Rakdos Pit Dragon MTG Card
2006-05-05 - Number 69
2008-11-07 - Number 44
2014-12-05 - Number 44
2019-02-15 - Number 57
2024-01-12 - Number 120
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Hellbent |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Rakdos Pit Dragon gains flying until end of turn. : Rakdos Pit Dragon gets +1/+0 until end of turn. Hellbent Rakdos Pit Dragon has double strike as long as you have no cards in hand.
Cards like Rakdos Pit Dragon
Rakdos Pit Dragon presents itself as a dynamic creature card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It brings to the table the welcomed versatility of potential double strike and flying, reminiscent of cards like Dragon Tempest which confer flying capabilities to your dragon creatures. Yet, the Rakdos Pit Dragon demands a higher mana investment due to its formidable power boost through its firebreathing ability, which is not seen in Dragon Tempest.
If we draw parallels with other cards, Furnace Whelp stands out with a similar firebreathing ability, though it begins on the battlefield with flying. The trade-off is that Furnace Whelp does not possess the raw power increase or the double strike feature that makes Rakdos Pit Dragon a threatening presence on the board. Meanwhile, the card Dragon Hatchling also offers firebreathing, however, it significantly lacks in both initial power and the potential to gain double strike, which underscores the impactful presence Rakdos Pit Dragon can establish in game-play dynamics.
Ultimately, Rakdos Pit Dragon has a niche in the lineup of dragon-themed cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its blend of aggression and adaptability, thanks to its keyword capabilities, positions it as a formidable choice for players looking to add fiery fervor to their decks.
Cards similar to Rakdos Pit Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rakdos Pit Dragon does not directly offer card draw but compensates by catalyzing board presence. Its sheer power can swiftly change the dynamics, potentially forcing opponents to trade more resources to deal with it. This can inadvertently lead to a form of card advantage as the opponent is compelled to answer the threat it imposes.
Resource Acceleration: With its ability to gain double strike, Rakdos Pit Dragon can become a formidable aggressor. Although this card doesn’t provide mana or acceleration itself, it incentivizes players to utilize other resources effectively, such as ramp spells or artifacts, to unleash its full potential quickly and press the advantage. Rakdos Pit Dragon rewards players who understand the intricate balance of resource allocation and timing.
Instant Speed: While the dragon itself must be cast at sorcery speed, its ability to gain flying or double strike at instant speed grants players the flexibility to adapt to a multitude of battle situations. This reactivity can give players the upper hand during combat, allowing for surprise blocks or sudden bursts of damage, which can be pivotal to the outcome of a duel.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rakdos Pit Dragon’s potential depends significantly on hellbent, which incentivizes emptying your hand. Not having any cards to discard can hinder its full potential, particularly in a long game where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Rakdos Pit Dragon comes with a strict mana requirement, namely two red mana, which can be challenging for multi-color decks to reliably meet early on in the game, thus limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two specific red, Rakdos Pit Dragon demands a significant investment. Considering available creatures at similar or lower costs, the Dragon competes with numerous options that may offer quicker impact on the game board without conditional abilities.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rakdos Pit Dragon offers a dynamic range of abilities with its flying and potential for double strike, allowing it to adapt to different battlefield situations. Its robust framework can seamlessly integrate into various red or multicolor dragon-themed decks, contributing to their power and resilience.
Combo Potential: This creature thrives on mana acceleration, making it a perfect fit for decks that utilize mana-generating cards, allowing you to unleash the dragon’s fury earlier or even activate its double strike ability the moment it swoops into play.
Meta-Relevance: The card’s adaptability proves beneficial in diverse game environments. In a meta where aggro decks predominate, Rakdos Pit Dragon’s swift and impactful attacks can dominate, while its potential for swift, high-damage strikes can outpace control decks before they establish a foothold.
How to beat
Rakdos Pit Dragon presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. With its speed and the potential for flying and double strike, it requires a strategic approach to handle effectively. One bypass is through the use of creature removal spells. Instant-speed options like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can effectively neutralize this threat before your opponent has the chance to capitalize on its abilities. Alternately, utilizing enchantments such as Pacifism can neutralize the Dragon without resorting to its killing.
Counterspells are another line of defense. When facing the Rakdos Pit Dragon, players should consider holding back mana for a timely Dissolve or Mana Leak. This pre-emptive move can prove crucial, preventing the dragon from ever impacting the board. Finally, Tasigur, the Golden Fang and other creatures that can act as a roadblock can absorb the damage from Rakdos Pit Dragon while you draw into a more permanent solution. It’s about patience and picking your moment, ensuring you have the right answer at the right time.
To sum up, maintaining control over the board and disrupting your opponent’s strategy with swift, precise answers or sturdy defenses are keys to overcoming a card with the impact of Rakdos Pit Dragon. Effective deck building and timely play decisions make all the difference.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rakdos Pit Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra, 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 Rakdos Pit Dragon and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Rakdos Pit Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 69 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 44 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 44 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 57 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 5 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 120 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rakdos Pit Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rakdos Pit Dragon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-05-01 | If Rakdos Pit Dragon loses double strike after first strike combat damage has been dealt, it won’t deal damage during the normal combat damage step. |