Spitfire Handler MTG Card


Spitfire Handler - Onslaught
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Goblin
Released2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set nameOnslaught
Set codeONS
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number236
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byJim Nelson

Key Takeaways

  1. Spitfire Handler gives an edge by turning the tide with multi-target damage and instant speed actions.
  2. Requires careful hand management due to the discard requirement for its full potential.
  3. Enhances red decks with its versatile offense and defense, despite its mana specifics.

Text of card

Spitfire Handler can't block creatures with power greater than Spitfire Handler's power. o R: Spitfire Handler gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

"Wait 'til Toggo sees this!"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spitfire Handler provides a unique edge by potentially negating an opponent’s card advantage. With its ability to damage multiple targets, this card can eliminate several of an opponent’s smaller creatures in one go, effectively reducing their board presence and maintaining your advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Spitfire Handler does not directly produce mana or treasure tokens, its low casting cost makes it a nimble addition to your arsenal, allowing for quick deployment. This leaves resources available for other strategic plays, efficiently accelerating your game plan without significant resource investment.

Instant Speed: The true power of Spitfire Handler shines at instant speed. It allows you to be versatile with your tactics, waiting for the perfect moment to disrupt your opponent’s strategy. Whether it’s during combat or at the end of their turn, the surprise factor can shift the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Spitfire Handler requires discarding another card to activate its full potential. This can be detrimental when your hand is already depleted or when every card you hold is crucial for future turns.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation is locked behind a red mana requirement, making it less flexible for decks that are not red-centric or those looking to maintain a diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Offering a moderately aggressive ability, Spitfire Handler might not be the first choice for players given its mana investment. For the cost of playing and utilizing this card, other options might provide a greater impact on the game with less resource expenditure.


Reasons to Include Spitfire Handler in Your Collection

Versatility: Spitfire Handler offers utility in a wide range of red-based decks. Its ability to potentially deal damage to multiple targets makes it a fitting choice for both aggressive and control strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can amplify red’s damage-dealing capabilities by combining it with effects that increase damage output or trigger off of noncombat damage to deliver devastating blows to your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy formats, Spitfire Handler can be a valuable asset. Its unique interaction with the battlefield can disrupt your opponent’s board presence and maintain a tempo advantage.


How to beat

Spitfire Handler is a card that requires strategic foresight to effectively counter in Magic: The Gathering. Players up against this card should focus on minimizing its damage-dealing potential. Since Spitfire Handler can make a creature unblockable for a turn, it’s advantageous for opponents to remove potential blockers or keep them untapped to dissuade its activation. Removal spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently dispatch the creature it targets to prevent any combat tricks or surprises.

Another approach is to manage the board by controlling the game’s pace through counterspells or creature-based strategies that neutralize threats before they become too precarious to handle. Enchantments like Pacifism also restrain Spitfire Handler from using its abilities, rendering it ineffective in the combat phase. Additionally, constantly applying pressure and maintaining your life total can reduce the impact Spitfire Handler might have, as the unblockable condition is less relevant if you can endure the damage and retaliate with a stronger board presence.

Ultimately, the key to outmaneuvering Spitfire Handler lies in disrupting its mechanics and maintaining control over the creatures and strategies your opponent is likely to employ in conjunction with this card.


Cards like Spitfire Handler

Spitfire Handler has carved its own niche within the pantheon of red creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its comparison often starts with Goblin Motivator, as both creatures have the ability to grant haste to another creature. Where Spitfire Handler distinguishes itself is in its added utility to damage an opponent’s creature, albeit with the caveat of only targeting creatures with flying.

Looking at another red card, Fervent Champion, the comparison is quite intriguing. Fervent Champion provides a first strike capability and buffs other Knights you control, and although it can be more aggressive with its lower casting cost, it lacks the flexibility that Spitfire Handler can offer in tactical defense. Flamekin Harbinger is another related card; it serves a different function by tutoring for an Elemental creature, which could complement a deck looking to utilize Spitfire Handler’s Elemental creature type synergy.

Ultimately, while Spitfire Handler might not be the most aggressive card in a red player’s arsenal, its ability to contribute to both offense and defense positions it as a versatile option for players crafting a red deck, particularly one that is flying-centric or Elemental-themed.

Goblin Motivator - MTG Card versions
Fervent Champion - MTG Card versions
Flamekin Harbinger - MTG Card versions
Goblin Motivator - Core Set 2019 (M19)
Fervent Champion - Throne of Eldraine Promos (PELD)
Flamekin Harbinger - Lorwyn (LRW)

Cards similar to Spitfire Handler by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)
Dwarven Weaponsmith - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Goblin Rock Sled - The Dark (DRK)
Dwarven Lieutenant - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Goblin Recruiter - Visions (VIS)
Heart Sliver - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Flunkies - Stronghold (STH)
Goblin Elite Infantry - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Fireslinger - Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra (JVC)
Skittish Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Rage Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Minotaur Explorer - Odyssey (ODY)
Sparksmith - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Lookout - Legions (LGN)
Skirk Marauder - Legions (LGN)
Hellspark Elemental - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Storm Entity - Future Sight (FUT)
Dwarven Soldier - Masters Edition (ME1)
Mogg War Marshal - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)
Mudbrawler Cohort - Shadowmoor (SHM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spitfire Handler MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Spitfire Handler and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spitfire Handler has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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