Hatchet Bully MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Released | 2008-07-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Eventide |
| Set code | EVE |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 54 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Paul Bonner |
Text of card
, , Put a -1/-1 counter on a creature you control: Hatchet Bully deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
"It's not much for eating, but I think we can find somethin' to do with it."
Cards like Hatchet Bully
Hatchet Bully fits uniquely into the realm of creature cards with a build-in repeatable damage mechanic in Magic: The Gathering. However, like every card it shares the battlefield with a set of related companions. Take Cunning Sparkmage, for instance. This creature allows you to ping any target for one damage without any additional cost beyond the tap action. Unlike Hatchet Bully, it doesn’t require mana investment or the sacrifice of other permanents to activate its ability.
Prodigal Pyromancer is another kin in the category. It’s armed with a similar ability to deal one damage to any target, resembling that of Hatchet Bully. Yet, it demands less from the player since it only needs to tap without further ado. The significant comparison lies in mana efficiency and potential damage output, considering the activation costs of each card. But none of these cards can quite mimic the synergy Hatchet Bully can have with cards that benefit from sacrifices or death-triggered abilities.
Examining them side by side, Hatchet Bully stands out due to its potential to deal higher damage in a single activation at the expense of an additional cost. Each card serves a tactical role dependent on deck configuration and strategy, yet Hatchet Bully’s unique requirements may just tip the scales in scenarios that favor its more impactful punch.
Cards similar to Hatchet Bully by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hatchet Bully can provide selective advantage by potentially removing key threats from the board, thereby disrupting your opponent’s game plan while maintaining your on-board presence.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to mana acceleration, Hatchet Bully’s ability to apply pressure could lead to situations where opponents are forced to allocate resources inefficiently, indirectly benefiting your resource management.
Instant Speed: Equipped with an activated ability that can be used at instant speed, Hatchet Bully offers the flexibility to make pivotal decisions during the combat phase or in response to an opponent’s actions, making it a versatile threat in any match-up.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Hatchet Bully can be somewhat demanding on your hand, as it requires sacrificing a Goblin to activate its ability. Clearly, this can lead to a depleted board presence, especially in decks that can’t afford to lose creatures regularly.
Specific Mana Cost: Hatchet Bully demands three specific mana points, one red and two of any color, to cast. This specific mana requirement can be restrictive for multi-color decks that aren’t heavy on red mana sources or those that run a tight color curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature card that offers a pinging ability, Hatchet Bully’s casting cost and subsequent activation cost may seem quite steep. There are more cost-efficient creatures or spells that deliver a similar or greater impact without the additional mana investment or the need to sacrifice valuable goblin tokens.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hatchet Bully is known for its adaptability on the battlefield. It can be a robust component in decks that thrive on ping strategies, allowing you to chip away at your opponent’s life total or clear out pesky blockers.
Combo Potential: With its ability to deal damage to any target, this card holds combo potential when paired with cards that synergize with activated abilities or when untapping is made easy, maximizing its impact throughout the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Hatchet Bully offers consistent removal options. Its flexibility to target creatures or players ensures that it remains a relevant choice against a variety of decks.
How to beat
Hatchet Bully is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, often recognized for its peculiar ability to deal damage to any target at the cost of a red mana and sacrificing a Goblin. This particular skill makes it a versatile option for players who wish to maintain board control or chip away at an opponent’s life total.
The strategy to beat Hatchet Bully revolves around its reliance on other creatures, namely Goblins. Utilizing removal spells that can deal with multiple creatures, such as board wipes or damage spells like Blasphemous Act, can efficiently counteract the Bully’s effect. Moreover, creature-specific removal that does not allow regeneration, for instance, Crib Swap, can deal with Hatchet Bully before it has a chance to flex its muscle. It’s also beneficial to limit the proliferation of Goblin tokens that could fuel Hatchet Bully’s ability, by using cards that restrain token generation or that penalize the opponent for sacrificing creatures.
Considering these tactics, Hatchet Bully can be managed effectively in a game, requiring opponents to plan carefully around its potential impact on the battlefield and the incremental advantage it could provide over time.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hatchet Bully MTG card by a specific set like Eventide, 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 Hatchet Bully 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hatchet Bully has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |