Tajuru Archer MTG Card
2009-10-02 - Number 185
2015-08-28 - Number 23
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf Archer Ally |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever Tajuru Archer or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, you may have Tajuru Archer deal damage to target creature with flying equal to the number of Allies you control.
Cards like Tajuru Archer
Tajuru Archer brings a unique angle to creature-based utility in Magic: The Gathering. As part of a lineage of creatures that affect the board immediately upon entering, it’s akin to cards like Reclamation Sage, which also offers a direct impact. The Tajuru Archer is distinct with its ability to deal damage to flying creatures, a trait that Reclamation Sage lacks.
Moreover, if we consider the elven archer class, there’s the Skyway Sniper to weigh against. While the Sniper can repetitively target flying threats, it requires mana investment for each shot. The Archer, on the other hand, triggers its ability upon arrival without the need for additional mana, though this effect is a one-time use. Another peer in this comparison is the Whiptongue Hydra, a creature that exceptionally clears the skies of flying creatures. The Hydra’s impact is broader, yet it comes at a higher mana cost, making the Tajuru Archer a more accessible early-game tactical play.
When examining the alternatives, the Tajuru Archer stakes its claim in decks that favor proactive strategies against airborne threats, balancing immediacy and cost efficiency in game scenarios where flying creatures dominate.
Cards similar to Tajuru Archer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tajuru Archer can create a beneficial board presence by potentially removing an opposing creature through its ability, which can be seen as an indirect way to gain card advantage by impacting the opponent’s side of the board.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration like mana ramp cards would, the Tajuru Archer’s ability to potentially eliminate threats can save resources such as mana and cards which you might otherwise have to invest in dealing with those threats.
Instant Speed: One of the key strengths of Tajuru Archer is its ability to perform its effect at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn and potentially remove a creature before it can contribute to their game plan.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Tajuru Archer needs you to fulfill a condition before unleashing its full potential, which in some cases could set you back if your hand is already depleted or if the setup requires extra turns to materialize.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s effectiveness is partially reliant on green mana, demanding a commitment to that color which may restrict deck building options or require a mana base that supports multiple colors, potentially complicating your game plan.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana you invest into Tajuru Archer sometimes feels hefty when considering the card’s impact on the board. There are creatures with lower costs that offer comparable, if not superior, impact which could lead to it being a less optimal choice in decks focused on efficiency.
Reasons to Include Tajuru Archer in Your Collection
Versatility: Tajuru Archer brings flexibility to the table, as it can both serve as an early blocker against aggressive creatures and act as a utility to destroy pesky flying threats when it enters the battlefield.
Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on Elf synergy or “enter the battlefield” effects, the Archer can easily become an integral part of a combo, delivering damage while amplifying tribal strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of flying creatures in numerous MTG formats, having Tajuru Archer in your deck ensures you have a way to manage the skies, thus maintaining its relevance in various meta environments.
How to beat
Tajuru Archer emerges as a utility card within the realm of Green creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its distinctive ability to deal damage to fliers makes it a specific answer to aerial threats. In combat, this Elf Archer can become a roadblock for an opponent’s flying creatures, providing a unique defensive edge.
Countering Tajuru Archer effectively requires a tactical approach. Ground creatures are indifferent to the Archer’s ability, hence presenting a viable strategy. Employing spells that remove creatures without triggering Tajuru Archer’s reach—or even better, using non-targeting board wipes can neutralize its presence without consequences. Considering spell timing can also be critical, as you might prefer casting removal spells during your turn to avoid the Archer’s influence if it operates as a flash creature in your opponent’s deck.
Ultimately, while the Tajuru Archer has its niche uses, understanding and anticipating its unique interaction with flying creatures allows for strategic plays that can bypass its strengths. Keeping the board clear of fliers and using strategic removal can checkmate the Archer’s utility, maintaining an advantage during MTG gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tajuru Archer MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi, 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 Tajuru Archer and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Tajuru Archer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2015-08-28. Illustrated by Chris Rahn.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 185 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 2 | 2015-08-28 | Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi | DDP | 23 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tajuru Archer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Tajuru Archer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | The ability counts the number of Allies you control as it resolves. |
| 2009-10-01 | You target a creature when the ability triggers. You decide whether to have Tajuru Archer deal damage to that creature as the ability resolves. |