Brushwagg MTG Card


Brushwagg’s presence can influence opponents’ decisions, offering a strategic advantage without drawing cards. Its low mana cost affords early board presence, efficiently allocating resources for later in the game. Brushwagg can become a formidable force with instant-speed combat tricks during the fight phase.
Brushwagg - Mirage
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Brushwagg
Released1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set nameMirage
Set codeMIR
Power 3
Toughness 2
Number208
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byIan Miller

Text of card

If Brushwagg blocks or is blocked, it gets -2/+2 until end of turn.

"Defiantly, the young cyclops popped the brushwagg into his mouth. His cheeks suddenly puffed, his eye bulged, and he was forced to agree with his elder." —Afari, *Tales*


Cards like Brushwagg

Brushwagg holds its unique charm within the wild realm of MTG creature cards. Its ancestors, like the enigmatic Werebear, share the attribute of seeming inoffensive at first but have the potential to become formidable threats. Werebear starts as a modest 1/1 creature that can tap for mana, escalating into a 4/4 entity once the graveyard is stocked with enough spells.

Similarly, the Brushwagg may begin as a humble 1/1 on the battlefield, but its ability to boost its own power and toughness makes it a surprise combatant in the late game. It harks back to the classic Spikeshot Goblin, which, while initially unimposing, can later leverage its power to deal damage directly to creatures or players. The Brushwagg’s power lies in its unexpected late-game strength combined with the potential for inordinate augmentation through external enchantments and abilities.

Evaluating creatures like Brushwagg, we see they offer a strategic depth to the game, capable of evolving from unassuming to threatening, making them an enjoyable addition to creature-centric decks in MTG.

Werebear - MTG Card versions
Spikeshot Goblin - MTG Card versions
Werebear - MTG Card versions
Spikeshot Goblin - MTG Card versions

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Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Quirion Druid - MTG Card versions
Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Lydari Druid - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Pincher Beetles - MTG Card versions
Awakener Druid - MTG Card versions
Brindle Boar - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Brushwagg may not directly provide card draw, its mere presence can act as a deterrent, indirectly leading to card advantage by forcing your opponent to overcommit or use removal on a seemingly less-threatening creature.

Resource Acceleration: Brushwagg itself doesn’t provide resource acceleration in the traditional sense, but its low mana cost allows for early board presence, saving your more substantial mana resources for other mid to late-game plays.

Instant Speed: Although Brushwagg doesn’t boast abilities that operate at instant speed, its synergy with instant-speed combat tricks can turn it into an unexpected threat, catching opponents off guard during combat phases.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some creatures that offer benefits upon entering the battlefield, Brushwagg requires you to invest additional resources in the form of mana to activate its ability. This can put you at a disadvantage in games where efficiency and resource management are key.

Specific Mana Cost: Brushwagg’s activated ability requires a dedicated green mana, which may restrict its playability to mono-green or two-color decks. This limitation potentially excludes it from more diverse multicolored strategies that might not consistently produce the required green mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a 1/1 creature, the mana required to fully utilize Brushwagg’s ability is high. Other creatures in the same mana range could provide more impactful abilities or present a higher threat level without additional investment, making Brushwagg less optimal in certain competitive scenarios.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Brushwagg card is a unique inclusion in a variety of decks due to its low mana cost and the unexpected power boost its activated ability can provide.

Combo Potential: With the capacity to grow significantly stronger for a limited time, this card works well in decks built around +1/+1 counter interactions or as a surprise blocker in combat scenarios.

Meta-Relevance: In certain metagames where the battlefield often becomes stalled, a creature like Brushwagg can be a cost-effective way to break through opponent defenses or become an unexpected threat that must be addressed.


How to beat

Brushwagg is a unique creature card that often enamors MTG players with its playful art and unusual creature type. This quirky card isn’t just aesthetics; it holds its own with the ability to bulk up in battle, proving it can be a nuisance if overlooked. To tackle Brushwagg effectively, it’s crucial to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Having a sturdy blocker or removal spell ready is a solid strategy. Direct damage spells can take it out before it becomes a threat too. Since Brushwagg’s power-up ability involves mana, keeping your opponent’s mana tapped out can prevent the creature from becoming too powerful. Timing matters as well, since Brushwagg only gets its boost until the end of the turn; knowing when to strike or hold back can make all the difference.

Furthermore, since Brushwagg thrives in a green mana-centric deck that ramps up quickly, implementing land destruction or counter strategies to limit your opponent’s available mana can also keep Brushwagg in check. Keep in mind that simple strategies, like trading it out in combat or using spells that don’t allow it to grow, can be just as effective. In summary, while Brushwagg can certainly catch an unprepared player off guard, a sound strategy and proper timing can easily counter this wily creature.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Brushwagg MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Brushwagg and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Brushwagg has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal