Sparktongue Dragon MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 159
2019-11-07 - Number 1065
2019-11-15 - Number 43
2020-11-20 - Number 202
2022-12-02 - Number 604
2020-09-26 - Number M19-159
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying When Sparktongue Dragon enters the battlefield, you may pay . When you do, it deals 3 damage to any target.
Fools believe that Kolaghan's brood follows lightning storms. The wise know that it is the other way around.
Cards like Sparktongue Dragon
Sparktongue Dragon is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering that offers players both a formidable flying presence and a potential direct damage deal when entering the battlefield. In terms of comparison, it shares some similarities with other dragons such as Lathliss, Dragon Queen, which can also be a powerhouse in the air. However, Lathliss comes at a higher mana cost and lacks the direct damage ability, instead focusing on a boost to other Dragons and token generation.
Much like Sparktongue Dragon, Flametongue Kavu offers a direct damage effect upon entering the battlefield. Though not a Dragon and without the ability to fly, the Kavu stands out for its reliable removal potential and lower mana cost. Skarrgan Hellkite is another related card, bringing versatility with its riot ability and the option to deal damage directly to any target, at the cost of additional mana for the ability activation.
Analyzing the dynamics of these creatures, Sparktongue Dragon emerges as a multifunctional choice for decks that can utilize its dual role as an aerial threat and a method for dealing damage. It’s a compelling option for players valuing flexibility and board impact.
Cards similar to Sparktongue Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sparktongue Dragon’s ability to draw a card upon entering the battlefield can be a significant boost, ensuring you don’t lose steam in the mid to late game. It gives you more options and increases the likelihood of drawing into answers or threats.
Resource Acceleration: While the dragon itself does not directly produce additional resources, its presence can lead to indirect acceleration by removing blockers and making way for continued attacks, thus preserving your mana and cards for other strategic plays.
Instant Speed: Unleashing Sparktongue Dragon’s fiery breath at instant speed to deal 3 damage can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. This versatility enables you to adapt to the board state, whether by removing a key creature in combat or simply applying pressure at the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Sparktongue Dragon may require you to let go of a precious card from your hand to utilize its ability. This can be a setback, especially when your hand is already running thin and losing even one more card could hamper your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast this creature, you need a certain combination of mana, including red. This specificity can sometimes restrict its inclusion to strictly red or dragon-centric decks, potentially sidestepping deck varieties that favor flexibility over color fidelity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a higher mana cost for its abilities, Sparktongue Dragon demands a significant amount of resources, which might not always equate to a proportional impact on the game. Given the breadth of options available in the game, players might find other creatures or spells that offer more bang for their buck and potentially a quicker board presence or impact.
Reasons to Include Sparktongue Dragon in Your Collection
Versatility: Sparktongue Dragon offers the flexibility to serve as both an aerial threat and a source of direct damage. This functionality allows it to seamlessly integrate into various red-based decks, fitting particularly well in strategies that exploit flying creatures or require burn options.
Combo Potential: With its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield, it can work in tandem with cards that double up on enter-the-battlefield triggers, amplifying its impact and serving as a possible game-changer in combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where air superiority and removal are paramount, Sparktongue Dragon provides a distinct advantage. Its presence can pressure opponents by threatening valuable targets and potentially swaying the game’s momentum in your favor, especially in environments where smaller creatures dominate the field.
How to beat
Overcoming a Sparktongue Dragon on the battlefield requires strategic planning and an understanding of the game’s mechanics. This formidable creature not only presents a sizable airborne threat with its ability to soar over defenses, but it also possesses a potentially game-altering ability: dealing 3 damage to any target upon the expenditure of additional mana. Players should be ready to deal with the aerial hazard before it becomes overwhelming.
Removal spells are often the simplest solution—casting options like Murder to destroy the dragon before its ability triggers or Essence Scatter to counter it when cast. Flyers and reach creatures can block it effectively, particularly those with power exceeding Sparktongue Dragon’s toughness. Additionally, board wipes, especially those that can be cast at instant speed, can sway the momentum of the game, nullifying the threat posed by this dragon. Reducing the dragon’s impact on the game becomes a matter of resource allocation, ensuring your removal or countermeasures align with the timing of Sparktongue Dragon’s arrival on the battlefield.
In essence, familiarity with your deck’s removal arsenal and an anticipatory playstyle are key in suppressing the fiery onslaught of Sparktongue Dragon. Understanding when to hold back resources to address this threat can make the difference between victory and defeat in a closely contested game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sparktongue Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Mystery Booster, 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 Sparktongue Dragon 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 Sparktongue Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Daarken.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 159 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1065 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 3 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 43 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | M19-159 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | ||
| 5 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 202 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 6 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 604 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sparktongue Dragon 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 |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sparktongue Dragon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-11-10 | Sparktongue Dragon's triggered ability goes on the stack without a target. While that ability is resolving, you may pay . If you do, a second ability triggers and you pick a target that will be dealt damage. This is different from abilities that say "If you do . . ." in that players may cast spells and activate abilities after mana is paid but before damage is dealt. |
| 2020-11-10 | While resolving the triggered ability of Sparktongue Dragon, you can't pay multiple times to have it deal more than 3 damage. |