Mardu Charm MTG Card


Mardu Charm’s versatility stems from its modal options, offering strategic control and surprise tactics. Specific mana cost may limit its use, but enhances Mardu-themed decks and strategies. Despite some drawbacks, its potential for control and combo synergies can’t be ignored.
Mardu Charm - Khans of Tarkir
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2014-09-26
Set symbol
Set nameKhans of Tarkir
Set codeKTK
Number186
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMathias Kollros

Text of card

Choose one — • Mardu Charm deals 4 damage to target creature. • Put two 1/1 white Warrior creature tokens onto the battlefield. They gain first strike until end of turn. • Target opponent reveals his or her hand. You choose a noncreature, nonland card from it. That player discards that card.


Cards like Mardu Charm

Mardu Charm stands out with its versatility among multi-colored instant spells in Magic: The Gathering. It runs alongside cards like Abzan Charm and Jeskai Charm, which share the characteristic of offering multiple modes of play. Abzan Charm provides options for card drawing and bolstering creatures, while Jeskai Charm can manipulate creature power and game tempo with temporary exile and direct lifepoint swings.

However, Mardu Charm offers something unique with its ability to create two 1/1 white Warrior creature tokens with the upside of first strike until end of turn. This aligns it more closely with Raise the Alarm, although the latter lacks the modal nature and flexibility Mardu Charm brings to the table. Furthermore, Mardu Charm can dispatch creatures in a pinch with its direct damage mode, similar to Lightning Helix, but with the advantage of instant speed duress.

Analyzing the suite of options available, Mardu Charm provides a formidable balance of creature control, player disruption, and creature production, situating it as an asset in decks that thrive on flexibility and surprise tactical plays within the game.

Abzan Charm - MTG Card versions
Jeskai Charm - MTG Card versions
Raise the Alarm - MTG Card versions
Lightning Helix - MTG Card versions
Abzan Charm - MTG Card versions
Jeskai Charm - MTG Card versions
Raise the Alarm - MTG Card versions
Lightning Helix - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mardu Charm by color, type and mana cost

Crackling Doom - MTG Card versions
Crackling Doom - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Mardu Charm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu TokensMardu Tokens GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mardu Charm gives players a versatile tool to either disrupt an opponent’s hand or dig deeper into their own deck. This flexibility can help secure the upper hand by either removing key cards from the opposition or providing potential answers and threats from your own deck.

Resource Acceleration: Through its ability to create two 1/1 Warrior creature tokens with the first strike, Mardu Charm can contribute to an increase in board presence. These tokens can be valuable not only as attackers and defenders but also as fodder for various sacrificial mechanics present in MTG, indirectly accelerating your resource utilization.

Instant Speed: The charm’s nature as an instant grants it exceptional utility by allowing players to react to an ever-changing battlefield. Whether it’s casting it at the end of your opponent’s turn or utilizing its modal options to adapt to specific threats in real-time, Mardu Charm excels at keeping opponents guessing and maintaining tactical surprise.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing the Mardu Charm often demands strategic hand management due to its instant-speed interaction which can potentially force discard. This necessitates players to be mindful of their card advantage, lest they find themselves alternatively compromising their position when leveraging its various modes.

Specific Mana Cost: The tri-color nature of the Mardu Charm’s mana cost can be restrictive. Requiring one white, one red, and one black mana means that the card is inherently tailored towards Mardu decks and thus might not find a home in more color-flexible or mono-colored strategies, potentially limiting its utility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three specific mana, Mardu Charm’s efficiency is debatable when compared to other charms or multi-purpose instants. Certain scenarios may reveal the mana investment as steep, particularly when considering the card’s impact on the board state relative to other options available within the same mana range.


Reasons to Include Mardu Charm in Your Collection

Versatility: Mardu Charm offers a range of options with its three modes. Whether you’re dealing damage to creatures, forcing opponents to discard, or creating blockers, this charm suits various deck strategies and can adapt to changing board states.

Combo Potential: The instant timing of this card allows for surprise plays and synergy with cards that benefit from multicolored spells or instant-speed interaction. Its flexibility can lead to unexpected combos and turn the tide in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with creature-based decks or where hand disruption is key, Mardu Charm remains a relevant choice. Its ability to disrupt opponents while offering defensive capabilities makes it a strong consideration for inclusion in any collection.


How to Beat

Mardu Charm is a multifaceted instant in Magic: The Gathering, capable of delivering a swift blow to an opponent’s strategy. This versatile charm lets a player choose from creating two 1/1 white Warrior creature tokens with first strike, dealing 4 damage to target creature, or making an opponent reveal their hand, and you choose a noncreature, nonland card from it for that player to discard.

When going up against Mardu Charm, anticipation is key. Keep a watchful eye on the mana your opponent has available and prepare to alter your strategy accordingly. Since it’s an instant, be wary of playing key creatures if the opponent has untapped lands that could signal a potential 4 damage hit. Additionally, if you are holding an important noncreature spell, especially in the late game where an opponent could force you to discard, consider playing it sooner than later or securing a backup plan.

Remember that Mardu Charm, while powerful, is still beholden to the rules of priority and the stack. Providing yourself with versatile counterspells or instant tricks of your own can ensure you’re not caught off guard. Lastly, Mardu Charm’s tokens with first strike can be overcome by managing combat phases intelligently or with creatures that outclass 1/1 warriors. Proper planning and strategic card play can neutralize the threat of Mardu Charm.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mardu Charm exemplifies strategic flexibility in MTG, offering a trio of choices packed into a single card designed for the cunning tactician. The ability to tailor your actions to the current state of play elevates a deck’s adaptability, providing you with a unique edge. Whether it’s for board control, disrupting your opponent’s hand, or forging a path towards victory with sudden warrior tokens, Mardu Charm fits neatly into a variety of game plans. Keen to discover the optimal way to wield this versatile instant in your deck and refine your strategies against diverse opponents? Dive deeper with us for more insights and become adept at mastering Mardu Charm’s dynamic capabilities in your MTG endeavors.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mardu Charm MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir, 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 Mardu Charm and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mardu Charm has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal