Sword Dancer MTG Card
2000-06-05 - Number 25
2003-07-28 - Number 53★
2003-07-28 - Number 53
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Rebel |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
o Woo W Target attacking creature gets -1/-0 until end of turn.
Most soldiers think of the sword as a weapon. In the hands of Zho monks, swords are also the strongest of shields.
Cards like Sword Dancer
Sword Dancer makes for an interesting comparison with several creatures within the MTG universe. Notably, it has a unique ability to actively meddle with the opponent’s combat calculations. Creatures like Merfolk Thaumaturgist can also impact combat by switching the power and toughness of target creatures, but Sword Dancer specifically excels in decreasing the attacker’s strength, potentially turning enemy threats into mere nuisances.
Similar to the Lantern Kami, Sword Dancer offers utility in affecting the battlefield, with Lantern Kami giving a defensive bonus to your other creatures. While not as directly interactive, Lantern Kami requires no mana to activate its ability, unlike Sword Dancer. Another comparable card might be Cho-Manno’s Blessing, providing permanent protection to a creature. However, Sword Dancer shines in its repeatable and flexible use throughout combat phases.
Ultimately, Sword Dancer finds its niche in MTG as a tactical defender, giving players the power to alter the course of skirmishes turn by turn. Its place as a creature with the potential for combat control underscores its value in strategic deck building and its unique role in the game’s vast ecosystem of creatures.
Cards similar to Sword Dancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sword Dancer shines in enabling players to gain an edge in card economy. Through its intricate abilities, players could potentially deter opponents from attacking, indirectly leading to card advantage by preserving your board state.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of resource acceleration, Sword Dancer can contribute to your mana efficiency. By efficiently managing combat and protecting key pieces, it ensures your resources are allocated effectively during the match.
Instant Speed: The edge Sword Dancer offers comes from its ability to interact at instant speed, allowing strategic plays that can disrupt an opponent’s attempts of gaining the upper hand. It embodies the concept that the best defense is a good offense, offering surprise and adaptability during the heat of battle.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sword Dancer card necessitates discarding another card, presenting a challenge when your hand is already stretched for resources. This can lead to a difficult decision-making process, where prioritizing which card to discard can significantly impact your game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Sword Dancer is tailored to a specific color combination. This requirement can be restrictive as it may not seamlessly fit into all deck archetypes, especially those that run on a diverse or different color scheme.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the mana investment against the abilities provided, Sword Dancer demands a considerable amount of mana. Within the same cost bracket, you might find other cards that offer a better cost-to-benefit ratio, potentially making Sword Dancer a less attractive choice for deck builders who value efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Sword Dancer serves as a flexible tool in many deck archetypes that revolve around creatures and combat. Its ability to potentially alter combat math makes it a significant threat opponents must account for.
Combo Potential: With its skill to pump up its power with ease, Sword Dancer can become a key piece in synergizing with other cards that reward high-power creatures or those that capitalize on combat victories.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that emphasizes creature-based strategies, Sword Dancer’s capacity to hold its ground and turn the tides can be crucial in outmaneuvering the creature combat meta and emerging victorious.
How to beat
Sword Dancer is an intriguing creature card that offers tactical defensive capabilities in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to boost its own toughness while diminishing the power of attacking creatures can present a unique challenge. To overcome this, leveraging removal spells that can bypass its ability becomes crucial. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder are effective, as they can target Sword Dancer directly without needing to engage in combat.
Another strategy involves utilizing spells that can alter combat math in your favor. Trample is particularly useful, as it allows excess damage to spill over to the player or planeswalker Sword Dancer is defending. Incorporate cards like Overrun into your deck to help your creatures overcome the defense and push through critical damage.
Understanding the intricacies of timing is also essential when facing Sword Dancer. Exploiting moments when your opponent’s mana is tapped out or when Sword Dancer is summoning sick can shift the odds in your favor. By carefully planning your moves and incorporating the right counters, you can navigate the battlefield and turn the tide against the Sword Dancer’s defensive dance.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sword Dancer MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy and Eighth Edition, 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 Sword Dancer 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 Sword Dancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2000-06-05 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by Roger Raupp.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-06-05 | Prophecy | PCY | 25 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Roger Raupp | |
| 2 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 53★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Roger Raupp | |
| 3 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 53 | 2003 | Normal | White | Roger Raupp |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sword Dancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |