Knight of the Hokey Pokey MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Knight
Abilities First strike
Power 2
Toughness 2
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. Provides card draw and playful interaction, suited for decks that enjoy fun, engaging mechanics.
  2. Sets up early board presence, enabling synergies and acceleration in resource development.
  3. Tempo advantage through opponents hesitating to use removals, anticipating the ‘First strike’ dance.

Text of card

First strike o1o W, Do the Hokey Pokey (Stand up, wiggle your butt, raise your hands above your head, and shake them wildly as you rotate 360 degrees): Prevent all damage to Knight of the Hokey Pokey from any one source.

That's what it's all about.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Knight of the Hokey Pokey provides a unique benefit by allowing a playful engagement that can lead to surprise card draw effects when combined with other cards that reward players for acting out or repeating certain actions.

Resource Acceleration: As a low-cost creature, the Knight can be an early presence on the board. While it might not directly accelerate your resources, it sets the stage for various synergy plays, which could include ramping up to more significant threats quickly.

Instant Speed: Although the Knight’s abilities aren’t at instant speed, its sheer existence can compel opponents to hold back instant speed removal or tricks in anticipation of its infamous ‘First strike’ dance requirements, inadvertently giving you a tempo advantage as you dance your way through combat phases unimpeded.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The unique abilities of the Knight of the Hokey Pokey require the correct set up to fully utilize its potential. If you’re unable to meet these setup requirements because your hand is running low, it’s possible you’ll find the Knight less effective and a difficult card to keep in play.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost demanding both white and generic mana, the Knight of the Hokey Pokey may not fit seamlessly into multi-colored decks or those that emphasize speed. This specific mana requirement can become a constrictive factor when building your deck or in the heat of gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When compared with other creatures of similar stature, the mana investment for the Knight of the Hokey Pokey might seem relatively steep. Savvy players know that in a game where tempo can determine the winner, every mana counts. Thus, the Knight’s cost becomes a hurdle, especially when faster or more impactful options are available.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Knight of the Hokey Pokey lends itself well to various decks, particularly those that capitalize on the flexibility of one-drop creatures. Its light-hearted nature also makes it a must-have for themed or casual play groups, adding fun to the mix.

Combo Potential: As a low-cost creature with an easy flip ability, this card can synergize with strategies that revolve around untapping creatures, utilizing White weenie tactics, or gaining benefits from repeatedly performing an action.

Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in competitive play, Knight of the Hokey Pokey thrives in a more relaxed environment where players appreciate its quirky mechanics. It can find a place in formats where light-hearted interactions and unpredictability are part of the game.


How to beat

The Knight of the Hokey Pokey is an unconventional yet entertaining card often found in casual Magic: The Gathering decks. This quirky knight powerfully impacts matches where fun and humor are as valued as strategy and tactics. Its ability to untap and provide a life point by simply performing the namesake dance makes it a card that injects amusement into the game while offering a slight life advantage.

Confronting the Knight of the Hokey Pokey tactically involves minimizing the impact of its ability. Effective strategies include utilizing removal spells before the life gain becomes significant or employing board control cards to prevent the dance from commencing. Cards such as Shock for a swift low-cost answer or board wipes like Wrath of God to ensure a dance-free board are essential. Remember, staying ahead of the Knight of the Hokey Pokey’s antics requires swift action before your opponent can leverage the playful yet beneficial life point gains.

In essence, understanding the Knight’s mechanics and timing your responses can ensure this card’s humorous contribution to the game doesn’t lead to your defeat. Its light-hearted nature should not distract from the fact that with the right approach, overcoming this dancing knight is entirely possible.


Cards like Knight of the Hokey Pokey

Knight of the Hokey Pokey isn’t your typical creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, but it stands in a league of quirky and light-hearted cards. Grounded in the tradition of cards like Norin the Wary, which also has a humorous undertone, Knight of the Hokey Pokey offers unique enjoyment with its whimsical abilities. Norin the Wary is similarly elusive, disappearing and returning with each hint of danger, yet it lacks the interactive gimmick that defines our jovial Knight.

Another card that shares a playful spirit is Goblin Game. Although not a creature, this spell brings a chaotic and unpredictable element to the game, similar to the unexpected nature of Knight of the Hokey Pokey’s “first strike dance.” On the more serious side, we have Silverflame Squire, which shares the first strike ability to some extent with its combat trick spell. However, it serves a more strategic purpose and doesn’t evoke the same lightheartedness during play.

One could argue that while other cards in Magic: The Gathering provide more conventional utility and combat advantages, Knight of the Hokey Pokey stands out for its ability to inject humor and a touch of fun into the potentially intense atmosphere of a game.

Norin the Wary - MTG Card versions
Goblin Game - MTG Card versions
Norin the Wary - Time Spiral (TSP)
Goblin Game - Planeshift (PLS)

Cards similar to Knight of the Hokey Pokey by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
Revered Dead - MTG Card versions
Starlight Invoker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
Soul Shepherd - Weatherlight (WTH)
Soltari Monk - Tempest (TMP)
Keeper of the Light - Exodus (EXO)
Faith Healer - Urza's Saga (USG)
Angelic Page - Urza's Saga (USG)
Spirit Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Voice of the Blessed - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Stoneforge Mystic - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Drannith Magistrate - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Leonin Lightscribe - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silver Knight - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Longbow Archer - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Flumph - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Cloudreach Cavalry - Legions (LGN)
Samite Healer - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Kor Firewalker - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Revered Dead - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Starlight Invoker - Tenth Edition (10E)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Knight of the Hokey Pokey MTG card by a specific set like Unglued and Unsanctioned, 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 Knight of the Hokey Pokey and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Printings

The Knight of the Hokey Pokey Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-08-11 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by Kev Walker.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-08-11UngluedUGL 61997normalsilverKev Walker
22020-02-29UnsanctionedUND 82015normalsilverKev Walker

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks