Imperial Lancer MTG Card

Imperial Lancer excels in dinosaur decks, offering significant board impact with its double strike ability. The card requires careful strategic play, rewarding players who effectively utilize instant speed spells. While challenging to fit in all deck types, its combo potential is vast, shaping it as a niche favorite.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Knight
Released	2017-09-29
Set symbol
Set name	Ixalan
Set code	XLN
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	15
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Viktor Titov

Text of card

Imperial Lancer has double strike as long as you control a Dinosaur.

"Together my mount and I are stronger than either of us apart."

Cards like Imperial Lancer

Imperial Lancer is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, catering to players who focus on a cavalry or knight strategy. When examining its characteristics, we can draw parallels to cards such as Skyknight Legionnaire. While Skyknight Legionnaire offers flying and haste, it lacks the conditional strength boost provided by Imperial Lancer when paired with a Dinosaur, which can make a significant impact on the battlefield.

Another card of note is Fencing Ace, which shares the double strike ability inherent to Imperial Lancer. Fencing Ace is versatile, applying pressure on opponents regardless of the board state. Conversely, Imperial Lancer requires a specific creature type to unleash its full potential, rewarding strategic deck construction and synergetic play. Novice Knight also enters this conversation as a low-cost creature with a formidable defense stat. However, unlike Imperial Lancer, it doesn’t possess the offensive prowess gained through synergy with Dinosaurs.

Each card shines in its respective deck, but it’s the synergy of Imperial Lancer with other creatures that helps it carve out a distinct niche in MTG. Perfect for decks centered around tribal synergies, it exemplifies the thrilling nature of themed deck building.

Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Imperial Lancer by color, type and mana cost

Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Imperial Lancer may not directly draw cards, but by leveraging its double strike capability when paired with a Dinosaur, you essentially amplify the value of your permanents. This boosts your board presence, translating to a form of card advantage as you pressure your opponent with a single, efficient creature.

Resource Acceleration: While Imperial Lancer isn’t a direct source of mana acceleration, it encourages a swiftly escalating board state. Playing this card in a deck focused on Dinosaurs can lead to overwhelming the opponent more quickly, effectively shortening the time they have to stabilize their resources.

Instant Speed: The Imperial Lancer itself is cast at sorcery speed, but its true potential is unlocked with the myriad of instant speed spells in MTG that can buff it or alter the state of the game. Timing is everything, and setting up a scenario where Imperial Lancer can attack unopposed can be devastating when done at the right moment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The strategy involving Imperial Lancer can be hindered by having to discard other valuable cards from your hand, potentially setting back your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring white mana narrows down deck compatibility, making it less versatile across the wide array of decks in the game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its mana cost relative to its impact on the game, Imperial Lancer may fall short compared to other creatures or spells at a similar cost threshold, making it potentially less efficient in fast-paced matches.

Reasons to Include Imperial Lancer in Your Collection

Versatility: Imperial Lancer fits comfortably into a variety of deck archetypes. Its low mana cost makes it a great early play, while its synergies with other creature types like Knights and Soldiers allow for flexible deck construction across different playstyles.

Combo Potential: With a deck built around Dinosaur creatures, Imperial Lancer becomes a potent force, capable of quickly turning the tide of battle when combined with cards that summon or benefit from the presence of Dinosaurs on the field.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature interactions are key, Imperial Lancer can hold its own. Particularly in a meta that favors aggressive plays, having a 1-drop creature that can potentially grow stronger as the game progresses can be a significant advantage.

How to beat

Confronted with Imperial Lancer, players must adjust their strategies accordingly. This particular card shines in decks that synergize with Dinosaurs, as its potential becomes fully unlocked when paired with one. Effectively a 1/1 for a single white mana, its true threat level escalates, bestowing it with double strike whenever it’s accompanied by a prehistoric giant. Therefore, removing potential Dinosaur allies should be a priority to keep the Imperial Lancer’s ability in check.

Combat tricks and removal spells are prime tactics when dealing with such agile creatures. In the case of the Imperial Lancer, timing is crucial. Targeted removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are optimal when wielded before the Lancer can benefit from double strike, thanks to a Dinosaur’s presence. Board wipes can also be particularly effective as they reset the playing field, erasing the advantage an opponent might gain from this card’s ability to quickly amplify its threat level.

Ultimately, understanding your deck’s capacity to respond to threats and maintaining control over the battlefield are key. With proper anticipation and resource management, any card, including the likes of Imperial Lancer, can be managed, ensuring that the flow of the game remains in your favor.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Imperial Lancer MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan, 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 Imperial Lancer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Imperial Lancer has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-09-29	If you no longer control a Dinosaur after the first-strike combat damage step, Imperial Lancer won’t have double strike, and so it won’t deal regular combat damage.