Spark Double MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Creature — Illusion |
Power | 0 |
Toughness | 0 |
Text of card
You may have Spark Double enter the battlefield as a copy of a creature or planeswalker you control, except it enters with an additional +1/+1 counter on it if it's a creature, it enters with an additional loyalty counter on it if it's a planeswalker, and it isn't legendary.
Cards like Spark Double
Spark Double presents an intriguing twist to the clone mechanic in Magic: The Gathering, drawing parallels to cards like Clone itself, which can enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the field. However, what sets Spark Double apart is its ability to also copy planeswalkers, plus the added nuance of entering without any legendary restriction and with an additional +1/+1 counter or loyalty counter.
Looking towards Mirror Image, we find another card with a similar cloning effect, albeit with a limitation to only creatures you control and without the +1/+1 counter bonus. Then there’s Quasiduplicate, offering the ability to create a creature copy with its jump-start feature, allowing a second use from the graveyard. Yet, neither grants the versatility nor the incremental advantage that Spark Double offers.
In essence, while various clone-effect cards offer a range of functionalities, Spark Double stands out for its unique flexibility and the potential for enhanced performance in creature and planeswalker strategies, making it a powerful and versatile choice in Magic: The Gathering decks that capitalize on powerful permanents.
Cards similar to Spark Double by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Spark Double. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quintorius Combo | Pioneer | Quintorius Combo | Pioneer Preliminary 2024-04-16 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When it comes to maximizing your options in a game, Spark Double shines by allowing you to clone your best creatures or planeswalkers. This essentially gives you access to an additional copy of your most influential cards without drawing them from your deck, enhancing your board presence and strategic depth with every play.
Resource Acceleration: By copying a creature or planeswalker with an ability that ramps your mana, Spark Double can be a key component in resource acceleration. Its versatility to become any nonlegendary creature or any planeswalker you control – even those with a loyalty ability to untap lands or create mana – can give you the upper hand in fueling costly spells faster than your opponent.
Instant Speed: Although Spark Double itself isn’t an instant, it has the unique benefit of being cast at sorcery speed which allows players to set up their game state with precision. However, when paired with flash-enabling cards, Spark Double can surprise opponents by duplicating a blocker or a creature with a powerful enter-the-battlefield effect during their turn, often swinging the momentum in your favor.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Spark Double comes with a strict mana cost that includes both colorless and blue mana. This can restrict its inclusion in multi-colored decks or those that run on a tight mana base, potentially limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting Spark Double requires four mana, which is a significant investment, especially in the early turns of the game. While copying a powerful creature or planeswalker can be game-changing, the initial cost must be carefully weighed against other options at that stage of the game.
Discard Requirement: Although Spark Double itself does not have a discard requirement, its high mana cost may force players to hold it in hand over other plays, indirectly leading to discard decisions in tight situations. This can be particularly challenging when trying to maintain card advantage.
Reasons to Include Spark Double in Your Collection
Versatility: Spark Double offers a unique ability to clone any creature or planeswalker you control with an additional +1/+1 counter or loyalty counter, respectively. This makes it a powerhouse in decks that seek to capitalize on enter-the-battlefield effects or need a versatile piece that can adapt to various board states.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in environments where it can multiply the impact of powerful permanents with strong abilities. When paired with creatures that have potent effects or planeswalkers that can control the game, Spark Double can be the key to unlocking game-winning combinations.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where individual card quality and the ability to outvalue your opponent are paramount, Spark Double provides a serious edge. It’s a card that can swing games by duplicating your best threats, essentially acting as a force multiplier in matches where every advantage counts.
How to beat Spark Double
Spark Double extends the capabilities of your deck by cloning your most impactful creatures or planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering. By entering the battlefield as a copy, not only does it dodge the legendary rule, but it also adds an additional counter, making it a force to be reckoned with. This unique copy effect creates formidable board states that can feel overwhelming to overcome.
