Unchecked Growth MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant — Arcane |
| Released | 2005-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Betrayers of Kamigawa |
| Set code | BOK |
| Number | 148 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tsutomu Kawade |
Text of card
Target creature gets +4/+4 until end of turn. If it's a Spirit, it gains trample until end of turn.
"That energy was once granted to growing things. Now the kami keep it for themselves, releasing it in sudden floods that overwhelm flesh and foliage alike." —Sakiko, Mother of Summer
Cards like Unchecked Growth
In the fast-paced world of Magic: The Gathering, Unchecked Growth stands out in the realm of creature buffs. It is akin to cards like Giant Growth, which offer a temporary but formidable boost in power and toughness. Unchecked Growth, differing from Giant Growth, provides a permanent enhancement with its +3/+3 boost to a creature, along with the added perk of granting the target trample until end of turn, which is key for overcoming blockers.
Analogous in effect is the likes of Invigorate. This card has the advantage of potentially being free, in exchange for giving the opponent a bit of life—a trade-off that can be tactically leveraged. While it may have a higher ceiling in terms of cost-efficiency, Unchecked Growth’s consistency and the retention of the power upgrade make it reliable. Then there’s Titanic Growth, offering a more substantial power hike at +4/+4, however, it is not a persistent change and lacks the trample bonus.
Assessing the various options, Unchecked Growth finds its niche with its combination of a permanent stat increase and the strategic trample effect, distinguishing itself among its peers in boosting creature capability, a factor well worth considering for players looking to beef up their battleground presence.
Cards similar to Unchecked Growth by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unchecked Growth grants a notable boost by placing three +1/+1 counters on a creature. This ability not only strengthens your on-board presence but also aligns with strategies focused on countering and synergy, making it a multifaceted asset for building up a formidable creature.
Resource Acceleration: By enhancing a creature significantly, Unchecked Growth potentially turns an unassuming creature into a significant threat. This acceleration of resource, in terms of a creature’s power and toughness, can change the tempo of the game in your favor, forcing opponents to redirect resources to address the newly empowered creature.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Unchecked Growth at instant speed offers a strategic advantage by allowing players to respond immediately to changing situations. Whether it’s buffing a creature before damage is dealt or surprising an opponent during combat, the flexibility of instant speed makes this card a tactical tool in any player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unchecked Growth does not directly require discarding a card, benefiting players by avoiding potential loss of hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: With a need for both green mana and generic mana, this card may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored decks, necessitating a predominantly green mana base to ensure it is reliably castable.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment of four mana for a single creature’s growth could be considered steep, considering the array of alternative buffs available at lower costs. This can impact game tempo, especially in fast-paced matches where resource optimization is crucial.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Unchecked Growth boasts flexibility in its ability to amplify any creature on the battlefield. This card can swiftly swing the odds in your favor, making it a suitable addition to a variety of green-themed decks where creature strength is key.
Combo Potential: When paired with creatures that benefit from counters or those that have trample, Unchecked Growth can turn a modest threat into a game-ending force. It’s a catalyst for powerful combos that can dominate a match, particularly in a deck built to capitalize on +1/+1 counters.
Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to overturn board states, Unchecked Growth remains relevant in multiple MTG formats. In environments where creature-based combat is prevalent, it can dynamically alter the power balance, making it a strategic component in competitive play.
How to beat Unchecked Growth
In Magic: The Gathering, facing a creature bolstered by Unchecked Growth can pose a significant challenge. This spell not only makes a creature bigger, but also grants it trample, often leading to a substantial life total swing. To effectively counter this, removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile are potent tools, eliminating the threat before it becomes overwhelming. Instant-speed spells are particularly valuable, enabling you to react in the midst of combat or just before the Growth resolves.
Another strategy involves using counterspells such as Mana Leak or Negate to prevent Unchecked Growth from ever taking effect. Timing is crucial as you want to disrupt your opponent’s game plan while conserving your resources. Countering their key spells can lead to a significant momentum shift in your favor. Additionally, employing creatures with reach or flying can provide a solid defensive line, reducing the impact of a trampling creature and buying you precious time to turn the tables.
Ultimately, versatility and preemptive measures are your best tactics against a strategy centered around Unchecked Growth. Equip yourself with a well-rounded mix of instant-speed interaction, efficient removal, and creatures capable of defending against powerhouses, and the growth of your opponent’s creatures will remain in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unchecked Growth MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Unchecked Growth 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unchecked Growth has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |