Order of the Golden Cricket MTG Card
2008-02-01 - Number 19
2022-12-02 - Number 223
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kithkin Knight |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever Order of the Golden Cricket attacks, you may pay . If you do, it gains flying until end of turn.
"Should you take it in mind to ride a springjack, remember: there are easier ways to fly, and harder ways to break your skull." —Lann of Cloverdell
Cards like Order of the Golden Cricket
The Order of the Golden Cricket joins the ranks of Magic: The Gathering’s creatures that carry an alternative cost mechanism. Comparable to Squadron Hawk, which also has a utility-focused ability, the Order of the Golden Cricket can be cast using its alternative kithkin cooperation cost. Squadron Hawk’s strength lies in card advantage by fetching additional hawks from the deck, where the Golden Cricket leverages its alternative casting cost for an earlier board presence.
Another parallel can be drawn with the Loyal Pegasus. Both feature evasion with flying, making them less susceptible to blockers. However, the Loyal Pegasus has a dependency on other creatures to be able to attack or block. While it costs one mana less than the Order of the Golden Cricket, the Pegasus lacks the flexibility offered by the Order’s alternative cost and its ability to act independently on the battlefield.
Thus, within the wider canvas of creature cards in MTG, Order of the Golden Cricket offers a unique blend of cost flexibility and evasive capabilities, providing a reliable option for players who value early game advantages and strategic cost management.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Order of the Golden Cricket can provide a substantial lead by allowing you to bolster your board presence without sacrificing card economy. This means retaining more options in your hand while developing your gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: This card can help speed up your game by offering an alternative casting cost through its conspire ability. By tapping two untapped creatures that share a color with it, you effectively accelerate your resource allocation, potentially deploying threats earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: While Order of the Golden Cricket itself is not an instant, its ability to be cast using conspire at the speed of sorcery can still allow for timing flexibility. This synergizes well with instant-speed spells in your deck, as you can decide the most opportune moment to commit to your play, keeping your opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in the Order of the Golden Cricket’s ability necessitates the discard of another card, a potential setback when your hand is lacking in dispensable cards.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s casting cost necessitates a precise blend of mana colors, making it optimal primarily within decks that accommodate such a palette.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Bearing a cost that may be steep in light of its abilities, players might ponder if the investment aligns with their deck’s strategy, particularly when other creatures offer similar services for less.
Reasons to Include Order of the Golden Cricket in Your Collection
Versatility: Order of the Golden Cricket offers a flexible playing option with its alternative casting cost, which enables various strategic plays. It can be seamlessly integrated into mana-curve considerations, playing well in aggressive decks that require a consistent creature presence.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that capitalize on creature synergies or those that reward you for casting spells with alternative costs. Its ability to contribute to creature count while potentially bypassing mana restrictions can pivotally enable combo executions.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right environment, Order of the Golden Cricket can be particularly advantageous. In metas where early board presence is crucial, having a creature that can be cast easily and contribute to such early aggression makes this card a viable option for those looking to refine their deck’s competitive edge.
How to beat
Order of the Golden Cricket presents an interesting dynamic in MTG gameplay, emphasizing small creature tactics with its ability to gain flying until end of turn. This can catch opponents off guard and lead to unexpected damage if not addressed promptly. It plays well within white aggro or weenie strategies, applying pressure and demanding an answer.
To counteract this card, control and removal spells are key. It’s crucial to maintain a clear board or have removal spells at the ready. Cards such as Shock or Fatal Push offer efficient methods to dispatch creatures like Order of the Golden Cricket without a significant investment of resources. Furthermore, ensuring that your deck has a balanced curve and includes early game interaction will help prevent the cricket and its kin from gaining the upper hand.
A strategic focus on controlling the board state and prioritizing threats will typically neutralize the Order’s impact. In sum, remaining alert and responsive to small, aggressive creatures is vital when facing white weenie strategies that include Order of the Golden Cricket.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Order of the Golden Cricket MTG card by a specific set like Morningtide and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Golden Cricket 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 Golden Cricket Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-02-01 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Mark Zug.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-02-01 | Morningtide | MOR | 19 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 223 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Order of the Golden Cricket has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |