Bog Raiders MTG Card

Bog Raiders enhances deck aggression with low cost and potential unblockability, pressing opponents early in the game. The card’s specific mana requirement and discard mechanic may pose restrictions and trade-offs in deck design. Its inclusion offers versatility and meta relevance in mono-black or certain synergistic strategies within your collection.

Portal (POR)
1997-05-01 - Number 82

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 119

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 119s

Starter 1999 (S99)
1999-07-01 - Number 66

Magic 2011 (M11)
2010-07-16 - Number 86

Card sets	Released in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Zombie
Abilities	Swampwalk
Power	2
Toughness	2

Text of card

Swampwalk (If defending player has any swamps in play, Bog Raiders can't be intercepted.)

Those who live amid decay must expect scavengers.

Cards like Bog Raiders

Bog Raiders holds a place in the MTG arena as an easily accessible creature card, similar in nature to cards like Fearless Halberdier. Both cards tap into the player’s desire for straightforward, no-nonsense creatures that can contribute to board presence. Where Fearless Halberdier offers a strong 3/2 body for three mana without additional abilities, Bog Raiders provides a 2/2 body that can reap the benefits of being unblockable if the pathway is clear of blockers.

Comparatively, Dauthi Slayer brings another dimension to the table with shadow, ensuring it can only be blocked by creatures with shadow. Though it has the same mana cost as Bog Raiders, it promises consistent unblockability. Also worth noting is Skulking Ghost, a creature with similar cost and evasive ability, flying, which allows it to soar over ground troops. However, it comes with the drawback of being destroyed if targeted by a spell, unlike the more resilient Bog Raiders.

In sum, while Bog Raiders might not boast complex abilities or high stats, it is a solid choice for a deck needing dependable attackers that can dodge common ground blockers in MTG’s vast repertoire of creatures.

Cards similar to Bog Raiders by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Bog Raiders may not directly grant you card advantage, its resilience as a recurring threat means opponents must repeatedly deal with it, potentially leading to indirect card advantage over the course of a match.

Resource Acceleration: Bog Raiders facilitates a swift and unrelenting pace, pressuring opponents and demanding answers. Though it doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low mana cost allows you to deploy other threats or hold up resources for instant speed interaction.

Instant Speed: Although Bog Raiders itself is not an instant, it fits well within strategies that capitalize on the flexibility of instant speed plays, allowing you to commit it to the board during your main phase while keeping mana open for instants and other reactionary cards during your opponent’s turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Bog Raiders is that it adds a discard requirement to your strategy which can be detrimental when card advantage is crucial. Losing cards can hinder your ability to maintain pressure or respond to an opponent’s moves.

Specific Mana Cost: Bog Raiders come with a mana cost that is specific to black mana. This requirement might restrict its integration into decks, especially those running on a multi-color basis where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you consider the mana value required to play Bog Raiders and what you get in return, it might not measure up to other options available. There are creatures with similar or greater power and abilities that could be cast for less, making them potentially more mana-efficient choices for your deck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bog Raiders fits comfortably into numerous black-focused decks with its ability to be unblocked as long as defending player controls no non-black creatures, offering a reliable source of damage.

Combo Potential: This card works well in synergistic strategies that benefit from having unblockable creatures, allowing for consistent hits and enabling damage-triggered effects.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where mono-colored decks are prevalent, Bog Raiders can be an effective tool against decks that lack black creatures, ensuring its relevance in specific metas.

How to beat

Bog Raiders hold a niche spot in the vast collection of creatures available in Magic: The Gathering. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to be unblockable as long as the opponent controls no untapped lands. At first glance, this might seem like a formidable trait, yet there are several effective strategies to undermine this card’s potential advantages on the battlefield.

One such tactic is by maintaining land untapped. This simple act turns the tide, making Bog Raiders susceptible to being blocked and easily dispatched. Another efficient method involves spell-casting that specifically targets creatures. Spells that can destroy or return the creature to the hand, like Murder or Unsummon, can provide a just-in-time reprieve. And let’s not overlook the power of chump blocking. While Bog Raiders can be elusive, they have no inherent protection against removal. Therefore, even an expendable creature can effectively intercept it when the timing is right.

Consideration of these options shows that while Bog Raiders may possess an intriguing ability, they are far from invincible. Knowledge of the card and judicious play can ensure that any threat it may present is swiftly neutralized.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bog Raiders MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Urza's Saga, 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 Bog Raiders and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bog Raiders Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 2010-07-16. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1997-05-01	Portal	POR	82	1997	Normal	Black	Steve Luke
2	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG	119	1997	Normal	Black	Carl Critchlow
3	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG	119s	1997	Normal	Black	Carl Critchlow
4	1999-07-01	Starter 1999	S99	66	1997	Normal	White	Carl Critchlow
5	2010-07-16	Magic 2011	M11	86	2003	Normal	Black	Carl Critchlow

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bog Raiders has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal