Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit MTG Card

Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit - Champions of Kamigawa

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Goblin Shaman
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	157
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Staples

Key Takeaways

Grants strategic flexibility by using untapped red creatures for direct damage at instant speed.
Requires precise mana management, with a potentially high cost for its activated ability.
Can influence the board significantly, making it a worthy addition to red-focused decks.

Text of card

: Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit deals damage to target attacking creature equal to the number of untapped Mountains you control.

Some akki thought of Ben-Ben as a kami of trickery in disguise. They hunted for him in the maze of warrens, often falling prey to his traps.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit can potentially deal damage each turn, indirectly providing a steady advantage by removing opponent’s creatures from the board.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing extra mana, the ability to clear the battlefield can keep the way clear for your attacks and spell casting, letting you maximize your resources.

Instant Speed: Ben-Ben’s activated ability can be utilized at instant speed, offering great flexibility during both your turn and your opponent’s, providing opportunities to disrupt their strategies when they least expect it.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit requires a specific combination of mana to cast, which can be challenging in multicolored decks that may not always have the right mana available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of two red and two generic mana, Ben-Ben’s ability might seem costly when considering alternative creatures or spells that could have a more immediate impact on the game.

Discard Requirement: While Ben-Ben itself doesn’t have a discard requirement, playing in a red-centric deck often means relying on cards with such a mechanic, which could leave you at a disadvantage if Ben-Ben is your primary strategy and you’re forced to discard other significant resources.

Reasons to Include Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit in Your Collection

Versatility: Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit offers a unique defensive capability by turning your untapped red creatures into potential sources of direct damage. Its ability to serve both offensive and defensive roles in a game makes it a flexible addition to any red-focused MTG deck.

Combo Potential: This card works wonderfully with cards that create numerous red creatures or cards that benefit from activation of tap abilities. It can become an engine in a combo-oriented deck, transforming passive creatures into proactive threats.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta with creature-heavy strategies or where board presence is key, Ben-Ben could provide crucial control, discouraging opponents from attacking and potentially swinging the tide in your favor with its reactive damage ability.

How to beat

Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit presents an interesting dynamic on the battlefield with its ability to deal damage to attacking creatures. Much like the way one might approach taking down formidable creatures with high toughness, it’s vital to have a strategy against Ben-Ben. Disabling its ability to target your attackers is key. Utilizing spells that can bypass its reach, such as untargetable or hexproof creatures, can neutralize the threat it poses. Moreover, engaging in combat on your terms, perhaps by controlling when and how creatures attack, ensures minimal blowback from Ben-Ben’s activated ability.

In terms of direct interaction, spells that can either silence or remove Ben-Ben from play are quite effective. Consider instant removal spells that can target and eliminate it before it has a chance to influence the board. Board wipes also offer a clean resolution by not allowing the opportunity for its activated ability to be used defensively. It pays to be proactive; by dealing with Ben-Ben swiftly, the element of control it could exert over combat is curtailed.

Ultimately, preparing your deck with the right answers and choosing the opportune moment to strike can successfully undermine Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit’s impact in a game, leaving your opponents’ defenses weakened and their strategies thwarted.

Cards like Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit

In the realm of Magic the Gathering, Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit brings a unique flavor to the table. This legendary creature resembles cards like Cunning Sparkmage and Prodigal Pyromancer in its ability to tap for direct damage. Where Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit shines is in its defensive potential – it can deal damage to attacking creatures rather than to any target, making it a formidable card in deterring attackers. This function creates a uniquely defensive dynamic, distinguishing Ben-Ben from the pack.

Comparatively, Kamahl, Pit Fighter offers aggressive damage outputs but is tailored for a more offensive strategy. It hits any target but at a higher mana investment, which highlights Ben-Ben’s cost-efficiency and defensive posture. On the other side, Brigid, Hero of Kinsbaile also damages multiple attackers but requires a bow and is specific to Kithkin tribal synergy. Ben-Ben, however, stands alone without tribal limitations.

While each card holds its own in different strategies, Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit’s niche appeal is for players looking to fortify their defenses while steadily whittling down the opposition’s forces, carving out a unique space in MTG’s diverse ecosystem of red control options.

Brigid, Hero of Kinsbaile - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Ben-Ben, Akki Hermit and other MTG cards: