First Come, First Served MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Enchantment
Released	2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Unhinged
Set code	UNH
Number	12
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Thomas Gianni
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

The card offers tactical control on your turn, disrupting opponents while bolstering your combat strategy.
Comes with a steep discard cost and a specific mana requirement, limiting some deck-building options.
Despite its cost, it can be pivotal for aggressive, combo-oriented strategies with high player interaction.

Text of card

The attacking or blocking creature with the lowest collector number has first strike. If two or more creatures are tied, they all have first strike.

Yotian soldiers hoped that one day R&D would make an artifact creature whose name starts with Z. And in their dreams, it's a 4/1.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Delivers an advantageous situation by letting you control combat on your turn, potentially outmaneuvering your opponent and sustaining pressure in your favor. It’s a solid addition to strategies geared toward dominating the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: By granting you the ability to dictate the flow of combat every turn, this card can act as a form of resource acceleration. It disrupts your opponent’s planned plays, effectively setting them back while you continue to develop your board unimpeded.

Instant Speed: The swift nature of this card ensures you can adapt to the board state responsively. Utilizing this tool instantaneously affords you the leverage of surprise and strategic depth, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When using First Come, First Served, you’re obliged to let go of another card in your hand. This could be a steep price to pay, especially if your hand is already running low on ammunition, effectively narrowing your strategic options and potentially putting you at a disadvantage during crucial moments in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands not just any mana, but a precise blend. The need for white mana restricts the card’s versatility and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored or colorless deck strategies, which could be less than ideal for those trying to maintain a wide range of tactical plays.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though some may argue the cost is fair for its effect, the four mana investment needed to bring First Come, First Served into play is considerable. Savvy players often weigh their options against other cards that might deliver equivalent or higher value for the same, or even a lower, mana cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: First Come, First Served is a card that adapts to various play styles, seamlessly integrating into decks that aim to outpace opponents. It shines in aggressive strategies, focusing on dealing combat damage to players.

Combo Potential: This card is ideal for players looking to craft intricate combinations, as it incentivizes swinging with numerous creatures. It can synergize well with cards that create multiple attackers or provide evasion to ensure combat damage connects.

Meta-Relevance: Particularly in metas where player interaction is paramount, First Come, First Served can be a game-changer. Players looking to gain an edge in combat-centric environments will find its ability to discourage blockers and protect valuable creatures quite useful.

How to beat

First Come, First Served is a card that can challenge even experienced players in Magic: The Gathering with its unique gameplay mechanics. This card rewards quick action, encouraging players to strike decisively. To counter it, timing is everything. Holding back on casting spells until the most strategic moment can undercut the advantages that First Come, First Served offers. Additionally, having instant-speed removal or tricks to handle unexpected threats enables players to navigate around this card’s constraints.

Moreover, incorporating flexible answers in your deck, such as versatile counterspells or bounce effects, can outmaneuver the opponent’s attempt to gain the upper hand with First Come, First Served. Deploying creatures with flash can also serve as a surprise element, aligning well with the swift nature of gameplay it encourages. Therefore, with careful foresight and sharp tactical adjustments, players can confidently face opponents wielding this challenging card.

Ultimately, besting First Come, First Served in MTG isn’t just about powerful cards but also clever strategy and timing. Players that adapt quickly can turn the tables, ensuring their victory isn’t compromised by a fast start from the opposition.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase First Come, First Served MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged, 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 First Come, First Served and other MTG cards: