Defiant Strike MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn. Draw a card.
"Stand where the whole battle can see you. Strike so they'll never forget." —Anafenza, khan of the Abzan
Cards like Defiant Strike
Defiant Strike holds its place in Magic: The Gathering as a lightweight, yet potent combat trick often found in aggressive white decks. Not unlike other cantripping spells, it allows a player to draw a card, promoting fluid gameplay. However, it contrasts with the traditional card advantage spells by amplifying a creature’s power rather than solely focusing on hand replenishment.
Analogous to Defiant Strike, Expedite grants a creature haste in addition to the card draw, aligning with a quick-paced strategy but diverging with the immediate combat advantage Defiant Strike provides. Comparatively, Shelter offers more by giving a creature protection from a color of choice and drawing a card, yet it requires more mana, demanding a deeper investment than Defiant Strike’s single white mana cost.
While there are similar spells in Magic: The Gathering, Defiant Strike remains distinct with its low-cost advantage, making it a formidable option for bolstering creatures without losing card momentum. Whether you require a quick boost in power or the ability to cycle through your deck, Defiant Strike represents an efficient blend of both worlds in a concise package.
Cards similar to Defiant Strike by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Defiant Strike. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Boros Heroic | Pioneer | Boros Heroic | Pioneer Preliminary 2024-04-24 | |
Mardu Heroic | Pioneer | Mardu Heroic | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-27 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Defiant Strike gives you the upper hand by letting you draw a card, maintaining the flow of options in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: With a low casting cost, Defiant Strike helps cycle through your deck, bringing you closer to your crucial resources without depleting your mana pool.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Defiant Strike means you can enhance a creature unexpectedly during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, keeping your strategy flexible.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Defiant Strike does not make the player discard a card, so this con does not apply to this particular card.
Specific Mana Cost: While Defiant Strike has a low mana cost, it does require white mana specifically, potentially limiting its integration outside of white or multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Defiant Strike offers a cantrip effect and a minor power boost at a low cost, there are alternative spells in MTG that may grant larger power increases or additional effects for a similar or even lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Defiant Strike in Your Collection
Versatility: Defiant Strike is a cost-effective card that can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of decks, particularly those that emphasize swift and decisive plays. Its ability to provide a power boost and card draw in a single move makes it a valued addition to any arsenal.
Combo Potential: This spell not only buffs your creatures temporarily but also helps to cycle through your deck, paving the way for powerful combo plays. It can be a key component to synergize with prowess or heroic abilities, setting the stage for devastating turns.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-changing landscape of the metagame, Defiant Strike maintains relevance by offering a low-cost option to modify the battlefield dynamics while keeping your hand replenished. It’s a nimble tool that can adapt to a range of competitive environments.
How to beat
Defiant Strike is an intriguing combat trick in Magic: The Gathering, often catching opponents off guard by unexpectedly boosting a creature’s power and drawing a card. This efficient spell can swing battles in your favor and provide card advantage for a single white mana.
To effectively counter Defiant Strike, it is vital to anticipate the moments your opponent may have this trick up their sleeve, typically during the combat phase when creatures are attacking or blocking. Instant-speed removal spells or damage prevention methods can mitigate the effects of Defiant Strike, removing the targeted creature before the spell resolves or rendering the additional power boost inconsequential.
Moreover, spells that counteract noncreature spells can nullify Defiant Strike entirely. Having a counterspell ready or a way to strip the opponent’s hand of combat tricks through discard mechanics can dissuade them from relying too heavily on such tactics. Understanding when to hold back removal or counters for crucial moments is key to outmaneuvering the strategy behind Defiant Strike and maintaining control of the battlefield.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering the art of MTG means understanding the subtle interplays of cards like Defiant Strike. Its strength in card draw and low mana cost makes it a strategic asset in many white or multicolored decks. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to surprise your opponent and turn the tides with instant-speed plays. Balancing the inclusion of versatile cards that cater to your playstyle is the cornerstone of a well-rounded collection. If you’re keen on refining your deck-building skills and learning how to effectively use Defiant Strike to its full potential, journey with us further into the strategic depths of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Defiant Strike MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and War of the Spark, 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 Defiant Strike 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 Defiant Strike Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 7 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
2 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Gabor Szikszai | |
3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 73 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Gabor Szikszai | |
4 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 15 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Gabor Szikszai | |
5 | The List | PLST | WAR-9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Gabor Szikszai | ||
6 | 2021-04-23 | Strixhaven Mystical Archive | STA | 66 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Amayagido | |
7 | Strixhaven Art Series | ASTX | 62s | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Dominik Mayer | ||
8 | Strixhaven Art Series | ASTX | 62 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Dominik Mayer | ||
9 | 2021-04-23 | Strixhaven Mystical Archive | STA | 3 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Dominik Mayer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Defiant Strike has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Defiant Strike card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2020-06-23 | If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Defiant Strike tries to resolve, the spell won't resolve. You won't draw a card. |