Blisterstick Shaman MTG Card
2011-02-04 - Number 58
2021-08-26 - Number 419
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Shaman |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- The card disrupts early game plays by targeting and eliminating small threats, such as mana dorks.
- Despite mana cost restrictions, Blisterstick Shaman suits red-themed decks with its immediate effect.
- Maintains relevance in current MTG metagame, offering versatility and combo potential for various strategies.
Text of card
When Blisterstick Shaman enters the battlefield, it deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
A productive warren requires a good deal of prodding.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Blisterstick Shaman comes into play with a significant benefit — it enables the player to directly remove a small threat from the battlefield. This provides a distinct form of card advantage by dealing with problematic utility creatures or eliminating key tokens that an opponent may rely on.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct accelerator of resources, the Blisterstick Shaman’s enter-the-battlefield effect can disrupt an opponent’s mana dorks or other creatures that provide resource acceleration. By doing so, you effectively set back your opponent’s tempo, maintaining a competitive edge in the resource race.
Instant Speed: The impact of the Blisterstick Shaman’s ability is immediate upon entering the battlefield. Although the card itself is not an instant, this prompt response to threats can be as crucial as instant speed interaction, letting you weave the Shaman into your turn sequence for optimal play without having to wait for sorcery speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Blisterstick Shaman doesn’t require you to discard, which is advantageous. However, its ability may not be as impactful later in the game when board presence outshines simple burn tactics.
Specific Mana Cost: The Shaman comes with a red color mana cost that’s specific to certain deck archetypes. This can be restrictive if your deck runs multiple colors and you’re short on red mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting requirement of three mana including one red, Blisterstick Shaman’s enter the battlefield effect might not measure up to other cards at a similar cost, limiting its utility in faster, more aggressive decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Blisterstick Shaman offers a straightforward yet flexible approach to deck building. This card is particularly apt for red-based decks that require a minor removal option while also establishing board presence with a creature.
Combo Potential: When combined with cards that capitalize on dealing damage or sacrificing creatures, Blisterstick Shaman can serve as a key component in an impactful combo, enhancing both aggressive and control strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Given the speed of current gameplay, having a creature that can immediately impact the board state by removing early threats is highly advantageous. Blisterstick Shaman aligns well with the tempo of many popular deck archetypes.
How to beat
Blisterstick Shaman enters the world of Magic: The Gathering as a practical utility creature that can disrupt your opponent’s early game. With its ability to deal one damage upon entering the battlefield, it targets those key first-turn mana dorks, small utility creatures, or even finishes off a weakened titan.
To counteract the shaman’s impact, consider using creatures with more than one toughness to withstand the initial damage. Cards with hexproof or protection from red also nullify its entrance effect. Alternatively, save your instant speed removal or bounce spells for when Blisterstick Shaman is cast so you can neutralize its effect before it becomes a problem. Watch your timing and the battlefield state to ensure you’re not caught off guard by this unexpected source of damage.
Keep in mind that while Blisterstick Shaman offers a quick solution to eliminate small threats, its relatively low impact on the late game makes it less of a concern as the match progresses. Being prepared for its early game presence, however, can significantly alter the tide of a match in your favor.
Cards like Blisterstick Shaman
Blisterstick Shaman enters the realm of creature-based board impact within MTG, much akin to cards like Goblin Arsonist. Both characters wield the power to deal direct damage upon entering the battlefield, with Blisterstick Shaman being able to ping any target for 1 damage and Goblin Arsonist featuring a death-trigger effect. Blisterstick Shaman is more flexible, thanks to its ability to target creatures or players immediately upon arrival.
Another parallel can be drawn with Ember Hauler. Though Ember Hauler requires an activation cost to use its damage ability, it holds the advantage of inflicting 2 points of damage, doubling what Blisterstick Shaman offers. This activation cost, however, puts Ember Hauler at a shakier stance in face of sudden removal compared to the immediate effect of Blisterstick Shaman.
While comparing these cards, one must consider the situational advantages that Blisterstick Shaman brings, such as dealing with problematic 1-toughness creatures or a final push for victory. With its straightforward damage delivery, Blisterstick Shaman holds a subtle edge in strategies that value immediate board interaction from creature plays.
Cards similar to Blisterstick Shaman by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Blisterstick Shaman MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Blisterstick Shaman and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Blisterstick Shaman Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 58 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 419 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Blisterstick Shaman has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
