Rigging Runner MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 157
2022-12-02 - Number 81
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Pirate |
| Abilities | First strike,Raid |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
First strike Raid — Rigging Runner enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it if you attacked with a creature this turn.
The hook makes him feel brave, and the hat makes him feel fancy.
Cards like Rigging Runner
Rigging Runner is a unique creature card that finds its pace in red aggressive decks within Magic: The Gathering. It can be compared to other one-drop creatures, such as the steadfast Goblin Guide. Both provide early game pressure, although Rigging Runner offers the potential for a boosted start with its Raid ability, leading to a larger threat if played following a turn where you’ve attacked.
Another card worthy of comparison is the Monastery Swiftspear. This card also enters the battlefield ready to attack with haste and has prowess, delivering a potentially increasing threat with each instant and sorcery cast. While Swiftspear swings in hard from the beginning, Rigging Runner may become stronger over the course of the game, given the right conditions.
Lastly, there’s Jackal Pup, an aggressive red creature that punishes its controller for being dealt damage. Rigging Runner, on balance, provides a less risky alternative for players looking to maintain board presence without the drawback found in Jackal Pup. In the arena of one-drop red creatures, Rigging Runner stands as a solid option for those looking to enhance their attack without immediate drawback.
Cards similar to Rigging Runner by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Rigging Runner. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Grixis Tempo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 09 2024 | |
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rigging Runner doesn’t directly provide the ability to draw cards, but it shines in synergistic decks focused on Pirates or creatures, potentially leading to indirect card advantage through tribal interactions and battlefield presence. Its First Strike enables it to survive combat where other one-drops might not, effectively keeping your card investment on the field.
Resource Acceleration: Although Rigging Runner doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of additional mana, its low cost means it hits the battlefield quickly. This can accelerate your game plan, especially when you’re working towards a more aggressive strategy. Dropping a potentially 2/2 First Striker on turn one if you have the City’s Blessing can ramp up pressure on your opponent, compelling them to deal with it and potentially diverting resources from their own development.
Instant Speed: Being a creature, Rigging Runner is cast at sorcery speed, but this scrappy Pirate makes up for that with the immediate impact it can have when played at the right moment. Maximizing the potential of its Raid ability requires strategic forethought to ensure you’ve attacked with a creature on the turn before it lands, bolstering your crew with an advantageous early power boost.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Rigging Runner doesn’t directly ask for a card discard, but it may prompt you to make strategic discards to optimize its First Strike ability during a Raid. Being forced to adapt your play can be tricky if you’re managing scarce hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: This fiery pirate requires red mana, which means it might not easily slot into a multicolor deck that’s not heavy on red. Its dependence on a particular mana type can constrain your deck-building options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although a single red mana might seem economical, to truly take advantage of Rigging Runner’s potential, you need to think about raid triggering, which could imply additional actions or card plays, resulting in a higher effective cost for maximizing its value.
Reasons to Include Rigging Runner in Your Collection
Versatility: Rigging Runner is a flexible addition for red-based aggro or pirate-themed decks, adept at fitting into a low-curve strategy with its reasonable casting cost and First Strike ability.
Combo Potential: As a pirate, Rigging Runner synergizes well with other cards that capitalize on this tribe, potentially unlocking powerful interactions and advantages on the battlefield in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Quick, aggressive creatures often shape the pace of a match, and Rigging Runner’s capacity to hit the ground running early in the game makes it a pertinent choice when facing down slower, more gradual build-up decks.
How to beat Rigging Runner
Rigging Runner is an interesting card on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, owing mainly to its First Strike ability and the potential to be a formidable early game threat. This one-drop creature begins as a modest 1/1, but when its Raid ability is activated, it enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter making it a more resilient 2/2.
To outmaneuver Rigging Runner, consider using removal spells that can target it before it becomes buffed, such as Fatal Push or Shock. These provide an efficient answer to the Runner before the Raid ability can be a factor. In blocking scenarios, creatures with higher toughness can prove to be a reliable wall, ensuring that even if Rigging Runner has its Raid triggered, it’ll be at a loss to breach your defenses. Moreover, instant speed interaction allows you to address Rigging Runner without having to wait for your turn, keeping you ahead in the resource race.
Ultimately, addressing Rigging Runner involves a mix of early elimination tactics and strategic blocking. Keeping a keen eye on your opponent’s Raid potential and managing your resources to counteract those plays will guarantee that the Runner doesn’t sprint away with the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rigging Runner MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Rigging Runner 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 Rigging Runner Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 157 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Simon Dominic | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 81 | 2015 | Normal | Black | MiDQN |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rigging Runner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rigging Runner card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | Raid abilities care only that you attacked with a creature. It doesn’t matter how many creatures you attacked with, or which opponent or planeswalker controlled by an opponent those creatures attacked. |
| 2018-01-19 | Raid abilities evaluate the entire turn to see if you attacked with a creature. That creature doesn’t have to still be on the battlefield. Similarly, the player or planeswalker it attacked doesn’t have to still be in the game or on the battlefield, respectively. |