Spare Dagger MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact — Equipment |
| Abilities | Equip |
| Released | 2021-07-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms |
| Set code | AFR |
| Number | 250 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Khurrum |
Text of card
Equipped creature gets +1/+0 and has "Whenever this creature attacks, you may sacrifice Spare Dagger. When you do, this creature deals 1 damage to any target." Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)
Cards like Spare Dagger
Spare Dagger shines amidst the array of quick play options for those who appreciate swift and efficient tactics in Magic: The Gathering. Its likeness can be discerned when considering a card like Short Sword, which also offers a +1/+1 bonus to a creature. Yet, Spare Dagger edges forward with its ability to be sacrificed for that added surprise damage, fostering a more dynamic gameplay moment. However, Short Sword does hold the advantage of being a permanent equipment without requiring an additional cost to equip.
Another analogous card is Bone Splinters, which demands a creature sacrifice to destroy a target creature. It offers a definite kill condition, differing from Spare Dagger’s potential for direct damage to any target. However, this direct removal comes without the versatility of being attached as equipment for increased power.
Deliberating on strategy and utility, Spare Dagger might not dominate the battlefield like some more potent equipment cards or targeted removal, but its unique blend of flexibility and aggression can carve a niche in decks that capitalize on surprise tactics and quick damage output.
Cards similar to Spare Dagger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spare Dagger is ideal for outpacing your opponent due to its ability to potentially discard a card and draw a card, thus refreshing your hand and keeping your options open during gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: This versatile card offers an alternative use that can help accelerate your mana resources, contributing to your broader game strategy by introducing additional options for casting spells sooner.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Spare Dagger at instant speed offers the dual benefit of surprising opponents with sudden tricks or deciding the best course of action once you’ve seen your opponent’s plays, thereby providing strategic flexibility.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Spare Dagger requires players to part with a card from their hand, which can be problematic during games where maintaining card advantage is pivotal. If you’re already behind in resources, activating its ability could further weaken your position.
Specific Mana Cost: Playing this card demands precise mana, including both blue and red, restricting it to decks that can reliably produce both colors. This can complicate deck-building choices and reduce the card’s versatility across various archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might seem steep for its immediate impact on the game, Spare Dagger can be outclassed by other options. Cards with lower mana requirements might provide quicker or more substantial effects, making them preferable choices in a competitive setting.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spare Dagger is a card that can slide into various builds due to its dual nature as both equipment and a quick damage dealer. It’s perfect for decks that look to equip creatures swiftly and require an additional punch or tactical defense.
Combo Potential: Given its low cost and instant impact, it can enable combinations with cards that benefit from equipping. It can help to rapidly enhance creatures or work with abilities triggered by dealing non-combat damage or by attaching equipments.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where speedy plays can turn the tide, Spare Dagger holds its own. Its meta relevance lies in its ability to disrupt early creature-based strategies and provide your creatures with a permanent power boost.
How to beat
The card Spare Dagger offers a unique twist in gameplay by offering a one-time use of direct damage in Magic: The Gathering. When considering a strategy to tackle this card, one effective method is employing quick creature removal. As Spare Dagger needs a creature to be equipped to activate its ability, keeping your opponent’s battlefield clear of targets can nullify the dagger’s potential impact. Utilize spells that can swiftly eliminate low-cost creatures to avoid giving your opponent an opportunity to utilize the Spare Dagger’s direct damage.
Another angle is to focus on enchantment removal. Cards that can destroy or exile artifacts are especially helpful in this scenario. This stops the Spare Dagger from being a threat even if it’s already on the battlefield. Look for instant-speed interaction, so you have the flexibility to react to the equip action specifically, keeping you a step ahead in the arms race. It’s also wise to keep an eye on your life total, as strategic life gain can offset the damage dealt by Spare Dagger, reducing its effectiveness as a tool for finishing games.
Ultimately, disrupting your opponent’s board, maintaining life total, and targeted artifact removal form the cornerstone of any plan aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by Spare Dagger in a match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spare Dagger MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Spare Dagger 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 Spare Dagger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |