Lightning Hounds MTG Card
1999-10-04 - Number 201
1995-01-02 - Number 10
2002-06-24 - Number 36154
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dog |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
First strike
Quick enough to avoid jhovalls when alone and fierce enough to attack them in packs, the hounds were as at home in the mountains as the Mercadians were atop theirs.
Cards like Lightning Hounds
Lightning Hounds steps into MTG’s battlefield as an intriguing creature card, comparable to a range of aggressive two-cost creatures. Resembling cards like Goblin Guide, both coming in with haste, Lightning Hounds offers players a distinct advantage with an immediate impact on the game. However, unlike Goblin Guide, which potentially grants your opponent a land card, Lightning Hounds avoids giving such a benefit to the opposition.
Comparing it further to Ash Zealot, another two-cost hasty creature, Lightning Hounds lacks the first strike and anti-graveyard abilities, but this is reflected in its mana requirements, being less restrictive and easier to cast in multi-colored decks. Also, cards like Viashino Pyromancer provide additional utility through direct damage upon entering the battlefield, yet they lack the recurring threat posed by the hasty Lightning Hounds.
Overall, Lightning Hounds fits well within the roster of swift and aggressive creatures in MTG. It strikes a balance between affordability, speed, and operational flexibility, potentially making it a solid choice for players looking to add rapid pressure in red-based decks.
Cards similar to Lightning Hounds by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By packing both an initial impact on the battlefield and potential ongoing interactions, Lightning Hounds can contribute to an advantageous board state while also offering the potential for additional card draw or selection through synergies with other cards.
Resource Acceleration: Lightning Hounds can often offer shock-like effects the moment they enter the battlefield, allowing players to maintain tempo and possibly accelerate their resource dominance by removing key threats early on without falling behind.
Instant Speed: The versatility of being able to deploy Lightning Hounds at instant speed gives players the strategic upper hand. It means that one can wait for the opportune moment during an opponent’s turn to introduce these hounds into play, catching adversaries off guard and making more informed decisions based on the state of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: This card requires a player to discard another card to fully utilize its abilities. This can be a setback when hand size is already diminished or when every card in hand is vital for upcoming strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting of Lightning Hounds demands a particular combination of mana, which necessitates a deck built around red mana sources. This can restrict deck flexibility and make it challenging to include in multi-color decks without the appropriate mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost for Lightning Hounds is on the higher side, which can slow down your gameplay. Other creatures and spells at a similar mana value might offer more substantial immediate impact or broader utility, potentially overshadowing the benefits of choosing to play Lightning Hounds in your deck.
Reasons to Include Lightning Hounds in Your Collection
Versatility: Lightning Hounds offers adaptability across different deck archetypes, acting as a robust creature card that can fit seamlessly into aggressive red strategy builds while also holding its own in midrange decks.
Combo Potential: This card’s potential to combo with direct damage and “burn” spells or effects that enhance creature attacks can significantly turn the tide of a game, making it a force multiplier on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based strategies prevail, Lightning Hounds shines by providing a potentially quick and efficient threat that any opponent must immediately contend with, maintaining its relevance in the current meta.
How to beat
Lightning Hounds presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its swift pace in Magic: The Gathering games. Found in red decks, it shines in aggressive strategies. However, there are tactical ways to outmaneuver this canine threat. Control decks that run sweepers like Wrath of God can reset the board, nullifying the Hounds’ speed. Cards that provide reach or have deathtouch like Thornweald Archer are also adept at keeping the Hounds in check, preventing them from dealing damage effectively.
Additionally, spot removal spells such as Path to Exile offer a precise way to remove these creatures from the field without much collateral. It’s also worth noting that enchantments like Pacifism can neutralize the Hounds, halting their attacks while you build a stronger board presence. Furthermore, gaining life through spells or abilities can outpace the damage dealt by the Hounds, allowing you to stabilize and turn the tides of combat in your favor.
Effectively managing your resources and knowing when to deploy your answers is key to overcoming the ferocity of Lightning Hounds. With the right strategy and timely responses, these fiery beasts can be tamed, allowing you to maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lightning Hounds MTG card by a specific set like Media Inserts and Mercadian Masques, 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 Lightning Hounds 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 Lightning Hounds Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 1999-10-04. Illustrated by Andrew Robinson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Media Inserts | PMEI | 10 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | ||
| 2 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 201 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | |
| 3 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36154 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lightning Hounds has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |