Sparkmage Apprentice MTG Card
2005-10-07 - Number 144
2009-07-17 - Number 158
2014-09-05 - Number 48
2019-11-07 - Number 1063
2022-12-02 - Number 603
2020-09-26 - Number DDN-48
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Sparkmage Apprentice comes into play, it deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
Pajik was amazed and pleased at his newfound powers. His pet cat Rivin was slightly less enthusiastic.
Cards like Sparkmage Apprentice
Sparkmage Apprentice is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, nestled within the array of creature spells with direct damage abilities. A close comparison can be drawn with cards like Gelectrode, which shares the similarity of dealing damage to any target. However, the Apprentice is unique in the sense that its damage ability is a one-time effect triggered upon entering the battlefield.
Looking at another similar card, Prodigal Pyromancer offers the advantage of repeatable damage, providing consistent board control. While the Apprentice’s immediate impact is limited to its arrival on the field, the Pyromancer’s potency grows over time with its tap-to-damage feature. Another card within this sphere is Thermo-Alchemist. Much like the Pyromancer, Thermo-Alchemist can repeatedly deal damage, but it also synergizes with instant and sorcery spells to untap and create a loop of potential damage.
Despite these alternatives, Sparkmage Apprentice holds its ground as a dependable choice for immediate board influence, especially in decks that focus on etb (enter the battlefield) triggers or require a quick solution against early game threats.
Cards similar to Sparkmage Apprentice by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Sparkmage Apprentice doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it provides utility by serving as both a creature and a source of direct damage. This can help even out card economy, especially if it removes a key creature from your opponent’s board.
Resource Acceleration: The Sparkmage Apprentice is a cost-effective play, being a common two-drop creature with an immediate impact on the board, which allows for a faster strategy by not consuming too many resources early in the game.
Instant Speed: Its triggered ability deals damage when it enters the battlefield, akin to spells that operate at instant speed. This means it offers flexibility, allowing you to react swiftly to an evolving game state, potentially disrupting your opponent’s plans by removing small targets, even on the turn, it’s played.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sparkmage Apprentice demands the strategic use of your hand, as you might have to decide between keeping a potentially useful card or discarding it to fully utilize the Apprentice’s abilities.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes both generic and red mana, this card is generally most at home in red or multicolor decks, which could restrict its inclusion solely to these strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two mana might seem fair, but in fast-paced games where efficiency is key, you might find cards with similar effects but lower mana requirements or with stronger impacts on the game.
Reasons to Include Sparkmage Apprentice in Your Collection
Versatility: Sparkmage Apprentice offers a flexible role within decks that focus on immediate board impact. This card is a solid inclusion in limited formats, or in decks that require early game presence and a way to ping creatures or planeswalkers.
Combo Potential: With its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield, Sparkmage Apprentice works well in conjunction with cards that manipulate or exploit enter-the-battlefield triggers, enhancing its combo potential within those archetypes.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right meta-game environment where small utility creatures play a significant role, Sparkmage Apprentice may find its niche. Especially in scenarios where taking out key one-toughness creatures could swing the game in your favor, this card can be subtly powerful.
How to beat
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Sparkmage Apprentice may not stand out as a formidable threat at first glance. Yet, this simple creature card can cause a minor but important shift in board state with its direct damage ability upon entering the battlefield. Comparable abilities are seen in creatures like Guttersnipe or Thermo-Alchemist, yet these cards typically require multiple triggers or a setup to deal their damage.
To outmaneuver Sparkmage Apprentice, consider employing instant speed removal spells that can disrupt its entrance, or utilize cards with protection from red to nullify its ability. Pay attention to cards like Unsummon or Essence Scatter, which can handle creatures at a low cost before they have a chance to impact the game. In a broader sense, maintaining board control and keeping your life total out of range from such direct damage sources will ensure that Sparkmage Apprentice’s effect is merely a ripple rather than a wave in the tide of battle.
Strategically, Sparkmage Apprentice demands early game answers but doesn’t withstand protracted duels well. Counterplay should focus on neutralizing its initial effect and then quickly moving beyond what this low-impact card can handle.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sparkmage Apprentice MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and Magic 2010, 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 Sparkmage Apprentice and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Sparkmage Apprentice Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 144 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 2 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 158 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones | |
| 3 | 2014-09-05 | Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning | DDN | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1063 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | DDN-48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones | ||
| 6 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 603 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sparkmage Apprentice has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |