Jaya Ballard, Task Mage MTG Card
2006-10-06 - Number 166
2007-01-01 - Number A1
2008-01-01 - Number a1 2007
2021-03-19 - Number 172
2002-06-24 - Number 36312
2020-09-26 - Number TSP-166
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Spellshaper |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
, , Discard a card: Destroy target blue permanent. , , Discard a card: Jaya Ballard, Task Mage deals 3 damage to target creature or player. A creature dealt damage this way can't be regenerated this turn. , , Discard a card: Jaya Ballard deals 6 damage to each creature and each player.
Cards like Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Jaya Ballard, Task Mage is a unique character card in Magic: The Gathering with a rich history and a diversity of abilities that exemplify the red mana’s chaotic and powerful nature. This card is comparable to other planeswalker-type cards, such as Chandra, Torch of Defiance. Both are fiery red-mana wielders with potent abilities that can disrupt the opponent’s strategy. Jaya comes with the flexible option to deal direct damage, disrupt spell casting or even act as a repeatable card advantage engine.
Another card that shares similarities with Jaya Ballard is Kumano, Master Yamabushi. Kumano also allows for pinpointed direct damage targets, though it lacks Jaya’s multifaceted spellcasting disruption and does not provide card draw utility. Meanwhile, the newer Lukka, Coppercoat Outcast, similarly offers a red-themed versatility but edges towards creature support and exile mechanics rather than Jaya’s spell-centric focus.
Assessing the gameplay impact, Jaya Ballard stands out as a highly versatile card for red players. Her multiple options offer a strong tactical edge in matchups, embodying the chaotic energy and direct damage that red mages relish in their MTG arsenal.
Cards similar to Jaya Ballard, Task Mage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Jaya Ballard, Task Mage offers a variety of abilities that provide card advantage. Her ability to discard a card to deal damage can eliminate key threats on the board, effectively turning any card in your hand into a potential removal spell.
Resource Acceleration: Though Jaya herself does not directly provide resource acceleration, her ability to discard and draw allows you to sift through your deck, potentially drawing into acceleration tools faster. This can help set up for impactful plays sooner.
Instant Speed: Each of Jaya Ballard’s abilities can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to make decisions on the fly and adapt to the shifting battlefield. Whether it’s removing creatures on your opponent’s turn or finding that crucial card in response to an action, instant speed is a substantial strategic advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Jaya Ballard is that activating any of her abilities involves discarding a card. This can potentially deplete your hand, leaving you vulnerable and without options if your resources are already stretched thin.
Specific Mana Cost: Jaya Ballard’s abilities require a combination of generic and specifically red mana to activate. This can make her a challenging fit in multi-color decks that might not always have the required red mana readily available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an activation cost that competes with other spells and abilities in the same mana range, players might find her less appealing. There are situations where you could cast spells with more immediate impact on the game rather than investing in Jaya Ballard’s variable outcomes.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Jaya Ballard, Task Mage offers a broad range of abilities that allow her to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. Her ability to act as removal, direct damage, and card advantage makes her a valuable addition to red decks that demand flexibility.
Combo Potential: With her array of activated abilities, Jaya Ballard works seamlessly with decks that capitalize on instants and sorceries. She can also be a key piece in combos that rely on discarding cards or sacrificing permanents for greater benefits.
Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts, Jaya Ballard remains pertinent, particularly in environments where non-creature strategies thrive. Her ability to disrupt opponents while providing card advantage keeps her relevant in diverse meta scenarios.
How to beat
Jaya Ballard, Task Mage, is a formidable force within the MTG arena. Her ability to control the pace of play and disrupt opponents with her spell-like abilities can be overwhelming. To effectively counter this red mana Planeswalker, strategy is key. Cards with uncounterable spells, such as Banefire or Abrupt Decay, can deliver a blow that Jaya cannot prevent. Moreover, employing creatures with hexproof or shroud from cards like Invisible Stalker or Lightning Greaves can protect your assets from her targeted destruction abilities.
Keeping the pressure with aggressive creatures can also tilt the balance in your favor. As soon as Jaya hits the battlefield, it’s crucial to keep your foot on the gas and continuously present threats that require answers. This continuous pressure can prevent your opponent from maximizing Jaya’s potential. Dedication to board development and countering with instant removal when Jaya activates an ability can efficiently devalue her presence, shifting the tempo into your favor.
Consistently pressuring your opponent, diversifying your threats, and introducing resilient or uncounterable options will help ensure that Jaya Ballard, Task Mage, doesn’t derail your game plan and you retain control of the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Jaya Ballard, Task Mage MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Time Spiral, 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 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage 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
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Printings
The Jaya Ballard, Task Mage Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36312 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | ||
| 2 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral | TSP | 166 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 3 | 2007-01-01 | Resale Promos | PRES | A1 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 4 | 2008-01-01 | Magic Premiere Shop 2008 | PMPS08 | a1 2007 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | TSP-166 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | ||
| 6 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 172 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Jaya Ballard, Task Mage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |