Ol' Buzzbark MTG Card
Text of card
When Ol' Buzzbark enters the battlefield, roll X six-sided dice onto the battlefield from a height of at least X inches. For each die, put a number of +1/+1 counters equal to the result on each creature you control that die is touching. For each die, Ol' Buzzbark deals damage equal to the result to each creature an opponent controls that die is touching.
Cards like Ol' Buzzbark
In the diverse world of MTG, Ol’ Buzzbark finds its niche as a quirky yet compelling commander for fans of chance and chaos. This goblin’s ability to toss dice onto the battlefield to distribute +1/+1 counters or deal damage provides a unique gameplay experience that’s somewhat reminiscent of cards like Goblin Bombardment. That card allows you to sacrifice creatures to deal damage, offering a degree of controlled chaos but without the random element that makes Ol’ Buzzbark so distinct.
Orcish Cannonade presents another comparison with its ability to deal damage spontaneously, albeit to a singular target and with a predictable outcome. Unlike Ol’ Buzzbark’s reliance on the throw of a die, Cannonade deals fixed damage and offers card draw. Krark’s Thumb then adds another layer to the comparison as it doubles your chance of favorable outcomes when flipping coins, adding a strategic depth to randomizing effects reminiscent of Ol’ Buzzbark’s dice-based mayhem.
Ultimately, while Ol’ Buzzbark might share conceptual space with other MTG cards that influence the battlefield through chaos and random effects, it stands out for its die-rolling mechanic, turning each game into an unpredictable and entertaining session of strategic gambles.
Cards similar to Ol' Buzzbark by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ol’ Buzzbark presents a unique advantage by potentially placing numerous permanents onto the battlefield in a single play. This can generate a substantial lead in board presence, swinging the tide to your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Depending on the dice outcome, Ol’ Buzzbark can create significant mana value by dropping lands onto the field. This accelerates your resource availability, allowing you to execute more powerful plays ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: While Ol’ Buzzbark himself doesn’t operate at instant speed, his ability can be paired with facilitators that allow you to capitalize on the surprise factor, akin to instant-speed plays, leading to unexpected shifts in game momentum.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Ol’ Buzzbark can be a game-changer, one of its drawbacks is the necessity to discard cards to activate specific abilities. This can backfire when your hand is already depleted, potentially causing you to lose valuable momentum and resources when you need them most.
Specific Mana Cost: Ol’ Buzzbark requires a specific combination of mana, which includes red and green. This could restrict its playability, as only decks that run both these colors can meet the casting requirements without significant adjustments or color fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is somewhat steep, Ol’ Buzzbark may not always be the most efficient play. There are other options in the MTG universe that might provide similar effects or board presence for less mana, allowing for a swifter and less costly deployment.
Reasons to Include Ol’ Buzzbark in Your Collection
Versatility: Ol’ Buzzbark fits well into decks that thrive on chaos and randomness. This goblin warrior can suit a variety of playstyles that emphasize fun and unpredictability.
Combo Potential: This character pairs nicely with strategies that capitalize on dice rolls or effects that involve counters. The more dice you roll, the more chaos you generate, enabling fascinating board states and unexpected victories.
Meta-Relevance: Ol’ Buzzbark’s ability to scatter a multitude of counters based on dice results can disrupt opponents’ strategies, making it particularly potent in metas where precise control of the board is crucial.
How to beat
Ol’ Buzzbark presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to drop dice from a height and deal damage corresponding to the results. To counter this goblin pilot effectively, prioritize control strategies that limit the number of creatures your opponent has on the board. This minimizes the potential targets Ol’ Buzzbark can distribute its damage to when it enters the battlefield or attacks. Enchantment removal spells keep those goblins in check and prevent accumulation of dice-triggered damage.
Moreover, having instant speed removal can be key as it enables you to respond to Ol’ Buzzbark’s arrival immediately. Alternatively, counter spells that prevent Ol’ Buzzbark from entering the battlefield negate its effect entirely. If Ol’ Buzzbark does manage to land, creature-based strategies with high toughness can withstand the damage and outlast the barrage. Consider incorporating creatures with abilities that activate upon taking damage as they can turn the tables on Ol’ Buzzbark’s chaotic playstyle.
Adaptability is crucial when facing such an unpredictable card. By planning ahead for the randomness factor, keeping key control spells at the ready, and crafting a solid defense, triumphing over Ol’ Buzzbark’s antics becomes a tactical feat within reach for any strategic player.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ol' Buzzbark MTG card by a specific set like Unstable and The List (Unfinity Foil Edition), 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 Ol' Buzzbark and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Ol' Buzzbark Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-12-08 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-12-08 | Unstable | UST | 134 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 2 | 2022-10-07 | The List (Unfinity Foil Edition) | ULST | 51 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Wayne Reynolds |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ol' Buzzbark card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | A card sleeve is considered part of the card inside it. |
| 2018-01-19 | A single die can touch multiple creatures, including ones with different controllers. It will boost any creature you control and cause Ol’ Buzzbark to deal damage to any creature an opponent controls. |
| 2018-01-19 | All dice are rolled at the same time. |
| 2018-01-19 | Dice rolled for Ol’ Buzzbark can’t be greater than one inch in width. Yes, we’ve seen how rolling millions of dice from orbit will destroy Earth. Please don’t do this. We just bought a house. |
| 2018-01-19 | Once rolled, no player can interfere with the dice. Players also can’t move any permanents on the battlefield until the dice have come to rest. |
| 2018-01-19 | To count for either effect, the die must come to rest touching a creature. Touching it mid-roll doesn’t count if it isn’t touching when the die stops rolling. |