Viashino Runner MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 224
2007-07-13 - Number 245
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Viashino |
| Abilities | Menace |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Viashino Runner cannot be blocked by only one creature.
"It moved this way, an' that way, an' then before I could stick it, it jumped over my head an' was gone." —Jula, goblin raider
Cards like Viashino Runner
Viashino Runner brings its own flavor to the realm of Magic: The Gathering, standing amongst other creature cards that share its unblockable attributes. A comparison can be made with Thalakos Scout, which also can’t be blocked except by creatures with flying, offering players a degree of evasion. Though Thalakos Scout requires a two mana cost to achieve this evasion each turn, Viashino Runner demands no such payment, making it a reliable option for consistent damage.
Another similar card is Distortion Strike, a sorcery that not only makes a creature unblockable for a turn but also provides a rebound effect for repeated utility. While Distortion Strike effects are temporary, Viashino Runner remains an everlasting threat on the battlefield. Skulking Ghost and Prickleboar also provide unblockable conditions under certain circumstances but demand specific board states or timing to be effective, unlike the consistent pressure Viashino Runner applies.
Evaluating everything, Viashino Runner showcases its strength through sustained board presence and an innate unblockable nature, securing itself as a noteworthy choice for players aiming to steadily chip away at their opponent’s life total without the conditional requirements that other cards impose.
Cards similar to Viashino Runner by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though not directly providing card draw, Viashino Runner’s bypassing of blockers can maintain pressure on the opponent, indirectly leading to a card advantage as it consistently deals damage, diminishing opponent resources.
Resource Acceleration: This card slots efficiently into aggressive strategies, encouraging a faster-paced game. Viashino Runner can rapidly decrease an opponent’s life total, accelerating towards game closure and offering a tempo boost.
Instant Speed: While Viashino Runner itself isn’t an instant, its unblockable nature allows for strategic attacks during the combat phase. This element of surprise aligns with the idea of instant-speed play, catching an opponent off-guard and optimizing the timing of your offense.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Viashino Runner forces you to discard another card when using its discard ability, which may put you at a disadvantage by depleting your hand unnecessarily, especially if you’re unable to leverage graveyard strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires both red and other mana, it may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that require a more flexible mana base. This limitation can hinder deck-building options and overall strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, including double red, Viashino Runner’s cost is significant compared to other creatures in the same mana range. Players might find more impactful cards with potent abilities or better stats to play at this cost, making Viashino Runner a less attractive choice for tight mana curves.
Reasons to Include Viashino Runner in Your Collection
Versatility: Viashino Runner’s unblockability against blue creatures can be a tactical advantage in a red deck, giving it a reliable way to deal damage in a color-heavy metagame.
Combo Potential: It can be paired with equipment and auras that boost its attack, turning it into a formidable threat that can bypass specific blockers.
Meta-Relevance: As blue control decks persist in the meta, Viashino Runner becomes a more relevant choice, capable of slipping past common control creatures to maintain pressure on your opponent.
How to beat
Viashino Runner from Magic: The Gathering stands out in red creature decks due to its unblockable property when solely attacking. The card offers an interesting dynamic on the battlefield, making it a useful asset for chipping away at an opponent’s life total. To counter this, consider employing removal spells that target the Viashino Runner before it declares an attack, such as Shock or Lightning Bolt, successfully disrupting your opponent’s attacking plans.
Another strategy involves controlling the board with cards like Pacifism or Propaganda, which prevent it from attacking or make it prohibitively expensive for your opponent to attack with the Runner. Additionally, utilizing creatures with reach or flying can work defensively, restricting the Viashino Runner’s effectiveness as they can block even when it’s unblockable to others.
Overall, handling Viashino Runner is about anticipation and swift removal. Include instant-speed interaction in your deck to address the threat the moment it hits the table. By prioritizing its removal or cleverly working around its abilities, the Runner becomes less of a threat and more of a minor nuisance in the grand strategy of your MTG game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Viashino Runner MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Tenth Edition, 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 Viashino Runner 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
Printings
The Viashino Runner Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Steve White.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 224 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Steve White | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 245 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve White |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Viashino Runner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |