Ronom Serpent MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Snow Creature — Serpent |
| Released | 2006-07-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Coldsnap |
| Set code | CSP |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 45 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Text of card
Ronom Serpent can't attack unless defending player controls a snow land. When you control no snow lands, sacrifice Ronom Serpent.
With the spread of Rimewind's sorcerous winter, snow dwellers reclaimed their places atop the food chain.
Understanding Ronom Serpent’s Place in the Meta
Ronom Serpent offers a unique presence in the frosty terrain of Magic: The Gathering’s ice-themed decks. As a larger creature, it stands in contrast to its counterparts, with a notable feature: the necessity to return a snow land you control to your hand to save Ronom Serpent from the graveyard. Unlike other cold dwellers, such as Frost Raptor, which hinges on snow mana for protection, Ronom Serpent introduces a return-to-hand dynamic providing strategic depth to plays.
Cards like Ronom Serpent
Ronom Serpent is a creature that may remind seasoned players of other cold-themed powerhouses in Magic: The Gathering. Its dependency on snow lands resembles that of Icefall, which also revolves around the snow land mechanic, though it focuses on destroying lands rather than self-preservation. The Serpent’s need for snow lands echoes the likes of Blizzard Specter, which requires snow mana to unleash its full potential – highlighting the synergy within the thematic subtypes of the game.
Berg Strider is another comparable card which benefits from the presence of snow lands, albeit for a one-time usage rather than ongoing dependency. While Berg Strider taps a target creature, Ronom Serpent demands more strategic planning to stay on the battlefield. Such comparisons underline the variety of tactics available to players who choose to tap into the snow land-strategic theme within Magic: The Gathering.
In essence, Ronom Serpent stands as a testament to the intricate interactions and strategic capabilities snow lands can offer in the game, carving out its own niche among ice-themed cards.
Cards similar to Ronom Serpent by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Ronom Serpent, having an additional card draw mechanic through its ‘snow land sacrifice’ is a strategic gain. In a game where every card in hand counts, this serpent ensures you stay ahead.
Resource Acceleration: Although Ronom Serpent itself does not directly contribute to resource acceleration, its synergy with snow land-based decks can indirectly lead to improved mana consistency and speed in building your board presence.
Instant Speed: The real power of the Ronom Serpent lies in its potential to interact at instant speed due to its ability to be returned to your hand from the graveyard. This flexibility allows you to keep mana open for other instant-speed interactions, thereby maximizing turn efficiency while preserving the threat the Serpent poses.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Ronom Serpent mandates discarding a snow land to attack, pressuring players to allocate valuable land resources that may be pivotal for game progression.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s necessity for snow mana can confine its compatibility, demanding a dedicated snow-based deck construction that might not synergize well with various strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, the Ronom Serpent poses a significant investment, which can impede the pace of one’s game plan, especially when there are other creatures with lower mana costs and comparable or superior abilities.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ronom Serpent offers flexible utility, being a substantial threat in any deck looking to capitalize on snow permanents. As both a formidable attacker and a defensive asset, it can adapt to various playing styles and strategies.
Combo Potential: This creature synergizes well with strategies that manipulate snow lands, whether it’s ramping them out or benefiting from their presence on the battlefield. The serpent can become a recurring threat, leveraging its return-to-hand ability when controlling a snow land.
Meta-Relevance: Should the game environment favor decks that utilize snow mechanics, Ronom Serpent becomes particularly effective. Its potential to lock down games in a snow-heavy deck aligns well with evolving meta trends that might emphasize these synergies.
How to Beat Ronom Serpent
Overcoming the icy grasp of Ronom Serpent in the frigid battlefield of MTG requires strategic finesse. This cold-blooded creature benefits from a snow-covered land environment, which can make it seem daunting to defeat. Yet, there are ways to ensure this serpent doesn’t constrict your chances of victory. One effective tactic is to control the number of snow lands in play. Engaging in land destruction or using cards that change land types can reduce its power, rendering Ronom Serpent less threatening.
Alternatively, you can focus on keeping your opponent’s graveyard empty. Cards like Relic of Progenitus or Scavenging Ooze disrupt the Serpent’s return from the graveyard to the battlefield, diminishing its resilience. And remember, creatures with protection from creatures or those that prevent damage can negate Ronom Serpent’s impact, helping you maintain control. Direct damage spells and removals, especially those that exile, can also permanently address the serpent menace before it becomes too large to handle.
Tactically dismantling your opponent’s game plan by focusing on these weaknesses ensures Ronom Serpent won’t slither into a dominant position. With careful play, this snow serpent can be tamed, allowing you to dictate the pace and outcome of the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ronom Serpent MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap, 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 Ronom Serpent 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 Ronom Serpent has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |