Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks MTG Card

Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)

Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
2005-02-04 - Number 122

Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Magic Online Promos (PRM)
2002-06-24 - Number 36288

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Monk
Power	2
Toughness	2

Key Takeaways

Twin creature card that maximizes resources by transforming without extra card investment.
Instant speed flip allows unexpected threats, enhancing combat and strategic versatility.
Demands specific mana and spells for transformation, which could impact strategic flexibility.

Text of card

Whenever you play a Spirit or Arcane spell, you may put a ki counter on Budoka Pupil. At end of turn, if there are two or more ki counters on Budoka Pupil, you may flip it.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks offers a unique form of card advantage by transforming into a more powerful creature without the need for an additional card. This flip mechanic essentially grants you two creatures in one card, maximizing your resources.

Resource Acceleration: When Ichiga enters the battlefield, its ability to put two +1/+1 counters on another target creature can be seen as a form of resource acceleration. It strengthens your board presence immediately, potentially accelerating your route to victory.

Instant Speed: One of the key strengths of Budoka Pupil is the ability to transform at instant speed. This means you can surprise an opponent by changing Budoka Pupil into Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, effectively making the card a versatile threat that can adapt on the fly.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To flip Budoka Pupil into Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks, you’ll need to play a Spirit or Arcane spell, which could divert valuable cards from your hand and game plan, potentially depleting your resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Budoka Pupil demands a precise combination of mana, one green and two generic, tying you to decks that can consistently provide these resources, possibly limiting deck versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting requirement of three mana, there are other creatures in the MTG universe that can hit the board bringing immediate impact. The flip condition could mean that you’re investing mana into a card that doesn’t influence the game right away.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks fits well within a variety of deck themes, primarily in decks that capitalize on combat tricks and surprise transformations. Budoka Pupil’s flip ability allows it to adapt to board states dynamically as a threat that opponents need to consider during both their and your turn.

Combo Potential: Once flipped, Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks can become a focal point for combo plays, especially in decks that use green’s strength in creature-based synergies. Its ability to deal significant trample damage pairs well with effects that increase power or provide additional combat phases.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to switch forms and become an impactful 4/3 trampler, it’s well-suited to challenge creature-centric decks that are prevalent in certain metas. It’s a card that can swing games by applying pressure, especially in metas where transforming creatures or combat tricks can catch opponents off guard.

How to beat

Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks serves a compelling role in Magic: The Gathering as a card that is both a creature and a powerful flip card. Revered for its ability to transform into Ichiga upon casting or copying a Spirit or Arcane spell, this card is an enigma on the battlefield and can challenge opponents with its sudden emergence as a formidable force. Nonetheless, there are tactical ways to address this shapeshifter.

To thwart the Budoka Pupil’s evolution, players must strategically hinder the casting of triggering spells. This can be done through counterplay tools like countermagic, which void the spells before they resolve, thus preventing the flip altogether. Additionally, one can employ removal spells that target creatures at instant speed, ensuring the Budoka Pupil is dealt with before it ever gets the chance to become Ichiga. It’s notable that the transformation is pinned to the controller’s actions; therefore, maintaining a keen eye on the stack and acting swiftly are vital components in overcoming this card’s potential.

Ultimately, the key lies in anticipation and disruption. While the card carries potential menace upon flipping, a well-timed response can easily neutralize what could have been a significant threat thereby preserving your position in the game.

Cards like Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks

Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks introduces a unique dynamic to the range of creatures within Magic: The Gathering. Reminiscent of other flip cards, such as Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration, this creature offers versatility and a surprise element on the battlefield. Delver of Secrets transforms into a formidable flying creature, while Budoka Pupil metamorphoses into Ichiga, bringing a powerful trample trait into play.

Comparable to the mechanics seen in Hinterland Logger // Timber Shredder, Budoka Pupil shares the transformative quality triggered by certain game conditions. Yet, Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks stands distinct with its ability to potentially deal damage to a creature upon flipping. This feature positively contrasts with Timber Shredder, which doesn’t offer a direct impact on the board when it flips. Additionally, Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar is a card with similar flip mechanics, but lacks the immediate board presence and combat effectiveness granted by Ichiga’s entry.

Ultimately, Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks carves its niche within the genre of flip cards. With its built-in removal potential and aggressive trample ability, it presents an intriguing choice for players aiming to push the tempo and apply pressure in their MTG deck strategies.

Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration - MTG Card versions

Hinterland Logger // Timber Shredder - MTG Card versions

Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Budoka Pupil // Ichiga, Who Topples Oaks Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-02-04 and 2005-02-04. Illustrated by Shishizaru.