Bogardan Rager MTG Card

Time Spiral (TSP)
2006-10-06 - Number 148

Planechase (HOP)
2009-09-04 - Number 49

Bogardan Rager - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)

Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
2011-04-01 - Number 57

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Elemental
Abilities	Flash
Power	3
Toughness	4

Key Takeaways

Offers combat advantage with its game-altering “when enters the battlefield” effect, a key contributor in clashes.
Instant speed and cost-efficiency make Bogardan Rager a robust choice for red-inclined MTG decks.
Despite a higher mana expense, the Rager’s strategy-shaping power compensates well within specific decks.

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.

Text of card

Flash (You may play this spell any time you could play an instant.) When Bogardan Rager comes into play, target creature gets +4/+0 until end of turn.

In the erupting heart of Bogardan, it's hard to tell hurtling volcanic rocks from pouncing volcanic beasts.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bogardan Rager may not draw cards directly but its “when enters the battlefield” effect can be equivalent to drawing a card by offering immediate impact on the game state, especially when you need that extra push during combat.

Resource Acceleration: While this creature does not provide direct mana acceleration, its economical casting cost makes it accessible and integrates well into a strategy keen on deploying threats rapidly. It can be a cost-effective option to create a presence on the board, keeping your resources free for other spells.

Instant Speed: The ability to flash in Bogardan Rager at instant speed right before combat can give you the strategic upper hand, disrupting your opponent’s calculations. It offers flexibility, allowing you to adapt to the battlefield as it evolves and seize the right moment to turn the tide in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Bogardan Rager doesn’t explicitly require discarding a card, it doesn’t offer card advantage either, which can be less appealing in play where maintaining hand size is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Bogardan Rager’s inclusion of a specific red mana cost in its casting price means it fits primarily in mono-red or red-focused multicolor decks, restricting its versatility across the broader MTG play landscape.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana to summon, this card’s impact on the board may not align with the tempo of faster, more aggressive decks, potentially making it a less practical choice in competitive settings.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bogardan Rager can be added to multiple deck types, particularly those needing a flexible combat trick. Its ability to give any creature +2/+0 until end of turn can be a game-changer in tight situations, making it a versatile choice.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that capitalize on instant speed interactions or when combined with cards that benefit from casting red spells. It can unexpectedly alter combat math, synergizing well with strategies that aim to surprise opponents and turn the tides.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that rewards instant-speed interaction and combat tricks, Bogardan Rager can serve as a cost-effective tool to outmaneuver opponents. Its ability to boost creatures temporarily can help you win crucial battles on the board.

How to beat

Bogardan Rager can be an unexpected thorn in a player’s side when it enters the battlefield, especially if it’s being used to boost an opponent’s creatures during combat. A card that may seem modest at first glance, the Rager’s true potential is unlocked when timing and strategy align to use its ability—giving a creature +4/+0 until end of turn—just as a player declares attackers.

To mitigate the surprise buff Bogardan Rager can provide, holding up instant speed removal or bounce spells is a smart move. This way, you can react to the Rager’s ability by removing the targeted creature or returning it to your adversary’s hand, thereby negating the temporary power boost. Countering the Rager upon casting is another effective strategy, assuming you have counter spells at the ready. Should the creature land on the battlefield, remember, its impact lies in its activated ability—so keeping an eye out for potential combat tricks is key. It’s also worth mentioning that without a substantial board presence, the Rager’s effect is nominal, so maintaining control of the board state restricts its potential influence in the game.

By anticipating opportune moments and possessing the right answers, you can successfully navigate the challenges presented by Bogardan Rager and maintain the upper hand in your Magic: The Gathering matchups.

Cards like Bogardan Rager

Bogardan Rager presents itself as a unique roleplayer in the pantheon of creature spells in MTG. Its closest relatives in terms of functionality include the likes of Sparkmage Apprentice. Both cards cause direct damage to any target upon entering the battlefield. However, Sparkmage Apprentice is less expensive but also provides less impact, dealing only one damage compared to the Rager’s two.

Another noteworthy comparison is with Pyre Charger, sharing the fiery thematic and potential to alter the state of the board. Although Pyre Charger does not deal direct damage, it has an upside in its ability to repeatedly pump its power. This can lead to larger, more persistent threats, unlike the one-time effect Bogardan Rager offers. Nivix Cyclops also bears semblance, thanks to its ability to benefit from casting spells, although it leans more on combo potential rather than immediate board impact.

Ultimately, while other creatures might offer recurring benefits or come at a lower casting cost, Bogardan Rager holds its ground with an instant impact on the board, offering a blend of creature presence and direct damage that can be pivotal in the red strategy.

Sparkmage Apprentice - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Bogardan Rager by color, type and mana cost

Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bogardan Rager MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Planechase, 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 Bogardan Rager and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bogardan Rager Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2011-04-01. Illustrated by Clint Langley.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2006-10-06	Time Spiral	TSP	148	2003	Normal	Black	Clint Langley
2	2009-09-04	Planechase	HOP	49	2003	Normal	Black	Clint Langley
3	2011-04-01	Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons	DDG	57	2003	Normal	Black	Clint Langley