Bleeding Edge MTG Card

Bleeding Edge removes creatures and increases your board strength simultaneously, a highly valuable two-for-one deal. Forces a discard, mana-specific, and higher cost may limit its inclusion in diverse MTG decks. Its unique ability to leave behind a Zombie token makes it a valuable asset in creature-centric strategies.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery
Abilities	Amass
Released	2019-05-03
Set symbol
Set name	War of the Spark
Set code	WAR
Number	78
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mike Bierek

Text of card

Up to one target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn. Amass Zombies 2. (Put two +1/+1 counters on an Army you control. It's also a Zombie. If you don't control an Army, create a 0/0 black Zombie Army creature token first.)

Exploring Comparisons

When looking at Bleeding Edge in Magic: The Gathering, it’s inevitable to draw parallels to other widespread removal spells. At first glance, Bleeding Edge appears quite akin to other sorcery-speed removal spells like Murder, which unequivocally destroys a target creature. While Murder doesn’t limit the player with a three or less toughness criterion, it doesn’t offer the two -1/-1 counters that Bleeding Edge places on the creature. This nuance could be strategically pivotal as it provides a more permanent solution to creatures that could be regenerated or have indestructible for the turn.

Similarly, Cast Down deserves a mention alongside Bleeding Edge. Cast Down offers instant-speed removal of nonlegendary creatures, providing distinct tactical advantages in quick-paced matches. However, it does not affect the board in the same way Bleeding Edge can by weakening multiple creatures or leaving a longer-lasting impact beyond the current turn.

In closing, Bleeding Edge holds its own within the world of creature removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its unique blend of removing a threat while simultaneously weakening the opponent’s board presence secures its role in many strategic plays and deck builds.

Cards similar to Bleeding Edge by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bleeding Edge provides a two-for-one benefit. Eliminating a creature while simultaneously strengthening your battlefield presence bolsters your hand and overall strategic advantage.

Resource Acceleration: By potentially removing a blocker or a key threat on the opponent’s side, Bleeding Edge can accelerate your game plan, allowing for more aggressive plays and resource deployment in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Although Bleeding Edge is a sorcery, it’s important to consider cards that can interact with it at instant speed to maximize its potential. Integrating it into a strategy with instant speed interactions can catch opponents off guard and shift the game in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bleeding Edge demands a card be discarded to deploy, a steep price when hand advantage is pivotal.

Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a black mana requirement means it’s not flexible for multicolored mana bases, potentially hindering deck variety.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The performance of Bleeding Edge may not justify its mana investment, especially when cheaper alternatives for removal or creature advantage exist.

Reasons to Include Bleeding Edge in Your Collection

Versatility: Bleeding Edge offers a unique two-in-one package that serves as removal and a way to develop your board state. This allows it to slide seamlessly into multiple black-centered deck styles, including control and midrange archetypes.

Combo Potential: With its ability to place a Zombie token onto the battlefield, it synergizes well with strategies that thrive on creature presence. It’s not just a removal; it’s a setup for larger plays that can benefit from the token, whether that’s for sacrifice, buffing, or as a blocker.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment dominated by creature-centric decks, Bleeding Edge can play a pivotal role. It not just removes a threat but also leaves behind a body that could impact the game, making it quite a relevant pick for anyone aiming to disrupt opponent’s strategies effectively.

How to Beat

Bleeding Edge is a unique card that offers dual utility in MTG by not only removing smaller creatures but also by bolstering your army with a deathtouch token. Dismantling this threat requires precise timing and the right strategy. Cards with instant speed removal, such as Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, can efficiently deal with the token before it becomes a hindrance. In contrast, sacrificing strategies utilizing cards like Village Rites can turn your doomed creature into a resource, nullifying the loss.

Another approach to overcome Bleeding Edge lies in the realm of counterspells. With a spell like Counterspell or Mana Leak, you can thwart your opponent’s attempt to use Bleeding Edge, preserving your board and maintaining tempo. Enchantment-based strategies using cards similar to Rest in Peace also render Bleeding Edge far less impactful by preventing the token from ever entering the battlefield.

Ultimately, understanding when to react and the types of spells in your deck that can effectively counteract Bleeding Edge’s advantage are key. By anticipating and preparing for this multi-faceted card, you can transform a potential setback into an opportunity for a strategic advantage in gameplay.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bleeding Edge MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Bleeding Edge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bleeding Edge has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2019-05-03	Army is a new creature type. It’s possible to control a nontoken Army (perhaps a creature with the changeling ability) and, through combinations of other cards, it’s possible to control multiple Army tokens. When instructed to amass, you may put +1/+1 counters on any of your Army creatures, and you may choose a different one each time.
2019-05-03	If you don’t control an Army, the Zombie Army token that you create enters the battlefield as a 0/0 creature. Any abilities that trigger when a creature with a certain power enters the battlefield, such as that of Mentor of the Meek, will see the token enter as a 0/0 creature before it gets +1/+1 counters.
2019-05-03	You may cast Bleeding Edge without choosing a target creature. You’ll just amass 2. However, if you choose a target and that target become illegal before Bleeding Edge resolves, the spell won’t resolve and you won’t amass.