Release the Ants MTG Card
2008-02-01 - Number 98
2019-11-07 - Number 1038
2020-09-26 - Number MOR-98
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Clash |
Text of card
Release the Ants deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Clash with an opponent. If you win, return Release the Ants to its owner's hand. (Each clashing player reveals the top card of his or her library, then puts that card on the top or bottom. A player wins if his or her card had a higher converted mana cost.)
Cards like Release the Ants
Release the Ants offers a unique take on damage-dealing spells within Magic: The Gathering. It shares some common ground with other cards like Volcanic Hammer, known for its straightforward nature of dealing damage to any target. However, Release the Ants introduces a different dynamic with its clash mechanic, potentially allowing repeated uses from a single casting. Volcanic Hammer, while consistent, lacks this possibility for multifold impact.
Comparatively, Staggershock is another spell that inflicts damage over time, with its rebound effect dealing damage not once, but potentially twice. Though it operates at a sorcery speed, contrasting with the instant flexibility of Release the Ants. Arc Trail also enters the mix, hitting multiple targets for varied amounts of damage in one go. Unlike Release the Ants which could repeatedly target the same or different targets, Arc Trail’s effect is a one-time deal, albeit with the ability to distribute damage strategically.
When placed relative to its peers, Release the Ants stands out with its potential for recurring damage, contingent to winning clashes. It shines in scenarios where deck manipulation mechanics are at play, turning it into a tool for repeated pressure on the opponent.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Release the Ants offers a repeating chance to win a clash, effectively allowing you to deal damage multiple times and potentially draw out beneficial cards from your deck for optimal hand composition.
Resource Acceleration: By winning clashes consistently with Release the Ants, you can streamline your strategy, ensuring you get to the crucial components of your deck faster, thereby accelerating your resource management and board presence.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Release the Ants at instant speed grants you the flexibility to respond to your opponents’ actions effectively, maximizing its potential impact by choosing the optimal moment for its use during the course of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Release the Ants requires you to have a card to put on top of your library, which can be an issue if you have an empty hand or important cards you don’t wish to reveal.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell asks for one red mana, making it less flexible for multicolored decks that may struggle with consistent access to red sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the initial casting cost seems low, the real expense comes in when attempting to capitalize on its clash ability multiple times, which may require a significant mana investment for uncertain outcomes.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Release the Ants is a versatile choice for decks that require a mix of offense and utility. Its ability to deal damage and potentially return to your hand makes it useful in various situations, from disrupting opponents’ strategies to sealing the game.
Combo Potential: With its unique clash mechanic, Release the Ants offers interesting combo potential. It pairs well with library manipulation, allowing players to set up the top of their deck to ensure victory in clashes, thus repeatedly casting the spell for continuous damage.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s heavy in creature-based strategies, Release the Ants can serve as a constant removal option. This keeps opponents’ boards clear while you prepare for a finishing move, or maintain control strategies, where incremental advantages lead to victory.
How to beat
Release the Ants presents an intriguing strategy in Magic: The Gathering with its potential for repeated damage. The card offers a repeatable clash mechanic, possibly dealing damage to your opponent multiple turns in a row. However, there are several strategies to effectively counter this persistent threat.
To hinder the effectiveness of Release the Ants, consider employing instant speed removal spells that can disrupt your opponent’s top-deck manipulation. Hand disruption is also an excellent way to reduce their ability to set up a successful clash. Cards like Thoughtseize can extract key pieces from their hand, potentially removing the fuel that Release the Ants needs to be effective. Additionally, incorporating graveyard interaction into your gameplay, such as using Tormod’s Crypt or Scavenging Ooze, can help manipulate the odds against a clash victory for your opponent.
Ultimately, understanding your deck’s mechanisms and staying prepared to respond to Release the Ants’ clash ability will nullify its impact on the game. Keep control of the stack and the battlefield, and this card’s influence will be significantly diminished, maintaining the balance in your favor throughout the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Release the Ants MTG card by a specific set like Morningtide and Mystery Booster, 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 Release the Ants 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
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Printings
The Release the Ants Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-02-01 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-02-01 | Morningtide | MOR | 98 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1038 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | MOR-98 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Release the Ants has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Release the Ants card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | If the spell is countered or doesn’t resolve for any reason (for example, if all its targets become illegal), none of its effects happen. There is no clash, and the spell card won’t be returned to your hand. |
| 2008-04-01 | If you win the clash, the spell moves from the stack to your hand as part of its resolution. It never hits the graveyard. If you don’t win the clash, the spell is put into the graveyard from the stack as normal. |