Ember Hauler MTG Card
2010-07-16 - Number 135
2017-10-24 - Number 37
2019-07-12 - Number 137
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- It creates card advantage by removing threats and saving resources through its sacrifice.
- Instant-speed ability of Ember Hauler offers surprise tactics and board control.
- Restricted mana cost and competition with other damage sources might limit its use.
Text of card
, Sacrifice Ember Hauler: Ember Hauler deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
Flurk's crude goblin language didn't differentiate between "I *bring* the flame" and "I *am* the flame."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When discussing Ember Hauler, it might not seem like a traditional card advantage powerhouse. However, its ability to sacrifice itself to deal 2 damage provides strategic flexibility. Removing key creatures or finishing off an opponent can indirectly translate to card advantage by dealing with threats efficiently and preserving your other resources.
Resource Acceleration: Ember Hauler doesn’t explicitly accelerate resources in terms of mana production. Instead, it offers a different kind of acceleration – tempo. By being a 2/2 creature for two mana, it’s a solid play on curve, and its potential to deal damage upon death can speed up your game plan by impacting the board immediately.
Instant Speed: The real strength of Ember Hauler lies in its ability to use its sacrifice ability at instant speed. This gives players the flexibility to respond to the unfolding game. Whether it’s removing a blocking creature after blocks are declared or dealing the final points of damage at the end of an opponent’s turn, this instant-speed interaction can catch opponents off guard and offers significant tactical advantages.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Ember Hauler can be a useful card, it lacks any discard requirement that could provide card advantage or synergy with graveyard-based strategies, limiting its flexibility.
Specific Mana Cost: Ember Hauler requires one red mana in its casting cost, which could restrict it to decks that can reliably produce red mana, potentially excluding it from more diverse mana base decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana, Ember Hauler’s ability to deal 2 damage upon sacrifice may not always be the most mana-efficient choice. This can be especially relevant in formats that offer lower-cost alternatives for dealing damage or providing board control.
Reasons to Include Ember Hauler in Your Collection
Versatility: Ember Hauler offers a unique blend of aggressive early plays and strategic late-game options. Its ability to deal damage to any target makes it a flexible choice for red-oriented decks.
Combo Potential: This card pairs well with effects that capitalize on sacrificing creatures. Use Ember Hauler’s ability in tandem with damage doublers or in a sequence to finish off opponents.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where small creatures and utility artifacts are prevalent, Ember Hauler can disrupt your opponent’s board while keeping pressure high, making it a sound inclusion in your MTG arsenal.
How to Beat Ember Hauler
Ember Hauler is a solid utility creature card in Magic: The Gathering with the ability to deal damage as you sacrifice it. Players often use Ember Hauler for its versatility in eliminating key targets or for a final push towards victory. To effectively counter this card, timing is crucial. Players should consider removing Ember Hauler before its sacrifice ability can be activated, preferably by using instant-speed removal spells.
Moreover, it’s vital to understand the control of the battlefield. If an opponent controls an Ember Hauler, it’s wise to minimize the number of valuable 2-toughness creatures on your side, as they become prime targets for Ember Hauler’s ability. Additionally, you can mitigate the impact of Ember Hauler by using cards that provide indestructibility or damage prevention to protect your creatures. Finally, leveraging lifegain strategies can help offset the life loss due to Ember Hauler’s ability, preserving your own chances of outlasting your opponent in the longer game.
Strategic planning and anticipation of your opponent’s moves are key in navigating around the threats Ember Hauler poses, ensuring you maintain a strong position during your games. Addressing it quickly and efficiently can mean the difference between a win or a loss when facing an opponent utilizing this fiery creature.
Cards like Ember Hauler
Ember Hauler is a versatile creature in Magic: The Gathering, fitting perfectly within red deck strategies that favor quick and direct damage. In composition, it shares attributes with cards like Fanatical Firebrand, which can also be sacrificed for one point of damage. Ember Hauler distinguishes itself with a higher damage output, able to deal two damage upon sacrifice. Unlike the Firebrand, the Hauler requires an investment of two mana, but rewards you with a 2/2 body rather than 1/1.
Another comparable card is Goblin Arsonist, a creature that inflicts damage upon death. In contrast, Ember Hauler offers the agency to choose when to activate its ability, although with the difference of mana cost and being a larger threat on the board. For red players looking for direct damage and board presence versatility, Ember Hauler provides a blend of both. Mogg Fanatic stands as a classic parallel, also extending the option to deal one damage to any target. However, Ember Hauler’s ability to deal an extra point of damage can be pivotal in certain gameplay scenarios.
Considering these similarities and differences, Ember Hauler demonstrates its own value among Magic: The Gathering direct damage sources, especially for those strategies hungry for control over damage dealing and a reasonably costed creature.
Cards similar to Ember Hauler by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ember Hauler MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011 and Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins, 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 Ember Hauler 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 Magic products
Printings
The Ember Hauler Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2019-07-12. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.
| # | Release | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 135 | 2003 | normal | black | Steve Prescott | |
| 2 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 37 | 2015 | normal | black | Steve Prescott | |
| 3 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 137 | 2015 | normal | black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ember Hauler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
