Leaping Master MTG Card
2014-09-26 - Number 114
2019-11-07 - Number 999
2020-09-26 - Number KTK-114
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Monk |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
: Leaping Master gains flying until end of turn.
"Strength batters down barriers. Discipline ignores them."
Cards like Leaping Master
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, the Leaping Master offers enthusiasts a prime example of an affordable and flexible creature. When comparing it to similar cards, it’s essential to consider both function and versatility. Skyknight Legionnaire, for instance, is a creature that shares the ability to fly but does so innately and brings haste to the table, allowing for immediate impact on the game.
Another card to consider is the Serra Angel. Though it operates at a higher mana cost than the Leaping Master, the Serra Angel comes with built-in flying and vigilance, providing a more robust presence on the battlefield without the need for additional mana investment. Gustcloak Savior also comes to mind, which not only flies but also provides a protective ability to dodge unfavorable combat scenarios.
Comparing the Leaping Master to these alternatives, its greatest attribute is the low-cost flexibility, enabling players to switch between an aggressive stance and a defensive creature as mana permits. It excels in decks that can utilize its potential for tempo and unexpected aerial blocks or attacks. Therefore, while it may not have the innate power of more expensive creatures, its adaptability in the early to mid-game can be invaluable for strategic players.
Cards similar to Leaping Master by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Leaping Master itself doesn’t directly grant card advantage, its low casting cost can be a boon in aggressive decks that aim to deploy multiple threats swiftly. This can indirectly lead to card advantage by overextending the opponent’s resources to handle the board.
Resource Acceleration: Leaping Master can serve as a tactical piece in resource acceleration strategies. Although it doesn’t inherently generate additional mana or resources, it allows for an aggressive board presence which could pressure an opponent into unfavorable trades or spending their mana inefficiently.
Instant Speed: The key attraction of Leaping Master is its flexibility provided by its instant speed ability to gain flying until the end of turn. This gives players the option to react to an opponent’s plays, either by avoiding blockers for direct damage or serving as an unexpected blocker in a pinch, maneuvering swiftly within the dynamic pace of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Leaping Master demands a card to be discarded, posing a dilemma for players when their hand is sparse.
Specific Mana Cost: Leaping Master necessitates a distinct mana combination – one red and one white. This requirement can restrict its integration exclusively to Boros or multi-color decks that can accommodate these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of two for a modest 2/1 creature, Leaping Master may not be the most mana-efficient option available. Other creatures at this cost might provide greater value or more impactful abilities, making it harder for Leaping Master to compete for a spot in finely tuned decks.
Reasons to Include Leaping Master in Your Collection
Versatility: Leaping Master’s ability to gain flying until end of turn can adapt to various game scenarios, offering a tactical edge whether you’re evading blockers or avoiding ground-based strategies.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique ability, when synergized with cards that benefit from flying creatures or those that trigger upon attacking, can create powerful combinations within prowess or aggro decks.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where evasion is key to winning matches, Leaping Master becomes a valuable asset. Its adaptability can tip the scales when facing a crowded battlefield, making it a smart addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
Leaping Master is a versatile creature card in MTG that offers utility in both offensive and defensive strategies. Its two mana cost for a 2/1 creature is fairly standard on the surface, but the driving ability of this card lies in its potential for gaining flying until end of turn. This can be activated for an additional three mana, making it a card that can unexpectedly swing over an opponent’s defenses or dodge certain ground-based removal effects.
When facing Leaping Master, prioritizing mana efficiency becomes key. Denying your opponent the three mana needed to activate its flying ability can be critical. As such, mana disruption spells or forcing your opponent to commit mana elsewhere in their turn can effectively neutralize the threat posed by Leaping Master. Furthermore, having flying or reach creatures of your own can block or discourage attacks from a Leaping Master in the air. Cards that can deal with small creatures at a low cost, like Shock or Fatal Push, can also serve as clean answers to remove it from the battlefield without having to overinvest in countering it.
Overall, while Leaping Master presents an opportunistic challenge on the battlefield, a strategy employing efficient resource management and targeted removal will generally keep this card’s potential in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Leaping Master MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Leaping Master 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 Leaping Master Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Anastasia Ovchinnikova.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 999 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | KTK-114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Leaping Master has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Leaping Master card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-09-20 | Activating Leaping Master’s ability after it’s been blocked won’t change or undo the block. |