Orcish Veteran MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 62c
1994-11-01 - Number 62b
1994-11-01 - Number 62d
1994-11-01 - Number 62a
2008-09-22 - Number 144
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Orc |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Cannot be assigned to block any white creature of power greater than 1. oo R First strike until end of turn
Unsuccessful in their early battle for Montford, the Orcs quickly tempered their bloodlust with cowardice.
Cards like Orcish Veteran
Orcish Veteran is a card that reminds MTG players of the flexibility in red creature spells. It evokes comparisons to cards like Goblin Chariot, a simple red creature that also grants haste, enabling attacks on the same turn it comes into play. While Goblin Chariot is straightforward in its use, Orcish Veteran offers an additional layer with its ability to avoid being blocked by creatures with two or more power, which can be quite a tactical advantage during gameplay.
Another analogous card is the Raging Goblin. This creature also boasts haste and is recognized for its low casting cost, making it a staple in aggressive red decks seeking to deal damage quickly. Though Raging Goblin doesn’t carry the same tactical evasion ability as Orcish Veteran, its efficiency at only one mana makes it a card worth mentioning in the same breath. In the realm of creatures that can sneak past enemy lines, we also see Skirk Marauder. Although it doesn’t have haste, upon being morphed, it can destroy a target creature, giving it a removal aspect absent in Orcish Veteran.
Overall, Orcish Veteran stands out among its peers for its unique combination of haste and selective unblockability. In the spectrum of red creatures designed for swift and precise strikes, this card holds its own, providing players with aggressive strategic options.
Cards similar to Orcish Veteran by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Orcish Veteran’s ability to bypass creatures without flying or islandwalk can often lead to advantageous trades or direct player damage, effectively diminishing an opponent’s resources while maintaining your own board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Orcish Veteran itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its low casting cost allows players to deploy other strategic pieces onto the battlefield swiftly, preserving mana for pivotal plays.
Instant Speed: The Veteran’s activation is usable at instant speed, providing flexibility and strategic depth during combat. This allows you to adapt to changing game states and surprise opponents with unexpected combat tricks, disrupting their calculations and plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Orcish Veteran’s abilities might not have a discard requirement, but its limited functionality can often leave you wishing your card slot had gone to a more impactful play, especially when your hand is running low.
Specific Mana Cost: The Orcish Veteran demands a precise mana alignment to make the best use of its abilities, particularly red which may hinder its integration outside of monochromatic or heavily red-influenced decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not the heftiest on the mana scale, Orcish Veteran’s cost efficiency is a talking point; there are creatures and spells at similar costs that offer more versatile and immediate board presence or effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Orcish Veteran offers a flexible approach to gameplay due to its flanking ability, which weakens any blocking creatures without first strike. This makes it a suitable choice for diverse red deck strategies that emphasize combat tactics.
Combo Potential: Its ability to potentially bypass blockers makes Orcish Veteran a synergistic piece in combinations aimed at dealing direct damage or utilizing combat-focused synergies, fitting well with cards that reward attacking with multiple creatures.
Meta-Relevance: While Orcish Veteran might not be a staple in the current competitive scene, its unique abilities can catch unprepared opponents off guard in casual play. It’s especially relevant in formats where creature-based strategies prevail and adaptation to combat tricks is crucial.
How to beat
Orcish Veteran is a card that can be quite a challenge on the battlefield with its ability to gain first strike until end of turn when red mana is invested. To outmaneuver an opponent with this card, consider deploying creatures with higher toughness to withstand the first strike blow or using removal spells before the Veteran can become a threat.
Strategies like tapping the creature with spells or abilities can prevent it from attacking, neutralizing the first strike advantage. Enchantment-based removals that bypass the ‘can’t be regenerated’ clause, like Pacifism or Lignify, can also effectively control this creature without sending it to the graveyard. Furthermore, sweeping board clears, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can reset the playing field, removing the Orcish Veteran regardless of its combat abilities.
In games against Orcish Veteran, anticipate the mana your opponent keeps open, expect potential first strike activations, and plan your moves accordingly. By having the right counters, like instant-speed removals at your disposal, you can dissuade attacks or eliminate the Veteran before it swings into action, ultimately keeping you a step ahead.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Orcish Veteran MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Orcish Veteran 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 Orcish Veteran Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 62c | 1993 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 2 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 62b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 62d | 1993 | Normal | Black | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 4 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 62a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 5 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 144 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Orcish Veteran has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |