Buccaneer's Bravado MTG Card

Allows turning a single creature into a serious threat, making it lethal with its double strike ability. Efficient resource management due to its low-cost, high-impact nature in red or multicolored decks. Instant speed enables surprise maneuvers during combat, enhancing its tactical utility significantly.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2018-01-19
Set symbol
Set name	Rivals of Ixalan
Set code	RIX
Number	96
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Bram Sels

Text of card

Choose one — • Target creature gets +1/+1 and gains first strike until end of turn. • Target Pirate gets +1/+1 and gains double strike until end of turn.

Never underestimate the power of panache.

Cards like Buccaneer's Bravado

Buccaneer’s Bravado plays a unique role in Magic: The Gathering, giving creatures a potential double strike or a significant power boost. Comparable to this is Sure Strike, which also bestows a notable +3 attack to a creature, even though it does not offer the double strike option. Sure Strike’s emphasis is on immediate power surge rather than a versatile choice.

When examining Temur Battle Rage, we notice it grants double strike as well but requires a creature to have 4 or more power to activate this condition. Unlike Buccaneer’s Bravado, it adds the trample ability, allowing excess damage to go through defenders and hit the opponent. Rush of Adrenaline also deserves a mention, with its affordable mana cost and the bonus of granting trample, yet it falls short on flexibly providing double strike.

To sum up, Buccaneer’s Bravado finds its niche among other combat trick cards by offering a strategic choice between sizeable power increase and the potential for an impactful double strike. This duality makes it a valuable tool for MTG players looking to gain the upper hand in combat.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Buccaneer’s Bravado can turn a single unblocked attacker into a lethal threat, potentially swaying the game in your favor without requiring additional cards.

Resource Acceleration: While Buccaneer’s Bravado doesn’t provide direct mana acceleration, its low cost enables you to allocate resources efficiently, leaving mana available for other plays.

Instant Speed: The instant speed of Buccaneer’s Bravado allows for surprise combat tricks during the battle phase, giving you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s actions and outmaneuver them when it counts.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Buccaneer’s Bravado doesn’t directly require discarding, it’s worth noting that its one-time effect doesn’t replace the card in your hand. Thus, using it effectively reduces your hand size, which could be a tactical disadvantage in longer games where resources become stretched thin.

Specific Mana Cost: Buccaneer’s Bravado has a mana cost that includes red, which may not fit within all deck archetypes, particularly those that don’t run red mana. This requirement can restrict the card’s versatility and limit its inclusion to red-inclined or multicolored decks that can accommodate the specific mana needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only two mana may seem low, for aggro decks aiming to maximize efficiency, Buccaneer’s Bravado’s cost might be seen as steep for an effect that doesn’t permanently alter the board state. When compared to other cards at similar mana values that provide ongoing advantages or multiple effects, Buccaneer’s Bravado’s single-target impact may not always justify its slot in a deck.

Reasons to Include Buccaneer’s Bravado in Your Collection

Versatility: Buccaneer’s Bravado offers adaptability as it can function in a variety of aggressive strategies, whether it’s boosting a small creature for a pivotal swing or doubling the power of an already formidable threat for a game-ending strike.

Combo Potential: Pairing this card with creatures that have beneficial on-hit effects or those that gain additional abilities with higher power, Buccaneer’s Bravado can turn even the quietest of board states into a lethal puzzle for your opponent.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where creature-based combat is pivotal, the surprise factor and power doubling effect of Buccaneer’s Bravado could decisively shift the balance, making it a timely addition when facing down creature-heavy decks or sealing quick victories.

How to beat Buccaneer’s Bravado

Buccaneer’s Bravado serves as a dynamic force on the battlefield, providing double strike or a power boost to pirates. This swift two-mana instant can tilt the scales during combat, potentially turning a regular skirmish into a game-ending move. To counter this, holding up instant-speed removal or combat trick counters is key. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can disrupt the combo by eliminating the targeted creature before the spell resolves.

Another strategy involves minimizing the potential targets for Buccaneer’s Bravado. Keeping the board clear of pirates with sweepers or spot removal makes it tough for the opponent to find a worthy target. Lastly, instant-speed bounce spells like Unsummon can be both mana-efficient and unexpectedly derail your opponent’s plans by returning their buffed-up creature to their hand, wasting their card and mana investment on Buccaneer’s Bravado.

Understanding timing and maintaining control of the board state are crucial to overcoming the surge of power that Buccaneer’s Bravado introduces. A well-timed intervention is often all it takes to keep this card from stealing the show.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Buccaneer's Bravado MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Buccaneer's Bravado and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Buccaneer's Bravado has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal