Ur-Drago MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Elemental |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Released | 1994-06-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legends |
| Set code | LEG |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 268 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Christopher Rush |
Text of card
First strike Creatures with swampwalk may be blocked as if they did not have this ability.
Cards like Ur-Drago
Ur-Drago stands out in the realm of legendary creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card, evocative of the might and mystery of ancient dragons, brings with it a unique set of abilities. While there are other creatures that share its color identity, Ur-Drago’s ability to prevent all damage that would be dealt to it by creatures without flying right away brings a niche advantage. Its analogous, Chromium, also a legendary elder dragon, lacks this straightforward protective feature but compensates with a rampaging offensive presence.
Looking at Vaevictis Asmadi, another of the elder dragon legends, we see a different approach. Vaevictis offers a direct damage outlet to opponents and their resources. However, it lacks the protective measures Ur-Drago provides. These Elder Dragons each present their own strategies, but Ur-Drago remains a defensive bastion against grounded threats.
In evaluating Ur-Drago’s place alongside its dragon kin, it’s important to note that while its attack power does not reach the heights of some, its defensive trait is particularly tailored to disrupt opponents who rely heavily on terrestrial creatures, solidifying its status as a formidable guardian in player decks.
Cards similar to Ur-Drago by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When considering the benefits of Ur-Drago, its ability to potentially create significant card disparity cannot be overlooked. This card hampers opponents by forcing additional costs onto their creature spells, which can effectively limit their ability to sustain a presence on the board, while simultaneously leaving your own resources untouched.
Resource Acceleration: Ur-Drago’s presence on the field isn’t just intimidating – it’s a strategic advantage. Its ability to manipulate swamps to generate an additional black mana epitomizes resource acceleration. This means more rapid deployment of your threats and the ability to outpace opponents in both resource availability and board presence.
Instant Speed: Although Ur-Drago itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells in your arsenal. Its continual pressure forces opponents to play more cautiously, often leaving them vulnerable to the instant-speed removal and counterspells you may hold. This interaction emphasizes the strategic depth that Ur-Drago adds to any deck fortunate enough to wield it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ur-Drago’s abilities may compel you to discard cards, putting you at risk of depleting your hand too quickly and reducing your ability to respond to your opponent’s moves. A constant card advantage is crucial, and this requirement can sometimes backfire, especially in longer games where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Ur-Drago comes with a specific and diverse mana cost that requires you to use multiple colors. While this makes it a diverse card suitable for multicolored decks, it can also be a limitation. Should your mana base be disrupted or not properly set up, you might find it challenging to summon this creature to the battlefield in a timely fashion.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a substantial mana cost attached to it, Ur-Drago demands a significant investment of resources. In the early to mid-game, investing such a large amount of mana could set you back, particularly when facing decks that establish their win conditions or board presence more efficiently with cards of lower mana value.
Reasons to Include Ur-Drago in Your Collection
Versatility: Ur-Drago is a dynamic addition to commander decks that capitalize on swampwalk or look to create a formidable board presence. Its ability to not only serve as an intimidating general but also to blend into various tribal strategies makes it a flexible choice for MTG collectors and players.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in combinations that exploit its passive ability to prevent creatures without islandwalk from attacking. Linking Ur-Drago with land type-altering effects or spells that grant islandwalk can be particularly devastating, weaving an intricate tapestry of strategic plays.
Meta-Relevance: With a constantly evolving meta, cards that offer control over combat can be highly influential. Ur-Drago’s unique abilities may be just what’s needed to edge out players at your local game night or in competitive circles where surprise tactics often rule the day.
How to beat
Ur-Drago presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, bringing a mix of power and strategic advantage to the table. Facing this formidable creature from Magic: The Gathering, players should consider strategies that can neutralize its influence swiftly. One practical method is employing removal spells that bypass Ur-Drago’s protections. Since Ur-Drago is susceptible to exile effects, cards such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can be your best option.
Tapping into blue’s control capabilities offers another avenue with cards like Unsummon or Rapid Hybridization, quickly bouncing or transforming the threat into something more manageable. In addition, running efficient creature counters like Essence Scatter will ensure that Ur-Drago never hits the field. Lastly, never overlook the power of board wipes like Wrath of God; they reset the playing field and remove Ur-Drago without targeting it directly, mitigating its benefits and giving you a clear board to work with.
In essence, while Ur-Drago can dominate the game if left unchecked, a well-prepared player with the right spells can level the playing field and assert their own strategy, turning the tide in their favour.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ur-Drago MTG card by a specific set like Legends, 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 Ur-Drago 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 Ur-Drago has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ur-Drago card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Allows any creature controlled by any player to block Swampwalking creatures as if they did not have this ability. It is not limited to just Ur-Drago. |