Torch Gauntlet MTG Card


Torch Gauntlet - Kaladesh
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip
Released2016-09-30
Set symbol
Set nameKaladesh
Set codeKLD
Number237
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byIgor Kieryluk

Key Takeaways

  1. Enhances creature power, ideal for aggressive decks seeking a minimal mana investment power surge.
  2. While powerful, the mana requirements for equipping may limit its use in multi-colored decks.
  3. A mid-range option in equipment, capable of turning any creature into a significant threat.

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +2/+0. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

"Good morning, children. Please open your aether valves and ignite your gauntlets." —Rakib, Ghirapur schoolteacher


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Torch Gauntlet doesn’t inherently provide card draw itself, its ability to be equipped to various creatures helps maintain card presence on the battlefield, effectively keeping your hand fuller as you don’t have to commit additional cards as often.

Resource Acceleration: This item is handy for boosting creatures’ power quickly. By increasing a creature’s power for a minimal mana investment, you accelerate your potential damage output, which could turn the tide in creature-heavy strategies.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant, its low equip cost allows for spontaneous power boosts during the combat phase or at the end of an opponent’s turn, mirroring the flexibility you get from instant speed interactions, ensuring you’re always a step ahead.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Even though Torch Gauntlet does not have a discard requirement, it’s important to weigh this artifact’s utility against cards that may be more versatile or impactful on the battlefield without sacrificing valuable hand assets.

Specific Mana Cost: Despite its generic mana cost to cast, Torch Gauntlet’s equip ability requires a specific mana investment that can sometimes be restrictive, especially in multi-color decks that may struggle to prioritize colorless mana for equipping purposes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Torch Gauntlet’s two mana casting cost is reasonable, the two mana required to equip can be costly over time, particularly when considering alternative equipment cards or other mana-intensive plays that could provide a greater boon to your strategy during a game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Torch Gauntlet is a flexible card that can be slotted into a wide array of decks. The +2 attack bonus it provides can turn any creature into a significant threat, making it a solid choice for both aggressive and creature-focused strategies.

Combo Potential: Being an equipment, Torch Gauntlet works well with cards and abilities that synergize with artifacts. It can be particularly effective in decks that capitalize on equipping and re-equipping to repeatedly trigger enter the battlefield or equip effects.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s filled with creature-based combat, the added power provided by Torch Gauntlet can help your creatures outmatch your opponent’s, making it a useful tool to have access to during deck building and gameplay.


How to beat

Torch Gauntlet is a unique equipment card in Magic: The Gathering that provides a solid power boost to creatures it equips. Its main strength lies in its ability to enhance a creature’s offensive capabilities at a low equip cost, making it a favorable option for aggressive strategies. To effectively counter Torch Gauntlet, one approach is to use spot removal spells to target the equipped creature before it can deal substantial damage. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be pivotal in eliminating key threats.

Another strategy involves using artifact destruction spells such as Naturalize or Shatter to directly remove Torch Gauntlet from the battlefield. Players should also consider the timing of their removal to disrupt the opponent’s plans—acting during their upkeep or before they declare attackers could swing the momentum in your favor. Additionally, employing creatures with deathtouch can deter your opponent from attacking, as their efforts to equip for a power increase will be less effective when facing the threat of certain destruction.

Overall, understanding when to neutralize the equipped creature and when to target Torch Gauntlet itself with removal is crucial for maintaining control in the face of this power-boosting artifact.


Cards like Torch Gauntlet

Torch Gauntlet joins the arsenal of equipment cards in Magic: The Gathering, offering players a simple yet effective power boost. It compares to other equipment like Bone Saw, which also provides a smaller power increment to creatures. Torch Gauntlet distinguishes itself with a slightly higher power upgrade at the cost of a greater mana investment to equip.

Claws of Valakut is another kindred card, requiring more strategic deck construction around mountains to scale its power. While not as straightforward as equip and go with Torch Gauntlet, the potential for a larger power increase exists with the right setup. Conversely, Fireshrieker doesn’t increase power directly but grants double strike, effectively doubling a creature’s damage output if it isn’t blocked. This creates a different dynamic while still escalating a creature’s threat level, similar to the goal of Torch Gauntlet.

In assessing these comparisons, Torch Gauntlet finds its niche as a reliable middle-ground option, offering a balance between cost and combat potency within the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering equipment cards.

Bone Saw - MTG Card versions
Claws of Valakut - MTG Card versions
Fireshrieker - MTG Card versions
Bone Saw - Conflux (CON)
Claws of Valakut - Worldwake (WWK)
Fireshrieker - Mirrodin (MRD)

Cards similar to Torch Gauntlet by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Winter Orb - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Ankh of Mishra - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Amulet of Kroog - Rinascimento (RIN)
Nacre Talisman - Ice Age (ICE)
Howling Mine - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Essence Bottle - Tempest (TMP)
Emerald Medallion - Commander Anthology (CMA)
Scrying Glass - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Cursed Totem - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)
Tsabo's Web - World Championship Decks 2001 (WC01)
Millikin - Odyssey (ODY)
Swiftfoot Boots - The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts (BRR)
Ark of Blight - Scourge (SCG)
Surestrike Trident - Darksteel (DST)
Demon's Horn - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Energy Chamber - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Water Gun Balloon Game - Unhinged (UNH)
Angel's Feather - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Elsewhere Flask - Shadowmoor (SHM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Torch Gauntlet MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh, 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 Torch Gauntlet and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Torch Gauntlet has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

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