Cheap Ass MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Donkey Townsfolk
Released	2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Unhinged
Set code	UNH
Power	1
Toughness	3.5
Number	5
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Randy Gallegos
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Budget cards boost deck cycling and increase draw options, enhancing the likelihood of accessing key cards.
Inexpensive cards can hasten your deck’s tempo, enabling earlier plays of impactful spells and creatures.
Playing these cards at instant speed provides a tactical edge, allowing for real-time responses to threats.

Text of card

Spells you play cost less to play.

And you thought Yawgmoth drove a hard bargain.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: This budget-friendly card is designed to efficiently cycle through your deck, offering multiple draw options at a low cost. This mechanism enables players to access more cards, thus increasing the likelihood of drawing into essential spells and creatures that can swing the game in their favor.

Resource Acceleration: It’s not uncommon for an economical card to also facilitate mana production or cost reduction. This accelerates your ability to deploy high-impact cards earlier than usual, a tactic that can put your opponent on the defensive and give you the upper hand.

Instant Speed: The ability to play this card at instant speed adds a tactical layer to your game. Whether it’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy at a critical moment or simply responding to an unfolding threat, the flexibility of instant timing is a significant advantage for any player.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One major downside of using budget cards like these in your deck is the discard requirement. This is especially taxing when your hand is already running low, stripping you of the few cards you have left that could potentially turn the game in your favor.

Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation comes in the form of specific mana costs. Not all decks can easily accommodate or generate the particular mana required, thereby possibly disrupting your mana curve and hindering the overall synergy of your deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Additionally, these cards tend to have relatively high mana costs considering the benefits they provide. When evaluating your options, you might find that the cost to get these cards into play doesn’t align well with your deck’s strategy or pace, making other cards more appealing choices.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cards that don’t strain your wallet can be essential, as they allow for experimental deck builds without a significant financial commitment. Their flexible nature means they can be swapped in and out of various deck types as your strategy evolves or as you build your collection.

Combo Potential: A budget-friendly card can still be the cornerstone of a winning combo. They often go under the radar, allowing for surprise synergies that can dismantle even the most well-prepared opponents. Having a few of these economical options on hand enhances your deck’s diversity and potential for unexpected victories.

Meta-Relevance: Cards that are easy on the purse can reflect a deep understanding of the current meta when chosen wisely. By including these affordable cards in your arsenal, you adapt to the shifting landscape of competitive play without breaking the bank. They enable players to remain competitive and participate in various events without needing to invest in high-cost staples.

How to beat

Encountering a Cheap Ass MTG card in play often implies you’re squaring off against an unconventional strategy fueled by high value at a low cost. Despite its efficient resource management, this card can be tactically outmaneuvered. Ensuring you have removal options at your disposal is key. Broad-spectrum capabilities, like shatter or exile effects, can neutralize it regardless of the battlefield’s state. Being versatile and reactive makes you less susceptible to being blindsided by its cost-effective nature.

Additionally, building your deck with a balance of speed and control aids in keeping such cards from overwhelming you. Aggressive decks can pressure opponents before they fully leverage their Cheap Ass advantages, while control decks can manage and limit their strategic plays. Countermeasures like countering spells or deploying creatures that can block without detriment can contain the potential ripple effects of their low-cost strategies.

The fundamental approach is to disrupt the card’s low investment, high reward dynamic. By carefully selecting actions to undermine its advantages, you can effectively turn the tide against a player utilizing a Cheap Ass card, ensuring your tactics lead to victory without letting the card’s frugal nature dictate the game’s outcome.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cheap Ass MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged, 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 Cheap Ass and other MTG cards: