Rhox Pikemaster MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Rhino Soldier |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Released | 2009-07-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2010 |
| Set code | M10 |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 26 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Steve Prescott |
Text of card
First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.) Other Soldier creatures you control have first strike.
When the rhoxes charge, everyone else knows which way to run.
Cards like Rhox Pikemaster
Rhox Pikemaster stands out in the realm of MTG cards that bolster other creatures. Comparable to cards like Veteran Swordsmith, Rhox Pikemaster provides a strategic advantage by enhancing the attack power of other creatures. However, Rhox Pikemaster’s unique ability to grant first strike to other Soldier creatures you control sets it apart from the Swordsmith’s ability which is limited to increasing attack power only.
Moving towards another similar card, Field Marshal, we see a shared goal of empowering Soldier creatures. Field Marshal also confers an attack boost and the valuable first strike ability, yet it impresses further by improving those creatures’ toughness as well. The difference in mana cost and color identity between these two cards can often dictate which finds a place in player’s decks based on their strategy.
When players weigh their options, Rhox Pikemaster emerges as a solid choice for those looking to create a formidable line of first-striking Soldiers. Its specific utility in dedicated Soldier decks helps carve out its distinct niche in MTG, particularly in formats where creature-combat tactics shine.
Cards similar to Rhox Pikemaster by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rhox Pikemaster enhances your board presence significantly by providing your other Soldier creatures with first strike until end of turn each time it’s cast. This ability, effectively a form of card advantage, means that your soldiers are likely to survive combat, sustaining your army’s size and battlefield influence.
Resource Acceleration: Although Rhox Pikemaster doesn’t produce mana directly, its static ability boosts your battlefield efficiency, allowing you to conserve resources such as combat tricks or removal spells for more crucial moments. In essence, it accelerates your gameplay by minimizing the need for additional spells to secure a strong combat presence.
Instant Speed: The main allure of Rhox Pikemaster doesn’t inherently come from instant speed. However, this factor becomes relevant when considering spells that can cheat creatures onto the battlefield at instant speed. Having the ability to bring in Rhox Pikemaster unexpectedly before or during combat can drastically shift the tide to your favor, catching an opponent off guard with a sudden first strike advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Rhox Pikemaster doesn’t directly require a discard, but like any creature, it becomes vulnerable to removal spells that might force a discard from your hand to protect it or recover from its loss, subtly impacting your card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific mana allocation with double white in its casting cost, making it less flexible in multicolored decks that are not heavily white-based.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Pikemaster’s ability to provide first strike to other soldier creatures is beneficial, its own cost of four mana can be steep compared to other cards with similar or more immediate impact on the game state, potentially slowing your board development.
Reasons to Include Rhox Pikemaster in Your Collection
Versatility: Rhox Pikemaster serves as a solid defensive addition to any deck focusing on soldier synergies. Its ability to grant first strike to other soldiers you control can be the difference between deterring an attack and becoming an easy target.
Combo Potential: Within the right deck, Rhox Pikemaster can be a linchpin. It not only boosts your soldiers but can also combine with cards that benefit from first strike or generate soldier tokens, turning an unassuming board state into a fortified position.
Meta-Relevance: When creature-based aggro decks are prevalent, Rhox Pikemaster’s presence shines. The first strike ability can create a highly unfavorable combat scenario for opponents, making it a relevant choice for any player anticipating close-quarters combat on the board.
How to beat
Rhox Pikemaster is a card that demands a strategic approach when facing it in Magic: The Gathering. It stands unique with its ability to grant first strike to other Soldier creatures, making it a lynchpin in Soldier tribal decks. The first strike enables your opponent’s Soldiers to deal combat damage before creatures without this ability, which can make direct confrontation costly.
To effectively counter Rhox Pikemaster, one could consider using removal spells that can bypass its ability to empower other Soldiers. Spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile effectively remove Rhox Pikemaster before it can become a nuisance on the battlefield. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, negating the advantage Rhox Pikemaster provides.
Employing control elements that diminish the synergy within a Soldier deck is also key. Counterspells, creature tapping abilities, or enchantments that prevent creatures from attacking ensure that Rhox Pikemaster does not overwhelm you with bolstered forces. Thus, with careful play and the right removal or control tools, overcoming the challenge posed by Rhox Pikemaster is entirely within reach.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rhox Pikemaster MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010, 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 Rhox Pikemaster 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rhox Pikemaster has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |