Satyr Firedancer MTG Card


Satyr Firedancer - Born of the Gods
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment Creature — Satyr
Released2014-02-07
Set symbol
Set nameBorn of the Gods
Set codeBNG
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number108
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byChris Rahn

Key Takeaways

  1. Satyr Firedancer grants indirect card advantage by eliminating opposing creatures while retaining cards.
  2. Enhances burn decks’ efficacy, ensuring each spell cast achieves maximum damage output.
  3. A crucial pick for red strategies, Satyr Firedancer shifts the dynamic of creature-heavy metagames.

Text of card

Whenever an instant or sorcery spell you control deals damage to an opponent, Satyr Firedancer deals that much damage to target creature that player controls.

His heart, the coal; his eye, the spark; his hand, the whirling flame.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though not directly allowing you to draw more cards, the ability of Satyr Firedancer to deal damage not only to players but also to creatures can indirectly lead to card advantage by removing your opponents’ creatures from the board while you maintain card parity.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t provide traditional mana acceleration; instead, it accelerates your resources in the sense of damage output. Each instant or sorcery spell that targets an opponent also targets one of their creatures, amplifying the impact of your burn spells without the need for additional card investment.

Instant Speed: While the Satyr Firedancer itself is not an instant, it greatly enhances the value of instant-speed burn spells in your deck. This allows you to maximize the use of your mana each turn, holding back spells to react to threats or strategically casting during your opponent’s turn to optimize the Firedancer’s ability.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not demanding a discard outright, the Satyr Firedancer’s abilities require a setup with burn spells, which may deplete your hand quickly.

Specific Mana Cost: Satyr Firedancer’s red mana cost necessitates a primary or splash color commitment to red within your deck, potentially limiting deck-building versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that serves a specific role in a burn strategy, the two red mana as part of its cost could be a steep price compared to other options that fit more seamlessly into a deck’s curve.


Reasons to Include Satyr Firedancer in Your Collection

Versatility: Satyr Firedancer offers a unique effect that has the potential to change the way red decks approach their burn spells. As it directs damage to not only the player but also one of their creatures, it can be included in various red strategies, from aggro to more control-oriented decks seeking to clear the board while dealing damage to the opponent.

Combo Potential: This card opens the door to multiple combo possibilities, especially in decks that pack a high number of burn spells. Any instant or sorcery that deals damage to an opponent can turn into a creature removal as well, which can be used to efficiently deal with threats while maintaining pressure on the opponent’s life total.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta with creature-heavy decks, the Satyr Firedancer can become an essential asset. As creature-based strategies remain popular, having a card that can potentially turn every burn spell into a two-for-one deal can give you the upper hand in many matchups. Its continuous effect on the field can keep opponents on their toes and dictate the pace of the game.


How to beat

Satyr Firedancer is a unique enchantment creature card that intensifies any burn strategy in Magic: The Gathering. This card can turn any direct damage spell you cast not only against creatures but also directly at your opponent’s health. As fiery as this strategy may be, with the right approach, it can be dampened.

One effective way to overcome Satyr Firedancer is through timely removal spells. Since it’s a creature, you can target it with creature removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile before your opponent can utilize its ability. Additionally, playing around the Firedancer demands careful consideration in sequence of your spells, especially if your deck also relies on dealing damage.

Alternatively, protection for your own creatures is crucial since any burn spell dealing damage to you could also mean a loss of your board presence. Therefore, counterspells like Negate or creature abilities that can grant hexproof or protection from red can neutralize the threat from this pesky satyr. Understanding the importance of removing or circumventing this card as a weave of safety can mean the difference between a board wiped clean by fire and maintaining control over the tempo of the game.


Cards like Satyr Firedancer

Satyr Firedancer offers a unique twist on red damage spells in Magic: The Gathering. When comparing it to other creatures that capitalize on direct damage like Guttersnipe, the Firedancer stands out with its ability to target creatures as well. Whereas Guttersnipe deals damage only to each opponent whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, Satyr Firedancer extends the hurt to creatures, significantly widening the scope of its effect.

Then, there’s Young Pyromancer, which, like Satyr Firedancer, thrives in spell-slinging decks. Both creatures reward you for playing noncreature spells but in different ways: Young Pyromancer creates a 1/1 red Elemental creature token for every instant or sorcery, which boosts board presence, while Satyr Firedancer helps clear the board of threats. Clearly, each has its strategic advantages depending on the deck’s focus and the state of play.

Considering the synergy and potential impact of these cards, Satyr Firedancer competes for a slot in decks centered around direct damage spells. Its ability to redirect damage to creatures offers a substantial advantage in controlling the board, making it an intriguing choice for MTG players looking to add an aggressive edge to their red decks.

Guttersnipe - MTG Card versions
Young Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Guttersnipe - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Young Pyromancer - Magic 2014 (M14)

Cards similar to Satyr Firedancer by color, type and mana cost

Power Surge - MTG Card versions
Raging River - MTG Card versions
Smoke - MTG Card versions
Goblin Kites - MTG Card versions
The Brute - MTG Card versions
Giant Strength - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reflexes - MTG Card versions
Consuming Ferocity - MTG Card versions
Errantry - MTG Card versions
Heat of Battle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Festival - MTG Card versions
Scald - MTG Card versions
Cave Sense - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Surge - MTG Card versions
Maniacal Rage - MTG Card versions
Battle Strain - MTG Card versions
Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Underworld Breach - MTG Card versions
Lightning Rift - MTG Card versions
Fractured Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Power Surge - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Raging River - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Smoke - Masters Edition IV (ME4)
Goblin Kites - Fallen Empires (FEM)
The Brute - Renaissance (REN)
Giant Strength - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Lightning Reflexes - Mirage (MIR)
Consuming Ferocity - Mirage (MIR)
Errantry - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Heat of Battle - Stronghold (STH)
Goblin Festival - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Scald - World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)
Cave Sense - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Flowstone Surge - Nemesis (NEM)
Maniacal Rage - Conflux (CON)
Battle Strain - Odyssey (ODY)
Goblin Bombardment - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Underworld Breach - Theros Beyond Death Promos (PTHB)
Lightning Rift - Onslaught (ONS)
Fractured Loyalty - Mirrodin (MRD)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Satyr Firedancer MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods, 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 Satyr Firedancer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Satyr Firedancer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

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