Shadow Lance MTG Card
2006-02-03 - Number 14★
2006-02-03 - Number 14
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Enchant creature Enchanted creature has first strike. : Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
Shadow lances are crafted from harvested souls. The more wicked the sinner, the keener the blade.
Cards like Shadow Lance
Shadow Lance enters the stage as a unique twist on equipment cards in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards like Fireshrieker, which famously grants double strike to a creature. What sets Shadow Lance apart is its ability to also give deathtouch, turning any creature into a threatening defender or an aggressive attacker. Unlike Fireshrieker, however, Shadow Lance lacks the baseline power boost.
Considering other comparable cards, we look at Basilisk Collar, which grants not only deathtouch but lifelink. However, Basilisk Collar doesn’t empower creatures with double strike, illustrating the selective advantage of Shadow Lance. Then there’s Quietus Spike, which has a deathly effect on life totals, though its heavier mana cost and the lack of double strike position Shadow Lance as a more versatile tool for swift, lethal blows.
In the realm of MTG, equipping creatures is a tactical maneuver, and Shadow Lance’s combination of double strike and deathtouch at a low cost makes it a noteworthy competitor among its peers. This blend of abilities provides a significant edge in combat, making it an attractive option for players aiming to enhance their creatures’ abilities efficiently.
Cards similar to Shadow Lance by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shadow Lance enables you to gain control of an opponent’s creature until end of turn while also drawing a card, thereby not only disrupting your opponent’s board but also replacing itself in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: By taking control of a creature with potential mana abilities, Shadow Lance can indirectly contribute to your resource acceleration, providing you with additional mana sources without spending extra cards.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Shadow Lance adds flexibility to your gameplay, allowing you to respond to threats, make surprise plays during combat, or simply use the card when most advantageous during the course of a turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shadow Lance requires discarding a card as part of its casting cost. This mechanic can deplete your hand, especially detrimental when you’re already behind in the game or when every card in hand is vital to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a specific mana cost that includes both black and white mana, Shadow Lance may not seamlessly integrate into all deck types. This limitation often relegates it to two-color decks or those that can reliably produce both colors of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana value of Shadow Lance may be considered steep for its effects. With a diversified field of creatures and removal spells, players might find other cards that achieve similar results or better synergize with their deck’s overall game plan at a lower mana cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shadow Lance offers flexibility in deck construction. It can adapt to various play styles, from aggressive approaches that seek to capitalize on early creature enhancements to more measured, strategic builds that value equipment synergies.
Combo Potential: The card’s ability to grant deathtouch and lifelink can be cleverly paired with cards that capitalize on those keywords, multiplying its effectiveness and creating powerful interactions on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: With an environment where creatures can dominate, Shadow Lance enhances your creatures’ combat capabilities, tipping the scales in your favor during pivotal moments in a match.
How to beat
Shadow Lance is a unique piece in the vast arsenal of cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its prowess lies in its ability to not only boost a creature’s power but also provide it with the menace ability, making it harder to block. This makes any creature equipped with Shadow Lance a more formidable threat on the battlefield.
One way to tackle the challenge posed by Shadow Lance is by increasing your board presence with multiple creatures. Since a creature with menace needs to be blocked by at least two creatures, having a wide army can nullify its advantage. Removal spells are another effective strategy. Direct damage or destruction spells that can bypass the equipped creature’s enhanced defenses can handle the threat Shadow Lance poses without engaging it in combat.
In summary, while Shadow Lance can turn a single creature into a significant threat, players can mitigate its impact by maintaining a wide board presence or utilizing targeted removal spells. Understanding the tempo and managing resources effectively plays a crucial role in overcoming a Shadow Lance-equipped adversary.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shadow Lance MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and Guildpact, 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 Shadow Lance 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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Printings
The Shadow Lance Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2006-02-03. Illustrated by Hideaki Takamura.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shadow Lance has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |