Hammer of Bogardan MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 181
1997-08-13 - Number jk181
1998-08-12 - Number br181
1999-04-21 - Number 188
1999-08-04 - Number mlp188
2002-01-01 - Number 1
2003-07-28 - Number 193
2003-07-28 - Number 193★
2002-06-24 - Number 36000
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Hammer of Bogardan deals 3 damage to target creature or player. o Ro Roo R Return Hammer of Bogardan to your hand. Use this ability only during your upkeep and only if Hammer of Bogardan is in your graveyard.
Cards like Hammer of Bogardan
Hammer of Bogardan is a dynamic card that combines recurring damage and versatility in Magic: The Gathering. It’s closely associated with cards like Flame Rift and Incinerate. Each of these spells delivers direct damage, but Hammer of Bogardan stands out with its rare return-from-the-graveyard feature which can be essential in the long game.
Flame Rift, for instance, inflicts damage to each player, making it a double-edged sword, whereas Hammer of Bogardan focuses solely on the opponent or their creatures. Incinerate is a straightforward burn spell with the added benefit of preventing regeneration, though it lacks the recurrence that Hammer of Bogardan provides. Another similar card is Firebolt, which also has a flashback ability for repeated use, yet it falls short in damage output when compared to the might of the Hammer.
Summing up, Hammer of Bogardan offers a unique blend of initial and repeating damage, setting it apart in the landscape of red damage spells. Its capability to come back into play ensures that it remains a persistent threat and a valuable tool for players aiming to maintain pressure on their opponents throughout a game.
Cards similar to Hammer of Bogardan by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hammer of Bogardan delivers enduring value by allowing repeated casting from the graveyard. This feature is especially potent later in the game, enabling the player to consistently pressure opponents or eliminate key creatures turn after turn without losing card economy.
Resource Acceleration: Although Hammer of Bogardan doesn’t produce direct mana acceleration, the recurring nature of the card can synergize with land untapping or cost reduction mechanisms. Efficient use of Hammer of Bogardan often means having more options each turn, effectively accelerating your resource dominance over time.
Instant Speed: While Hammer of Bogardan itself is a sorcery, its return ability from the graveyard can be activated at instant speed. This flexibility allows a player to bring back the card at the end of an opponent’s turn, keeping mana available during the opponent’s turn for counterspells or other instant-speed interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hammer of Bogardan doesn’t require a discard itself, but when played in a deck, it can lead to situations where players must choose between keeping it in hand or discarding it for other crucial plays. This decision-making can be especially tough when facing hand disruption tactics from opponents.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s initial casting cost demands three mana, including two red, which can be prohibitive in multicolored decks. Decks not heavily invested in red mana sources might struggle to cast it consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The reusability comes at a steep price, with the return ability costing a total of five mana, including three red. This investment is significant and could potentially be put towards more impactful spells or threats that shape the board immediately.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hammer of Bogardan offers a unique capability to be a repeatable source of damage, making it a solid choice for a variety of red deck strategies. Its ability to return from the graveyard ensures a long-term presence in games, especially in formats like Commander where permanence is key.
Combo Potential: This card can be a cog in combos, particularly those involving recurring spells or benefits from casting multiple spells in a turn. It synergizes well with cards that reduce its playback cost or utilize spell recasts for incremental advantages.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame with a prevalence of creature-based strategies, Hammer of Bogardan can repeatedly clear out smaller creatures. Moreover, in a meta that’s slower and more control-oriented, its ability to be used over and over can grind down opponents over time, giving it a lasting impact.
How to beat
The Hammer of Bogardan is a persistent threat in MTG, renowned for its ability to return from the graveyard to the battlefield. Dealing with this card involves strategic planning and a good understanding of graveyard interaction. One effective method is to employ graveyard hate cards such as Tormod’s Crypt or Relic of Progenitus, which can exile it directly from the graveyard before its recursion ability can be activated.
Counterspells are also a strong line of defense, should mana be available when your opponent attempts to cast Hammer of Bogardan or bring it back using its buyback ability. Nimble obstructionist can not only counter the triggered ability but also serve as a creature on the battlefield. To tackle it permanently, consider running instant-speed removal that can exile or shuffle it into the library, such as Unravel the Aether, which circumvents its return mechanic.
Moreover, controlling the flow of the game by maintaining a life total out of reach of repeated Hammer of Bogardan strikes or applying pressure with your own threats can outpace the reliance on it as a damage source. Through careful play and specific card selection, the Hammer of Bogardan can be managed effectively within the complex dynamics of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hammer of Bogardan MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and World Championship Decks 1997, 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 Hammer of Bogardan 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 Hammer of Bogardan Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 181 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | jk181 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | br181 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spencer | |
| 4 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 188 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 5 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | mlp188 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spencer | |
| 6 | 2002-01-01 | Judge Gift Cards 2002 | G02 | 1 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 7 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36000 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | ||
| 8 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 193 | 2003 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 9 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 193★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hammer of Bogardan has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |