Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw MTG Card

Attack trigger card draws with Defiant Thundermaw expand strategic options and enhance hand size. Dragon synergy and instant speed actions provide tempo advantage and tactical flexibility in matches. Its high casting cost and specific mana requirements may limit its incorporation across varied deck types.

Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw - March of the Machine Promos (PMOM)

March of the Machine Promos (PMOM)
2023-04-21 - Number 149s

Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw - March of the Machine (MOM)

March of the Machine (MOM)
2023-04-21 - Number 149

Defiant Thundermaw // Defiant Thundermaw - March of the Machine Art Series (AMOM)

March of the Machine Art Series (AMOM)
2023-04-21 - Number 35

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Mythic
Type	Creature — Dragon
Abilities	Flying,Trample
Power	4
Toughness	4

Text of card

Flying, trample Whenever a Dragon you control attacks, it deals 2 damage to any target.

"The Phyrexians are fools if they believe they can weather such a storm." —Sarkhan Vol

Cards like Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw

Within the world of Magic: The Gathering, Defiant Thundermaw stands tall as a formidable red creature. It reminds seasoned players of the Flameborn Hellion for its haste ability, allowing it to swing into battle the moment it hits the battlefield. However, Defiant Thundermaw takes it a step further by potentially gaining first strike, giving it an edge in combat over its counterpart.

Comparatively, Bogardan Hellkite shares the fire-breathing trait, allowing it to pump up its power at a moment’s notice, yet the Defiant Thundermaw offers a more cost-efficient option for players seeking immediate board impact. Then again, comparing the immediate board presence of Thundermaw Hellkite, which also delivers a form of disruption by clearing the skies of enemy flyers upon its arrival, presents a trade-off between its higher cost and broader effect.

Each card has its niche, with Defiant Thundermaw standing out for its budget-friendly aggressive stats and the tactical advantage of first strike to pre-emptively dominate the combat phase. It exemplifies the classic red strategy of quick and decisive strikes, solidifying its place in decks that favor speed and offensive prowess.

Cards similar to Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Defiant Thundermaw brings significant value by potentially enabling a card draw with its attack trigger. This effect lets you expand your hand and increase your strategic options every turn it’s active on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: This card can supercharge your mana resources, particularly in decks focused on Dragon synergy. Each attack can be the key to unlocking mana-hungry strategies earlier in the game, giving you a critical tempo boost.

Instant Speed: With its ability to engage at instant speed, Defiant Thundermaw offers tactical flexibility. It can catch opponents off-guard, disrupt their plans, or simply provide an unexpected blocker when necessary. This adaptability in response timing is an undeniable edge in any match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One major downside of Defiant Thundermaw is the need to discard a card. This can be a steep price to pay, especially in the late game when your hand might be running low on cards, reducing your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Defiant Thundermaw comes with a mana cost that demands specific energy types to cast. This can make it challenging to seamlessly integrate into multi-colored decks or those that struggle to generate the right mana mix.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Defiant Thundermaw packs a punch, its mana cost is on the higher end. For decks aiming to maintain tempo, this mana investment could lead to missed opportunities for playing multiple spells or holding up mana for instant-speed responses during your opponent’s turn.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Defiant Thundermaw is a flexible option for any red deck enthusiast. Its ability to fly over blockers makes it a solid fit in a variety of strategies, from aggro to midrange builds craving that aerial superiority.

Combo Potential: This powerful dragon comes with the potential to combo with cards that care about flying creatures or ones that grant additional benefits whenever a dragon enters the battlefield or deals combat damage.

Meta-Relevance: In the current competitive scene, having creatures that can close out games can be crucial. Defiant Thundermaw’s substantial power level and resilience to common board wipes align well against a diverse field, making it a savvy pick for your lineup.

How to beat

Defiant Thundermaw brings its notable presence to the battlefield in MTG with a combination of flying and haste, catching many players off guard. To efficiently handle this card, sturdy defenses in the air are crucial. Employ creatures with reach or those that can operate as aerial blockers to mitigate the damage you might incur from this thunderous dragon. Spot removal spells are an excellent countermeasure as well, with options like Murder instantly clearing the path before the dragon can make a significant impact.

Ensnaring effects such as pacifism also prevent Defiant Thundermaw from utilizing its full potential, negating both its offensive prowess and haste advantage by locking it down. Moreover, board wipes remain a reliable safety net, ensuring you can reset the battlefield should your opponent amass an overwhelming presence with this formidable creature. When facing Defiant Thundermaw, being proactive in maintaining board control and keeping removal options at the ready can turn the tide in your favor.

At the end of the day, though Defiant Thundermaw is a force to be reckoned with, a blend of strategic foresight and responsive gameplay will help ensure that this soaring menace doesn’t dominate the skies unchecked.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine Promos and March of the Machine Art Series, 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 Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Darren Tan.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2023-04-21	March of the Machine Promos	PMOM	149s	2015	Transform	Black	Darren Tan
2	~~2023-04-21~~	March of the Machine Art Series	AMOM	35	2015	Art series	Borderless	Darren Tan
3	2023-04-21	March of the Machine	MOM	149	2015	Transform	Black	Darren Tan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Future	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Invasion of Tarkir // Defiant Thundermaw card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2023-04-14	A Siege’s controller can’t be its protector. If a Siege’s protector ever gains control of it, they choose a new player to be its protector. This is a state-based action.
2023-04-14	A battle can be attacked by all players other than its protector. Notably, this means a Siege’s controller can attack it.
2023-04-14	A battle can be dealt damage and be target of spells and/or abilities that target “any target.”
2023-04-14	A battle’s “defense” is displayed in the bottom right corner of the card. A battle enters the battlefield with that number of defense counters. If another permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of a battle, it also enters with that number of defense counters.
2023-04-14	As a Siege enters the battlefield, its controller chooses an opponent to be its protector.
2023-04-14	Battles can’t attack or block, even if one also becomes a creature. If an attacking or blocking creature somehow becomes a battle in addition to being a creature, it is removed from combat.
2023-04-14	Damage dealt to a battle causes that many defense counters to be removed from it.
2023-04-14	If a Siege never had defense counters on it (perhaps because a permanent became a copy of one), it can’t have its last defense counter removed. It will be put into its owner’s graveyard. You won’t exile it or cast the other face.
2023-04-14	If a battle has no defense counters, and it isn’t the source of a triggered ability that has triggered but not yet left the stack, that battle is put into its owner’s graveyard. This is a state-based action. This doesn’t cause a Siege’s intrinsic triggered ability to trigger.
2023-04-14	If a battle that’s being attacked somehow stops being a battle, it is removed from combat. Similarly, if its controller changes in the middle of combat, it is removed from combat.
2023-04-14	If a non-battle permanent that is already on the battlefield become a copy of a Siege, its controller chooses one of their opponents to be that battle’s protector. However, it will most likely be put into its owner’s graveyard because it has no defense counters (see below).
2023-04-14	If a permanent that is represented by a transforming double-faced card becomes a copy of a Siege, it will be exiled as that Siege’s triggered ability resolves, then it will be cast transformed. Note that this applies only to transforming double-faced cards, not to modal double-faced cards that can normally be played using either face.
2023-04-14	If a token or a card that isn’t represented by a transforming double-faced card becomes a copy of a Siege, it can’t be cast as its triggered ability resolves. It will remain in exile. If it’s a token, it will cease to exist the next time state-based actions are performed.
2023-04-14	If you don’t reveal any Dragon cards from your hand, the reflexive triggered ability will cause Invasion of Tarkir to deal 2 damage to the target of the ability.
2023-04-14	In a multiplayer game, if the protector of a battle leaves the game and that battle is not currently being attacked, its controller chooses a new protector for it as a state-based action. If it is being attacked, its controller chooses a new protector for it once no creatures are attacking it. This means that it continues to be attacked and can be dealt combat damage as normal.
2023-04-14	Invasion of Tarkir’s enters-the-battlefield ability triggers and goes on the stack without a target. As it resolves, you’ll reveal any number of Dragon cards from your hand. As the card reminds you, that number can be zero. Then the second “reflexive” triggered ability will trigger. You’ll choose the target for that second ability at that time.
2023-04-14	Only creatures controlled by a battle’s protector can block creatures that are attacking that battle. This means a Siege’s controller can never assign creatures to block for it.
2023-04-14	Sieges each have an intrinsic triggered ability. That ability is “When the last defense counter is removed from this permanent, exile it, then you may cast it transformed without paying its mana cost.”