Briar Patch MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 1999-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mercadian Masques |
| Set code | MMQ |
| Number | 232 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Rebecca Guay |
Text of card
Whenever a creature attacks you, it gets -1/-0 until end of turn.
As easily as the dryads could close a fist, so could the branches and underbrush entangle.
Cards like Briar Patch
Briar Patch is a unique card that creates both a challenge and an opportunity for deck builders in Magic: The Gathering. It shares thematic similarities with Gaea’s Blessing, which also interacts with the graveyard by shuffling cards back into the library. However, Briar Patch not only recycles cards but adds a sting for the opponent by dealing damage whenever a creature dies, adding a layer of defense to your strategy.
When looking at parallel mechanics, we can consider AEther Flash, a card that dishes out damage to creatures as they come into play, punishing opponents in a different manner. Though it lacks the graveyard synergies of Briar Patch, its deterrent effect is immediate. Comparably, Kederekt Parasite requires a little setup, needing a red permanent to function, but then leverages card draw to deal damage to opponents, resonating with Briar Patch’s theme of indirect harassment.
In essence, while each card carries its own advantages and drawbacks, Briar Patch stands out for its dual role in both graveyard interaction and creating a defensive barrier. Its capability to influence the battlefield makes it a notable consideration for players seeking to weave in direct damage with graveyard strategy in their Magic: The Gathering decks.
Cards similar to Briar Patch by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Designed to be a cornerstone of any deck that values a deep card pool, Briar Patch excels in fortifying your hand. This enchantment has the inherent potential to multiply the cards at your disposal, ensuring that you are seldom at a loss for options during the draw phase. Regularly propelling you towards a commanding presence on the board, mastering its use can be pivotal in outpacing your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: Resource acceleration is key in MTG and Briar Patch doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Not only does it bolster your card utility, but it also synergizes with deck mechanics that thrive on having an abundance of spells at the ready. By indirectly contributing to your mana base through its interactions with other cards in your deck, Briar Patch helps streamline your gameplay to a more efficient and potentially overwhelming state.
Instant Speed: Briar Patch may not be an instant itself, but its impact on gameplay can be just as unexpected and immediate. The real-time response it provides against incoming threats allows for a dynamic defensive strategy. The ability to respond to opponents’ moves at crucial points during a match can turn the tide in your favor, underscoring the value of having such a versatile card at the heart of your deck.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The card necessitates discarding another card as part of its casting cost. This can unfavorably impact your hand, especially if you’re already managing a depleted grip of resources. Players need to weigh the benefit of playing Briar Patch against the potential setback of losing another valuable card from their hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Briar Patch requires a precise alignment of mana types to cast, which may not always be smoothly available, depending on the deck construction and the current board state. This specificity can limit its inclusion to decks that are confident in generating the exact mana combination required.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For what Briar Patch offers, the mana investment can be substantial. Decks focused on streamlined and quick play may find this cost inefficient, potentially giving an edge to opponents with a lower curve and more reactive strategies. In fast-paced games, spending that much mana on a single card can sometimes set a player back in terms of tempo and board development.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The card Briar Patch offers flexibility in deck-building. Its ability to make attacking creatures suffer for damaging you makes it a good fit for defensive strategies, enhancing decks that thrive on deterring opponents from attacking.
Combo Potential: Briar Patch can be a component in a combo-centric deck, synergizing with cards that capitalize on opponents’ creatures taking damage or creatures dying. This can create a situation where the penalty for attacking you becomes a significant advantage on your side.
Meta-Relevance: Given a meta that’s heavy on aggressive creature-based tactics, Briar Patch can serve as an effective countermeasure, potentially tipping the scales in matches where deterring or punishing enemy attacks is critical.
How to beat Briar Patch
Briar Patch is a unique card that can be challenging to face in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to deter attackers by inflicting damage to the opponent when a creature they control is blocked, creates a defensive foam around your board state. That said, overcoming Briar Patch requires a strategic approach focusing on indirect tactics.
Spell-based removal is highly effective here, allowing you to deal with creatures without initiating combat. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can bypass Briar Patch’s punishing effect. Also, consider leveraging evasion abilities such as flying or trample to minimize the number of creatures that get blocked and, therefore, reduce the damage from Briar Patch. Lastly, keep an eye out for enchantment removal spells or abilities such as Disenchant or Krosan Grip to directly remove Briar Patch and neutralize the threat entirely.
Understanding the intricate mechanics and figuring out the best angles of attack ensures that even a card with an effective prevention strategy like Briar Patch doesn’t keep you from claiming victory. Your ability to adapt and deploy the right countermeasures will be the key to outmaneuvering this thorny obstacle.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Briar Patch MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Briar Patch 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Briar Patch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |