Spitemare MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elemental
Power 3
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Spitemare excels in both offense and defense, converting every instance of damage into a strategic advantage.
  2. Its damage redirection can disrupt opponent strategies unexpectedly, often at crucial moments.
  3. Spitemare’s specific mana requirements might limit its integration into certain deck types.

Text of card

Whenever Spitemare is dealt damage, it deals that much damage to target creature or player.

"I knew a creature carved from a dream of wild freedom. Any attempt to leash or exploit it failed, and at terrible cost." —Ashling


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The unique ability of Spitemare to provide both offensive and defensive utility means you can potentially turn each instance of damage into a powerful board-controlling advantage. Being able to redirect damage Spitemare takes to any target means you get more value out of every blocker or damage source.

Resource Acceleration: While Spitemare itself does not generate mana or ramp, its presence on the field can dramatically accelerate your game plan. By dissuading opponents from attacking or using damage spells, Spitemare keeps your other resources safe, effectively giving you more time and freedom to deploy your hand.

Instant Speed: Though Spitemare is a creature and does not operate at instant speed, its damage redirection ability can be used at any time. This means if it is untapped, Spitemare can redirect incoming damage on the fly, creating unexpected shifts in the game state and disrupting your opponent’s strategies at crucial moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Spitemare doesn’t directly require you to discard a card, but to make the most of its ability, players often pair it with cards that deal damage to your own creatures. This strategy can sometimes backfire if those cards have discard requirements that diminish your hand, putting you at a potential disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Spitemare requires both red and white mana to cast. This necessitates a dual-color deck, and in formats where mana consistency is crucial, Spitemare’s specific casting cost can be restrictive and may not fit into all deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana (one red, one white, and one of any color), Spitemare’s activation on the battlefield is dependent on other cards to be effective. In comparison, there are creatures with lower casting costs or with abilities that provide immediate impact without additional setup.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Spitemare’s ability to redirect damage makes it a strong defensive choice for nearly any deck. Whether you’re facing direct damage spells or combat damage, it can be a game-changer that protects other valuable creatures or punishes opponents for attacking.

Combo Potential: This card can be a linchpin in intricate combos. Its ability to redirect damage synergizes with effects that either amplify damage or that can be triggered multiple times, multiplying the impact each turn.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where direct damage and combat trades are common, Spitemare gains significance. It thrives as a counter-play tool against popular burn decks or aggressive strategies, making it a smart inclusion for adapting to the current meta.


How to beat

Spitemare is one of those unique creatures in Magic: The Gathering that can turn the tables of a game with its ability to redirect damage. Encountering a Spitemare on the battlefield requires strategic planning. To gain the upper hand, focusing on removal spells that don’t inflict damage is key. Casting spells like Path to Exile or Murder can eliminate Spitemare without triggering its ability, ensuring a clear path to victory.

Alternatively, controlling the game through enchantments like Pacifism or swiftly dealing with it using counter spells before it hits the board can prevent any potential headaches. It’s also beneficial to refrain from engaging in combat with Spitemare unless you are certain you can withstand the damage being reflected back or have a plan to use the damage redirection to your advantage. By employing these tactics, the daunting task of outmaneuvering Spitemare becomes a manageable feat, maintaining the balance of power on your side of the battlefield.

Ultimately, respecting Spitemare’s presence and preparing your deck with non-damaging answers is the best strategy to counter it and maintain control of the game’s flow.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategy and savvy required to wield Spitemare effectively in your deck. Beyond its unique damage redirection ability, understanding the nuances of when and how to play it can mean the difference between defeat and a well-played victory. This card’s versatility makes it a powerful asset in the right hands and the right deck. If you’re eager to discover advanced tactics and optimize your arsenal, we’re here to guide you. Engage with us further as we unpack the potential and help you navigate the complexities of MTG. Level up your gameplay—let’s explore the full capabilities of Spitemare together.


Cards like Spitemare

Spitemare holds a unique spot in Magic: The Gathering as a creature capable of redirecting damage dealt to it. In terms of comparison, Boros Reckoner shares this ability to turn damage taken into damage dealt, but it also has the bonus of having the choice of dealing that damage to any target. Spitemare, distinct with its combination of white and red mana, is constrained to damage redirection only.

Moving to another similar card, we encounter Stuffy Doll, a card that not only redirects damage but also deals it back to a singular opponent each time it’s harmed. While Stuffy Doll is indestructible, making it a persistent threat, Spitemare offers the flexibility of a lower casting cost. Lastly, we look at Coalhauler Swine, which extends the damage redirection to each player when it’s hurt, differing from Spitemare’s selective redirection.

The analysis reveals that while Spitemare may not boast the indestructible nature of Stuffy Doll or the broad impact of Coalhauler Swine, its cost-efficiency and specific redirection capabilities assure its valued position among comparable Magic: The Gathering cards.

Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Stuffy Doll - MTG Card versions
Coalhauler Swine - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Stuffy Doll - MTG Card versions
Coalhauler Swine - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Spitemare by color, type and mana cost

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Flame-Kin Zealot - MTG Card versions
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Truefire Captain - MTG Card versions
Soltari Guerrillas - MTG Card versions
Angelfire Crusader - MTG Card versions
Desolation Giant - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Charger - MTG Card versions
Brion Stoutarm - MTG Card versions
Winota, Joiner of Forces - MTG Card versions
Raiyuu, Storm's Edge - MTG Card versions
Bell Borca, Spectral Sergeant - MTG Card versions
Haktos the Unscarred - MTG Card versions
Belligerent Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Duergar Cave-Guard - MTG Card versions
Firemane Avenger - MTG Card versions
Spark Trooper - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Blade of the Legion - MTG Card versions
Highspire Mantis - MTG Card versions
Munda, Ambush Leader - MTG Card versions
Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas - MTG Card versions
Flame-Kin Zealot - MTG Card versions
Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder - MTG Card versions
Truefire Captain - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spitemare MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas, 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 Spitemare and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Spitemare Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2011-09-02. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-07-25EventideEVE 1472003NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
22011-09-02Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol BolasDDH 162003NormalBlackMatt Cavotta

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spitemare has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2008-08-01 Even if the amount of damage dealt to Spitemare is enough to destroy it, Spitemare’s ability will trigger and it will deal the full amount of damage to the target.

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