Battle-Mad Ronin MTG Card

Battle-Mad Ronin - Champions of Kamigawa

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Samurai
Abilities	Bushido
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	156
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Wayne England

Key Takeaways

Battle-Mad Ronin can consistently pressure opponents, but may force a card discard when blocked.
Limited to red mana-heavy decks, its specific mana cost can affect playability in multi-color decks.
Despite lower stats, its bushido ability and aggressive nature make it a notable force in combat.

Text of card

Bushido 2 (When this blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn.) Battle-Mad Ronin attacks each turn if able.

"I fought fiercely, bravely, and without mercy. Had I not struck down my captain in the heat of battle, I might have become a hero instead of an outcast."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Battle-Mad Ronin doesn’t directly draw cards, its relentless attack ability ensures it can consistently pressure opponents, potentially depleting their resources as they must find a way to deal with it each turn.

Resource Acceleration: Battle-Mad Ronin is an efficient red creature that can be a suitable fit in decks aiming to ramp up their offensive quickly. Its low casting cost complements strategies that capitalize on playing more significant threats ahead of curve.

Instant Speed: The card itself may not be at instant speed, but it synergizes well with spells that are. This allows players to keep mana available for instant-speed interactions or buffs for Battle-Mad Ronin, catching opponents off-guard during combat.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Battle-Mad Ronin forces a card discard whenever it becomes blocked, potentially draining your hand and leaving you at a card disadvantage, which is a substantial setback in game progression.

Specific Mana Cost: With its demand for red mana, Battle-Mad Ronin may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored decks, restricting its utility and potentially stranding it in your hand in mana-diverse situations.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two red mana for a mere 1/1 creature, its expense does not align favorably with its baseline stats. While it has the potential to grow, the initial output of resources for such a small creature could be better invested in cards with more immediate board impact.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Battle-Mad Ronin is a flexible card that can slide into various decks, particularly those looking for aggressive creatures with a low mana cost. Its bushido ability enhances its power and toughness during combat, making it a valuable asset in combat-centric strategies.

Combo Potential: This card works well with equipment and aura spells that boost its combat effectiveness, or with cards that capitalize on combat damage triggers. Its bushido mechanic increases its synergy with cards that encourage attacking, multiplying its potential impact.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where aggressive, creature-based strategies are prevalent, Battle-Mad Ronin can serve as a cost-efficient threat that must be dealt with. It can surprise opponents with its combat prowess, especially when it is underestimated due to its initial stats.

How to Beat Battle-Mad Ronin

Battle-Mad Ronin is a challenging card to face in MTG due to its relentless ability to attack each combat if able. This card can be a consistent thorn in the side of players preferring to maintain a stable board. Yet, its aggression can be turned into a disadvantage. With proper blocking strategies, players can capitalize on the Ronin’s forced aggression by setting up detrimental blocks, utilizing creatures with deathtouch, or those that benefit from being dealt damage.

Control spells are also highly effective, as they can circumvent the Ronin’s ability by either tapping it, sending it back to the owner’s hand, or altering the combat phase entirely. Enchantments which prevent attacking or force sacrifices streamline your defense against this samurai. Remember, while a Battle-Mad Ronin insists on battle, a wise tactician in the world of MTG knows when and how to turn an opponent’s strengths into their ultimate downfall.

Strategizing around Battle-Mad Ronin requires patience and an understanding of your deck’s control mechanisms. When handling this card, consider it an opportunity to exercise control and demonstrate your mastery over the game’s intricate dynamics.

Cards like Battle-Mad Ronin

The Battle-Mad Ronin card is an intriguing presence among MTG creatures with its passionate Berserker impulse demanding it to attack each turn if able. This unyielding offensive characteristic draws parallels to cards like Frenzied Goblin. While the Frenzied Goblin requires mana to hinder an opponent’s blocker, the Battle-Mad Ronin relentlessly charges ahead, albeit without any additional cost or abilities.

Another card with similar aggression is the Goblin Guide, a staple for red creature-based strategies. While the Goblin Guide has the advantage of haste, allowing for immediate impact, Battle-Mad Ronin comes with the trade-off of no choice but to swing each turn, sacrificing strategic flexibility. Additionally, the Guide offers an inadvertent card advantage to the opponent, something the Ronin avoids.

Bloodcrazed Neonate also echoes this kind of persistent attack dynamic in MTG, with the added benefit of growing stronger with each successful assault. However, unlike the Neonate that builds potential for a greater threat over time, Battle-Mad Ronin remains a consistent force, its power unwavering from the moment it hits the board.

Cards similar to Battle-Mad Ronin by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Battle-Mad Ronin MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Battle-Mad Ronin and other MTG cards: