Intimidator Initiate MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Shaman |
| Released | 2008-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadowmoor |
| Set code | SHM |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 96 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ralph Horsley |
Text of card
Whenever a player plays a red spell, you may pay . If you do, target creature can't block this turn.
Don't stand in his way, for his way is full of pointy things and fire.
Cards like Intimidator Initiate
Intimidator Initiate is an intriguing creature for red deck enthusiasts in Magic: The Gathering. When we examine creatures with similar aggression-boosting abilities, we see that it stands with the likes of Goblin Bushwhacker. The Bushwhacker, when kicked, grants your other creatures a fleeting boost in power and the crucial ability to charge at opponents by giving them haste. The Initiate instead instigates a more prolonged effect, systematically weakening your opponents’ creatures with its power-decreasing ability whenever you cast a red spell.
Another comparable card is the Fervent Champion. Although primarily a knight with its own set of synergies, its ability to empower other knights and reduce equipment costs can change the course of the game akin to the Intimidator Initiate’s influence in red-centric decks. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the Champion is a standalone threat, while the Initiate shines in a scenario where you’re unfolding multiple spells in a turn.
Overall, while the Intimidator Initiate may not be as renowned as other red creatures, it serves a unique role within the aggressive archetype, subtlety tipping battles in your favor with each red spell cast, and can be a hidden gem in the right constructed deck or limited environment.
Cards similar to Intimidator Initiate by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Intimidator Initiate itself may not directly let you draw cards, its consistent ability to weaken opponents’ creatures can indirectly lead to card advantage by necessitating less removal spells on your part and possibly causing your opponent to overcommit resources to the board.
Resource Acceleration: Intimidator Initiate does not inherently provide resource acceleration in terms of mana. However, by reducing the strength of opposing creatures, it can contribute to a board state that’s favourable for your attacks, which can accelerate your plan to overwhelm and finish off your adversary.
Instant Speed: Intimidator Initiate functions at sorcery speed, but it synergizes well with instant-speed spells and abilities. Casting instants that trigger red spells on your opponent’s turn will unexpectedly shrink their creatures, potentially disrupting combat and other strategies they attempt during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Intimidator Initiate may not directly require a discard to be played, but it often functions within deck archetypes that do, which can strain your hand count.
Specific Mana Cost: Locked into red mana cost, Intimidator Initiate’s integration might be tricky in multicolored decks that can’t consistently generate the required mana type.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the total mana curve of decks that optimize Intimidator Initiate’s ability, it’s evident that there can be more cost-effective ways to achieve similar board pressure without incurring a mana disadvantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Intimidator Initiate is a solid choice for Red decks that thrive on aggressive strategies. Its ability to make creatures your opponents control less able to block can turn the tide in your favor by paving the way for direct attacks.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks focused on red spells and goblin tribal themes. Every time you cast a red spell, it can weaken an opponent’s defense line, which may allow for combo plays and can disrupt your opponent’s board presence effectively.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, Intimidator Initiate remains relevant in formats where small, aggressive creatures and red spells are prevalent. With each red spell cast, opponents face tougher decisions on how to block, potentially leading to advantageous board states for the Intimidator Initiate controller.
How to beat Intimidator Initiate
Intimidator Initiate is a card that challenges players to rethink their approach during combat scenarios in MTG. Known for making creatures your opponents control more susceptible to blocked attacks, it can quickly turn the tide of a game. The trick to mitigating its impact lies in removing it from the battlefield as soon as possible. Efficient removal spells, especially those that can be cast at a lower mana cost, are particularly effective against this goblin warrior.
Another strategy is to focus on cards that prevent it from ever triggering its ability. For instance, employing creatures with “tapping” abilities can keep the Initiate from ever becoming an active threat. Alternatively, playing with creatures that have protection from red can nullify the intimidation effect altogether and allow you to maintain control over the board. Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your deck’s strengths and the current state of the game, but with the right strategy, Intimidator Initiate can be overcome with manageable effort.
It’s essential to remember that one card alone doesn’t define a game of MTG. Thoughtful planning, smart deck building, and strategic gameplay are your best tools for success, no matter what you face across the table.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Intimidator Initiate MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Intimidator Initiate 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Intimidator Initiate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |