Dandân MTG Card
1993-12-17 - Number 12
1995-07-01 - Number 18
1995-08-01 - Number 25
1997-03-24 - Number 79
2006-10-06 - Number 19
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Fish |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Dandân cannot attack unless opponent has islands in play. Dandân is destroyed immediately if at any time you have no islands in play.
Cards like Dandân
Dandân, a unique creature card from the early sets of Magic: The Gathering, holds a special place among those who appreciate niche strategies. One could draw comparisons between Dandân and Marjhan. Both of these creatures come from the sea and share a similar constraint—they require islands to attack. While Marjhan demands a hefty seven mana to cast, Dandân is a more mana-efficient option at only two blue mana, but its presence hinges on controlling islands just like its deeper dwelling cousin.
Another card worth mentioning in conjunction with Dandân is Shorecrasher Elemental, which also calls for a blue mana-centered deck. Shorecrasher offers greater flexibility with its ability to dodge spells and increase its power. However, it doesn’t have the initial attack strength that Dandân offers. Then, there’s Serendib Efreet, which is also comparable in casting cost and power but carries a recurring life loss, in stark contrast to Dandân’s static presence once on the battlefield anchored by islands.
Considering the balance between cost, power, and special conditions, Dandân certainly has an intriguing position when pitted against its similar counterparts, especially in decks that can reliably meet its island-centric requirement.
Cards similar to Dandân by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: One of the key attributes of the Dandân card in MTG is its ability to create an early game threat that can be difficult for opponents to handle efficiently. This can indirectly lead to card advantage as an opponent may need to use more than one card to deal with it.
Resource Acceleration: Although Dandân itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost makes it a potentially powerful presence on the board early in the game. This sets the stage for an accelerated game plan, putting pressure on your opponent to stabilize quickly.
Instant Speed: While Dandân is a creature and not an instant, its mere presence in a deck can affect how opponents play, knowing that this card can represent a significant power swing, especially if the playing field is rich with Islands, which it requires to remain on the battlefield. Opponents may hesitate to play certain cards or strategies, giving the Dandân player a subtle psychological edge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Dandân is its stipulation that you can only have it on the battlefield if you control an Island. If you find yourself without one, the card becomes virtually useless. This requirement can significantly limit its effectiveness in multicolor decks that may not always have the needed land type.
Specific Mana Cost: Dandân’s casting cost demands two blue mana. This specific mana requirement makes it challenging to include in decks that are not heavily blue, as it can be hard to generate the necessary mana in a timely manner if you are playing a deck with multiple colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a four-mana creature can be quite powerful, Dandân comes with a restriction that ties it to Island control. This can be a costly investment, especially when considering that you might not always benefit from its presence on the board due to its conditional ability, in an environment where there are other creatures or spells that can offer immediate impact without such constraints.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Dandân is a classic card that can stealthily fit into various blue-centric decks. As a creature that interacts uniquely with Islands, it can be tactically used in control or tempo decks where land type matters.
Combo Potential: In a deck designed around land manipulation or island synergies, Dandân’s presence can become threatening. Paired with cards that turn all lands into Islands, Dandân swiftly becomes a formidable force.
Meta-Relevance: With the prevalence of multifarious strategies in the current meta, a well-timed Dandân can catch opponents off-guard, especially in formats where older cards are permitted and synergies with lands are explored.
How to Beat
Dandân, a card reminiscent of a lurking oceanic threat from early Magic sets, poses a unique challenge for players on the battlefield. This elusive creature can only be summoned if you control islands, thus it caters to a specific type of deck. Defeating this card requires strategic planning and understanding your deck’s dynamics in the context of the seas where Dandân resides.
To outmaneuver Dandân, it’s key to limit your opponent’s island control, thereby keeping this creature at bay. Cards that change land types or remove islands from play can be quite effective. Also, since Dandân returns to its owner’s hand if there are no islands in play, managing land destruction or transformation can inadvertently protect you from its assault. Creatures with flying or those that can’t be blocked by creatures without flying or reach provide an aerial advantage over Dandân, ensuring you can deal damage even with it in the depths below.
Thus, mastering the delicate balance of land manipulation and evading its potential encounter will undoubtedly lead to securing victory against decks that include the formidable Dandân. Careful planning and reactive play are your greatest tools in these treacherous waters.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dandân MTG card by a specific set like Arabian Nights and Chronicles, 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 Dandân and other MTG cards:
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- 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 Dandân Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1993-12-17 and 2006-10-06. Illustrated by Drew Tucker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 12 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 18 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 3 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 25 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 4 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 79 | 1997 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 5 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 19 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dandân has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |