Glitterfang MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Spirit
Abilities	Haste
Released	2005-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Saviors of Kamigawa
Set code	SOK
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	100
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ron Spencer

Key Takeaways

Glitterfang’s recurrent nature enhances card advantage and enables multiple triggered abilities.
Its specific mana cost and discard requirement may limit deck-building flexibility.
Potential inclusion in your collection for versatility and combo potential within certain metas.

Text of card

Haste At end of turn, return Glitterfang to its owner's hand.

"Through the veil's rip spilled hundreds of minor kami, rushing over the battlefield like embers from a kicked campfire. Then they were gone." —*Great Battles of Kamigawa*

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Glitterfang’s ability to return to your hand at the beginning of the end step can be utilized to trigger enter the battlefield effects multiple times, potentially netting you a steady flow of advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Glitterfang itself doesn’t produce mana or tokens, its recurrent nature works well with sacrifice mechanics or cards that benefit from casting creatures. It can repeatedly enable prowess-like abilities or grow permanent-based accumulators like “At the beginning of your end step” effects.

Instant Speed: The surprise factor of flashing in Glitterfang can be significant, whether it’s poised to block an unexpected attacker or simply cast at the end step before your turn to navigate around sorcery speed removal. This can keep opponents on their toes and give you the element of surprise.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Glitterfang comes with a built-in drawback that necessitates discarding another card when you play it. This can be particularly punishing if your hand is already stretched thin, turning the card into a potential liability rather than an asset during crucial moments in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Glitterfang is narrowly defined, requiring both red and other specific mana to play. This can make the card a somewhat inflexible choice, best suited for a dedicated red-centric or two-color deck, potentially limiting its utility across the broader spectrum of MTG playstyles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Glitterfang might offer unique abilities that can turn the tide of a game, its mana cost is on the higher side when weighed against other options within the same mana range. Savvy MTG players may find alternatives that provide similar or better effects at a lower cost, making Glitterfang a less desirable choice for those looking to optimize their deck’s mana curve and overall efficiency.

Reasons to Include Glitterfang in Your Collection

Versatility: Glitterfang offers flexibility across a variety of decks and strategies. With its ability to bounce back to your hand, it ensures a consistent board presence and works well in decks that capitalize on casting creatures multiple times.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with effects or abilities that activate upon creatures entering the battlefield. Its recurrent nature allows for multiple triggers and can be harnessed for powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given a meta that favors fast-paced games or tactical plays, Glitterfang’s quick hit-and-return strategy could disrupt opponents and fit neatly into fast aggro or ninjutsu-focused strategies.

How to beat

Glitterfang presents a unique challenge within the pantheon of Magic the Gathering due to its ability to return to its owner’s hand at the beginning of the next end step. This makes traditional methods of removal less effective. However, strategies do exist to counter this elusive creature. Cards that force a player to sacrifice creatures can be an effective measure, as they bypass Glitterfang’s evasive returning ability. Moreover, utilizing counterspells when Glitterfang is cast avoids the hassle of dealing with its return trigger altogether.

Another avenue is leveraging graveyard manipulation. Since Glitterfang depends on repeatedly casting the card from hand, disrupting a player’s graveyard and removing the card from the game can sever this loop. Exile-based removal spells shine here, ensuring that once Glitterfang leaves the battlefield, it won’t be making a comeback.

While Glitterfang may present a slippery target, understanding its mechanics and employing targeted counters, sacrifice effects, or exile spells can help manage and eventually overcome the threat it poses on the battlefield.

Cards like Glitterfang

Glitterfang offers a unique twist on the notion of creature cards with its fleeting presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarities to cards like Norin the Wary, which is another creature known for blinking out of play and returning to the field. Norin the Wary does so whenever a player casts a spell or a creature attacks, making it somewhat more versatile compared to Glitterfang’s end-of-turn condition.

Furthermore, we can compare Glitterfang to the mechanics of Dash found on creatures like Warbringer, both providing the flexibility to be played for a single attack. However, Warbringer comes with an additional benefit of reducing the Dash cost, which Glitterfang lacks. It’s essential to weigh these differences in play style and effect timing.

Evaluating Glitterfang alongside these creature cards reveals its niche role in MTG – providing a repetitive yet temporary board presence. This can synergize with various enter-the-battlefield effects or attack triggers throughout the game. When assessing Glitterfang’s value, it’s clear that it can offer strategic advantages in decks designed to capitalize on its unique return-to-hand feature.

Cards similar to Glitterfang by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions

Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Glitterfang MTG card by a specific set like Saviors 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 Glitterfang and other MTG cards: