Aggression MTG Card


Aggression - Ice Age
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set nameIce Age
Set codeICE
Number169
Frame1993
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byRick Emond

Key Takeaways

  1. Aggression cards grant players rapid board presence and the chance to overwhelm opponents early in the game.
  2. Instant speed play and unpredictable combat tricks with Aggression cards can decisively alter the match’s outcome.
  3. Despite their power, Aggression cards require wise management to prevent resource depletion and maintain momentum.

Text of card

Target non-wall creature gains first strike and trample. At the end of its controller's turn, destroy that creature if it did not attack that turn.

The star that burns twice as bright burns half as long.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Enabling swift damage output, Aggression cards often feature mechanics that allow players to keep the pressure on opponents by replenishing their hand, ensuring they never run out of steam during critical turns.

Resource Acceleration: By lowering the cost of creature spells or offering ways to untap lands, Aggression cards efficiently fast-track your board presence, letting you deploy threats ahead of curve and overwhelm adversaries.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast spells at instant speed adds a layer of unpredictability, allowing you to surprise opponents with combat tricks or removal during their turn, thereby keeping them on their toes and tipping the scales in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Certain aggression cards compel players to discard from their hand, potentially depleting critical resources necessary for maintaining pressure on the opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Aggression cards typically demand a specific color alignment, often red mana, restricting their inclusion to decks that can consistently produce the required mana type.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the mana to impact ratio, aggression cards can sometimes have an elevated mana cost. This can slow down your game plan, especially when competing against decks that capitalize on efficiency and speed.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Aggression cards are adaptable and can enhance a variety of decks. These cards enable swift tactics that keep opponents on their toes. Their ability to press the advantage can shift the dynamics of a game, making them useful in multiple game scenarios.

Combo Potential: Many aggression cards synergize with creatures and spells that reward players for attacking, dealing damage, or reducing an opponent’s life total. This creates opportunities for powerful combos that can rapidly close out games.

Meta-Relevance: Aggression-focused cards often excel in environments where speed and tempo dictate the pace of play. They are an excellent choice for countering slower, more control-oriented decks that dominate the current meta, giving you a competitive edge.


How to beat

Aggression in Magic: The Gathering often translates into fast-paced games where taking control of the battlefield early is key. Understanding how to counter cards that fuel such aggressive strategies can be crucial for any player looking to improve their win rate. A prime example of this is the Aggression card which, as the name suggests, enables players to accelerate their offensive tactics. To effectively beat this card, one must prioritize removal spells to dismantle the opponent’s game plan swiftly.

Staying a step ahead involves disrupting the buildup of their forces. This could be achieved through board wipes which clear multiple threats at once or spot removal to take out key creatures that are central to the Aggression card’s strategy. Furthermore, including cards that gain you life can be a buffer against the early damage, buying time for a comeback. Another angle is to include blockers with high toughness, making it difficult for aggressive decks to punch through your defenses.

Lastly, maintaining card advantage is essential. Cards that allow you to draw more help ensure that you consistently have answers to the threats posed by Aggression-based decks. By combining strategic removal, defensive measures, and a steady flow of resources, you can tip the scales in your favor and overcome the onslaught that the Aggression card represents.


Cards like Aggression

In the strategic landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Aggression is a formidable example of a red instant that allows for creature control by manipulating combat outcomes. This card echoes the mechanics found in Reckless Charge, which also offers a temporary power boost to creatures, but is notable for granting haste in addition to power-enhancing prowess. Unlike Aggression, Reckless Charge can also be cast from the graveyard via its flashback ability, giving it a versatile edge in longer games.

Another parallel can be drawn with Rush of Adrenaline, a similar combat trick that provides a lesser power boost but, like Aggression, also provides trample, helping players punch through defensive lines. It’s less mana-intensive than Aggression but lacks the element of targeting multiple creatures for that sweeping advantage across the battlefield.

Comparatively, Aggression shines in scenarios where leveraging multiple creature enhancements within a single combat phase can be game-changing. While each card carries its strategic merit, Aggression stands out for those looking to maximize battlefield impact with one deft move in their MTG matches.

Reckless Charge - MTG Card versions
Rush of Adrenaline - MTG Card versions
Reckless Charge - Odyssey (ODY)
Rush of Adrenaline - Shadows over Innistrad (SOI)

Cards similar to Aggression by color, type and mana cost

Mana Flare - MTG Card versions
Gravity Sphere - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Drums - MTG Card versions
Heat Wave - MTG Card versions
Goblin Warrens - MTG Card versions
Heat Stroke - MTG Card versions
Hand to Hand - MTG Card versions
Seismic Assault - MTG Card versions
Torch Song - MTG Card versions
Ghitu War Cry - MTG Card versions
Fervor - MTG Card versions
Spellshock - MTG Card versions
Mana Cache - MTG Card versions
Citadel of Pain - MTG Card versions
Insolence - MTG Card versions
Granite Grip - MTG Card versions
Raka Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Steam Vines - MTG Card versions
Magma Vein - MTG Card versions
Pyromania - MTG Card versions
Mana Flare - Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting Tales (WOT)
Gravity Sphere - Legends (LEG)
Goblin War Drums - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Heat Wave - Visions (VIS)
Goblin Warrens - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Heat Stroke - Weatherlight (WTH)
Hand to Hand - Tempest (TMP)
Seismic Assault - Ultimate Masters (UMA)
Torch Song - Urza's Saga (USG)
Ghitu War Cry - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Fervor - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Spellshock - World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)
Mana Cache - Nemesis (NEM)
Citadel of Pain - Prophecy (PCY)
Insolence - Planeshift (PLS)
Granite Grip - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Raka Sanctuary - Apocalypse (APC)
Steam Vines - Odyssey (ODY)
Magma Vein - Odyssey (ODY)
Pyromania - Torment (TOR)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Aggression MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Aggression and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Aggression has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Aggression card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2006-10-15 Moving the enchantment after the ability triggers will not affect which creatures are affected.

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