Pouncing Lynx MTG Card
2019-05-03 - Number 25
2022-12-02 - Number 228
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cat |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Expertly utilizes early aggression, making it a strong asset for pressuring opponents swiftly.
- Strategic first strike capability on the attack, offering nuanced combat timing advantage.
- Excels in white mana decks focused on tempo and combat trickery.
Text of card
As long as it's your turn, Pouncing Lynx has first strike.
"I don't understand. He's normally so well behaved!"
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Pouncing Lynx itself may not offer direct card draw, its value comes from its aggressive potential, especially in the early game, making it an excellent tool for pressing an advantage on the battlefield and pressuring opponents.
Resource Acceleration: The Pouncing Lynx lacks the conventional mana or resource acceleration inherent to some MTG cards. However, its efficiency lies in its mana cost and aggressive stats, allowing for a swift and impactful board presence without the need for additional resources.
Instant Speed: As a creature, Pouncing Lynx doesn’t operate at instant speed, but its ability to gain first strike as long as it’s attacking means you can leverage timing to your advantage. This tactical play can catch an opponent unprepared, turning the Lynx into a tempo swing in combat situations.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pouncing Lynx requires you to be on the offensive and possibly put it at risk to make full use of its ability. This could lead to a disadvantageous trade-off if you’re forced to engage when your position isn’t strong.
Specific Mana Cost: This card has a specific mana cost that includes white mana, making it less versatile for decks that aren’t centered around white mana or have difficulties generating it consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its ability being conditionally based on attacking, its mana cost is slightly on the higher side when compared to other creatures that could provide guaranteed effects without needing to attack.
Reasons to Include Pouncing Lynx in Your Collection
Versatility: Pouncing Lynx offers agility on the battlefield with its ability to gain first strike on the attack during your turn. This makes it a flexible choice for aggressive white decks seeking to maintain pressure on opponents.
Combo Potential: This feline ally pairs well with other cards that amplify attacking creatures. In decks that focus on bolstering creatures’ abilities, Pouncing Lynx can become a recurring threat your opponents must carefully consider each combat phase.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where early board presence is key, Pouncing Lynx serves as a valuable card for establishing an early game advantage. Its low cost and combat capabilities can help you keep pace with or even outmaneuver other creature-based aggressive strategies.
How to beat
Pouncing Lynx is a creature card that poses unique challenges on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Known for its agility, the Lynx can become more formidable when attacking as it gains vigilance if you control a plains. To effectively neutralize this threat, consider using instant removal spells that can be cast before the Lynx declares an attack, thereby preventing it from utilizing its vigilance advantage. Cards such as Fatal Push or Shock are excellent options as they can deal with the creature swiftly.
Another efficient strategy is to set up blockers with toughness higher than the Lynx’s power. Since Pouncing Lynx only has 2 power, creatures with a toughness of 3 or more will deter attacks or lead to favorable trades on your side of the field. If you prefer a passive approach, enchantments that pacify or lock down creatures, such as Pacifism or Frost Lynx, will stop this feline in its tracks without the need for direct confrontation.
Overall, dealing with Pouncing Lynx requires foresight and the right timing. By staying one step ahead and employing strategic removal or control methods, the Lynx’s potential impact can be significantly diminished, allowing you to maintain control over the game’s flow.
Cards like Pouncing Lynx
Pouncing Lynx is a creature that adds agility to your battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Like the Lynx, Leonin Swiftclaw is a creature that boasts a similar cost and power, making it a reliable turn-two play for players seeking early game presence. Pouncing Lynx, however, outshines the Swiftclaw with its ability to gain first strike during your turn, providing a strategic edge in combat.
Comparatively, the Gust Walker is another creature with a parallel role, commanding the skies with flying after exerting. While Pouncing Lynx is confined to the ground, it requires no additional conditions to activate its combat advantage. Stepping up in mana cost and maintaining the feline theme, we have Feral Prowler, a card offering a different utility with its death-triggered card draw. Although the Prowler doesn’t exert board pressure like Pouncing Lynx, it ensures card advantage upon leaving the field.
To sum up, in the realm of two-drop creatures within Magic: The Gathering, Pouncing Lynx stands out for its aggressive tempo play, defending its place among similar cards with the valuable opportunity to choose when to strike decisively and with unexpected force.
Cards similar to Pouncing Lynx by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pouncing Lynx MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Pouncing Lynx and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Pouncing Lynx Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Sidharth Chaturvedi.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 25 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sidharth Chaturvedi | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 228 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sidharth Chaturvedi |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pouncing Lynx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
