D'Avenant Archer MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 7
1995-07-01 - Number 5
1997-03-24 - Number 23
1999-04-21 - Number 15
2009-09-07 - Number 6
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier Archer |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
oc T: Archer does 1 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.
Cards like D'Avenant Archer
The D’Avenant Archer card serves a specific role in Magic: The Gathering as a creature that can also function as a direct damage dealer. It’s similar to cards such as Prodigal Pyromancer and Vulshok Sorcerer, both of which can tap to deal damage directly to a target. Where D’Avenant Archer slightly differs is its ability to bolster defense while still being a threat during your opponent’s turn, thanks to its capability to tap and deal one damage to an attacking or blocking creature.
The classic Prodigal Pyromancer has the same damage-dealing tap ability, but it lacks the Archer’s defensive capabilities. Elvish Archers, on the other hand, provide a different kind of value; although they can’t deal damage directly by tapping, they are a formidable presence on the battlefield with their first strike ability. When comparing D’Avenant Archer to more modern creatures, it may not seem as impactful due to the evolution of cards over time, yet it still has the potential to sway the tide in limited formats or specialized decks aiming to control the board.
In essence, D’Avenant Archer might not stand out in today’s competitive MTG landscape, but in the right scenario, it can be just as effective as its contemporaries in controlling the pace of the game and diminishing threats one damage at a time.
Cards similar to D'Avenant Archer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: D’Avenant Archer allows for strategic plays with its tap ability that can help maintain board control. While it doesn’t directly draw cards, the ability to pick off smaller creatures or finish off wounded ones can indirectly lead to card advantage by whittling down your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: Though the D’Avenant Archer itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it aids in keeping mana dorks and other small creatures at bay. By controlling the board, it helps preserve your mana and resources for more powerful spells down the line.
Instant Speed: The versatility of the D’Avenant Archer’s ability being used at instant speed means you can make tactical decisions during the combat phase, wait until the last moment before your turn ends, or respond to an opponent’s actions. This flexibility can give you a significant edge in the pace of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While D’Avenant Archer can provide a tactical advantage on the battlefield by tapping creatures, it does not do so without its own price. Players must sacrifice D’Avenant Archer itself, an aspect that can present a dilemma when deciding whether to hold on to the card for defense or use it for its tapping ability.
Specific Mana Cost: This archer hails from a time when mana costs were less flexible, needing both white and generic mana to be played. This specific mana requirement can sometimes hamper deck-building flexibility, potentially restricting it to white-centered decks or those that can afford the mana base to include it.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three mana for a modest 1/1 creature, the archer’s effectiveness is debatable within the fast-paced dynamics of modern-day play. Considering the archer’s ability cost and its power and toughness, players may find other cards that offer more bang for their buck in terms of board impact and resource expenditure.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: D’Avenant Archer offers a unique flexibility as a creature card, able to both engage in combat and serve as a source of removal for problematic flying creatures. Its ability to ping airborne threats adds a strategic layer to deck building, especially in formats where flying creatures are prevalent.
Combo Potential: With the right setup or enchantments that can untap creatures, D’Avenant Archer can become a repeater of removal, clearing the skies turn after turn. It can integrate into decks that exploit tap and untap mechanics, maximizing the utility of every creature.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies remain common, the Archer’s skill set allows it to serve as an effective defensive card. If the current meta includes decks with a high density of flyers, D’Avenant Archer can be a low-cost inclusion to deter airborne assaults, all the while serving as a creature on the board.
How to beat
D’Avenant Archer is an iconic creature within the realm of MTG, recognized for its ability to chip away at flying adversaries with its archery prowess. The key to overpowering this classic card lies in understanding its limitations. Despite its prowess against flying creatures, D’Avenant Archer possesses a modest toughness, making it vulnerable to direct damage spells and creatures with higher power. Additionally, since its ability targets only flying creatures, it’s less effective against strategies that don’t rely on such creatures or that use hexproof to protect them.
Employing creature removal spells like Shock or Lightning Bolt can easily take down the Archer before it has a chance to impact the board. Alternatively, using enchantments or abilities that nullify the Archer’s abilities, such as those that grant indestructibility to your creatures, can render the Archer’s attacks futile. Keeping the battlefield clear of flying creatures or utilizing ones with hexproof can also negate its specialty, leaving it as just another creature on the board.
Mastering the tactics against D’Avenant Archer in MTG can shift the tide of battle in your favor, showcasing strategic playtimes. Adjusting your deck to preempt the opponent’s moves or countering them with precision can secure your victory against this ranged foe.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase D'Avenant Archer MTG card by a specific set like Legends 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 D'Avenant Archer 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
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Printings
The D'Avenant Archer Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Douglas Shuler.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 7 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 5 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 23 | 1997 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
| 4 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 15 | 1997 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
| 5 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 6 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where D'Avenant Archer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |