Order of the Ebon Hand MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 42b
1994-11-01 - Number 42c
1994-11-01 - Number 42a
1996-05-02 - Number ll42b
1996-05-02 - Number gb42b
1996-05-02 - Number ll42a
1996-05-02 - Number gb42c
1996-05-02 - Number ll42c
1996-05-02 - Number gb42a
2007-09-10 - Number 78
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cleric Knight |
| Abilities | Protection |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Protection from white o Boo B +1/+0 until end of turn oo B First strike until end of turn
"There are intriguing similarities between the Order and Icatia's Leitbur religion, suggesting the two had a common origin." —*Sarpadian Empires, vol. VI*
Cards like Order of the Ebon Hand
The Order of the Ebon Hand is a notable card in MTG for those who appreciate efficient creature spells. Its comparison with like-minded cards such as Knight of Stromgald reveals a similar suite of abilities. Both creatures offer protection from white and the ability to pump their power. Nonetheless, Order of the Ebon Hand stands out with its potential for first strike, giving it an edge in combat scenarios.
Another card worth mentioning is the Black Knight. Renowned for its built-in protection from white and first strike, it neatly aligns with the Order’s attributes. The core difference lies in their respective mana abilities. The Black Knight lacks the power-boosting feature, positioning Order of the Ebon Hand as a more adaptable contender in player decks that can capitalize on offensive flexibility.
Evaluating these cards underlines the distinct tactical advantage of Order of the Ebon Hand. Its blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, combined with strategic mana use, comfortably places it amid powerful choices for players looking to augment their black-creature focused strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Order of the Ebon Hand by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Order of the Ebon Hand thrives on its ability to contribute effectively to your board state while threatening your opponent’s life total. With its built-in recursion through the inclusion of pump abilities, it can persist on the board and continues to provide value during each combat phase.
Resource Acceleration: As an efficient two-cost creature, this card can hit the battlefield quickly, offering an aggressive start. Its mere presence accelerates your game plan by applying early pressure and necessitating responses from your opponent which can deplete their resources faster than anticipated.
Instant Speed: Although the Order of the Ebon Hand itself does not operate at instant speed, its ability to receive buffs at any time gives you the flexibility to respond to threats or opportunities at instant speed, which can unexpectedly tip the scales in your favor during interaction-heavy matches.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Order of the Ebon Hand doesn’t require you to discard directly, its pump ability can leave your hand empty quickly. Having to discard to maximize other spells or effects can hinder its effectiveness, especially when trying to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: To activate its abilities, Order of the Ebon Hand demands black mana exclusively. This can be a sticking point in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key, thereby restricting it to mono-black or decks heavily weighted towards black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though it’s not the most expensive creature out there, Order of the Ebon Hand’s full potential relies on continuously spending mana to boost its abilities. This can be a tall order in terms of resource allocation, potentially diverting mana from other critical plays within your game strategy.
Reasons to Include Order of the Ebon Hand in Your Collection
Versatility: The Order of the Ebon Hand is a flexible card that can easily slot into any black deck or even multicolored decks, where its ability to gain protection from white or pump its own power makes it a valuable attacker or blocker depending on the situation.
Combo Potential: With its pump ability, this card enables powerful interactions with effects that reward increased power or repeated mana expenditure. Its potential to grow swiftly makes it a threat that can turn the tides when combined with the right synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Given the presence of white spells and creatures in various formats, having Order of the Ebon Hand can prove crucial. Its ability to become protection from white, at a moment’s notice, allows it to bypass many common obstacles, making it a card worth considering for your arsenal in an ever-evolving meta.
How to beat
Order of the Ebon Hand is a classic card from Magic the Gathering’s Fallen Empires set, offering players a useful blend of aggression and resilience. This card is characterized by its protection from white and the ability to gain first strike or increase its power, making it a versatile threat on the battlefield. Overcoming this card requires strategic planning and appropriate countermeasures.
To effectively challenge this formidable creature, consider utilizing cards that bypass its protections, such as those dealing non-targeted damage or featuring the power to block regardless of protection abilities. Sweepers like Pyroclasm or Toxic Deluge can clear the field without needing to target, which circumvents the protection. Moreover, edict effects, forcing a player to sacrifice a creature, such as Diabolic Edict, can also provide a solution to remove the Order from the game without engaging in direct combat.
Ultimately, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Order of the Ebon Hand ensures savvy MTG players can keep their opponents’ threats in check while maintaining control of the game’s pace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Order of the Ebon Hand 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 Order of the Ebon Hand 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 Order of the Ebon Hand Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 42b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 42c | 1993 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 42a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 4 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | ll42b | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Christopher Rush | |
| 5 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | gb42b | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Christopher Rush | |
| 6 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | ll42a | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 7 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | gb42c | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spencer | |
| 8 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | ll42c | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spencer | |
| 9 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | gb42a | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Melissa A. Benson | |
| 10 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 78 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Order of the Ebon Hand has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |