Dwarven Scorcher MTG Card


Dwarven Scorcher - Judgment
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Dwarf
Released2002-05-27
Set symbol
Set nameJudgment
Set codeJUD
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number86
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byThomas M. Baxa

Key Takeaways

  1. Dwarven Scorcher’s instant speed activation bolsters board control, offering tactical advantage during combat.
  2. Potential sacrifice synergy accelerates strategies, despite its demanding mana cost and discard mechanic.
  3. Its versatility and meta relevance make Scorcher a desirable choice for aggressive MTG deck builds.

Text of card

Sacrifice Dwarven Scorcher: Dwarven Scorcher deals 1 damage to target creature unless that creature's controller has Dwarven Scorcher deal 2 damage to him or her.

Barbarians invented the blaze of glory. Dwarves perfected it.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Dwarven Scorcher enables you to potentially remove a blocker or weaken a creature before combat, promoting favorable trades that can lead to a better position on the board.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or resources, Dwarven Scorcher can serve as an enabler in decks that capitalize on sacrificing creatures, potentially accelerating your strategy with synergistic interactions.

Instant Speed: This card can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to decide the most opportune moment during the battle to unleash its effect, such as in response to an opponent’s action or just before your turn for maximum tactical advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Dwarven Scorcher requires a strategy that accounts for its discard mechanic. This can prove costly if your hand is already running low on cards, diminishing your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Dwarven Scorcher demands a precise blend of mana to enter the fray—namely red. This specific requirement may not meld seamlessly with every deck, potentially limiting its inclusion to mono-red or certain multicolored builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its casting cost relative to its abilities, Dwarven Scorcher might fall short in competitive play. Players often seek out more impactful creatures or abilities for a similar investment of resources, leading them to opt for alternatives to this feisty dwarf.


Reasons to Include Dwarven Scorcher in Your Collection

Versatility: Dwarven Scorcher offers a flexible role in numerous deck strategies. Its hasty nature applies immediate pressure, and it serves well in aggressive red deck builds, fostering a fast-paced playstyle.

Combo Potential: Being a one-drop creature that can potentially sacrifice itself makes the Scorcher a prime candidate for triggering synergies that rely on creature death or entering the graveyard, fostering opportunistic plays within certain combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed is critical, Dwarven Scorcher excels. Its ability to come down early and impact the board can shift the dynamics in your favor, adapting effectively to a landscape that prizes quick tempo.


How to beat

Dwarven Scorcher presents a strategic element in game play, adding a layer of complexity to MTG deck building and battlefield maneuvers. This card, known for its low cost and the ability to sacrifice itself to deal damage, can be tricky to navigate if it lands on the opposing side. Despite its utility, there are several ways to mitigate its impact on the game. As a player looking to counter this card, prioritize controlling the board by removing small creatures before they can be utilized as a damage source. Consider employing spells that prevent creature abilities or use creature removals that can deal with the Scorcher before your opponent finds an opportunity to sacrifice it for an advantage. Additionally, having instant-speed responses to prevent surprise plays is another key tactic. Cards with flash can offer the ability to play on your opponent’s turn, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by the Scorcher’s ability.

Effective counterplay involves anticipating this card’s sacrifice trigger and maintaining a strategic upper hand. Adaptability and a good understanding of the tempo of the game will guide you in nullifying the Dwarven Scorcher’s potential threat on the field.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we reflect on the attributes of Dwarven Scorcher and its strategic incorporation into our decks, we’re reminded that every card holds the potential to be the keystone in an inspired strategy. With its unique instant-speed sacrifice ability and the dynamic it introduces to gameplay, this card urges players to think fast and act with precision. For those looking to harness the power of Dwarven Scorcher, it’s crucial to consider its application within a broader array of strategic moves and deck builds. Ready to dive deeper into MTG strategies and discover how to make the most of Dwarven Scorcher’s fiery potential? Let’s embark on that journey together and uncover the tactics that will set your next match ablaze with victory. Learn more with us and take your MTG expertise to new heights.


Cards like Dwarven Scorcher

Dwarven Scorcher is an intriguing card within the realm of aggressive creature cards in MTG. It draws parallels with another creature, Mogg Fanatic, which also offers a direct damage ability. However, Dwarven Scorcher differentiates itself through its potential for higher damage output with a single activation. In contrast, Mogg Fanatic deals less damage but offers the utility of not having to sacrifice itself as a cost, making it slightly more versatile in controlling the board.

Fanning the Flames is another card that bears a resemblance with its scalable damage potential. Although it’s a sorcery and requires more strategic planning, the buyback ability makes it a reusable source of damage unlike the one-time use of Dwarven Scorcher. We cannot overlook Goblin Grenade as well, which delivers immediate substantial damage, but at the expense of sacrificing a creature, similar to Dwarven Scorcher’s requirement.

Assessing the interplay between cost, damage, and utility, Dwarven Scorcher holds a spot for players looking for a burst damage option that synergizes with sacrifice and direct damage strategies, making it a specialized but powerful choice in MTG.

Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Fanning the Flames - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - Tempest (TMP)
Fanning the Flames - Stronghold (STH)
Goblin Grenade - Fallen Empires (FEM)

Cards similar to Dwarven Scorcher by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Roc Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions
Goblin Balloon Brigade - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Hurr Jackal - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Primordial Ooze - Chronicles (CHR)
Gorilla Shaman - Alliances (ALL)
Goblin Swine-Rider - Visions (VIS)
Mons's Goblin Raiders - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Orcish Conscripts - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Mountain Goat - Portal (POR)
Roc Hatchling - Weatherlight (WTH)
Jackal Pup - The List (PLST)
Flailing Soldier - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Branded Brawlers - Prophecy (PCY)
Scarred Puma - Invasion (INV)
Mogg Fanatic - Tenth Edition (10E)
Grim Lavamancer - Torment (TOR)
Kessig Wolfrider - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Goblin Guide - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Skirk Prospector - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Crazed Goblin - Darksteel (DST)
Akki Avalanchers - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dwarven Scorcher MTG card by a specific set like Judgment, 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 Dwarven Scorcher and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dwarven Scorcher has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks