Pendrell Drake MTG Card


Pendrell Drake’s flying ability allows it to remain on the battlefield longer, offering clear card advantage. Its synergy with instant speed decks makes it a substantial threat in a responsive playstyle. Resource acceleration through pressuring opponents is an indirect benefit of Pendrell Drake’s presence.
Pendrell Drake - Urza's Saga
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Drake
Abilities Cycling,Flying
Released1998-10-12
Set symbol
Set nameUrza's Saga
Set codeUSG
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number86
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJeff Miracola

Text of card

Flying Cycling (You may pay and discard this card from your hand to draw a card. Play this ability as an instant.)

The mages of Tolaria found strange ways to spend their free time. Occasionally they had contests to see whose kite was eaten last.


Cards like Pendrell Drake

Pendrell Drake offers MTG players a unique blend of utility and evasion in a creature card. Like Pendrell Drake, Mistral Charger is a card that provides a player with an evasive creature for a similar mana cost. What sets Pendrell Drake apart is its creature type, Drake, which can have synergies in certain decks that Mistral Charger lacks due to its Horse Pegasus type.

Another comparable card is Spire Monitor. Both enable some degree of board control with their flying capability, but Spire Monitor comes with flash, allowing it to be played at any time. Pendrell Drake requires more strategic planning for its deployment on the battlefield. On the other hand, Spire Monitor’s higher mana cost makes Pendrell Drake a more accessible option in the early game.

Assessing the play options between Pendrell Drake and its peers reveals its competitive edge in decks that favour flying creatures and creature type interactions. Its lower cost also makes it a viable choice for players looking to maintain a fast-paced game with an evasive creature strategy.

Mistral Charger - MTG Card versions
Spire Monitor - MTG Card versions
Mistral Charger - MTG Card versions
Spire Monitor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pendrell Drake by color, type and mana cost

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Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Pendrell Drake. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
FluctuatorFluctuator PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pendrell Drake enables players to consistently maintain their hand size. With its flying ability, it can often remain on the battlefield longer, allowing its controller to pull ahead in resources over time.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s presence can lead to advantageous board states, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration by pressuring opponents to answer it or fall behind.

Instant Speed: While Pendrell Drake itself may not be an instant, it synergizes well within decks that capitalize on instant speed interactions, providing a steady airborne threat that complements a responsive playstyle.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pendrell Drake doesn’t directly come with this downside, but it’s essential to be wary of synergy within your deck. If your strategy requires card conservation, having creatures that don’t offer additional value can be a setback.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a precise combination of blue mana, Pendrell Drake can be challenging to summon in multi-colored decks. This could potentially hinder your game plan if your mana sources aren’t aligned properly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing four mana, including three of any color and one blue, might seem justifiable for a flying creature. However, within the same mana range, there are numerous other creatures and spells that could bring more immediate impact or versatility to the game.


Reasons to Include Pendrell Drake in Your Collection

Versatility: Pendrell Drake offers a balance of aerial defense and offense, adapting well to different styles of blue-based decks. Whether you’re running a control deck that needs blockers or an aggressive strategy that benefits from flying creatures, Pendrell Drake can find a home on your battlefield.

Combo Potential: With a casting cost that includes generic mana, this Drake can fit into various combo setups or work alongside cards that synergize with flying creatures. Its creature type also allows it to be a part of tribal decks, potentially benefiting from various Lords and global effects.

Meta-Relevance: Flying creatures always have a place in changing metas, especially in formats where ground stalls are common. Pendrell Drake can serve as a key player, dodging many common removal spells while applying pressure in the skies.


How to beat Pendrell Drake

Pendrell Drake is a blue creature card that can influence the battlefield with its flying ability, making it a potential threat from above. Its significance lies in being an evasive creature, which can make it a challenge to block for players without access to flying or reach creatures. However, overcoming Pendrell Drake is not a herculean task. Players should consider using removal spells that can target creatures in the air or spells that don’t discriminate based on creature abilities, such as Doom Blade or Murder, which are straightforward and efficient against most creatures.

Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, eliminating Pendrell Drake along with other threats. Ensnaring creatures with enchantments or artifacts that neutralize abilities, like Pacifism or Icy Manipulator, can also be effective. For those favoring a more direct approach, simply engaging in combat with a creature that has higher power and toughness can prove to be a solid strategy. In essence, while Pendrell Drake may offer an aerial advantage, a well-prepared defense or a precise offense can ensure its impact is minimal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pendrell Drake MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Pendrell Drake and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pendrell Drake has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pendrell Drake card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-10-01 Cycling is an activated ability. Effects that interact with activated abilities (such as Stifle or Rings of Brighthearth) will interact with cycling. Effects that interact with spells (such as Remove Soul or Faerie Tauntings) will not.