Coward // Killer MTG Card


Its dual nature provides options for card draw or creature control, optimizing gameplay and deck strategies. The discard condition and specific mana requirement challenge resource management and deck diversity. Despite a high mana cost, its versatility and combo potential make it a worthwhile addition for certain metas.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Killer deals 3 damage to target creature and each other creature that shares a creature type with it.


Cards like Coward // Killer

Coward // Killer is an intriguing duality card in Magic: The Gathering, a trait it shares with a select group of split cards available to players. It stands out due to its unique ability to manipulate combat by forcing opponents’ creatures to become cowards or outright destroying targeted creatures they control. One card that comes to mind when considering similar mechanics is Fire // Ice. Fire // Ice provides flexibility in a different way, allowing players to either deal damage or tap insubordinate creatures.

Exploring further, Comparison // Contrast also offers versatile engagement, not unlike Coward // Killer. While Comparison // Contrast involves choosing between two enhancing or diminishing abilities, Coward // Killer is about intimidation and elimination, a crucial difference for tactical advantage. There’s also the case of Dead // Gone, which can either bounce a creature back to its owner’s hand or outright remove one from the battlefield, much like the Killer side of our focal card.

In summation, Coward // Killer carves a niche within MTG’s array of flexible cards. It’s not only about the individual power of each side but how the combination can impact a game’s dynamics, making it a potent choice for players who value strategic depth and adaptability in their deck constructions.

Fire // Ice - MTG Card versions
Dead // Gone - MTG Card versions
Fire // Ice - MTG Card versions
Dead // Gone - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Coward // Killer by color, type and mana cost

Jokulhaups - MTG Card versions
Wildfire - MTG Card versions
Rain of Salt - MTG Card versions
Burning of Xinye - MTG Card versions
Wake of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Pulverize - MTG Card versions
Liquid Fire - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Transformation - MTG Card versions
Slice and Dice - MTG Card versions
Surge to Victory - MTG Card versions
Reversal of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Mindblaze - MTG Card versions
Feral Lightning - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Awakening - MTG Card versions
Jaws of Stone - MTG Card versions
Hellion Eruption - MTG Card versions
Death by Dragons - MTG Card versions
Into the Maw of Hell - MTG Card versions
Blood Feud - MTG Card versions
Structural Collapse - MTG Card versions
Jokulhaups - MTG Card versions
Wildfire - MTG Card versions
Rain of Salt - MTG Card versions
Burning of Xinye - MTG Card versions
Wake of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Pulverize - MTG Card versions
Liquid Fire - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Transformation - MTG Card versions
Slice and Dice - MTG Card versions
Surge to Victory - MTG Card versions
Reversal of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Mindblaze - MTG Card versions
Feral Lightning - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Awakening - MTG Card versions
Jaws of Stone - MTG Card versions
Hellion Eruption - MTG Card versions
Death by Dragons - MTG Card versions
Into the Maw of Hell - MTG Card versions
Blood Feud - MTG Card versions
Structural Collapse - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: By enabling consistent card draw, Coward // Killer ensures that you stay ahead in hand resources, setting you up for success as the game progresses. This helps to build a card advantage that can be pivotal in outmaneuvering your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: In terms of resource acceleration, this card can shift the board state in your favor. By potentially removing key threats or enabling faster development of your board, it helps maintain a tempo that can pressure the opposition.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed plays a crucial role in the dynamics of any match. Coward // Killer can be cast in response to an opponent’s actions or at the end of their turn, allowing for strategic depth and reactive play that can catch opponents off guard.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the main drawbacks of the Coward // Killer card is its discard condition. To fully harness this card’s capabilities, players need to discard another card, which can be detrimental if a player’s hand is already lacking substantial options.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes both red and another color, deploying Coward // Killer can be challenging in a multicolored deck. It requires a solid mana base curated to fulfill this specific demand, potentially reducing the card’s versatility in various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In relation to other cards in MTG with similar effects, Coward // Killer demands a substantial mana investment. Its comparatively higher mana cost can slow players down, especially in fast-paced games where efficiency and speed are crucial to outmaneuver opponents.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Coward // Killer offers the unique advantage of shifting roles between cautious plays and aggressive strategies, allowing for adaptability in a variety of decks that can value either attribute at different stages of the game.

Combo Potential: With the Killer side, one can easily orchestrate impactful combos by eliminating key threats, which works well in decks geared towards control or those looking to capitalize on creature removal.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that rewards proactive elimination of opponent’s creatures, the Killer side aligns perfectly with the tempo, asserting dominance over creature-based strategies prevalent in the current meta.


How to beat

Coward isn’t just a characteristic, it’s a formidable adversary on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, especially when it’s part of cards like Norin the Wary or the more recent acquisition, Roalesk, Apex Hybrid. However, like any card, Coward has its weaknesses, making it vulnerable to a strategic play. One of the most obvious methods of dealing with it involves pacing your threats. Since Coward tends to avoid combat, holding back on playing your powerful creatures can lure the Coward card into a false sense of security.

Targeted removal spells or abilities that don’t need to deal direct damage can also be a nightmare for those employing Coward. Cards such as Path to Exile or Go for the Throat can bypass the Coward’s aversion to combat, removing them from play without the need for a direct attack. Additionally, mass removal spells that clear out several creatures, like Wrath of God or Damnation, can cleanly take out Cowards without any fuss.

Ultimately, dealing with Coward is about outmaneuvering your opponent. By understanding the limitations of the Coward mechanic and using spells and strategies that exploit these weaknesses, players can neutralize the threat and maintain control of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Coward // Killer MTG card by a specific set like Doctor Who and Doctor Who, 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 Coward // Killer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Coward // Killer Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-10-13 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by Bartek Fedyczak.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 772015SplitBlackBartek Fedyczak
22023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 6822015SplitBlackBartek Fedyczak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Coward // Killer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal