Bull Rush MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2010-02-05
Set symbol
Set name	Worldwake
Set code	WWK
Number	73
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Christopher Moeller

Key Takeaways

Bull Rush augments power rapidly, pivotal for surprise attacks or creature elimination.
Demands a discard, a potential setback in hand advantage-dependent scenarios.
Despite restrictions, adds considerable utility and synergy to aggressive builds.

Text of card

Target creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"It's gone mad! Loose the chains and save what you can!"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bull Rush provides a significant edge by offering a temporary boost in power to potentially eliminate an opponent’s creature or to swing in for unexpected additional damage during your turn.

Resource Acceleration: By enabling a creature to hit harder, Bull Rush can often lead to earlier victories or more pressure, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration by shortening the game.

Instant Speed: The instant nature of Bull Rush allows for tactical flexibility, letting players wait for the optimal moment during combat or at the end of an opponent’s turn to surprise adversaries and alter the course of the duel decisively.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bull Rush comes with the stipulation that a card must be discarded to activate its ability. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially in situations where maintaining hand advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Bull Rush requires red mana to play. This specificity can be restrictive, limiting the card’s integration in multi-color decks that may not always have red mana readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be deemed steep for the effect it provides, players often find that there are alternative spells that could accomplish similar feats with a lower investment, potentially making Bull Rush a less optimal selection in competitive play.

Reasons to Include Bull Rush in Your Collection

Versatility: Bull Rush is a flexible combat trick, suitable for aggro decks that need a burst of power to push through defenses or safeguard a crucial attacker. Its low mana cost makes it easily splashable in multiple deck types.

Combo Potential: This quick buff can be the linchpin in a combo, tipping the scales for a creature’s ability that keys off power or enabling an unexpected lethal strike. It synergizes well with heroic and prowess mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where the pace is fast and combat interactions critical, Bull Rush gains value. It can alter combat math in your favor, often catching an opponent unprepared during key moments in a match.

How to beat

Bull Rush is a straightforward card that can catch an opponent off guard, boosting a creature with a sudden power spike. To overcome this combat trick in Magic: The Gathering, foresight and precision are key. One effective strategy is to maintain mana for instant-speed removal or bounce spells when you suspect your opponent might deploy Bull Rush. This way, you can respond to their attempt to bolster their creature’s power. Additionally, playing creatures with high toughness can dampen Bull Rush’s impact, ensuring they survive the increased power your opponent’s creature gains.

Another angle is to control the battlefield. If you limit the number of creatures your opponent has, Bull Rush loses its potency. This can be achieved by using board wipes or spot removal to keep their side clear. Ultimately, staying vigilant and keeping removal or counter spells ready to disrupt your opponent’s strategies will help you neutralize Bull Rush and maintain the upper hand.

The key to withstanding Bull Rush lies in anticipating your opponent’s moves and maintaining control of the pace and state of the battlefield. Manage your resources wisely and you’ll find yourself well-equipped to counter this swift card and secure victory.

Cards like Bull Rush

Bull Rush is an intriguing combat trick in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, akin to cards like Giant Growth and Rouse the Crowd. Just like these cards, Bull Rush can give creatures an unexpected boost during battles. What sets it apart is its simplicity and the instant burst of power it gives to target creature with +2/+0 until end of turn at the cost of just one red mana.

When analyzed with cards like Brute Force, Bull Rush trades the additional +1/+1 for a lower mana cost, presenting a more accessible, swift option to beef up creatures. Compared to Sure Strike that offers a similar effect with an added +1/+0 and first strike, Bull Rush’s lower cost enables a player to stay efficient with their mana and possibly use other spells or abilities in conjunction.

Players weighing the options within their red deck for quick combat enhancements should consider Bull Rush for its cost-effective and immediate impact. Even without the lasting effect of a Giant Growth or the first strike provided by Sure Strike, Bull Rush ensures a cost-efficient way to potentially turn the tides of combat in a pinch.

Cards similar to Bull Rush by color, type and mana cost

March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bull Rush MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake, 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 Bull Rush and other MTG cards: