Rankle, Master of Pranks MTG Card


Strategic card advantage: Rankle can tip the balance by selectively making players draw or discard cards. Gameplay disruption: Rankle’s discard effect can set opponents back, enhancing your tactical position. Meta impact: With disruption in vogue, Rankle serves as a versatile tool in current gameplay strategies.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Faerie Rogue
Abilities Flying,Haste
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying, haste Whenever Rankle, Master of Pranks deals combat damage to a player, choose any number — • Each player discards a card. • Each player loses 1 life and draws a card. • Each player sacrifices a creature.


Cards like Rankle, Master of Pranks

Rankle Master of Pranks is an interesting addition to the Magic: The Gathering’s array of trickster creatures. It’s quite similar to cards such as Brazen Borrower. This card also allows for some tricky gameplay with its Instant and Adventure abilities. However, the parallel ends there as Rankle steps in with its unique features – the ability to make players discard a card, lose life, or sacrifice a creature at your command.

Following the lines of deceit, we come across Robber of the Rich. This card also showcases similar discard mechanics, but it’s benefits extend to players possessing fewer cards than their opponents. While not offering as many options as Rankle, it steers the game towards a more daring strategy. Then there’s Tinybones, Trinket Thief, which operates hand-in-hand with discard strategies, drawing cards and depleting opponents’ life, something Rankle Master of Pranks manages with a smirk and a wing flutter.

To sum up, when it comes to toeing the line between nuisance and asset, Rankle Master of Pranks holds a prominent place among its peers in Magic: The Gathering, thanks to its trove of actions that can tilt the game in your favour.

Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions
Tinybones, Trinket Thief - MTG Card versions
Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions
Tinybones, Trinket Thief - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rankle, Master of Pranks by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black AggroMono-Black Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024
Golgari AggroGolgari Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Dimir ControlDimir Control ExplorerJaffer's Mini Mosh - Explorer
Mono-Black ControlMono-Black Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Rakdos AggroRakdos Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rankle Master of Pranks enters the battlefield with the potential to generate a significant card advantage. It allows each player to draw a card and lose a life, but can be manipulated strategically so that the advantage falls in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly offering resource acceleration, Rankle’s discard option can disrupt your opponent’s plans by forcing them to shed potential resources. Used smartly, this can speed up your route to victory by slowing down your opponent’s game.

Instant Speed: Rankle’s abilites aren’t at instant speed, but its flying Haste means it can come into play and attack immediately. This gives you a sudden and unexpected advantage, enabling you to exercise Rankle’s options before your opponent can react and during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rankle Master of Pranks may force you to discard a card from your hand, which can turn out to be a setback, particularly when you’re running short on cards.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires a specific color, black, for its mana cost. This may constrain its inclusion to decks that primarily bank on black mana, restricting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Rankle, though powerful, has a mana cost of four. Considering its ability, there may be other creature cards that could provide similar benefits with a lower mana investment, making them more efficient.


Reasons to Include Rankle Master of Pranks in Your Collection

Versatility: Rankle Master of Pranks finds its application in varied deck builds given its inherent abilities. Being a flying and haste creature, it proffers crucial damage to the opponent while also activating its abilities for optimal impact.

Combo Potential: The card pairs well with strategies that leverage discard and sacrifice mechanics. Demonstrating immense combo potential, you can orchestrate devastating power plays that tilt the balance of the match in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Rankle Master of Pranks holds considerable relevance in the current meta-game narrative. With disruption strategies becoming staple in communication moves, this card serves as a potent force capable of derailing your opponent’s plans.


How to beat

The Rankle Master of Pranks is an intriguing card that intensifies the gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. This face card of the Throne of Eldraine set costs four mana to play and has a flying ability that allows it to avoid ground creatures. It also comes equipped with a unique ability – forcing all players to choose a curse when it attacks. The options available include discarding a card, losing one life, and sacrificing a creature.

So how does one beat Rankle Master of Pranks? One way is to use targeted removal spells such as Murder that instantly destroy it. Flying blockers are another viable strategy. Cards with higher toughness like Sphinx of the Guildpact can effectively block and take down Rankle. Use a deck heavy with instant spells and countermeasures. The key is to anticipate its appearance on the battlefield and plan your moves accordingly.

In conclusion, although a strategically complex card, the Rankle Master of Pranks can be mitigated by the careful selection of cards in your deck, counteractions during gameplay, and a deep understanding of this creature’s strengths and weaknesses.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the dual nature of Rankle Master of Pranks is crucial for MTG enthusiasts looking to harness its full potential or strategize against it. Its ability to disrupt your opponent’s hand and field while granting you card advantage makes it a formidable asset. With the right deck synergy, this card can be the lynchpin of victory. Whether you aim to build around Rankle’s unique skillset or are seeking alternatives for your own strategy, delving deeper into these dynamics will surely enhance your playing experience. For those ready to delve into these nuances and elevate their deck strategy, we’re here to guide you through. Unleash Rankle Master of Pranks’ power, and let the pranks begin on your path to triumph.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rankle, Master of Pranks MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine and Throne of Eldraine, 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 Rankle, Master of Pranks and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rankle, Master of Pranks Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2019-10-04 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Dmitry Burmak.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 3562015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
22019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 1012015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
32023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1802015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
42023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 5192015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
52023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine CommanderWOC 1162015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
62024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1482015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rankle, Master of Pranks has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-10-04 As the first mode is performed, first the player whose turn it is chooses a card in hand without revealing it, then each other player in turn order does the same. Then all the chosen cards are discarded at the same time.
2019-10-04 As the third mode is performed, first the player whose turn it chooses a creature they control, then each other player in turn order does the same, knowing the choices made before them. Then all the chosen creatures are sacrificed at the same time.
2019-10-04 For each chosen mode, perform that mode in its entirety before continuing on to the next chosen mode in the order printed.
2019-10-04 If you really want, you can choose zero modes for Rankle's triggered ability, but carefully consider the hidden costs in not entertaining someone titled Master of Pranks.
2019-10-04 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Rankle's second mode causes each team to lose 1 life twice.
2019-10-04 You can choose a mode even if some or all players will be unaffected.
2019-10-04 You can't choose a mode more than once.