Spellbound Dragon MTG Card
2009-04-30 - Number 90
2017-08-25 - Number 196
2020-09-26 - Number ARB-90
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever Spellbound Dragon attacks, draw a card, then discard a card. Spellbound Dragon gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the discarded card's converted mana cost.
A king in Jund, a serf in Esper.
Cards like Spellbound Dragon
Spellbound Dragon is an alluring creature card that combines flying with a dynamic ability to draw and discard, an effect that echoes across other MTG cards. Akin to Spellbound Dragon in the realm of flying creatures with additional benefits is Thundermaw Hellkite. Thundermaw Hellkite brings a formidable presence to the battlefield with the power to tap down opposing fliers, although it lacks the cycling ability of Spellbound Dragon, which can shape hand dynamics and offer card selection flexibility.
Another related card is Arclight Phoenix, which, similar to Spellbound Dragon, benefits from being discarded and later returning to the battlefield, offering repeated value. However, Arclight Phoenix requires a specific casting strategy to take flight again, unlike Spellbound Dragon, which hinges on discarding cards as a function of its attack. Then we have Scourge of the Throne, which offers an aggressive playing style but doesn’t provide the draw and discard utility that makes Spellbound Dragon unique in its approach to accelerating gameplay and enhancing hand quality.
Overall, Spellbound Dragon offers a blend of offensive pressure and strategic card flow that establishes its distinct role among MTG flying creatures, balancing aerial supremacy with a constant churn of cards for the cunning strategist.
Cards similar to Spellbound Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Spellbound Dragon attacks, you may draw a card and then discard a card, ensuring your hand remains flexible and potent throughout the duel. This cycling capability continually fuels your gameplan, making sure you have the right cards when you need them.
Resource Acceleration: By discarding a high mana value card with Spellbound Dragon’s ability, you temporarily boost its strength. This can translate into quicker defeat for your opponent, effectively accelerating the race to victory, particularly in formats that appreciate aggressive strategies.
Instant Speed: Although Spellbound Dragon operates at sorcery speed, the cards discarded could potentially have flashback or similar abilities that can be activated at instant speed. This interaction allows you to maximize your resources and keep your opponents guessing on your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Spellbound Dragon demands that you discard a card whenever it attacks. This effect can backfire when you are already depleted of cards or when you are forced to toss away essential spells that you may need later in your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires both blue and red mana, Spellbound Dragon fits specifically within Izzet or multicolored decks, thus limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes. Players running monocolored or other two-colored combinations may find it hard to accommodate this creature.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of five mana points, including one blue and one red, this card’s cost is a significant investment. While the potential for a large flying attacker is enticing, other cards such as Glorybringer offer a similar power level without the need to discard, making them sometimes a more efficient choice for your deck’s curve.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spellbound Dragon’s ability to draw and discard as it attacks allows players to filter their hand for better options, making it a great fit for decks that capitalize on both graveyard mechanics and flying threats. Its flexibility in various deck archetypes highlights how a single card can adapt to multiple strategies.
Combo Potential: This dragon works wonders in synergistic combos, particularly with decks that play around discarding and drawing. Imagine discarding a high-powered card, then leveraging graveyard retrieval spells or abilities to unleash a devastating follow-up attack.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where flying creatures dominate and games extend into the late phases, Spellbound Dragon can consistently apply pressure. Its relevance fluctuates with the meta, but it frequently finds its niche, especially in formats where its effect can be maximized.
How to beat Spellbound Dragon
Confronting a Spellbound Dragon in a Magic: The Gathering match demands tactical prowess, given its ability to grow stronger with each card drawn. This creature excels in mid-game scenarios where players have a sizable hand, priming it to deal devastating amounts of damage. However, there are effective countermeasures one can employ.
To diminish its threat, hand disruption proves invaluable. Applying pressure to limit your opponent’s hand size will inherently weaken the dragon’s power since its strength correlates with the number of cards your opponent can reveal. Consider using spells like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek which can extract key cards and reduce the dragon’s impact when it attacks.
Moreover, removal spells play a crucial role, as they can dispatch the dragon before the combat phase and its triggered ability manifest. Instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently clear the board of this menacing flier. Timely usage of these tools can save your life total and maintain your position in the game, consequently enhancing your odds of emerging victorious against a deck wielding the formidable Spellbound Dragon.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spellbound Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn and Commander 2017, 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 Spellbound 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Spellbound Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2009-04-30 and 2017-08-25. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-04-30 | Alara Reborn | ARB | 90 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 2 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | ARB-90 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spellbound Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spellbound Dragon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-05-01 | You’ll discard a card even if some other effect replaces the draw. |