Improbable Alliance MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
Whenever you draw your second card each turn, create a 1/1 blue Faerie creature token with flying. : Draw a card, then discard a card.
"I agreed to light his way as long as he always had my back." —Squill, Mistford pixie
Cards like Improbable Alliance
Improbable Alliance is a unique addition to the roster of token-generating cards in the world of Magic: The Gathering. It draws a close parallel to Young Pyromancer, a card celebrated for its creature token creation triggered by playing instants or sorceries. However, Improbable Alliance requires the drawing of a second card in a turn to trigger its token generation, offering a different kind of deckbuilding challenge and synergy.
Looking to the skies, we also compare it to Talrand, Sky Summoner. This card generates Drake creature tokens with flying whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, much like how Improbable Alliance produces Faerie creature tokens with flying. The distinction lies in Talrand’s ability to trigger consistently with spell casts, whereas Improbable Alliance is dependent on the draw condition, but starts off at a lower mana cost.
In essence, Improbable Alliance demands a specific strategy focusing on card draw to reap its benefits. While it shares similar token-producing qualities with other MTG cards, the conditions set by Improbable Alliance make it a compelling card for players who enjoy drawing lots of cards and weaving a web of flying threats round after round.
Cards similar to Improbable Alliance by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Improbable Alliance. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jeskai Flash | Pioneer | Cycling | F2F Tour Championship - Toronto Round 4 (Regional Championship) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Improbable Alliance rewards players with a steady stream of card utility by creating a 1/1 blue Faerie creature token with flying every time they draw their second card each turn. This consistent token generation allows players to build up a formidable force, thus maintaining a level of card superiority on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Improbable Alliance doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, the tokens it creates can be instrumental in building momentum. Alongside synergistic cards that facilitate token strategies, it can indirectly contribute to overwhelming board states, providing a different kind of ‘resource’ in creatures that can pressure the opponent or defend key planeswalkers.
Instant Speed: The ability to trigger Improbable Alliance at instant speed by drawing a second card during any player’s turn adds tactical depth to gameplay. This flexibility allows players to respond to the game’s flow and opponent’s actions, potentially creating tokens right before the combat phase or at the end of the opponent’s turn, thus maximizing the use of the tokens generated.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To fully leverage Improbable Alliance, you’ll need to set up a scenario where you’re drawing multiple cards each turn. If you’re unable to maintain a steady card draw, the value of this enchantment diminishes significantly.
Specific Mana Cost: Improbable Alliance requires both blue and red mana to cast. This dual requirement can be a challenge for decks not dedicated to a Izzet (blue-red) mana base, potentially restricting the card’s incorporation into a variety of deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the initial cost of two mana might seem low, to capitalize on its potential, you must consistently draw cards. In matches where speed is crucial, dedicating turns and resources to set up card draw engines for this enchantment might be less efficient than playing other spells or creatures that impact the board immediately.
Reasons to Include Improbable Alliance in Your Collection
Versatility: Improbable Alliance is a unique addition to your collection as it can adapt to various deck themes, particularly those that reward you for drawing multiple cards per turn.
Combo Potential: This card works exceptionally well in synergy with strategies that generate a large number of draw effects, enabling you to consistently produce Faerie tokens which can be used defensively or to apply pressure on your opponent.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its ability to create token creatures with each draw, Improbable Alliance holds its ground in metas with a high volume of single-target removals, ultimately providing you with a persistent board presence.
How to beat
Improbable Alliance is a unique enchantment in Magic the Gathering, rewarding players for drawing their second card each turn with a 1/1 blue Faerie creature token with flying. To counter this card, players should focus on hindering the card draw mechanics or remove the enchantment altogether. Cards like Narset, Parter of Veils restrict opponents from drawing more than one card per turn, effectively neutralizing the token generation. Alternatively, aggressive strategies can work as well by pressuring the opponent so they don’t have the luxury of setting up their card draw engine.
Direct removal spells such as Disenchant or Mortify can also deal with Improbable Alliance efficiently. Players can opt for enchantment-specific removal, which can sometimes offer more flexibility, such as in the case of Banishing Light that can exile any nonland permanent. However, be wary of counterplay from the opponent who may be safeguarding their key enchantment with counterspells or dive into the depths of abilities that can regenerate or recur their enchantments from the graveyard.
Managing the tokens generated by Improbable Alliance is equally important. Board wipes like Shatter the Sky can clear multiple faeries at once. This ensures that the slight advantage gained through token creation doesn’t snowball into an overwhelming force that can control the pace and eventual outcome of the game.
BurnMana Recommendations
Embracing the synergy between card draw and token generation, Improbable Alliance stands as a strategic enhancer for any MTG collection. Tailored for players who revel in crafting a stream of flying threats, it prompts a thought-provoking deck-building approach. For those keen on maximizing its potential, incorporating cards that enable additional draws each turn can become a game-changer. Overcome challenges by disrupting opponents’ plans while fortifying your own battlefield with aerial prowess. Dive into the intricacies of Improbable Alliance, refine your MTG tactics, and discover a trove of complementary strategies. Learn more and advance your gameplay with BurnMana.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Improbable Alliance MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine and Throne of Eldraine, 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 Improbable Alliance 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 Improbable Alliance Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-10-04 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Zoltan Boros.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2019-10-04 | Throne of Eldraine | ELD | 396 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros | |
2 | 2019-10-04 | Throne of Eldraine | ELD | 193 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros | |
3 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 329 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Improbable Alliance has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |