Pirate MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 4
2020-07-03 - Number 9
2022-06-10 - Number 37
2023-09-08 - Number 12
2023-11-17 - Number 5
2017-01-01 - Number 12
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Type | Token Creature — Pirate |
| Abilities | Menace |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)
Cards like Pirate
The allure of swashbuckling action and treasure hunt adventures finds its way into Magic the Gathering with cards themed around pirates and treasures. Cards like Admiral’s Order reflect the reactive nature of pirate cards, allowing players to disrupt opponents during the critical combat phase. Another parallel can be drawn with the treasure producing spell Spell Swindle. While it similarly generates treasure, Admiral’s Order is tailored towards instant interruption, and Spell Swindle leans on countering spells to accrue treasure.
Looking at cards that embody the treasure theme, we see cards like Prosperous Pirates offering a direct way to obtain Treasure tokens upon entering the battlefield. This contrasts with the subtle advantage gained by leveraging treasure from removal spells like Contract Killing, which not only removes creatures but also adds treasure to your reserves, albeit at a higher mana cost.
Each pirate and treasure theme card in Magic the Gathering offers strategic nuances catering to different aspects of gameplay— from immediate board impact to long-term resource management. Whether steering towards treasure generation or engaging in pirate tactical play, players have a trove of options to navigate through their matches.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pirate and Treasure cards in MTG often enable players to maintain a steady flow of resources, drawing extra cards through various card effects. This builds up an advantage that can be crucial to outmaneuvering an opponent during the course of a match.
Resource Acceleration: Many Treasure-related cards generate Treasure tokens which provide immediate mana of any color. This acceleration opens up numerous possibilities for casting powerful spells earlier than usual, or allowing for a more flexible mana base that can adapt to complex strategic plays.
Instant Speed: The instant speed of certain Pirate interactions allows for reactive play, giving players the ability to respond to threats efficiently or create surprise advantages at pivotal moments. The ability to act during the opponent’s turn introduces a layer of depth to the gameplay, stressing the importance of timing and strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Many Pirate or Treasure-themed cards incorporate a mechanism where discarding becomes part of the strategic gameplay. While discarding can activate various triggers and effects, this can also backfire if your hand is already depleted and you’re forced to lose valuable cards. It’s essential to consider the balance between the benefits and detriments of discarding from your hand, especially in formats where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Cards that fall under the Pirate or Treasure categories often require a certain combination of mana colors. This specificity can potentially restrict deck-building options, confining them to a particular play style or synergy. Players need to be mindful of their mana base to ensure they can consistently cast these cards on curve, which might complicate the deck’s overall mana stability.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While embodying the high-risk, high-reward pirate life, some of these themed cards come with a lofty mana cost. In a game where tempo and efficiency are key, the higher mana investment may not always equate to a proportionate impact on the board state. As a player, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits and consider if less expensive alternatives could provide a similar or better result in the quest for victory.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pirate and Treasure cards offer flexibility across multiple strategies. Pirates often enable aggressive game-pans while Treasure tokens provide additional resources for any stage of the game.
Combo Potential: With Pirate cards often focusing on swashbuckling synergy and Treasure tokens on instant benefits, they have immense combo potential especially in engines that accelerate through artifact manipulation or sacrifice.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments that favor adaptability and incremental advantages, Pirate and Treasure cards can shine, disrupting opponents and paving your way to victory with their plunders and loot.
How to beat
Pilfering the high seas of MTG, Pirate and Treasure cards offer a unique blend of strategy and value. These cards, known for creating Treasure tokens and utilizing swashbuckling synergy, can be a formidable force. To successfully navigate these treacherous waters, one must understand the mechanics behind these cards and leverage the right tactics.
Removing the captains of these decks swiftly is essential. Cards such as Pirate cards often rely on synergy, so disrupting their board presence by targeting key creatures is an effective strategy. Additionally, countering crucial spells that generate Treasure can reduce a pirates’ ability to ramp up their mana and overwhelm you with a sea of value. Lastly, utilizing efficient artifact removal spells can prove invaluable in managing an armada of Treasure tokens and keeping the pirates’ riches just out of their reach. Thus, maintaining control of the board and keeping their Treasure hoard in check is the surest path to victory against these decks.
Combining precision removal with strategic counterspells, anyone can steady their ship against the onslaught of Pirate and Treasure-themed decks in the dynamic world of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pirate // Treasure MTG card by a specific set like Friday Night Magic 2017 and Ixalan, 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 Pirate // Treasure 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Pirate // Treasure Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday Night Magic 2017 | F17 | 12 | 2015 | Double Faced Token | Black | Matt Stewart | ||
| 2 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 4 | 2015 | Token | Black | Matt Stewart | |
| 3 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 9 | 2015 | Token | Black | Jonathan Kuo | |
| 4 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 37 | 2015 | Token | Black | Jonathan Kuo | |
| 5 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine Commander | WOC | 12 | 2015 | Token | Black | Igor Krstic | |
| 6 | 2023-11-17 | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander | LCC | 5 | 2015 | Token | Black | Matt Stewart |