Boros Swiftblade MTG Card
2005-10-07 - Number 193
2009-09-04 - Number 82
2015-05-22 - Number 172
2018-11-02 - Number 86
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Double strike |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Double strike
When the Boros Legion attacks, swiftblades enter the fray first. They pick off the archers and mages, softening the enemy front before the flame-kin and giants go in.
Cards like Boros Swiftblade
Boros Swiftblade is an intriguing card within the realm of multi-strike creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards like Fencing Ace, which also has double strike, allowing it to dish out damage twice in a single combat phase. However, Boros Swiftblade differs as it lands on the battlefield with both the potential for immediate impact and the ability to synergize with the Boros legion’s aggressive strategies.
Analogous to this is Skyhunter Skirmisher, another creature that boasts double strike but comes with flying, giving it better evasion against ground blockers. Yet, the Swiftblade holds its own with a lower casting cost that benefits rapid deployment strategies. Also in this category is Warren Instigator, a goblin double striker that creates an additional advantage by putting goblin cards onto the battlefield directly from your hand when it deals combat damage to a player.
In evaluating these options, Boros Swiftblade stands out for players looking to employ swift, aggressive tactics early in the game—an essential for fans of the Boros guild’s fast-paced playstyle.
Cards similar to Boros Swiftblade by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Boros Swiftblade doesn’t directly allow you to draw more cards, its inherent power in double striking can help clear the way for other card advantage engines you may have on the board. By pressuring your opponent, you force them to deal with this threat, sometimes at the cost of their own card resources.
Resource Acceleration: The Boros Swiftblade may not generate additional mana or tokens, but its low mana cost promotes a faster deck tempo. This enables you to deploy subsequent threats or hold up mana for protection and interaction more efficiently, effectively accelerating your resource utilization in the game.
Instant Speed: While Boros Swiftblade itself is not an instant, its double strike ability rewards you when paired with instant-speed combat tricks. Enhancing the Swiftblade with instant-speed spells can potentially remove larger threats and create significant shifts in battlefield presence, using the element of surprise to your advantage. The ability to change the course of combat at instant speed cannot be understated and the Swiftblade serves as an excellent conduit for such plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Boros Swiftblade doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, it may prompt players to invest in cards that require discarding as part of a strategy, which can deplete a hand quickly when trying to build up its effectiveness.
Specific Mana Cost: Boros Swiftblade requires both red and white mana for casting. This dual mana necessity can restrict the card to Boros-themed or multicolor decks, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the card’s impact, the combined mana required to not only cast Boros Swiftblade but to also equip or bolster it with enchantments lead to a high mana investment before it becomes a significant threat on the board. There are alternatives that might present a quicker or more cost-efficient offensive presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Boros Swiftblade is highly adaptable, easily finding a place in decks that value early aggression and efficient creature buffs. Its double strike ability allows it to maximize equipment and aura spells, making it a force to be reckoned with from the onset of the game.
Combo Potential: Pairing Boros Swiftblade with cards that increase its power can lead to devastatingly quick damage output. Its double strike pairs well with combat tricks and buffs, multiplying their effectiveness and leading to potential surprise victories.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to quickly apply pressure on opponents, Boros Swiftblade excels in aggressive metas where early board presence is key. It thrives against slower decks, forcing opponents to have an immediate answer or face an early defeat.
How to beat
Boros Swiftblade remains a formidable presence in MTG, known for its swift strikes on the battlefield. This card boasts the potential to deal extensive damage in the early game, thanks to its ability to attack twice each turn. With an adept opponent maneuvering this card, it can quickly become a pressing threat that demands an immediate answer.
To effectively neutralize Boros Swiftblade, consider employing removal spells that can bypass its swift attacks – a well-timed Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can dispatch the duelist before damage is dealt. Keep an eye out for effects that hinder creature abilities, such as those from cards like Pacifism, which bind the Swiftblade without having to remove it from the field. Alternatively, instant-speed blockers with significant toughness or those with reach or deathtouch can prove to be effective barriers against its aggression.
Strategically, prioritizing the removal of Boros Swiftblade can save you from a rapid loss of life and keep the board state to your advantage. Its low toughness makes it susceptible to many common removal tactics in the game, ensuring that players with a well-prepared defense can easily turn the tide against this aggressive MTG card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Boros Swiftblade MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and Planechase, 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 Boros Swiftblade 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 Boros Swiftblade Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by Doug Chaffee.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 193 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Doug Chaffee | |
| 2 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 82 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Doug Chaffee | |
| 3 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 172 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Doug Chaffee | |
| 4 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 86 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Doug Chaffee |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Boros Swiftblade has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |