Valley Dasher MTG Card

Khans of Tarkir (KTK)
2014-09-26 - Number 125

Mystery Booster (MB1)
2019-11-07 - Number 1092

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number KTK-125

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Berserker
Abilities	Haste
Power	2
Toughness	2

Key Takeaways

Haste enables Valley Dasher to impact the game immediately, suiting aggressive playstyles.
The two red mana cost makes it a specific but potent choice for red-centric decks.
As part of a strategic collection, it can enhance early-game tempo and aggression.

Text of card

Haste Valley Dasher attacks each turn if able.

Mardu riders' greatest fear is that a battle might end before their weapons draw blood.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Valley Dasher doesn’t directly result in drawing cards, its aggressive nature pressures the opponent early on, potentially disrupting their game plan and forcing them to deal with it, which can indirectly lead to a card advantage if they’re forced to use a higher-value removal spell.

Resource Acceleration: Valley Dasher’s low mana cost allows it to seamlessly fit into the curve of aggressive or Red Deck Wins strategies, quickly accelerating the resource of board presence and turning the heat on your opponent from the early stages of the match.

Instant Speed: The card itself may not have instant speed abilities, but its haste feature enables immediate impact on the board, similar to instant speed plays, allowing you to catch your opponent off guard and potentially deal damage the very turn it’s played.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Valley Dasher doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, it does force players to commit to an aggressive strategy, which could lead to a depleted hand and a shortage of options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Valley Dasher is specific to red mana, which can restrict its inclusion to decks that are capable of generating that type of mana efficiently, potentially limiting its versatility across various MTG strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its haste ability, Valley Dasher’s two mana cost is seen as a bit high for a 2/2 creature. There are alternative creatures in MTG with similar or better stats or abilities that offer more value at the same or lower mana cost, making it less competitive in certain formats.

Reasons to Include Valley Dasher in Your Collection

Versatility: Valley Dasher is a card that’s comfortable in various aggressive strategies. Its ability to attack each combat if able makes it a consistent pressure tool for decks that prioritize a strong early game presence.

Combo Potential: Given its haste attribute, it synergizes well with effects that capitalize on creatures dealing combat damage or entering the battlefield. Pairing Valley Dasher with cards that offer buffs per attack can capitalize on its combat commitment.

Meta-Relevance: In the current MTG landscape, where early-game tempo can determine the outcome of the match, Valley Dasher holds its ground. It can be a particularly useful tool in Red Deck Wins and similar aggressive decks that aim to close out games quickly.

How to Beat

Valley Dasher is a card that brings an aggressive tempo to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Being a creature with haste, it enables immediate impact upon entering the fray, compelling it to attack each turn if able. While this trait can catch an unprepared opponent off guard, it also makes Valley Dasher vulnerable to specific strategies.

One effective way to counteract Valley Dasher’s aggressive stance is through the use of instant-speed removal spells. By holding mana open for spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile, a player can efficiently deal with the Dasher before it inflicts any substantial damage. Moreover, utilizing creatures with reach or higher toughness can also block and eliminate it without incurring too much harm.

Alternatively, playing control elements that restrict the opponent’s ability to attack or force sacrifices can mitigate Valley Dasher’s impact considerably. In essence, while Valley Dasher may present an early-game threat, its forced aggression can be turned into a disadvantage with timely counters, solid defensive placements, and strategic planning, ultimately assuring a solid defense in your MTG matches.

Cards like Valley Dasher

Valley Dasher holds its own in the category of aggressive creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its most direct comparison is perhaps to cards like War-Name Aspirant, which similarly boasts a 2/1 body for two mana. However, Valley Dasher has the distinct advantage of haste, allowing it to swing into combat the moment it hits the battlefield. War-Name Aspirant requires a raid trigger to get a comparable effect.

Then there’s Ash Zealot, another two-mana creature with haste, but it comes with a set of additional abilities, including first strike and a punitive measure against graveyard strategies. While Ash Zealot offers versatility, it’s locked into red and requires double red mana to cast, unlike the more mana-flexible Valley Dasher. On the other hand, Goblin Guide brings a guaranteed reveal mechanic that can grant card advantage to the opponent, an aspect Valley Dasher does not have.

All things considered, while each card has its arena where it shines, Valley Dasher stands out for its uncomplicated aggression, proving itself as a straightforward choice for players aiming to add immediate pressure to the board in their red aggro decks.

Cards similar to Valley Dasher by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Valley Dasher MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Valley Dasher and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Valley Dasher Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Matt Stewart.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2014-09-26	Khans of Tarkir	KTK	125	2015	Normal	Black	Matt Stewart
2	2019-11-07	Mystery Booster	MB1	1092	2015	Normal	Black	Matt Stewart
3	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST	KTK-125	2015	Normal	Black	Matt Stewart

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Valley Dasher has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-09-20	If Valley Dasher enters the battlefield before the combat phase, it will attack that turn if able. If it enters the battlefield after combat, it won’t attack that turn and will usually be available to block on the following turn.
2014-09-20	If, during your declare attackers step, Valley Dasher is tapped or is affected by a spell or ability that says it can’t attack, then it doesn’t attack. If there’s a cost associated with having Valley Dasher attack, you’re not forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t have to attack in that case either.
2014-09-20	You still choose which player or planeswalker Valley Dasher attacks.