Counteracting Spark Double effectively requires strategic removal of key targets. Cards like Murderous Rider or Mythos of Nethroi offer precise elimination options, ensuring that the clones Spark Double intends to mimic are dealt with swiftly. Instant speed removal is especially vital to disrupt your opponent’s momentum before Spark Double can exploit it. Furthermore, by maintaining card advantage and spot removal in hand, you can anticipate and dismantle the cumulative threats Spark Double is poised to present, retaining control of the game’s tempo.
Ultimately, while Spark Double can propel an opponent into a dominating position, a well-prepared arsenal of instant speed removals and proactive board control tactics can overturn the advantage it bestows. By eliminating key original creatures or planeswalkers, you minimize the potential reach of this versatile card, ensuring your victory remains within sight.
BurnMana Recommendations
Spark Double represents a multifaceted tool in the arsenal of any MTG player, adept at cloning your premier creatures or planeswalkers to create powerful synergies on the battlefield. Enhancing board states and accelerating your strategic depth, it can be a game-changer, best suited for decks that thrive on complex plays and value generation. Still, this card’s inclusion demands a careful deck-building approach, balancing its color requirements and strategic setup. For players keen on mastering such advanced tactics and elevating their gameplay, diving deeper into the clone mechanic and exploring how Spark Double can amplify your deck’s performance is essential. Embark on this intricate journey with us, and gain insights to craft a winning strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spark Double MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and War of the Spark Promos, 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 Spark Double 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 Spark Double Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 68 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
2 | 2019-05-04 | War of the Spark Promos | PWAR | 68s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
3 | 2019-05-04 | War of the Spark Promos | PWAR | 68p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
4 | The List | PLST | WAR-68 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | ||
5 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 856 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
6 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 421 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Canata Katana | |
7 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 319 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
8 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 319z | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
9 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 62 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spark Double has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spark Double card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2019-05-03 | Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied permanent will trigger when Spark Double enters the battlefield. Any “as -his permanent] enters the battlefield” or “ -his permanent] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the chosen permanent will also work. |
2019-05-03 | If Spark Double somehow enters the battlefield at the same time as another permanent, it can’t become a copy of that permanent. You may choose only a creature or planeswalker that’s already on the battlefield. |
2019-05-03 | If it copies a planeswalker, Spark Double enters with the appropriate number of loyalty counters as printed on the card plus one. If it copies a creature, Spark Double enters with a +1/+1 counter on it, plus any counters that will be put on it from abilities it copied and other abilities of other objects. |
2019-05-03 | If the chosen permanent is a token, Spark Double copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created the token. Spark Double doesn’t become a token in this case. |
2019-05-03 | If the chosen permanent is copying something else (for example, if the chosen permanent is another Spark Double), then Spark Double enters the battlefield as whatever the chosen permanent copied. |
2019-05-03 | If the copied permanent has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0. |
2019-05-03 | If the copied permanent is affected by a type-changing effect, Spark Double may enter the battlefield with different permanent types than the copied permanent currently has. Use the characteristics of Spark Double as it enters the battlefield, not of the copied permanent, to determine whether it enters with an additional counter on it. Notably, if Spark Double copies a Gideon planeswalker that’s a creature because its loyalty ability caused it to become a planeswalker creature, Spark Double enters as a noncreature planeswalker and doesn’t get a +1/+1 counter. On the other hand, if Spark Double copies Gideon Blackblade during your turn, Spark Double enters as a planeswalker creature and gets both kinds of counters. |
2019-05-03 | Spark Double copies exactly what was printed on the original permanent (unless that permanent is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that permanent is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or any Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, or so on. |
2019-05-03 | Spark Double isn’t legendary if it copies a legendary permanent, and this exception is copiable. If something else copies Spark Double later, that copy also won’t be legendary. If you control two or more permanents with the same name but only one is legendary, the “legend rule” doesn’t apply. |