Sapphire Drake MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Drake |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2013-02-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Gatecrash |
| Set code | GTC |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 47 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Steve Prescott |
Text of card
Flying Each creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it has flying.
Sapphire drakes can communicate over great distances, their calls resonating in the gems fixed in their skulls.
Cards like Sapphire Drake
Sapphire Drake is a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, bringing a flair to the battlefield with its ability to grant all creatures with +1/+1 counters on them flying. This ability mirrors that of Abzan Falconer, which also gives flying to creatures you control with +1/+1 counters. However, Sapphire Drake is a sizeable creature itself with a 4/4 body, making it a significant presence on the board compared to the Falconer’s modest 2/3 stature.
When considering cards with similar effects, Aquastrand Spider comes to mind. It has the graft ability, allowing it to move its +1/+1 counters onto other creatures, potentially giving them flying indirectly via Sapphire Drake’s ability. However, the Spider’s role is more focused on distributing counters rather than enabling evasion, so it plays differently from the Drake.
Another card that often gets compared to Sapphire Drake is Skyrider Elf. While Skyrider Elf itself benefits from having flying, it does not extend this advantage to other creatures. Instead, its multicolored mana cost for its converge ability can make it a flexible addition to decks seeking to maximize the use of +1/+1 counters.
In essence, Sapphire Drake holds a special place in providing aerial freedom to a whole team of buffed creatures, elevating its strategic value in decks that capitalize on counter synergies.
Cards similar to Sapphire Drake by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sapphire Drake is pivotal in building a formidable board presence. Its presence often requires opponents to deal with it, meaning it can effectively remove a removal spell from an opponent’s hand, maintaining your overall card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly providing mana or tokens, Sapphire Drake is a catalyst for an accelerated offense. It grants all your creatures with +1/+1 counters the power to evade blockers through flying, hastening your path to victory.
Instant Speed: While Sapphire Drake doesn’t function at instant speed itself, it synergizes well with creatures and spells that do. Once flyers are established, it makes your instant speed threats with +1/+1 counters even more dangerous, as they can come in unexpectedly and immediately benefit from evasion.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sapphire Drake doesn’t directly require a discard, but introducing it into a deck could necessitate other cards that mesh well with its abilities, potentially leading to valuable card discards.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost involves two blue mana, limiting its flexibility and possibly constraining it to mono-blue or blue-heavy decks where color mana availability isn’t as challenging.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost for Sapphire Drake comes in at six, which can be quite steep, especially in faster-paced games where tempo is crucial. It might come into play too late to significantly affect the game’s outcome.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sapphire Drake offers a unique edge to any deck that focuses on +1/+1 counters. Its ability to grant flying to each creature you control with a +1/+1 counter can turn an unassuming board into a lethal airborne threat.
Combo Potential: This drake synergizes exceptionally well with strategies that proliferate or consistently place +1/+1 counters on creatures. Its presence on the battlefield can quickly escalate the power of your evolving or adapt creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where flyers are key to bypassing stalemates or dense ground defenses, Sapphire Drake can be a game-changer. Its relevance grows with the prevalence of counter-centric decks that need an extra push for aerial dominance.
How to beat
Sapphire Drake is an impactful flyer that graces the board with its presence in MTG. It’s not just a formidable creature on its own, but it also grants all your creatures with +1/+1 counters the elusive flying ability. This can quickly tip the scales in a game, creating an aerial army that’s tough to defend against. However, there are efficient strategies to ground this drake and turn the tide of battle.
One effective way to counter Sapphire Drake is by using spot removal spells that can bypass not only its own defenses but can also target other key creatures with counters. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can send the Drake packing before its ability becomes a problem. In addition, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the battlefield, leaving your opponent’s strategy in ruins.
Furthermore, employing creatures with reach or flying of your own can block and potentially take down Sapphire Drake. It’s important to maintain a balance of control and aggression, ensuring your defenses can handle the Drake’s elevation while you build your own path to victory. By being prepared and versatile, Sapphire Drake’s wings can be clipped, securing your dominance in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sapphire Drake MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Sapphire Drake 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 Sapphire Drake has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |