Shadow Rider MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Knight
Abilities	Flanking
Released	1997-06-09
Set symbol
Set name	Weatherlight
Set code	WTH
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	79
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Pete Venters

Key Takeaways

Shadow Rider grants card advantage and can be played at instant speed, enhancing strategic flexibility.
It has specific mana requirements and a high cost, which may impact its playability in some decks.
The card’s adaptability makes it a strong consideration for various deck-building strategies.

Text of card

Flanking (Whenever a creature without flanking is assigned to block this creature, the blocking creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.)

In its world of complete darkness, it has no shadows to fear.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shadow Rider stands as a formidable option for players looking to bolster their hand. Not only does it pose an immediate threat, but it also equips players with additional cards, thereby tipping the scale of card advantage in their favor.

Resource Acceleration: For those wanting to ramp up their mana resources, Shadow Rider proves invaluable. The card’s intrinsic mechanics seamlessly weave into decks built around resource acceleration, giving players the much-needed edge to cast game-changing spells ahead of time.

Instant Speed: Its ability to be played at instant speed offers strategic flexibility, allowing adept players to adeptly navigate through their opponent’s moves. Timing is crucial in MTG, and Shadow Rider excels by providing options without compromising a player’s ability to react and adapt during the heat of the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shadow Rider demands you to let go of another card from your hand to unleash its potential. While you prepare your battlefield for its spectral entrance, each card lost can be felt deeply, especially when your hand is running thin and every resource counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Its summoning requires a commitment to both swamps and plains. Without the right mana fix, this eerie steed might linger in your grip, biding its time longer than you can afford. Tailoring your land base to accommodate it might lead to compromises elsewhere.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding a total of five mana – two of which must be black – means this menacing mount arrives later in the game. While its presence is formidable, faster paced decks may outrun you, pressuring you to survive until you can finally call upon its shadowy might.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Shadow Rider is a card that can seamlessly adapt to various deck styles, especially those seeking an edge in maneuvering around opponents’ strategies. Its ability to manipulate gameplay makes it a valuable addition to any collection.

Combo Potential: This card can serve as a catalyst in constructing powerful combos, synergizing with decks focused on using graveyard strategies or creature abilities that activate upon entering or leaving the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: Keeping pace with the ever-evolving metagame is crucial, and Shadow Rider maintains relevance. It can enhance decks that need to stay competitive in an environment where flexibility and strategic depth are key to victory.

How to Beat

The Shadow Rider is an intriguing challenge that Magic: The Gathering players may face in their duels. With its haunting presence on the battlefield, this card can become a thorn in your side if not addressed swiftly. To overcome the Shadow Rider’s menace, consider incorporating removal spells that can specifically target and eliminate this threat before it takes hold of the game. Cards like Murder, which allows you to destroy a target creature at a reasonable mana cost, are perfect for circumventing the dangers posed by such formidable foes.

Controlling the tempo is another vital technique when facing off against Shadow Rider. Cards with exile effects such as Path to Exile give you a significant advantage, removing Shadow Rider from the game entirely and preventing any graveyard-based shenanigans. Similarly, countering the spell as it’s cast with Negate or Cancel can guarantee that Shadow Rider never touches the field, stifling your opponent’s plans from the get-go.

It’s essential to balance your strategy; having a mix of creature control and denial of cast spells offers you a flexible toolkit to dispatch the Shadow Rider. This approach will ensure that you maintain dominance over the battlefield, keeping Shadow Rider’s haunting at bay.

Cards like Shadow Rider

Shadow Rider carves its niche within the pantheon of formidable creatures of Magic: The Gathering. When pitted against its spectral counterparts, like the Wraith Rider, the card offers a unique blend of power and strategic versatility. While both share an evasion ability, Shadow Rider’s potential to grow stronger with each combat encounter sets it apart.

Moving to the spectral realm, we delve into cards such as the Ghostly Horseman, which while offering a similar haunting presence on the battlefield, lacks the iterative strength increase that defines Shadow Rider. The Ghostly Horseman’s constant stats leave it at a disadvantage in prolonged games where the ability to scale power can be critical.

In the grand tapestry of MTG, Shadow Rider resonates with players who appreciate an evolving threat. This card stands out for its ability to thrive under the right conditions, unlike the static nature of other ethereal creatures. It embodies a strategic choice for players aiming to capitalize on sustained aggressive tactics. Considering all facets, Shadow Rider offers an intriguing option for deck builders, blending well with various scenarios while championing growth in power.

Cards similar to Shadow Rider by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shadow Rider MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight, 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 Shadow Rider and other MTG cards: