stand is a reaction to an imminent threat, while Descend on the Prey can be a preemptive strike or a combat augmenter. Another card that echoes this sentiment is Inspired Charge. Although it offers a larger immediate power boost, it lacks the longer-lasting impact of generating creature tokens that Descend on the Prey possesses.
In assessing these cards, Descend on the Prey stands out for its tactical flexibility and capacity to shift the board state not just with an immediate buff, but with an enduring increase in creature presence. It holds a definitive place in MTG strategies that capitalize on creature quantity and sudden, impactful plays.
Cards similar to Descend on the Prey by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Descend on the Prey MTG card by a specific set like Battle the Horde, 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 Descend on the Prey and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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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