Spitfire Handler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 236 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jim Nelson |
Text of card
Spitfire Handler can't block creatures with power greater than Spitfire Handler's power. o R: Spitfire Handler gets +1/+0 until end of turn.
"Wait 'til Toggo sees this!"
Cards like Spitfire Handler
Spitfire Handler has carved its own niche within the pantheon of red creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its comparison often starts with Goblin Motivator, as both creatures have the ability to grant haste to another creature. Where Spitfire Handler distinguishes itself is in its added utility to damage an opponent’s creature, albeit with the caveat of only targeting creatures with flying.
Looking at another red card, Fervent Champion, the comparison is quite intriguing. Fervent Champion provides a first strike capability and buffs other Knights you control, and although it can be more aggressive with its lower casting cost, it lacks the flexibility that Spitfire Handler can offer in tactical defense. Flamekin Harbinger is another related card; it serves a different function by tutoring for an Elemental creature, which could complement a deck looking to utilize Spitfire Handler’s Elemental creature type synergy.
Ultimately, while Spitfire Handler might not be the most aggressive card in a red player’s arsenal, its ability to contribute to both offense and defense positions it as a versatile option for players crafting a red deck, particularly one that is flying-centric or Elemental-themed.
Cards similar to Spitfire Handler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spitfire Handler provides a unique edge by potentially negating an opponent’s card advantage. With its ability to damage multiple targets, this card can eliminate several of an opponent’s smaller creatures in one go, effectively reducing their board presence and maintaining your advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While Spitfire Handler does not directly produce mana or treasure tokens, its low casting cost makes it a nimble addition to your arsenal, allowing for quick deployment. This leaves resources available for other strategic plays, efficiently accelerating your game plan without significant resource investment.
Instant Speed: The true power of Spitfire Handler shines at instant speed. It allows you to be versatile with your tactics, waiting for the perfect moment to disrupt your opponent’s strategy. Whether it’s during combat or at the end of their turn, the surprise factor can shift the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Spitfire Handler requires discarding another card to activate its full potential. This can be detrimental when your hand is already depleted or when every card you hold is crucial for future turns.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation is locked behind a red mana requirement, making it less flexible for decks that are not red-centric or those looking to maintain a diverse mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Offering a moderately aggressive ability, Spitfire Handler might not be the first choice for players given its mana investment. For the cost of playing and utilizing this card, other options might provide a greater impact on the game with less resource expenditure.
Reasons to Include Spitfire Handler in Your Collection
Versatility: Spitfire Handler offers utility in a wide range of red-based decks. Its ability to potentially deal damage to multiple targets makes it a fitting choice for both aggressive and control strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can amplify red’s damage-dealing capabilities by combining it with effects that increase damage output or trigger off of noncombat damage to deliver devastating blows to your opponents.
Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy formats, Spitfire Handler can be a valuable asset. Its unique interaction with the battlefield can disrupt your opponent’s board presence and maintain a tempo advantage.
How to beat
Spitfire Handler is a card that requires strategic foresight to effectively counter in Magic: The Gathering. Players up against this card should focus on minimizing its damage-dealing potential. Since Spitfire Handler can make a creature unblockable for a turn, it’s advantageous for opponents to remove potential blockers or keep them untapped to dissuade its activation. Removal spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently dispatch the creature it targets to prevent any combat tricks or surprises.
Another approach is to manage the board by controlling the game’s pace through counterspells or creature-based strategies that neutralize threats before they become too precarious to handle. Enchantments like Pacifism also restrain Spitfire Handler from using its abilities, rendering it ineffective in the combat phase. Additionally, constantly applying pressure and maintaining your life total can reduce the impact Spitfire Handler might have, as the unblockable condition is less relevant if you can endure the damage and retaliate with a stronger board presence.
Ultimately, the key to outmaneuvering Spitfire Handler lies in disrupting its mechanics and maintaining control over the creatures and strategies your opponent is likely to employ in conjunction with this card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spitfire Handler MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Spitfire Handler 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 Spitfire Handler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |