Bonesplitter MTG Card
2003-01-01 - Number 8
2003-10-02 - Number 146
2005-08-22 - Number L5
2005-08-22 - Number L40
2010-11-08 - Number B28
2011-05-14 - Number 20
2013-06-07 - Number 202
2019-11-07 - Number 1552
2020-11-20 - Number 458
2002-06-24 - Number 36272
2020-09-26 - Number MRD-146
| Card sets | Released in 11 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact — Equipment |
| Abilities | Equip |
Text of card
Equipped creature gets +2/+0. Equip
Cards like Bonesplitter
Bonesplitter stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a cost-efficient equipment card, giving creatures a significant power boost. In comparison, Darksteel Axe is another formidable piece of equipment, conferring a modest +2/+0 bonus to creatures, but with the indestructibility that makes it resistant to destruction effects. Bonesplitter, although more fragile, offers a greater power increase at a lower total equip cost.
Another related equipment card is the Vulshok Morningstar, which grants +2/+2 to a creature. While it offers a balanced boost to both power and toughness, its equip cost is higher than that of Bonesplitter, making Bonesplitter a more aggressive choice in decks that prioritize swift and impactful damage increase.
Examining these comparisons clarifies the strengths of Bonesplitter within the MTG equipment arsenal. Its ability to deliver a rapid and cost-effective power enhancement cements its position as a staple in many aggressive strategies that aim to overwhelm opponents by boosting creature’s combat capabilities swiftly.
Cards similar to Bonesplitter by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Bonesplitter. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Tron | Pauper | Tron | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-04-27 |
 | Mono-Black Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Boros Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Mono-White Aggro | Pauper | MKM Pauper UOL 2024 | |
| Boros Synthesizer | Pauper | Boros Synthesizer | Monthly Tournament #35 |
 | MonoW Metalcraft | Pauper | Poznańska Liga Paupera #2 | |
| Rogue Decklists | Pauper | Azorius Affinity | Nacional Pauper 2023 |
 | Azorius Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Mono-Green Aggro | Pauper | Mono-Green Aggro | Pauper Challenge 32 2023-11-12 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Equipping Bonesplitter to a creature turns it into a more formidable threat, effectively increasing the value of that creature on the battlefield without the need to commit additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: With its low casting and equip costs, Bonesplitter offers a cost-efficient way to boost a creature’s power. This allows players to use their mana resources on other spells while still being able to apply pressure on the opponent.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Bonesplitter can be equipped at instant speed if the player has a creature with flash on the battlefield. This dynamic can catch an unwary opponent off guard during their turn, adding an element of surprise and tactical advantage to the player wielding Bonesplitter.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Bonesplitter card itself doesn’t have a discard requirement, equipping it necessitates playing this card over others, indirectly pressuring you to discard potentially useful cards in trade-off for an immediate power boost.
Specific Mana Cost: Bonesplitter’s low cost is great; however, the initial mana investment for its ability does require commitment of resources that could otherwise go toward spells or creatures, particularly in the early game when mana is scarce.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the total cost, including both casting and equipping the Bonesplitter, it may appear less daunting. Yet, in tight turns where mana efficiency is key, allocating resources to repeatedly equip Bonesplitter could detract from other opportunities to develop your board or respond to threats.
Reasons to Include Bonesplitter in Your Collection
Versatility: Bonesplitter is a staple in many aggressive deck builds. Its low casting and equip cost make it easy to attach to any creature, instantly boosting their damage output. This makes it well-suited for a variety of strategies, particularly those that aim to deal damage quickly.
Combo Potential: This artifact’s ability to increase creature power for a minimal investment can work wonders in synergizing with cards that have abilities triggering on dealing combat damage. It can turn any unassuming creature into a formidable threat, blending seamlessly into intricate combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed is key, Bonesplitter shines. Its relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of MTG comes from its direct approach to dealing damage, seldom going out of vogue, thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness in giving any creature a considerable advantage on the battlefield.
How to beat
The Bonesplitter card is an artifact that can equip creatures with a potent power boost, often tipping the scales in combat. It’s inexpensive to play and to attach to a creature, making it a favorite in many aggressive MTG decks. To effectively counter a Bonesplitter, it’s wise to have instant-speed removal at the ready, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which can destroy it before your opponent gets a chance to utilize its benefits. Artifact removal like Krosan Grip also provides an answer with the added benefit of Split Second, ensuring it can’t be responded to.
Board control is crucial. Efficiently managing the threat landscape can mitigate the advantage provided by a Bonesplitter. Sweepers like Wrath of God or cards that can handle multiple creatures at once, such as Pyroclasm, can clear the way, lessening the impact of equipped creatures. Having creatures with Deathtouch can also deter your opponent from attacking, rendering the attack buff less effective.
Remember, leveraging the timing of your spells and strategic use of removal can dismantle an opponent’s strategy revolving around Bonesplitter, keeping you firmly in the game and often ahead of your adversary on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bonesplitter MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Arena League 2003, 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 Bonesplitter and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Bonesplitter Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2003-01-01 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Darrell Riche.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36272 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | ||
| 2 | 2003-01-01 | Arena League 2003 | PAL03 | 8 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 3 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 146 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 4 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | L5 | 2003 | Normal | White | Darrell Riche | |
| 5 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | L40 | 2003 | Normal | White | Darrell Riche | |
| 6 | 2010-11-08 | Magic Online Theme Decks | TD0 | B28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 7 | 2011-05-14 | Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia | TD2 | 20 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 8 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 202 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 9 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1552 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 10 | The List | PLST | MRD-146 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | ||
| 11 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 458 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bonesplitter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |