Ondu Champion MTG Card
2015-10-02 - Number 149
2019-11-07 - Number 1020
2020-09-26 - Number BFZ-149
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Minotaur Warrior Ally |
| Abilities | Rally |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Rally — Whenever Ondu Champion or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, creatures you control gain trample until end of turn.
"Put a minotaur at the head of an army and suddenly all the soldiers act like they have horns." —Gideon Jura
Cards like Ondu Champion
Ondu Champion is a solid creature within the realm of MTG’s red-aligned battlers. It shares a battlefield niche with the likes of Boggart Brute, which also carries menace, making it harder for opponents to block. Yet, Ondu Champion’s rally ability gives it an edge, as it boosts not only itself but also other attacking creatures if another Ally enters the fray under your control. This team empowering trait is not present in Boggart Brute’s more straightforward combat approach.
Looking to Akoum Warrior, we find a similar mana cost creature with the versatility of being a modal double-faced card that can also serve as a land. Yet, it lacks the synergy and buffing capability of the Champion. Comparatively, Ondu Champion’s potential to amplify the aggression of your entire assault force can be pivotal in a match, especially within an Ally-focused deck where synergy is key.
In the context of aggressive red decks in MTG, Ondu Champion stands out for its ability to influence the board dynamically, marking its territory amid similar-style creatures through the potential for communal power boosts.
Cards similar to Ondu Champion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ondu Champion offers strategic board presence by presenting a threat that opponents cannot ignore. Though it doesn’t directly generate card advantage, its Rally ability can be a game-changer in the right deck, effectively amplifying the value of every subsequent Ally you play.
Resource Acceleration: While Ondu Champion itself doesn’t provide traditional mana ramp, its 3/1 stats for a four mana cost are in line with a solid aggressive curve, which can keep the pressure on your opponent and potentially shorten the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The card itself may not be played at instant speed, but its synergy with instant speed Ally cards or effects further enhances this card’s playability. It allows you to wait for the perfect timing to maximize Ondu Champion’s Rally trigger, ensuring your creatures can gain trample right when you need it most.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ondu Champion does not specifically require a discard, but its rally ability only triggers when another ally enters the battlefield, which without proper hand management, might force you to play other cards prematurely or miss the opportunity for maximizing its potential. Managing your hand to have allies to play is crucial to make the most of the card’s abilities.
Specific Mana Cost: Ondu Champion demands a mana cost that includes two red mana, making it a less flexible option for decks that aren’t heavily red-focused. Players running multi-color decks might find it challenging to consistently meet its color-specific mana requirements, potentially restricting its playability.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two specific red mana, the cost to get Ondu Champion on the battlefield can be high when compared to other creatures in its class. There are cheaper creatures that could fill similar roles without compromising the mana curve of your deck. Balancing the deck to include this card without hindering your mana efficiency can be challenging, especially in fast-paced games where lower-cost creatures might provide value sooner.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Ondu Champion can adapt to a myriad of deck builds, serving as a key figure in strategies that appreciate its Trample and Rally abilities. A fine addition whether you’re on offense or ensuring that key creatures can push through damage.
Combo Potential: Its Rally effect does wonders in Ally-themed decks, synergizing to provide a potent combat advantage. As it grants creatures trample, it’s perfect for combinations that consistently deploy allies for a cumulative and game-ending effect.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based decks prevail, the Ondu Champion shines by empowering your board presence and enabling significant combat damage to slip through defenders. It’s a solid choice when facing opponents with numerous blockers, ensuring your creatures’ might is felt each turn.
How to beat
Ondu Champion presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its rally ability that grants trample to your creatures whenever Ondu Champion or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control. Trample is a powerful mechanic, as it allows excess damage to spill over to the opposing player, even if their creature blocks.
The key to overcoming Ondu Champion lies in neutralizing its rally effect. This can be done by removing the Champion before combat with instant speed removal spells. Spot removals like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are cost-efficient choices to dispatch the Champion. Moreover, preventing allies from triggering the rally ability is essential. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear multiple allies at once, including Ondu Champion, hindering your opponent’s plans.
Controlling the board state and keeping the Champion from effectively utilizing its ability will diminish its impact on the game. It’s important to act quickly, as Ondu Champion can swiftly tilt the race in your opponent’s favor with a horde of trampling attackers.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ondu Champion MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar 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 Ondu Champion 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 Ondu Champion Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-10-02 | Battle for Zendikar | BFZ | 149 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1020 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | BFZ-149 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ondu Champion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ondu Champion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-08-25 | If a creature with a rally ability enters the battlefield under your control at the same time as other Allies, that ability will trigger once for each of those creatures and once for the creature with the ability itself. |
| 2015-08-25 | When an Ally enters the battlefield under your control, each rally ability of the permanents you control will trigger. You can put them on the stack in any order. The last ability you put on the stack will be the first one to resolve. |