Tradewind Rider MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 98
1998-08-12 - Number bs98
2002-01-01 - Number 2
2014-06-16 - Number 98
2015-05-06 - Number 75
2022-11-02 - Number 1997
2002-06-24 - Number 36048
2020-09-26 - Number TMP-98
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying oc T, Tap two creatures you control: Return target permanent to owner's hand.
It is said that the wind will blow the world past if you wait long enough.
Cards like Tradewind Rider
Tradewind Rider is a unique card in MTG that offers a blend of control and tactical advantages. Much like Capsize, which allows players to return permanents to their owner’s hand for a repeatable buyback cost, Tradewind Rider requires setup with tapping creatures but does not incur additional mana costs each use. This distinct difference places a greater emphasis on creature presence over raw mana availability.
Evacuation is another card often brought into comparison, as it clears the battlefield of creatures. Whilst Tradewind Rider offers targeted bouncing, Evacuation acts as a broader reset tool, indiscriminately affecting every creature on the field. The similarities lie in disrupting opponents, but Tradewind Rider provides more surgical precision and reusability at the potential cost of speed and immediate impact.
It’s also comparable to Venser, Shaper Savant, who can return a spell or permanent to its owner’s hand upon entering the battlefield. Although Venser’s effect is a one-time occurrence, it can deal with on-the-stack scenarios, something the Tradewind Rider can’t match. Considering these factors, Tradewind Rider holds a special place, offering repeated utility that can be advantageous in decks built around creature synergy and control.
Cards similar to Tradewind Rider by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Tradewind Rider. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Blue Control | Legacy | 1 LPL OPEN - SEASON V - Liga Paulista Legacy | |
 | Tradewind Survival | Premodern | Misty Premodern Winter Finals |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tradewind Rider allows a player to return one of their own permanents to their hand, enabling reutilization of enter-the-battlefield effects or saving a valuable asset from removal. It can also disrupt opponents by returning their non-land permanents, effectively negating their plays and setting them back.
Resource Acceleration: By untapping up to three creatures, Tradewind Rider doesn’t just contribute to resource acceleration but also synergizes with creatures that have tap abilities or those that benefit each time a creature is tapped. This can lead to a snowballing board state where the player gains increasing advantage each turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Tradewind Rider at instant speed gives players substantial flexibility. They can decide to use the ability after their opponent’s actions during the end step, ensuring that mana and creatures are efficiently utilized and that the path is clear for impactful plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downfall that comes with Tradewind Rider’s utility is the need to return a permanent you control to your hand as part of activating its ability. This self-bounce mechanic can sometimes backfire, putting you at a disadvantage by disrupting your own board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Another aspect to be considered is the specific mana requirements for casting Tradewind Rider. Requiring both generic and blue mana, this card is primarily constrained to blue-focused or blue-inclusive decks, potentially limiting its versatility across a broader range of deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Tradewind Rider’s activation cost, though not exorbitant, is still relatively high. It comes on the field for three mana which might stretch your resources in the early game. Other creatures or spells at a similar mana cost can provide immediate impact without the need for further investment or setup.
Reasons to Include Tradewind Rider in Your Collection
Versatility: Tradewind Rider offers a high degree of flexibility, easily fitting into control decks or any strategy emphasizing board manipulation. Its ability to return permanents to owners’ hands can disrupt opponents and provide advantageous board states.
Combo Potential: The synergies with cards that have enter-the-battlefield effects or those that benefit from being recast give Tradewind Rider a spot in combo-centric decks, enabling powerful, repeatable interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where permanents with significant activated abilities or troublesome creatures are common, Tradewind Rider shines by providing consistent control over the battlefield, making it a worthwhile addition to adapt to shifting competitive environments.
How to Beat
Tradewind Rider presents a dynamic challenge for any MTG player with its ability to return both your own and your opponent’s permanents to hand. Its mastery lies in manipulating the state of the board to one’s advantage. To overpower this control strategy, focus on maintaining a lower curve of spells. This approach ensures that your strategy remains unhindered by setbacks and makes every cast impactful, even if it’s returned to your hand.
Applying pressure by rapidly redeploying threats after a Tradewind Rider activation is key. Removal spells also offer a clear pathway to eliminating this airborne threat. It’s crucial to prioritize threats that can withstand or evade its bounce mechanics or use removals like Murder or Path to Exile to handle this card effectively. Furthermore, take advantage of the times when your opponent is unable to maintain the creatures necessary to tap alongside Tradewind Rider, rendering its ability inert.
Your ability to adapt and the choice to run efficient, impactful spells can render Tradewind Rider a manageable adversary. An informed strategy can mitigate its influence, allowing you to maintain control of the game and eventually outmaneuver the opposition relying on this card’s tempo-gaining aspect.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tradewind Rider MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and World Championship Decks 1998, 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 Tradewind Rider 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
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Printings
The Tradewind Rider Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2022-11-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 98 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson | |
| 2 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | bs98 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | John Matson | |
| 3 | 2002-01-01 | Judge Gift Cards 2002 | G02 | 2 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson | |
| 4 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36048 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson | ||
| 5 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 98 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Matson | |
| 6 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 75 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Matson | |
| 7 | The List | PLST | TMP-98 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Matson | ||
| 8 | 2022-11-02 | Secret Lair 30th Anniversary Countdown Kit | SLC | 1997 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | BrooklynSnobs |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tradewind Rider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |