Bull-Rush Bruiser MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Minotaur Warrior
Released	2018-06-08
Set symbol
Set name	Battlebond
Set code	BBD
Power	4
Toughness	3
Number	57
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Sam Rowan

Key Takeaways

Boosts aggressive decks by converting draws into immediate combat threats.
Encourages efficient mana usage with its favorable strength-to-cost ratio.
Not instant speed, but its proactive role accelerates game tempo significantly.

Text of card

Whenever Bull-Rush Bruiser attacks, if your team controls another Warrior, Bull-Rush Bruiser gains first strike until end of turn.

There will always be a spot at Valor's Reach for headlong violence.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When discussing the strengths of Bull-Rush Bruiser, it shines in terms of card advantage for aggressive decks. It lets the player consistently pressure the opponent’s life total with a sturdy creature that, if left unchecked, could prove overwhelming for the opponent, effectively turning each draw into a potential threat.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in the traditional sense of providing extra mana. However, its strength and cost ratio can lead to a more efficient deployment of creatures and spells, allowing players to maximize their mana usage each turn, thereby indirectly influencing the pace at which resources are utilized on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The Bull-Rush Bruiser isn’t playable at instant speed, but its impact on the game is immediate. As a fast-paced addition to your battlefield, it keeps the momentum in your favor, prompting an aggressive strategy that keeps opponents on their toes. Although not reactive, its proactive nature makes up for this by dictating the pace of the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bull-Rush Bruiser demands a card discard as part of its dash cost. This can be problematic, especially if your hand is almost empty or if it contains critical pieces that you can’t afford to lose. Strategizing the timing for its dash ability becomes crucial lest you compromise valuable resources.

Specific Mana Cost: The Bruiser’s casting cost requires both red and white mana, making it less versatile for decks that don’t run on a Boros (red-white) mana base. Players looking to integrate this card into their strategy must ensure their deck construction supports these specific color requirements, potentially limiting its inclusion in more varied mana builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one each of red and white, Bull-Rush Bruiser can be considered a steep investment for its 3/3 stat line. When competing for a slot in your 3-mana curve, there are alternative creatures with similar or greater impact that don’t require an additional discard, making Bull-Rush Bruiser a less than optimal choice for the cost involved.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bull-Rush Bruiser shines in a variety of deck builds, easily suiting aggressive strategies that reward attacking with multiple creatures. Its ability to control combat flow makes it a valuable asset for any player looking to maintain pressure on opponents.

Combo Potential: As a card that can potentially enable multiple combat phases, Bull-Rush Bruiser pairs well with cards that trigger on attacks or combat damage. This opens the door to explosive turns where you can capitalize on attack-based synergies.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-changing competitive environment, having cards that can adapt to different metas is crucial. The Bruiser’s role as a force multiplier in creature-centric decks makes it particularly effective against slower, controlling archetypes, ensuring its relevance in multiple settings.

How to beat

Bull-Rush Bruiser presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in MTG. This aggressive creature card is not to be underestimated, especially when it’s paired with an array of other aggressive cards that can amplify its impact. The key to countering it lies in preventing its battalion ability from activating, which can be done through controlling the number of creatures your opponent has on the field. Board wipes or targeted removal spells are particularly effective in keeping the Bruiser’s battalion in check.

Another strategy encompasses using instant-speed removal when the Bruiser attempts to attack. This disrupts your opponent’s combat strategy and can often lead to advantageous trades on your part. Additionally, including cards that can block multiple creatures, such as creatures with the reach or vigilance ability, can deter your opponent from attacking and thus neutralize the threat that Bull-Rush Bruiser poses. Managing the battlefield wisely and anticipating your opponent’s moves will help secure your victory against this forceful adversary.

Ultimately, maintaining board control and being judicious with your removal resources are your best bets. Each game will be different, but by keeping these tactics in mind, you can ensure that Bull-Rush Bruiser’s impact is minimal, securing your position in the game.

Cards like Bull-Rush Bruiser

Bull-Rush Bruiser is a notable creature card in Magic the Gathering, delivering an immediate impact when it joins forces with another attacking creature. In comparison, Raging Redcap offers a resemblance with its double strike ability, though it lacks Bull-Rush Bruiser’s requirement for a collaboration to activate that potential. On the other hand, Skyknight Vanguard presents an intriguing parallel, summoning a 1/1 creature token upon attacking. However, unlike the straightforward aggression that Bull-Rush Bruiser brings to the battlefield, Skyknight Vanguard provides a gradual build-up of your forces.

Much like Bull-Rush Bruiser, Ahn-Crop Crasher exerts its influence on the game by preventing blockers from getting in the way, yet it offers a single-use effect, which contrasts with the repeatable nature of Bull-Rush Bruiser’s ability. Breakneck Berserker also holds a similarity with its haste feature, enabling immediate action, yet it misses the increased damage potential provided by double strike.

When considering these comparisons, Bull-Rush Bruiser showcases a valuable blend of features, combining haste with the potential for powerful offenses when synchronizing with other attackers, solidifying its status as a potent asset in aggressive red decks within Magic the Gathering.

Cards similar to Bull-Rush Bruiser by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bull-Rush Bruiser MTG card by a specific set like Battlebond, 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 Bull-Rush Bruiser and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bull-Rush Bruiser has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bull-Rush Bruiser card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2018-06-08	Whether your team controls another Warrior is checked as Bull-Rush Bruiser’s triggered ability triggers and again as it resolves. Once it gains first strike this way, it won’t lose it, even if your team loses its other Warriors.