Mardu Roughrider MTG Card


Mardu Roughrider applies pressure, reshaping combat dynamics to its controller’s advantage. Demands strategic play due to specific mana needs and potential card disadvantage. Serves as a versatile tool in aggressive strategies, disrupting defensive lines.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Orc Warrior
Power 5
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever Mardu Roughrider attacks, target creature can't block this turn.

The most ferocious saddlebrutes lead the assault, ramming through massed pikes and stout barricades as if they were paper and silk.


Cards like Mardu Roughrider

Mardu Roughrider is a distinct creature card among the aggro cards in MTG, with an ability to forcefully engage opponents’ creatures thus clearing the way for other attackers. Cards like Angrath’s Marauders share this focus on aggressive strategies, though they double the damage dealt, rather than involving the battlefield tactics Mardu Roughrider encourages. Despite the difference in mana cost, Angrath’s Marauders demands a steeper investment, which can be a strategic decision based on the deck’s pace.

Comparatively, Brutal Hordechief has an effect that also manipulates the combat phase, compelling opponents to block in ways they wouldn’t prefer, similar to Mardu Roughrider’s offensive disruption. However, Brutal Hordechief offers an additional benefit of life loss and gain, albeit within a different mana color alignment. While Mardu Roughrider is singular in its function, the Hordechief allows for a more multifaceted approach to combat.

Assessing different MTG cards that offer aggressive advantages, Mardu Roughrider indeed stands out for its capacity to selectively hinder defensive lines and favor the tempo of the game for its controller, making it a noteworthy option within the color wedge it represents.

Angrath's Marauders - MTG Card versions
Brutal Hordechief - MTG Card versions
Angrath's Marauders - MTG Card versions
Brutal Hordechief - MTG Card versions

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

Zurgo Helmsmasher - MTG Card versions
Ankle Shanker - MTG Card versions
Malik, Grim Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Negan, the Cold-Blooded - MTG Card versions
Zurgo Helmsmasher - MTG Card versions
Ankle Shanker - MTG Card versions
Malik, Grim Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Negan, the Cold-Blooded - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mardu Roughrider can aid a player in gaining board presence, effectively outpacing the opponent with its strong offensive capabilities. Though it does not draw cards directly, it can often force an opposing player to lose cards by having to block or deal with it, indirectly contributing to a form of card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Mardu Roughrider isn’t a direct source of mana acceleration, its ability to apply pressure to the opponent can hasten game tempo, effectively accelerating your resource advantage by putting the opponent on the defensive.

Instant Speed: Mardu Roughrider itself is not an instant-speed card; however, its attack-triggered ability allows you to clear the way for other creatures, producing advantages during the combat phase that are similar in strategic value to playing spells at instant speed. This can disrupt an opponent’s plans, making your plays more efficient.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mardu Roughrider demands strategic hand management, as its ability necessitates the discarding of a card. This can backfire if your hand is already depleted or if each card you hold is crucial to your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: The Roughrider’s casting cost is stringent, requiring red, white, and black mana. This can complicate its inclusion in multicolored decks that might not consistently produce the right mana mixture in the early game when establishing board presence is critical.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though impactful, its four mana cost is notable, especially in faster-paced matches. Competing creatures and spells at this cost may offer more immediate or versatile benefits, potentially relegating the Roughrider to a less-preferred slot in deck construction.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mardu Roughrider is adaptable across various deck archetypes. Its ability to make creatures unable to block can disrupt opponents’ strategies, fitting seamlessly into aggressive or mid-range decks looking to clear a path for substantial attacks.

Combo Potential: The card synergizes with effects that benefit from attacking, such as raid triggers or maximizing the impact of cards that enhance attacking creatures. Its ability to sideline potential blockers can also complement strategies that reward you for dealing combat damage to a player.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where ground-based combat is prevalent, Mardu Roughrider’s ability to clear blockers becomes incredibly relevant. This card’s presence can tilt the battlefield in your favor, making it a sound choice for decks facing creature-heavy opponents or looking to maintain board presence.


How to beat

The Mardu Roughrider is an aggressive creature card that demands immediate attention on the battlefield. Known for its ability to make a significant impact in a match, it involves a careful strategy to counter effectively. The key to overcoming the Mardu Roughrider lies in understanding its strengths and pinpointing its vulnerabilities.

Firstly, it’s beneficial to have instant-speed removal spells at the ready. The Mardu Roughrider’s power makes it susceptible to popular removal spells like Path to Exile or Doom Blade, which can neutralize the threat before it becomes overwhelming. In addition to removal, blockers with high toughness can serve as a roadblock to the Roughrider’s assault.

Another strategy involves taking advantage of the fact that Mardu Roughrider requires a sizeable mana investment. Keeping pressure on your opponent and attacking their mana base could hinder their ability to play the card efficiently. Playing with this in mind, resource denial can be just as critical as direct answers to the creature itself.

When confronted with the Mardu Roughrider, a combination of preparedness, removal, and strategic pressure can make the difference. By using these tactics, it’s possible to diminish the impact of this powerful card and maintain a favorable position in the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mardu Roughrider 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 Mardu Roughrider and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mardu Roughrider Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Kev Walker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 1872015NormalBlackKev Walker
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14502015NormalBlackKev Walker
32020-09-26The ListPLST KTK-1872015NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mardu Roughrider has restrictions

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