Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor has an ability that generates card benefit by creating a 1/1 red Survivor creature token whenever it deals combat damage to a player. This allows you to expand your presence on the board and puts you in a strategically advantageous position by outnumbering your opponent with additional creatures, which can translate to more options and potential paths to victory.

Resource Acceleration: This legendary creature can act as a form of resource acceleration because the Survivor tokens it creates can later become resources themselves. If Varchild leaves the battlefield, those tokens suddenly become under your opponent’s control but with an upside—they can’t block, and you gain life equal to the damage they deal, potentially creating an off-angle advantage that can accelerate your winning strategy.

Instant Speed: Although Varchild itself doesn’t have an ability that operates at instant speed, its mere presence can influence the pace of the game. It can incentivize you to play other instant speed interactions to protect Varchild or to make the most of its token-creating ability on the attack, ensuring board presence and maintaining pressure on your opponent turn after turn.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor’s mana cost is restrictive, requiring two reds and one other, which can be prohibitive in multicolor decks that may not consistently have the necessary red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a three-drop creature, Varchild may not hit the board as early as other red aggressive creatures. This could slow down the pace for decks aiming for a quick win and affect their board presence in the game’s initial phases.

Discard Requirement: While not directly involving discarding, the card’s ability to create Survivor tokens on the opponent’s side could backfire. If unable to leverage these tokens to your advantage, they could unintentionally bolster your opponent’s defenses by giving them creatures that they could potentially sacrifice for various effects or enhance with their spells or abilities.

Reasons to Include Varchild Betrayer of Kjeldor in Your Collection

Versatility: Varchild Betrayer of Kjeldor fits a range of strategies, slotting in well with decks that leverage red’s aggressive playstyle while also offering unique synergies in decks focused on creature tokens and sacrifice mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to create Survivor tokens under your opponents’ control opens up numerous possibilities for combos with cards that capitalize on opponents controlling creatures, such as Massacre Wurm or Raid Bombardment.

Meta-Relevance: As the gameplay environment frequently shifts, a deck featuring Varchild can adapt to metas that reward aggressive strategies while benefiting from the Survivor tokens either as a form of board presence or a resource for other combo interactions.

How to beat

Varchild Betrayer of Kjeldor presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. As a card that thrives on player combat, disrupting this strategy is key. The card excels in a game state where it can attack freely and generate advantage with its Survivor tokens. To effectively counter this, controlling the board becomes critical. Removal spells that can target Varchild before it declares an attack will nullify its ability to create tokens. Additionally, preventing combat through cards that tap or pacify creatures can also stifle its game plan.

Playing around the Survivor tokens is another angle to consider. Since players gain control of all Survivors they own when Varchild leaves the battlefield, strategies that exploit the departure of creatures can turn the tide. This can be achieved through bounce effects, exchange control spells, or by directly forcing Varchild off the field before its owner can capitalize on the tokens. Carefully crafting a deck that addresses these scenarios ensures that when facing Varchild, you maintain an upper hand by neutralizing what makes it formidable.

Protection from red is another avenue worth exploring since this makes Varchild’s attacks and other red threats less effective. By comprehensively preparing your deck to handle these areas, Varchild Betrayer of Kjeldor’s impact can be significantly diminished, allowing you to outmaneuver opponents using this card.

BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re intrigued by the unique mechanics and potential of Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor, dive deeper and enhance your gameplay. This MTG card brings a thrilling edge to your red-based decks with its token-generating capabilities and strategic advantages. Understanding the nuances and interactions can transform your playstyle and decision-making process. Looking to augment your deck with Varchild’s distinct abilities or seeking counterplay strategies? Join our community to explore comprehensive guides, counter-strategies, and innovative deck-building tips. Master the art of utilizing and overcoming Varchild for an unparalleled game experience.