Blizzard Specter MTG Card


Blizzard Specter can swing card advantage, disrupting opponent’s hand and board with dual abilities. The Specter’s instant-like tactical flexibility during combat phases downgrades opponent strategies. Limited by the need for a successful attack, its effectiveness is tied to reaching the opponent.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeSnow Creature — Specter
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Whenever Blizzard Specter deals combat damage to a player, choose one That player returns a permanent he or she controls to its owner's hand; or that player discards a card.


Cards like Blizzard Specter

Blizzard Specter has carved out its niche within the sphere of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Sharing similarities with creatures like Hypnotic Specter, both units fly and mandate opponents to discard when they deal combat damage. Yet, Blizzard Specter offers a unique twist; the choice it grants – either an opponent discards a card or returns a permanent to their hand, gives a player tactical flexibility not inherent in Hypnotic Specter.

Reflecting further, we notice the Baleful Strix as another similar card, offering flying and deathtouch. Though not impacting an opponent’s hand directly, it presents a formidable defensive asset capable of deterring attackers. Conversely, Blizzard Specter is designed to be on the offensive. Additionally, we should consider Dreamstealer, a card bearing the potential to disrupt hands when exerted. Nevertheless, it lacks the immediacy of Blizzard Specter’s impact, which doesn’t hinge on being exerted to force an enemy’s hand.

Examining these cards collectively demonstrates how Blizzard Specter provides a versatile approach to game strategy. It disrupts hand dynamics and can tactically bounce threats or resources, placing it as an influential choice for players aiming to combine aerial assault with psychological tactics in Magic: The Gathering.

Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Dreamstealer - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Dreamstealer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Blizzard Specter by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Fiend - MTG Card versions
Benthic Djinn - MTG Card versions
Doomsday Specter - MTG Card versions
Marsh Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Possessed Aven - MTG Card versions
Balshan Collaborator - MTG Card versions
Elusive Tormentor // Insidious Mist - MTG Card versions
Ingenious Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Moroii - MTG Card versions
Circu, Dimir Lobotomist - MTG Card versions
Wydwen, the Biting Gale - MTG Card versions
Merrow Grimeblotter - MTG Card versions
Evil Twin - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Liege - MTG Card versions
Kathari Remnant - MTG Card versions
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind - MTG Card versions
Duskmantle Seer - MTG Card versions
Notion Thief - MTG Card versions
Ulamog's Nullifier - MTG Card versions
Drunau Corpse Trawler - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Fiend - MTG Card versions
Benthic Djinn - MTG Card versions
Doomsday Specter - MTG Card versions
Marsh Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Possessed Aven - MTG Card versions
Balshan Collaborator - MTG Card versions
Elusive Tormentor // Insidious Mist - MTG Card versions
Ingenious Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Moroii - MTG Card versions
Circu, Dimir Lobotomist - MTG Card versions
Wydwen, the Biting Gale - MTG Card versions
Merrow Grimeblotter - MTG Card versions
Evil Twin - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Liege - MTG Card versions
Kathari Remnant - MTG Card versions
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind - MTG Card versions
Duskmantle Seer - MTG Card versions
Notion Thief - MTG Card versions
Ulamog's Nullifier - MTG Card versions
Drunau Corpse Trawler - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Blizzard Specter has an innate ability that, upon dealing combat damage to a player, offers you a strategic choice to either force that player to discard a card or return a permanent to their hand. This dual functionality can lead to a significant swing in card advantage over the course of a game, as it provides ongoing disruption to your opponent’s hand and board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While Blizzard Specter doesn’t directly generate additional mana, its disruptive effects can indirectly lead to mana advantage. By bouncing an opponent’s land back to their hand or discarding a ramp spell, you can slow down their development, establishing a lead in resources and potentially accelerating your own game plan as they struggle to recover.

Instant Speed: Although the card itself isn’t an instant, the ability to trade a card from the opponent’s hand or affect the board state can be used strategically during the combat phase, akin to the timing of an instant. This allows for reactive play, giving you the flexibility to adjust your tactics based on your opponent’s moves and creating opportunities to cast spells at optimal times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Blizzard Specter requires your opponent to discard a card whenever it deals combat damage, which depends on successful attack completion. This stipulation does limit its utility slightly, as external factors might prevent the creature from connecting with the opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting both blue and black mana in its cost, the card demands a commitment to a Dimir color combination, potentially restricting its inclusion to only specific deck types that can accommodate such colors reliably.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Blizzard Specter’s impact may not align with its mana investment when compared with other four-mana options. In fast-paced games, this could mean falling behind on the board or missing out on casting more effective spells at a similar cost bracket.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Blizzard Specter offers dual functionality by blending a disruptive flying threat with the power to disrupt your opponent’s hand. This flexibility allows it to be a solid choice in decks that seek to maintain board presence while chipping away at the adversary’s resources.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on opponents discarding cards. It can trigger abilities from other cards that thrive on discard mechanics, enhancing their effects and creating powerful interactions on the board.

Meta-Relevance: Given the tempo-driven nature of many games, Blizzard Specter can swing the momentum in your favor. Its ice-cold combination of aerial assault and hand attack makes it particularly effective against decks that require a specific set of cards to operate efficiently.


How to beat

Blizzard Specter presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, blending a combination of disruption and flying threat. Understanding how to neutralize this icy menace is key to maintaining your position in the game. Much like other specters in Magic: The Gathering, the Blizzard Specter requires strategic maneuvering to effectively combat it.

A straightforward approach is using removal spells. Targeted spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch the specter immediately before it begins to wreak havoc. Should you lack these in your deck, setting up strong aerial defenses is a solid alternative. Creatures with reach or those that boast higher flying prowess can serve as suitable deterrents to the specter’s attacks.

Another effective strategy involves using discard protection. Cards that either replenish your hand or negate the discard effect will undercut the specter’s intimidation. Anything that lessens the advantage it gains from its icy touch can turn the tide of battle. Securing your grip on the game, despite the presence of Blizzard Specter, will guide you towards a hard-fought victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Blizzard Specter seamlessly weaves disruption with the aerial prowess that MTG players admire. Its unique option to have the opponent discard or bounce a permanent after it deals combat damage gives you the upper hand, making it a worthy addition to any collection. Considering its strategic influence on the battlefield, it’s a card that rewards careful play and premeditation. It synergizes well with decks that leverage discard mechanics and can shift the tide of a match in your favor. Embrace this frosty fiend’s potential and let it chill your opponent’s strategies while bolstering your own. Dive deeper with us to master the art of cold warfare on the card table.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Blizzard Specter MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and Iconic Masters, 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 Blizzard Specter and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Blizzard Specter Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2017-11-17. Illustrated by Hideaki Takamura.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-07-21ColdsnapCSP 1262003NormalBlackHideaki Takamura
22017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 1942015NormalBlackHideaki Takamura

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Blizzard Specter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-11-17 If Blizzard Specter’s first mode is chosen, the player who was dealt damage chooses the permanent to return to hand when the ability resolves. A permanent with hexproof or protection from black may be chosen this way.
2017-11-17 You choose the mode when you put Blizzard Specter’s triggered ability on the stack. Blizzard Specter’s second mode may be chosen even if the player’s hand is empty.