Brassclaw Orcs MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 49c
1994-11-01 - Number 49b
1994-11-01 - Number 49a
1994-11-01 - Number 49d
1997-03-24 - Number 213
2008-09-22 - Number 119
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Orc |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Cannot be assigned to block any creature of power greater than 1.
"A whole skin is worth a thousand victories." —Orcish Veteran of the Battle of Montford
Cards like Brassclaw Orcs
Brassclaw Orcs may not be the most well-known group of creatures within the wide expanse of the MTG universe, but they possess their own niche in the tribe-focused gameplay. Their condition requiring orcs to band together is similar to the mechanics found in cards like Benalish Hero, which also involves banding—yet Benalish Hero applies to any other creatures, providing a broader utility.
In the realms of lesser-known MTG creatures with banding, we also find the likes of Icatian Phalanx. Albeit more expensive in terms of mana cost, these Phalanx can band as a group much like the fierce Brassclaw Orcs, forming a formidable front. The orcs’ lower casting cost gives them an edge here, offering a quicker presence on the battlefield. Comparatively, Telim’Tor’s Dervishes – another orc-like creature offering a flanking benefit, reveals a combat mechanic that grants an advantage during skirmishes, unlike the collaborative banding of Brassclaw Orcs.
Analyzing these options provides insight into the utility and strategic benefits of including Brassclaw Orcs in an orc-themed deck, particularly for players seeking the unique synergies that banding offers. Despite the various traits each card brings to the table, Brassclaw Orcs’s singular focus on orc banding can be a tactical asset in the right deck composition.
Cards similar to Brassclaw Orcs by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Brassclaw Orcs aren’t typically known for generating card advantage directly, but their presence on the battlefield can deter opponents from attacking, effectively maintaining your hand by reducing the need for defensive spells.
Resource Acceleration: While Brassclaw Orcs don’t provide resource acceleration in the traditional sense, they can pressure your opponent’s resources by forcing unfavorable blocks or trades, potentially freeing up your mana and cards for other strategies.
Instant Speed: Brassclaw Orcs do not have instant speed themselves, but their tribal synergies work well with other cards that can be played at instant speed, allowing you to create a strong board presence before your turn even begins.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Brassclaw Orcs demands specific cards to be discarded in order to unlock its full potential. This can hinder your game plan especially when your hand doesn’t support this discard strategy or when every card in hand is vital for your upcoming turns.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Brassclaw Orcs includes red mana, which may not seamlessly fit all deck archetypes, particularly those not dedicated to or compatible with a red mana base, thereby reducing its versatility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at three mana with a color-specific requirement, Brassclaw Orcs might come at a higher cost compared to other creatures that could provide similar or better combat prowess or abilities for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Brassclaw Orcs in Your Collection
Versatility: Brassclaw Orcs offer a robust solution for red decks in need of aggressive creatures. Their ability to tap and potentially sidestep defenders gives your aggressive strategies more reliability, even in the face of stronger board states.
Combo Potential: These Orcs can seamlessly integrate into decks focusing on tribal synergies and benefit from various red-centric buffs or equipment strategies, enhancing their battlefield impact and maximizing their combat effectiveness.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where slower, control decks are prevalent, Brassclaw Orcs can pose a significant early-game threat. Their haste and potential buffs from other cards make them a timely choice for a metagame that’s often unprepared for quick, aggressive red-based creature decks.
How to beat
Dealing with Brassclaw Orcs in Magic: The Gathering requires a strategic approach. Although Brassclaw Orcs can be quite oppressive, especially in early-game scenarios due to their aggressive cost-to-damage ratio, they do have one significant drawback. The card comes with a built-in limitation that means it can’t block creatures with power 2 or less. Knowing this, you can leverage smaller, quick creatures to maintain board control without much resistance from these Orcs.
To gain the upper hand, it’s also advantageous to use removal spells that target low-cost creatures or engage in trades that favor you on the board. Another effective tactic is utilizing spells or abilities that can tap or otherwise incapacitate Brassclaw Orcs, preventing them from attacking and thus mitigating the threat they pose. Moreover, cards that can buff your creatures’ toughness outside of the Orcs’ damage range can be a formidable defensive measure. With these strategies, you can maintain control of the game against players utilizing Brassclaw Orcs, turning their initially intimidating presence into a manageable aspect of the match.
In summary, the key to overcoming Brassclaw Orcs lies in exploiting their blocking limitation, removing them efficiently, and preventing them from swinging the game in your opponent’s favor. A well-crafted strategy that includes these elements will ensure that you come out ahead when facing this creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Brassclaw Orcs MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Brassclaw Orcs 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
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Printings
The Brassclaw Orcs Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 49c | 1993 | Normal | Black | Rob Alexander | |
| 2 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 49b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 49a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Rob Alexander | |
| 4 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 49d | 1993 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 5 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 213 | 1997 | Normal | White | Rob Alexander | |
| 6 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 119 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Rob Alexander |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Brassclaw Orcs has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |