Noggle Hedge-Mage MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 108
2020-09-26 - Number EVE-108
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Noggle Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Noggle Hedge-Mage comes into play, if you control two or more Islands, you may tap two target permanents. When Noggle Hedge-Mage comes into play, if you control two or more Mountains, you may have Noggle Hedge-Mage deal 2 damage to target player.
Cards like Noggle Hedge-Mage
The Noggle Hedge-Mage is an interesting entry in the realm of multi-colored creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It parallels other creatures that offer effects upon entering the battlefield, much like Man-o’-War. The Man-o’-War allows for a creature to be returned to its owner’s hand but doesn’t require the two different lands for activation like the Noggle Hedge-Mage. However, the Hedge-Mage compensates with the option of creating two separate effects—either bouncing another creature or dealing two damage to an opponent contingent upon the lands you control.
In a similar context, we can look at Avalanche Riders. Like Noggle Hedge-Mage, Avalanche Riders is tied to having specific lands—namely a Mountain, and it also provides a land destruction effect. Nonetheless, it lacks the flexibility of the Noggle Hedge-Mage which can target creatures or players depending on the situation. The final comparison could be made with Reclamation Sage, a versatile card for destroying artifacts or enchantments upon entry, but again, it doesn’t offer the bi-modal choice like our Noggle friend.
Assessing such cards and their effects in MTG, the Noggle Hedge-Mage offers a unique combination of tactical utility and flexibility, which holds its ground in the roster of entry-trigger creatures.
Cards similar to Noggle Hedge-Mage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The power of Noggle Hedge-Mage lies in its ability to potentially disrupt your opponent’s hand while you get a two-for-one creature deal upon entering the battlefield. This trade-off can tip the scales in your favor by reducing their options and improving your board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct form of mana generation, the utility of Noggle Hedge-Mage’s effects can lead to indirect resource acceleration. By bouncing an opponent’s permanent, you effectively set them back on resources, possibly delaying high-impact plays and giving you the tempo advantage in a match.
Instant Speed: Noggle Hedge-Mage itself may not be an instant, but its enter the battlefield (ETB) triggers can piggyback off of instant speed interactions. For instance, playing it at the end of your opponent’s turn via flash-enabling cards, or in response to other spells for unexpected synergy, can provide substantial in-game advantages.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Noggle Hedge-Mage necessitates two islands to be in play for its most advantageous effect. For players not running enough islands, this can render the card’s full potential inaccessible.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of {2}{U/R}{U/R} means players must have access to both blue and red mana. This specialized cost requires a commitment to a multicolored mana base, which can be a barrier in mono-color or color-restricted decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that provides a one-time effect upon entering the battlefield, a total casting cost of four mana can be seen as steep. Other creatures or spells in the same mana range might offer repeatable or more immediate impacts on the game state.
Reasons to Include Noggle Hedge-Mage in Your Collection
Versatility: The Noggle Hedge-Mage caters to various playstyles with its dual-trigger ability, which can create both board presence and disruption. It’s a smart addition for players looking to add flexibility to their decks, fitting neatly into strategies that revolve around land counts and multicolored spells.
Combo Potential: This creature can instantly become an asset in any deck that values control elements. Its entrance on the battlefield can be a setup for powerful combos, especially in decks that can repeatedly bounce it back to hand or play to leverage its enter-the-battlefield effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where tempo is key, Noggle Hedge-Mage offers substantial value. Its ability to simultaneously affect the board state with creature returns and direct damage keeps you on par with the current pace of play. It’s especially useful when facing against strategies that deploy numerous threats each turn.
How to beat
Noggle Hedge-Mage, found within certain MTG decks, brings a unique mix of control and versatility to the table. As a creature that triggers abilities based on the number of lands you control, it can be disruptive by returning a permanent to an opponent’s hand or even dealing direct damage to a player. To successfully counter this card, understanding its strengths and weaknesses becomes crucial.
Introducing instant speed removals or counter spells before its abilities trigger is one effective method. This way, you’re able to deal with the Hedge-Mage without having to face the consequences of its enter-the-battlefield effects. Since Noggle Hedge-Mage thrives in decks rich with multicolored lands, land disruption can also inhibit its activation. Cards that limit land types or restrict land usage will lessen the impact the Hedge-Mage has on the game. It is also susceptible to being outclassed by larger creatures, making it less potent in the mid to late game where board presence becomes more formidable.
Overall, while Noggle Hedge-Mage can swing the momentum of a match upon entry, it’s by no means insurmountable. A well-timed strategy and a deck built with answers in mind can neutralize the trickery this mage brings to the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Noggle Hedge-Mage MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and The List, 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 Noggle Hedge-Mage 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
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Printings
The Noggle Hedge-Mage Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2008-07-25. Illustrated by Larry MacDougall.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Noggle Hedge-Mage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Noggle Hedge-Mage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | Both abilities are optional; you choose whether to use them when they resolve. If an ability has a target, you must choose a target even if you don’t plan to use the ability. |
| 2008-08-01 | Both abilities trigger at the same time. You can put them on the stack in any order. |
| 2008-08-01 | Each of the triggered abilities has an “intervening ‘if’ clause.” That means (1) the ability won’t trigger at all unless you control two or more lands of the appropriate land type when the Hedge-Mage enters the battlefield, and (2) the ability will do nothing if you don’t control two or more lands of the appropriate land type by the time it resolves. |
| 2008-08-01 | Each of the triggered abilities look at your lands individually. This means that if you only control two dual-lands of the appropriate types, both of the abilities will trigger. |