Hunt the Hunter MTG Card


Hunt the Hunter - Theros
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Fight
Released2013-09-27
Set symbol
Set nameTheros
Set codeTHS
Number159
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byRyan Barger

Key Takeaways

  1. Gain edge by selectively removing opposing green threats, disrupting strategies, and securing board control.
  2. Casting at instant speed allows for dynamic play, reacting swiftly to changes and shaping the match.
  3. While potent, it demands careful deck construction and mana management to maximize its effectiveness.

Text of card

Target green creature you control gets +2/+2 until end of turn. It fights target green creature an opponent controls.

"A grudge is a tattoo worn on the inside." —Setessan warrior saying


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hunt the Hunter provides an edge by selectively removing opposing Green creatures that could pose a threat to your board. Getting rid of key creatures can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and put you ahead.

Resource Acceleration: By eliminating potential blockers or attackers, you pave the way for direct damage to your opponent, effectively accelerating your path to victory without the expenditure of additional resources.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Hunt the Hunter at instant speed means you can adapt to the battlefield as it evolves. React to your opponent’s moves during their turn, removing a creature before it can become too great a threat or clearing the way for a critical attack on your next turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hunt the Hunter demands that you discard another creature card as part of its casting cost. This can be a hindrance in situations where you’re already facing a depleted hand or when sacrificing your creatures doesn’t align with your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This spell requires precise mana allocation with green mana being a necessity. For decks that aren’t heavily invested in green mana or those running a multitude of colors, fulfilling this requirement could potentially disrupt mana flow or delay casting.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that isn’t negligible, Hunt the Hunter can be less appealing compared to other removal options. Spells with a lower mana cost can often provide similar benefits without putting the same strain on your mana resources, making them more versatile choices in fast-paced games.


Reasons to Include Hunt the Hunter in Your Collection

Versatility: Hunt the Hunter is noteworthy for its ability to seamlessly integrate into various green creature-heavy decks. Its capacity to give one of your creatures a significant boost while simultaneously weakening an opponent’s creature makes it a versatile sideboard choice in matchups where you expect to face green creatures.

Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on targeting your own creatures, Hunt the Hunter shines by potentially enabling advantageous interactions or empowering creature-focused combos. It can be a key play in turning the tide by altering combat outcomes or by removing a blocker that stands in the way of your game-winning strike.

Meta-Relevance: With a gaming environment that often cycles through different creature-based decks, Hunt the Hunter remains relevant. Especially in a meta where green creatures are predominant, the ability to selectively strengthen your creatures while diminishing your opponent’s can be a game-changer, making this card a tactical inclusion in your arsenal.


How to beat

Hunt the Hunter is a specialized card that finds its niche in decks centered around creatures of a specific color. It lets a player’s green creature get a temporary power boost and the ability to fight a creature of an opposing color, giving an edge in combat. When facing Hunt the Hunter, the key is to manage your creatures effectively. Prioritize the protection of your non-green creatures, as they are vulnerable to this card’s effect. Options that grant hexproof or indestructible status can be particularly useful in shielding your important creatures from being targeted.

Additionally, it may be wise to avoid overcommitting to the board with creatures that could be easily removed by this spell. Counterspells can also be a strategic asset here; keeping one at the ready can prevent Hunt the Hunter from resolving, maintaining your board state’s integrity. Lastly, a clear understanding of the timing for playing creatures can mitigate the potential disadvantages posed by this card, keeping your pivotal creatures in hand until the threat of Hunt the Hunter has passed can be a smart move.


Cards like Hunt the Hunter

Hunt the Hunter celebrates its unique spot in the intricate tapestry of green spells in Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of the classic fight mechanic found in cards such as Prey Upon. Both Hunt the Hunter and Prey Upon empower a creature to battle another, but Hunt the Hunter leans into green’s creature-focused strengths by providing a bump in power solely to a green creature, which could be pivotal in clashes against other colors.

Another sibling in this suite is Pit Fight. This Instant offers more flexibility regarding the timing of your creature showdowns, allowing for reactive gameplay that can disrupt an opponent’s turn. While Hunt the Hunter is restricted to the controlling player’s main phase, the increased power and focus on green creatures may better suit a mono-green deck’s aggressive strategies.

When considering the strengths of Hunt the Hunter, it upholds its role by fostering the potential for a mono-green deck’s creatures to dominate the board, while maintaining a cost-effective advantage. Comparatively, it secures a measured yet potent position among similar ‘fight’ spells and could be a meaningful choice for players emphasizing green’s dominance in creature combat.

Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Pit Fight - MTG Card versions
Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Pit Fight - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hunt the Hunter MTG card by a specific set like Theros, 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 Hunt the Hunter and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hunt the Hunter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-09-15 If the green creature an opponent controls is an illegal target when Hunt the Hunter tries to resolve, but the green creature you control is still a legal target, the creature you control will get +2/+2, but the creatures won't fight. Neither creature will deal or be dealt damage.
2013-09-15 You must target both a green creature you control and a green creature an opponent controls to cast Hunt the Hunter.

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