Rankle's Prank MTG Card
2023-09-08 - Number 102s
2023-09-08 - Number 341
2023-09-08 - Number 102p
2023-09-08 - Number 102
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Choose one or more — • Each player discards two cards. • Each player loses 4 life. • Each player sacrifices two creatures.
The louder they scream, the harder he laughs.
Cards like Rankle's Prank
Rankle’s Prank enhances the mischief in Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of cards like Animate Dead or Reanimate, which maneuver around the graveyard. Rankle’s Prank, however, is unique in its versatile approach, nudging players towards a more tactical game of creature control. In contrast, Animate Dead has a narrower focus, it reanimates a specific creature but locks you into enchanting it.
Another peer in Rankle’s Prank’s circle is Unearth, a spell that offers a cheaper resurrection of a creature with minimal investment. While Unearth is cast for less compared to Rankle’s Prank, it doesn’t offer the same level of opponent disruption. Lastly, we have Necromancy – a versatile reanimation spell akin to Rankle’s Prank which can be played at instant speed. Although more flexible, Necromancy comes with a greater mana cost and does not inherently disrupt opponents’ strategies as Rankle’s Prank does.
Considering the strategic depth and the balance between mana cost and disruptive power, Rankle’s Prank holds its own within the collection of graveyard manipulating cards in Magic: The Gathering, offering a cunning edge in creature control.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Rankle's Prank. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Pact | Pioneer | Rakdos Pact | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-05 |
 | Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-13 |
 | UB | Standard | Standard Super Qualifier 2024-04-28 | |
 | Golgari Midrange | Pioneer | Golgari Midrange | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-22 |
 | Mono-Black Control | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | *HALF PRICE FRIDAY* ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 2:00 pm |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rankle’s Prank offers the potential for card advantage by forcing each player to discard a card. However, if you’re wielding a deck designed to benefit from the graveyard, this mechanic can be a boon, setting up strategic plays for future turns.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, this card disrupts your opponent’s resources. By making your opponent sacrifice a creature, you indirectly accelerate your board presence in comparison to theirs, potentially clearing the way for your own creature-based strategies to dominate the battlefield.
Instant Speed: The power of playing Rankle’s Prank at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows for surprise disruption during an opponent’s turn or even in response to another spell or ability, creating openings and disrupting your opponent’s plans at a moment’s notice. Proper timing of such a card can shift the game’s momentum in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rankle’s Prank forces players to discard a card, which can be a setback if the hand is already depleted or the strategy relies on a full grip of options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands both black mana and generic mana, potentially restricting its integration into multicolored decks that may struggle with color fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost requiring three mana, including two black, some players might find its impact on the game doesn’t justify the investment, especially when faster, lower-cost alternatives are available.
Reasons to Include Rankle’s Prank in Your Collection
Versatility: Rankle’s Prank is a highly adaptable card that can be slotted into various deck types. It allows for creative disruption of your opponent’s hand while also offering board control options.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with strategies that capitalize on discarding or sacrificing creatures, adding layers of complexity and synergy to your gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to disrupt opponent strategies and adapt to various situations, Rankle’s Prank holds its ground in a shifting metagame, often offering an edge in close matchups.
How to Beat
Rankle’s Prank presents a unique set of challenges on the battlefield. This card can catch unsuspecting opponents off guard, forcing them to make difficult decisions about discarding or sacrificing. Its versatility is a strategic asset, enabling the controller to tailor the effects to the current state of play. However, understanding how to navigate against it is key.
One effective approach is to minimize the impact of its discard ability. Prioritize keeping a lean hand, playing out your cards when feasible, so that Rankle’s Prank becomes less disruptive to your game plan. Additionally, employ instant-speed spells and abilities to remove Rankle’s Prank before its trigger resolves. Including creatures that benefit from being in the graveyard or that have escape can also mitigate the damage from its sacrificing effect.
Remember, anticipating Rankle’s Prank and crafting a strategy around it can be the difference between a setback and a clever counterplay. Combining a proactive approach with reactive tools makes it possible to turn the tables and diminish the advantage Rankle’s Prank could give to your adversary in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rankle's Prank MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine Promos and Wilds 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's Prank 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 Rankle's Prank Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Tyler Walpole.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine Promos | PWOE | 102s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Walpole | |
| 2 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine | WOE | 341 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Walpole | |
| 3 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine Promos | PWOE | 102p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Walpole | |
| 4 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine | WOE | 102 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Walpole |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rankle's Prank has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rankle's Prank card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-09-01 | As the first mode is performed, first the player whose turn it is chooses two cards in hand without revealing them, then each other player in turn order does the same. Then the chosen cards are discarded at the same time. |
| 2023-09-01 | As the third mode is performed, first the player whose turn it is chooses two creatures 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. |
| 2023-09-01 | You can choose a mode even if some or all players will be entirely or partially unaffected. |