Starke MTG Card

Starke of Rath excels at disrupting foes by weaponizing their own creatures against them. Its requirement for specific mana and a discard can both challenge and constrict deck building. The card’s versatility and combo potential make it a formidable asset in the right meta.

Rarity	Rare
Type	Vanguard
Released	1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Vanguard Series
Set code	PVAN
Number	207
Frame	1993
Layout	Vanguard
Border	Black
Illustred by	Donato Giancola

Text of card

During your draw phase, you may draw an additional card and then put any card in your hand on the bottom of your library.

Starke believes in situational ethics—the situation determines the ethics. He's switched sides so often that he has become everyone's ally yet no one's friend. This former merchant of Rath accompanies the *Weatherlight* crew on their journey to his home world.

Cards like Starke

The Starke card is a unique character in the realm of red loyalty manipulation in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to gain control of enemy artifacts reflects a clever twist similar to the treacherous abilities of Act of Treason, which temporarily commandeers an opponent’s creature. Unlike Act of Treason, Starke’s power lasts until the end of the turn and specifically targets artifacts.

Comparable in essence to Confiscate, another card that seizes control but of any permanent, Starke’s focus on artifacts can be both more restrictive and potentially more strategical depending on the game state. Confiscate offers a broader target range but with a higher mana cost and as a more permanent solution. Meanwhile, Grab the Reins exhibits another angle of temporary control combined with the flexibility to act as a removal spell. Both Grab the Reins and Starke offer multi-purpose utility, although the former includes creature control and an alternate mode leading to direct damage.

Analyzing Starke’s function against these rivals shows its niche role. In a meta filled with impactful artifacts, Starke could very much be the trump card, bringing a level of strategic artifact manipulation that is unparalleled in MTG’s vast library of cards.

Cards similar to Starke by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Starke card provides a strategic advantage by potentially taking control of your opponent’s key creatures. This effect can disrupt their game plan and turn their resources against them, leading to a substantial gain in card utility and potential board control.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to resource acceleration, Starke’s ability can indirectly affect mana utilization by removing high-threat or high-value creatures from the opponent’s board, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient use of your own resources.

Instant Speed: Starke’s ability to hijack an opponent’s creature can be activated anytime you have the mana, even during the opponent’s turn. This can surprise your opponent and interfere with their combat strategies or other instant-speed interactions, giving you a significant tactical edge.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Starke of Rath compels you to relinquish a card from your hand, potentially depleting your options and affecting your gameplay strategy negatively when you’re already behind.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a blend of red and colorless mana, which can pose a deck construction challenge if your mana base isn’t correctly optimized for red or if your deck strategy leans towards multicolor synergies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a requirement of three mana, including one red, the initial investment may be steep considering other options available in the game. Especially in a fast-paced match, the mana you spend on Starke could have been allocated to accelerating your board presence with other creatures or spells.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Starke of Rath adapts to various deck themes due to its unique ability to take control of any artifact, creature, or land during your turn. This enables dynamic playstyles and unforeseen tactical shifts within your games.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, Starke can become part of powerful combos, dismantling your opponent’s board by temporarily seizing key pieces or utilizing sacrifice synergies for your gain.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where control and tempo plays dominate, having a card that can disrupt opponent strategies by interfering with their important permanents can be a game-changer, making Starke a worthy addition to your arsenal.

How to beat

Starke is a card that often tests the patience and strategic acumen of Magic: The Gathering players with its ability to control opponents’ artifacts. Unlike other artifact manipulation cards that might permanently shift the balance of power, Starke’s effect requires careful timing and often comes with a cost — control of Starke can change hands easily.

To navigate against this card, consider utilizing instant-speed removals like Naturalize or Shatter. These allow players to respond to the activation of Starke’s ability by destroying the target or Starke itself, disrupting the opponent’s plans. Moreover, adding creature protection spells, such as Blossoming Defense, counters the threat by safeguarding your critical board pieces.

Another effective strategy involves reducing the number of valuable artifact targets you have in play, limiting Starke’s options and impact. In games that feature Starke, maintaining a strategic artifact count, prepared removal spells, and creature protection can mean the difference between amplifying your strategy or falling victim to Starke’s treacherous powers.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Starke MTG card by a specific set like Vanguard Series, 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 Starke and other MTG cards:

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