Tail Swipe MTG Card


Improves game control by efficiently eliminating flying creatures on the battlefield. Offers flexibility as an instant, allowing for surprise moves during any turn. Demands a red mana and a discarded card, potentially affecting resource management.
Tail Swipe - Dominaria United
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Fight
Released2022-09-09
Set symbol
Set nameDominaria United
Set codeDMU
Number182
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byÂngelo Bortolini

Text of card

Choose target creature you control and target creature you don't control. If you cast this spell during your main phase, the creature you control gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Then those creatures fight each other. (Each deals damage equal to its power to the other.)


Cards like Tail Swipe

Tail Swipe, a red instant spell in Magic: The Gathering, fits neatly into the deck of any dragon enthusiast. This card has similarities to cards like Tail Slash, a parallel spell that also allows your creatures to deal damage to the opponent’s creatures without context of battle. However, where Tail Swipe commands three mana for its operation and requires a target possessing flying, Tail Slash only costs two mana and has no such requirement.

Let’s tread into the realm of Seismic Strike, another similar spell. It also plays around with damage but leans on the land mechanic as well. It shares Tail Swipe’s mana cost but deals damage to target creature equal to the number of Mountains one has. These are great for red, land-heavy decks. On the other hand, cards like Sarkhan’s Rage carry the same mana cost but immediately deal five damage to a target creature/player and also inflict some harm on the player itself.

In essence, when we take into consideration the specifications and assess the alternatives, Tail Swipe sufficiently holds its own in the MTG, in spite of the conditions. Depending on your play strategy, it can end up being a precious tool in your deck, especially in dragon-centered builds.

Tail Slash - MTG Card versions
Seismic Strike - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan's Rage - MTG Card versions
Tail Slash - MTG Card versions
Seismic Strike - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan's Rage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tail Swipe by color, type and mana cost

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Lifelace - MTG Card versions
Crumble - MTG Card versions
Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Seedling Charm - MTG Card versions
Shrink - MTG Card versions
Choking Vines - MTG Card versions
Crossbow Ambush - MTG Card versions
Crop Rotation - MTG Card versions
Worldly Tutor - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Might - MTG Card versions
Reclaim - MTG Card versions
Serene Sunset - MTG Card versions
Sprout - MTG Card versions
Gather Courage - MTG Card versions
Nature's Claim - MTG Card versions
Prey's Vengeance - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Tail Swipe. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Green StompyMono-Green Stompy PioneerMono-Green StompyPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-23
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro StandardGruul AggroTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
AbzanAbzan Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Mono-Black TreasuresMono-Black Treasures StandardGolgari MidrangeThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Golgari ComboGolgari Combo StandardGolgari MidrangeReCQ - Standard - SCG CON Philadelphia - Saturday - 12:00 pm (Bronze)
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange StandardGolgari MidrangeJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Naya MidrangeNaya Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024
Golgari ToxicGolgari Toxic StandardThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Domain RampDomain Ramp StandardGolgari MidrangeNRG Series $5,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Standard)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tail Swipe Mtg isn’t about drawing extra cards, but it’s about maintaining control over the game. The card advantage that Tail Swipe gives you comes from the efficient removal of opponents’ creatures, helping you to keep an upper hand on the board.

Resource Acceleration: The efficient cost of this instant card provides a form of resource acceleration by clearing the path for your creatures to achieve direct hits. A well-placed Tail Swipe can also create openings for you to make more power plays without stretching your mana pool.

Instant Speed: As an instant card, Tail Swipe Mtg allows strategic flexibility. Use it in combat or as a surprise move, indeed, a power that should not be underestimated. The ability to use the card whenever you choose, especially during your opponent’s turn, makes it a valuable asset in your deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One disadvantage of the Tail Swipe card is the requirement to discard another card from your hand. This can prove costly, particularly if you are playing with limited resources, as you effectively lose two cards to execute the effect.

Specific Mana Cost: Tail Swipe carries a red mana requirement, meaning it’s not a versatile choice for decks that do not rely strongly on red mana. Its effectiveness is reduced in multi-color decks where red is not a prominent feature making it somewhat limited in its usability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Tail Swipe comes at a cost of three mana with one being specifically red. This is a fairly hefty price for an effect that essentially deals as much damage to the target creature as there are Giants on your side. While powerful in a Giant-rich deck, the cost-benefit analysis becomes slim when you consider other cards that may generate more resources or have stronger effects for the same or lower cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tail Swipe is a great addition to decks that leverage direct damage or removal mechanics. Its ability to target creatures with flying grants any red deck some much-needed aerial control.

Combo Potential: This MTG card resonates well with cards that deal damage to multiple targets, or with those that have damage-based triggers. The ability to redistribute damage can turn the tide of a match dramatically.

Meta-Relevance: With many of the competitive formats featuring decks with flying creatures, Tail Swipe’s specific targeting can become a valuable tool. The card’s strategic use could be greatly beneficial in these gameplay scenarios.


How to beat

Tail Swipe presents an enticing challenge to Magic: The Gathering players. Known for its ability to make creatures with flying more vulnerable, this action-packed card can turn the tide of the MTG battlefield in no time. It serves as a formidable obstacle to those relying heavily on flyers for their game strategy. However, comprehensive analysis and smart counter plays can disarm the perks embodied in Tail Swipe.

In a noteworthy context, think of altering your game strategy and minimizing the role of flying creatures in your decks. In place, opt for ground-based creatures, making Tail Swipe an ineffective card against you. Another path to follow involves running counter magic, specifically those that negate or counter target spells, like Negate or Dissipate. These cards can mitigate Tail Swipe’s effects and keep you safe from its repercussions.

Also, consider incorporating hexproof or shroud giving spell cards to your choice of flying creatures. In doing so, you retain the defensive wall without the fear of falling prey to Tail Swipe. Activate this to prevent Tail Swipe from dictating the flow of the game and claiming victory.

In the end, mastering the intricacies of the Magic: The Gathering, taking into account the potential of the Tail Swipe card and tailoring your tactics to beat it make for exciting gaming encounters.


BurnMana Recommendations

Analyzing the impact of Tail Swipe in MTG gameplay reveals its strengths and weaknesses. This card can significantly enhance game controls and disrupt opponents’ strategies. Understanding its specific fit in red or Giant-themed decks gives you an advantage, but remember its limitations in versatility. As MTG evolves, so should your collection and repertoires. We encourage you to continue learning, adapting, and exploring the synergies within your deck. If Tail Swipe aligns with your strategic needs or you’re curious about how it can shape your matches, join the community of enthusiasts seeking to refine their tactics and conquer the MTG arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tail Swipe MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United, 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 Tail Swipe and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tail Swipe has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal