Teeka's Dragon MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	9
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact Creature — Dragon
Abilities	Flying,Rampage,Trample
Released	1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set name	Mirage
Set code	MIR
Power	5
Toughness	5
Number	320
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Liz Danforth

Key Takeaways

Adds card advantage through its ability to circumvent normal mana costs and provide sizable stats.
Enhances strategies around artifacts and instant-speed plays, fitting smoothly into versatile decks.
Requires careful mana management and may necessitate impactful card discards, gauging risk-reward balance.

Text of card

Flying, trample; rampage 4 (For each creature assigned to block it beyond the first, this creature gets +4/+4 until end of turn.) Teeka's Dragon counts as a Dragon.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Teeka’s Dragon adds hefty value to your deck by allowing you to effectively bypass the mana cost on its hefty stats. This can translate into a considerable card advantage when timed appropriately, especially in games where high-impact creatures determine the victor.

Resource Acceleration: Though Teeka’s Dragon doesn’t directly create resources, its potential synergy with cards that reduce artifact costs or exploit the presence of artifacts can act as an indirect form of acceleration. Efficiently managing these synergies can rapidly escalate your board state.

Instant Speed: While Teeka’s Dragon isn’t an instant itself, it complements strategies that operate at instant speed. It can be a surprise blocker or potent threat after you’ve held back mana to react on your opponent’s turn, making it a fluid fit in decks that want to remain versatile and responsive.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Teeka’s Dragon necessitates discarding another card from your hand when you’re aiming to play it. This can severely impact your game plan, mainly if you’re counting on maintaining card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this creature demands a considerable amount of red mana, which might be challenging to amass, especially in multicolor decks that rely on a balanced mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a steep casting cost, Teeka’s Dragon might be a cumbersome pick for your deck, considering alternative creatures and spells that offer more board presence or immediate impact at a similar or even lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Teeka’s Dragon is a flexible card that can be a powerful addition to various deck archetypes. Its ability to serve as a potent attacker or a formidable blocker makes it suitable for multiple strategies, enhancing its utility in your collection.

Combo Potential: Known for its potential to create explosive plays, this card easily synergizes with strategies aimed at reducing casting costs or utilizing artifacts. It’s perfect for decks that capitalize on big creatures or artifact synergies, offering vast combo opportunities.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where large creatures and artifact strategies are prevalent, Teeka’s Dragon’s impact is significant. Its presence on the battlefield can alter the course of a game, making it a timely inclusion against specific competitive decks.

How to Beat

Teeka’s Dragon is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, renowned for its massive power and trample ability. Overcoming this behemoth from Magic: The Gathering requires strategic play and a solid defense. A common tactic is employing removal spells such as Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, swiftly taking the dragon out of play. Managing your resources efficiently to cast these spells is key when facing off against such a formidable creature.

Moreover, countering Teeka’s Dragon before it even hits the field is often the most effective method. Counter spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent the dragon from becoming an immediate threat. Should the dragon successfully enter the battlefield, enchantments that pacify creatures or alter combat rules, such as Pacifism or Ensnaring Bridge, can hinder its ability to attack or block effectively, buying you precious time.

Overall, while Teeka’s Dragon presents a daunting challenge, the right combination of removal, counters, and control strategies can triumph over it. By anticipating its arrival and preparing your deck with the appropriate spells and enchantments, you can ensure that Teeka’s Dragon doesn’t dominate the game.

Cards like Teeka's Dragon

Teeka’s Dragon stands as a compelling choice among flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering, sharing the skies with other formidable dragons like Shivan Dragon. While Teeka’s Dragon requires a substantial mana investment, its strength and toughness are unmatched, towering over Shivan Dragon. In contrast, Shivan Dragon offers more flexibility, allowing players to increase its power at their discretion.

Dragons are no strangers to MTG and among them, Rorix Bladewing could be seen as another contemporary. It enters the battlefield with haste, a trait Teeka’s Dragon lacks, giving it an immediate impact. However, Teeka’s Dragon’s immunity to summoning sickness compensates for this, ensuring it cannot be picked off before having an opportunity to unleash its fury on the opponent.

Therefore, appreciating the different strategic elements these dragons bring to the table is crucial. Teeka’s Dragon distinguishes itself with its robust base stats and a unique advantage over summoning sickness, which in specific deck builds, might offset its higher casting cost and lack of immediate board impact compared to other dragons.

Cards similar to Teeka's Dragon by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Teeka's Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Teeka's Dragon and other MTG cards: