Scare Tactics MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Released | 1998-06-15 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Exodus |
Set code | EXO |
Number | 73 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | DiTerlizzi |
Text of card
All creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn.
"Fear rules those weak enough to accept it." —Greven *il*-Vec
Cards like Scare Tactics
Scare Tactics is an intriguing entry in the sphere of combat tricks within MTG. It finds common ground with other instant spells that bolster a creature’s attack power, akin to the classic Giant Growth. However, Scare Tactics differentiates itself by potentially affecting multiple creatures rather than just one. Whereas Giant Growth adds a significant power and toughness boost to a single target, Scare Tactics can give a smaller, yet wider-reaching boost to all your attacking creatures if you have threshold – seven or more cards in your graveyard.
Comparing it to other similar cards, Zealous Persecution emerges as a close parallel, offering a boost to creatures you control and a debuff to those your opponents control. Though it affects the whole board and is not dependent on a condition like threshold. Rush of Adrenaline, yet another card of this ilk provides your creature not only with a power boost but also trample, ensuring that excess damage spills over to player life totals. Unlike these cards, Scare Tactics’ potential scales with the number of attackers and your graveyard’s state, which could result in a more significant sudden impact during combat.
In essence, while assessing the array of combat augmentation options available, Scare Tactics possesses a unique position, particularly for players keen on leveraging graveyard mechanics to amplify their offensive capabilities.
Cards similar to Scare Tactics by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When playing Scare Tactics, the potential to disrupt multiple opponents simultaneously equates to a form of card advantage. Particularly in multiplayer formats, this card can turn the tide, as it forces each opponent to make difficult decisions about creature blocks, potentially leading to a more favorable board state for the casting player.
Resource Acceleration: Scare Tactics doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration in the form of added mana or tokens. However, by persuading opponents to avoid blocking, it can indirectly accelerate your victory, preserving your creatures and allowing them to deal damage more effectively and tip the scales in resource-heavy board states.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Scare Tactics offers strategic flexibility, allowing you to catch opponents off-guard during the combat phase. Deciding whether to block or take damage becomes a more complex and risky decision for them. The instant-speed nature of this card makes it a powerful tool in the hands of a player adept at reading the game and their opponent’s patterns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Scare Tactics necessitates discarding a card to activate its ability, posing challenges when your hand is already depleted or if key cards are crucial for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and generic mana, Scare Tactics can be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that don’t prioritize black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Demanding three mana, two of which must be black, players may find the cost steep relative to the card’s impact on the game, particularly when other spells could provide greater utility or board presence for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Scare Tactics in Your Collection
Versatility: Scare Tactics is a unique instant that can slide into a variety of deck builds. It’s particularly useful in decks focused on creature numbers, turning even the smallest creatures into significant threats for a decisive turn.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergy with strategies that amass large numbers of creatures. Couple it with token generators to unexpectedly amplify your board presence and take opponents by surprise during crucial combat phases.
Meta-Relevance: In a landscape where combat tricks can tilt the tide of battle, Scare Tactics stands out. Its ability to give an unexpected boost can disrupt opponent plans and strategies, making it a card worth considering in many game scenarios where creatures are key.
How to beat
Scare Tactics is a black instant card in Magic: The Gathering that can give creatures an unexpected boost during combat, making it a trickier spell to navigate around. To effectively counteract Scare Tactics, understanding the timing of its use is crucial. This low-cost card is often activated during the declare blockers step to boost the power of attacking or blocking creatures. A well-placed removal or bounce spell in response can neutralize the threat posed by Scare Tactics. Furthermore, it’s beneficial to keep a watchful eye on the number of creatures your opponent has, as the spell’s effect scales with quantity.
To maintain the upper hand, consider playing control elements. Cards with the ability to counter spells provide a direct way to prevent Scare Tactics from resolving, while having instant removal can minimize its impact on the game. Tactical plays and strategic foresight are the keys to overcoming the potential surprise that Scare Tactics brings to the battlefield in MTG. Mastering these concepts will help players navigate and ultimately prevail against such sudden wave of power in their matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scare Tactics MTG card by a specific set like Exodus, 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 Scare Tactics 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 Scare Tactics has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |