Sarkhan's Rage MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 153
2019-11-07 - Number 1051
2020-07-17 - Number 360
2022-12-02 - Number 594
2020-09-26 - Number DTK-153
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Sarkhan's Rage deals 5 damage to target creature or player. If you control no Dragons, Sarkhan's Rage deals 2 damage to you.
The people of Tarkir speak of an ancient legend, of the dragon-man called Sarkhan who was greatest of all khans.
Cards like Sarkhan's Rage
The world of Magic: The Gathering is brimming with fiery spells, and Sarkhan’s Rage is a prime example of a potent direct damage spell. When looking at cards akin to Sarkhan’s Rage, we might consider Lava Axe, which also deals 5 damage to a target. However, Lava Axe is limited to being cast only on players and lacks the flexibility of Sarkhan’s Rage that can target a creature or player.
Then there’s Flame Lash, which offers the same damage as Sarkhan’s Rage but at instant speed and a lower mana cost. Nonetheless, Flame Lash doesn’t carry the same potential for a reduced casting cost that Sarkhan’s Rage can boast when there’s a dragon to reveal in hand. On the other end, there’s Explosive Impact, which inflicts 6 damage instead of 5 but does it at a steeper mana cost and at sorcery speed just like Sarkhan’s Rage.
In analyzing these cards side by side, it’s clear that Sarkhan’s Rage has its niche, especially in decks that can exploit its dragon-synergy cost reduction and need the versatility of targeting creatures or players directly, making it a solid option for MTG players looking to wield fire with strategy.
Cards similar to Sarkhan's Rage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sarkhan’s Rage may not draw cards directly, but by dealing damage directly to a creature or player, it can effectively remove an opponent’s creature from the board. This will often result in a one-for-one exchange, helping you maintain or gain card advantage as your opponent’s resources are diminished.
Resource Acceleration: While Sarkhan’s Rage doesn’t explicitly accelerate resources in terms of mana, it offers a different kind of acceleration by quickly dealing 5 damage. This can accelerate the game towards a conclusion by swiftly diminishing an opponent’s life total or clearing the way for your creatures to attack.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Sarkhan’s Rage provides flexibility and surprise, allowing you to respond to threats during your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn. This instancy adds a layer of strategic depth as you can choose the optimal moment to unleash its power.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Sarkhan’s Rage demands a specific combination of mana to cast, including both generic and red mana. This requirement may restrict its inclusion only to decks that can consistently generate that mana composition.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Having to allocate five mana to unleash this spell can be taxing on your turn, especially when considering that there might be other spells or creatures you could play with a similar impact for less investment.
Discard Requirement: If Sarkhan’s Rage is cast using the formidable mechanic, there’s a condition that might compel a player to discard another card from their hand. This can lead to a decrease in hand advantage, which is often critical in the later stages of the game.
Reasons to Include Sarkhan’s Rage in Your Collection
Versatility: Sarkhan’s Rage is a solid inclusion in any collection due to its immediate impact on the game. This instant card serves as an efficient removal option and can also be directed at opponents for a quick damage boost.
Combo Potential: For players intrigued by combo synergies, this card beautifully complements strategies that benefit from spell casting or direct damage. It can trigger prowess or boost spells with damage-increasing effects.
Meta-Relevance: In environments dominated by aggressive creature-based strategies, Sarkhan’s Rage stands out as a relevant card. It allows you to remove key creatures from the battlefield or close out games by reducing an opponent’s life total directly.
How to beat
Sarkhan’s Rage is a powerful instant card that presents a formidable challenge in Magic: The Gathering battles. It allows a player to inflict a significant five damage to any target, possibly tipping the scales in their favor. In addition, if you control no Dragons at the time you cast it, this card also forces you to pay an additional cost of two life, making it even more impactful in the late game where Dragons are common.
To counteract Sarkhan’s Rage, consider playing spells that grant you hexproof to prevent it from targeting you directly. Cards like Shalai, Voice of Plenty can provide a strong defense against such targeted spells. Another strategy is to maintain a high life total, or use damage prevention effects like those from The Wanderer, ensuring that even if Sarkhan’s Rage hits a creature or planeswalker, your overall game position remains stable.
It’s also wise to be wary of your opponent’s mana pool and to anticipate the casting of high-impact spells like Sarkhan’s Rage. Efficient counter spells could negate it entirely if timed correctly. Ultimately, staying one step ahead and being prepared with defensive measures can help you overcome the challenges posed by this fiery card in your MTG encounters.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sarkhan's Rage MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Sarkhan's Rage 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
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Printings
The Sarkhan's Rage Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Chris Rahn.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1051 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 360 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | DTK-153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | ||
| 5 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 594 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sarkhan's Rage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sarkhan's Rage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-02-25 | Sarkhan’s Rage checks whether you control a Dragon as it resolves. |