Cleaver Riot MTG Card
2012-07-13 - Number 125
2017-10-24 - Number 36
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Creatures you control gain double strike until end of turn. (They deal both first-strike and regular combat damage.)
Measure once, cut twice.
Cards like Cleaver Riot
Cleaver Riot, with its game-changing ability to grant creatures double strike until end of turn, holds a unique place in Magic: The Gathering’s red spells roster. Comparable abilities are found in cards like Assault Strobe, which offers double strike to a single creature at a lower cost. Yet, it lacks the comprehensive impact that Cleaver Riot can have on an entire army.
Another parallel can be drawn with cards such as Uncaged Fury, which not only gives one creature double strike but also boosts its power for the turn, potentially offering a more targeted approach. Cleaver Riot, however, excels in wide strategies with its potential for a sweeping, game-ending move. On a grander scale, Insurrection stands out for its ability to take control of all creatures for a turn, which can create massive swings in board state, but without the specific double strike advantage that Cleaver Riot guarantees.
Evaluating these cards together showcases the strategic depth players can tap into. Cleaver Riot shines in its capacity to amplify all your creatures’ potential for one explosive turn, making it a formidable card in wide attacking strategies within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Cleaver Riot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Cleaver Riot itself does not directly allow you to draw cards, it enhances the cards already on your battlefield. By giving all of your creatures double strike until end of turn, it can potentially help you eliminate more of your opponent’s creatures while leaving yours on the board, indirectly contributing to card advantage through better board state.
Resource Acceleration: Cleaver Riot costs five mana, which is a significant investment. However, in a deck designed around resource acceleration, casting this spell can lead to a massive swing in battle, often turning the tide to your favor by doubling the damage output of your creatures, thus speeding up the clock against your opponent.
Instant Speed: Although Cleaver Riot is a sorcery and must be played during your main phase, the immediate and potent effect it has on the combat phase can be as decisive as an instant-speed interaction. It boosts your attack phase, making it more efficient and sometimes unexpectedly overwhelming for your opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Cleaver Riot can be a potent game-changer by giving your creatures double strike, it doesn’t come without a cost. This card doesn’t make you discard another card, but your hand can deplete quickly from playing other spells to maintain a board presence, reducing the number of options you have once you reach the required five mana to play this spell. It’s important to balance your resources carefully to get the most out of this card.
Specific Mana Cost: With a specific mana requirement of 3 generic and 2 red mana, Cleaver Riot demands a commitment to red mana sources in your deck. This requirement can restrict the card’s inclusion to primarily red or red-centric decks, thus narrowing its versatility in various MTG formats where a wide mana spectrum is prevalent.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Five mana for an effect is a hefty price, especially in a fast-paced game where tempo is critical. In competitive play, there are alternatives that may offer more immediate or flexible benefits at a lower mana cost, which can be more appealing when constructing a deck that aims for efficiency and speed.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cleaver Riot provides a straightforward power boost in decks aiming for an aggressive strategy, especially those with multiple creatures ready to attack.
Combo Potential: Its ability to grant double strike to all your creatures that turn is a perfect match for decks that capitalize on combat tricks or buffs, essentially doubling their impact during a crucial turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where board stalls are common, Cleaver Riot can abruptly tilt the balance in your favor, breaking through for massive damage.
How to beat
Cleaver Riot is a potent red sorcery that can turn the tides of a game in Magic: The Gathering by granting your creatures Double Strike for a turn. The key to overcoming this card lies in its timing and mana cost. Since it requires five mana and is a sorcery, it’s predictable, allowing you to plan your defense or disrupt your opponent’s strategy in advance. Board control is crucial; maintaining a strong lineup of creatures or having removal spells at the ready can mitigate the impact of Cleaver Riot.
Spot removals like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can be highly effective, removing pivotal attackers before the combat phase, thus negating the need to face a doubled-up assault. Countermagic such as Mana Leak or Negate can also stop Cleaver Riot before it even gets off the ground. Durable blockers or effects that reduce damage, like Fog, are also valuable tools. By preparing for the potential onslaught and managing your resources wisely, you can navigate around the surge of power that Cleaver Riot threatens and maintain your position in the game.
Remember, understanding your opponent’s deck and keeping count of their mana can give you the edge needed to expect and counter powerful game-changing spells like Cleaver Riot.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cleaver Riot MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins, 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 Cleaver Riot and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Cleaver Riot Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2017-10-24. Illustrated by Dave Kendall.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-07-13 | Magic 2013 | M13 | 125 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall | |
| 2 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 36 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cleaver Riot has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cleaver Riot card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-07-01 | Cleaver Riot affects only creatures you control at the time it resolves. It won’t affect creatures that come under your control later in the turn. |