Firkraag, Cunning Instigator MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Dragon
Abilities Flying,Goad,Haste
Power 3
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Card advantage and resource acceleration are Firkraag Cunning Instigator’s major tactical benefits.
  2. Strategic instant-speed abilities bolster this card’s value in reactive gameplay.
  3. Despite its power, the discard requirement and specific mana cost are notable constraints.

Text of card

Flying, haste Whenever one or more Dragons you control attack an opponent, goad target creature that player controls. Whenever a creature deals combat damage to one of your opponents, if that creature had to attack this combat, you put a +1/+1 counter on Firkraag, Cunning Instigator and you draw a card.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Firkraag Cunning Instigator doesn’t just create a more substantial board presence but also ramps up card advantage. By compelling opponents to attack, it enables you to potentially draw an additional card each turn, padding your hand and giving you more options to outmaneuver the competition. This edge is vital in the drawn-out battles where the right cards can turn the tide in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Deploying this card can shift your mana resources into high gear. Firkraag Cunning Instigator is a powerhouse that not only incites action on the battlefield but also leaves behind a Treasure token when it forces a creature to attack. These tokens are valuable for accelerating your resource pool, facilitating that pivotal play or summoning that game-changing creature a turn early.

Instant Speed: The abilities built into Firkraag Cunning Instigator are like secret weapons that can alter the state of play when your opponents least expect it. Although it’s not an instant itself, it channels that surprise factor by potentially triggering off an instant-speed card played on your opponent’s turn. This means it can work seamlessly alongside your instants, keeping adversaries on their heels and making each move you make a potential strategy shift.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Firkraag Cunning Instigator requires a player to discard a card at the beginning of their upkeep if they’ve drawn extra cards. This can pose a hurdle, particularly when your hand is already running low, forcing potentially unfavorable sacrifices to its effect.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost demands both red and other colors, potentially restricting it to decks that can reliably provide the correct mana mixture. Players running multi-color decks might face a challenge fitting Firkraag Cunning Instigator into their mana curve efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that stands on the higher end for its kind of ability, players might find the mana investment substantial compared to other cards with similar or enhanced effects. In a game where efficiency can be key, the cost of deploying Firkraag Cunning Instigator might outweigh its strategic advantages.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Firkraag Cunning Instigator thrives in various deck archetypes, particularly those that capitalize on controlling opponents’ creatures and steering the flow of combat to your advantage.

Combo Potential: With this card, you can orchestrate powerful plays by nudging opponents to attack when it’s most advantageous for you, opening opportunities for potent combos and dynamic battlefield shifts.

Meta-Relevance: Should the competitive scene lean towards a creature-heavy environment, Firkraag holds immense value in its ability to disrupt enemy lines and tilt the scales in your favor.


How to beat

Firkraag, Cunning Instigator is a dynamic creature card that can generate a substantial advantage in Magic: The Gathering. Getting around its ability to goad opposing creatures requires strategic planning. It is critical to control the board, maintaining removal spells or abilities to bypass the goad mechanic and direct damage before the triggered ability resolves. Alternatives such as spot removal, board wipes, or using hexproof to shield your important creatures can mitigate Firkraag’s impact.

Utilize cards that eliminate threats without targeting, such as Wrath of God, which bypasses any protection from being targeted Firkraag might have. Furthermore, redirecting damage using cards like Deflecting Palm can turn Firkraag’s forced aggression into an unexpected counterstrike. It’s also advised to avoid overcommitting creatures onto the battlefield when Firkraag is likely to enter play; this way, Firkraag’s ability will have a limited effect on your game strategy.

By preparing for Firkraag’s tactics and having answers to its goad ability, you can effectively neutralize this creature’s potential to disrupt your strategy and continue toward a victorious path in your Magic: The Gathering battle.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the world of MTG is not just about the cards you play; it’s about the strategies you devise and the interactions you explore. Firkraag Cunning Instigator stands as a standout asset for those looking to steer the game’s momentum and create unexpected twists for their opponents. If you aim to harness the full potential of this versatile and formidable card, it’s essential to integrate it thoughtfully into your deck’s mechanics. Whether you’re building new combos, exploring the synergy with other cards, or simply seeking to learn about effective counterplays, this is a card that commands attention. For an added edge in your matches and a richer understanding of MTG dynamics, come join our journey for deeper insights and tactical foresight. Let’s unlock the secrets to mastering your array of cards and making every match a memorable triumph.


Cards like Firkraag, Cunning Instigator

Firkraag, Cunning Instigator stands out in the pantheon of red creatures in Magic the Gathering. This unique dragon mirrors cards such as Jeleva, Nephalia’s Scourge, as both commandeer spells from opponents when hitting the battlefield or dealing combat damage. However, Firkraag tilts the scale with its ability to goad opponent’s creatures, proactively affecting the board state in your favor.

Another noteworthy comparison is with Grenzo, Havoc Raiser, who shares the goading mechanic, yet Grenzo’s ability hinges on dealing combat damage to a player. In contrast, Firkraag’s impact is immediate, fostering both defensive and offensive strategies right away. Additionally, Robber of the Rich, also pulls from the similar theme of utilizing opponents’ decks; however, it focuses more on resource denial and advantage rather than manipulating combat as Firkraag does.

While other cards may share the stealing or goading mechanics, Firkraag, Cunning Instigator delivers a unique blend that promotes a multifaceted gameplay. It judiciously balances disruption and aggression, making it a formidable choice for players looking to dictate the pace of the game both in and out of combat.

Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge - MTG Card versions
Grenzo, Havoc Raiser - MTG Card versions
Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions
Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge - MTG Card versions
Grenzo, Havoc Raiser - MTG Card versions
Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Firkraag, Cunning Instigator MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Firkraag, Cunning Instigator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Firkraag, Cunning Instigator Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by Andrew Mar.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 6422015NormalBlackAndrew Mar
22022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 6482015NormalBlackAndrew Mar
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 9332015NormalBlackAndrew Mar

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Firkraag, Cunning Instigator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-06-10 An ability that looks for whether a creature “had to attack” checks to see if there were any requirements to attack that were applying to that particular creature at the time it was declared as an attacker. If an ability required that creature's controller to attack rather than the creature itself (such as that of Trove of Temptation), that creature dealing combat damage won't cause Firkraag's last ability to trigger, even if it was the only creature that player could have attacked with to meet the requirement.