Ronin Cliffrider MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Samurai |
| Abilities | Bushido |
| Released | 2005-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Betrayers of Kamigawa |
| Set code | BOK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 116 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dan Scott |
Text of card
Bushido 1 (When this blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) Whenever Ronin Cliffrider attacks, you may have it deal 1 damage to each creature defending player controls.
Cards like Ronin Cliffrider
Ronin Cliffrider offers a unique tactical advantage for MTG players looking to control the battlefield. It shares some characteristics with cards such as Goblin Roughrider or Borderland Marauder, in that it serves as an aggressive creature geared towards combat. However, the Ronin Cliffrider brings an unusual ability to the table – it can potentially damage each creature the defending player controls when it attacks. This enables a strategic position not commonly found in other red creatures of similar mana cost.
Looking at Akoum Warrior, another card of a comparable mana value, one notices the straightforward approach of a beefy creature without the nuanced battle phase control provided by Ronin Cliffrider. It’s plain power versus tactical prowess. Additionally, we can compare it to Firefist Striker, which also disrupts the defense during the attack phase but only targets a single creature.
In summary, Ronin Cliffrider’s ability to impact the entire defending line-up of creatures may lend itself to a more expansive control strategy, setting itself apart from more direct but less broadly impactful creatures in the MTG universe.
Cards similar to Ronin Cliffrider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Ronin Cliffrider card excels at creating situations that can lead to significant card advantage. When it deals damage to a player, you may have it deal 1 damage to each creature that player controls, which can lead to wiping out a swath of opposing creatures, effectively granting you a better position on the board and depleting your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: While Ronin Cliffrider doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of providing additional mana, it can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration by clearing the path for your other attackers or spells. With enemy creatures out of the way, your uncontested threats can help turn the tide to ensure domination of the game’s pace and progression.
Instant Speed: The inherent value of Ronin Cliffrider isn’t due to instant speed capabilities; however, pairing it with instant speed spells and abilities can significantly enhance its impact. Being able to respond to an opponent’s moves with instants while setting up for the Ronin Cliffrider’s ability can result in unexpected swings in board state and provide strategic advantages.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Ronin Cliffrider doesn’t require you to discard a card, it’s worth considering that its related synergies might force discarding as a way to optimize performance, which could be problematic when hand size is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Ronin Cliffrider necessitates a precise mana cost that includes both red and generic mana. This can make it less flexible, restricting it to decks that can consistently generate the necessary mana colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be considered steep for its direct impact on the game, players must weigh if deploying Ronin Cliffrider is the best tactical move relative to other cards at a similar cost threshold.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ronin Cliffrider can easily find a home in decks that focus on damage distribution. Its ability to deal damage to every creature defending player controls enables it to serve multiple roles, from clearing opponent’s creatures to softening them up for a final blow.
Combo Potential: In combination with cards that add deathtouch or cards that benefit from creatures being dealt damage, Ronin Cliffrider’s ability can become a strategic asset, turning every attack phase into a potential board wipe.
Meta-Relevance: Players facing token-heavy strategies or swarm decks will find Ronin Cliffrider particularly effective, as it offers a unique way to manage the battlefield and keep opponents’ creature counts in check.
How to beat Ronin Cliffrider
Confronting the challenge of a Ronin Cliffrider on the battlefield in a game of MTG can be a tricky ordeal due to its ability to potentially damage multiple creatures. When dealing with Ronin Cliffrider, it’s essential to consider strategies that nullify its attack-triggered ability. Prioritizing the elimination of this creature before attacks are declared minimizes potential damage to your creature army. Employing instant-speed removal spells that can target and destroy Ronin Cliffrider is a prime tactic.
Another strategy involves the use of creatures with high toughness that can endure the 1-point damage its ability delivers or creatures that have protection from red, making them impervious to the Cliffrider’s effect. Alternatively, spells that prevent or redirect damage can be effective in conserving your creatures’ wellbeing. In essence, ensuring that Ronin Cliffrider doesn’t get the opportunity to engage in combat through swift removal or mitigating its damage output is key to maintaining control over the game’s flow and safeguarding your army.
While Ronin Cliffrider can create a significant impact on the board, understanding its mechanics and having a counterplan ready can prevent it from overwhelming your defenses and pave the way for your victory in the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ronin Cliffrider MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Ronin Cliffrider 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ronin Cliffrider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |