Ironclaw Curse MTG Card
1995-10-01 - Number 76
1997-03-24 - Number 244†
1997-03-24 - Number 244
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Target creature gets -0/-1. That creature cannot be assigned to block any creature with power greater than or equal to the toughness of the creature Ironclaw Curse enchants.
Cards like Ironclaw Curse
Ironclaw Curse stands out in the world of Magic: The Gathering for its ability to debuff an opponent’s creature, which draws comparisons to other cards that also cripple enemy forces. Notably, it shares its instant play characteristic with Frost Breath, although Frost Breath impacts two creatures and doesn’t reduce their power. Ironclaw Curse’s uniqueness is in the permanent power reduction it imposes, making it a strategic tool for ensuring specific creatures become less of a threat.
Comparatively, Turn to Frog is another spell that can neutralize a large threat by altering a creature’s base power and toughness, along with nullifying all abilities. While this transformation is only temporary and doesn’t leave the creature weaker beyond the turn it’s played, Ironclaw Curse’s effect persists, continuously weakening the target. Additionally, there’s Crippling Blight, which, like Ironclaw Curse, permanently weakens a creature but is different as it also prevents the affected creature from blocking.
Each card has its particular role within MTG gameplay, yet when evaluating lasting impact for control strategies, Ironclaw Curse proves to be a compelling choice thanks to its lingering power reduction, contributing to long term tactical advantages.
Cards similar to Ironclaw Curse by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ironclaw Curse can be a pivotal play for those looking to disrupt their opponent’s strategy. By forcing an opponent to draw and then discard a card, you effectively maintain pressure and can sometimes cause them to lose a key card from their hand, balancing the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Although Ironclaw Curse doesn’t directly generate mana or treasure tokens, its low casting cost acts as a form of resource acceleration. It allows players to utilize their mana efficiently in the early game, leaving resources open for other spells or threats to be played on the same turn.
Instant Speed: The true power of Ironclaw Curse lies in its instant speed, allowing players to react swiftly to an opponent’s actions. It can be cast in response to an opponent’s draw, at the end of their turn, or even during combat to surprise an unprepared adversary, making it a versatile tool in any MTG player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Ironclaw Curse comes with the caveat of needing to part with another card from your hand. This obligatory discard can be quite the hurdle when your options are already stretched thin, or when every card is pivotal to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The spell’s casting cost demands two red mana. This requirement can prove to be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that do not prioritize red mana, potentially causing it to languish unused in your hand.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Devoting three mana to cast Ironclaw Curse may seem steep when you consider the breadth of spells available to players. There are alternatives that might not only cost less but also offer additional versatility or impact on the game, which makes Ironclaw Curse a less efficient choice in some scenarios.
Reasons to Include Ironclaw Curse in Your Collection
Versatility: Ironclaw Curse is a flexible card that can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of red deck strategies, apt for those seeking to manage and control the board while setting up for the win.
Combo Potential: This card holds the potential to synergize with damage amplification effects or strategies that capitalize on weakening opponent creatures, making it a key card for inventive combo constructions.
Meta-Relevance: Tailored for a meta that favours creature-heavy decks, Ironclaw Curse serves as an essential tool in disrupting your opponent’s field presence and turning the tides of the game.
How to beat
Ironclaw Curse is a unique card in MTG, known for its ability to add a layer of complexity during battles. This card has the potential to hinder creature-based strategies by decreasing an adversary’s offense and defense capabilities. As a player looking to overcome the effects of Ironclaw Curse, consider leveraging enchantment removal spells such as Naturalize or Disenchant for an instant solution to this pesky enchantment.
Adapting to the constraints of Ironclaw Curse can also involve shifting strategy towards non-creature spell-based victories, mitigating the curse’s impact. Employing spells that directly damage your opponent or alternatively, focusing on building a robust defense to outlast the curse, can prove effective. In essence, the key to triumph against Ironclaw Curse lies within the flexibility of your deck and strategy, emphasizing the value of adaptability in MTG’s arsenal.
Ultimately, strategic planning and having the right counters at your disposal are vital in maintaining an edge against an opponent’s Ironclaw Curse, ensuring that your path to victory remains clear, even when faced with such challenging obstacles.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ironclaw Curse MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Fifth Edition, 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 Ironclaw Curse 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 Ironclaw Curse Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 1997-03-24. Illustrated by Dennis Detwiller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 76 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 244† | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 244 | 1997 | Normal | White | Dennis Detwiller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ironclaw Curse has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |