Ambush Party MTG Card


Ambush Party provides surprise creature summons, potentially swinging the game in your favor. Its instant speed allows for strategic plays and timing, disrupting your opponent’s plans. The card’s requirement to discard for activation may strategically impact hand size.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Rogue
Abilities First strike,Haste
Power 3
Toughness 1

Text of card

First strike Ambush Party can attack the turn it comes into play on your side.

"Call it a cost of doing business. The best way to protect against thieves is to hire better thieves." —Eron the Relentless


Cards like Ambush Party

Ambush Party brings a unique dynamic to creature spells in MTG. When compared to similar cards, Ambush Party is reminiscent of cards like Goblin Heelcutter. While both share the ability to disrupt opponents by rendering a creature unable to block, Ambush Party offers the added versatility of being both a creature and an instant through its flash ability. This affords players the opportunity to strategize in more reactive and surprising ways during a game.

Additionally, we find similarities with the card Fervent Champion. Both cards are aggressive red creatures that provide immediate impact on the board. However, Ambush Party doesn’t have the equipment synergy that Fervent Champion enjoys. Instead, it capitalizes on its surprise element and combo potential, making it a potentially more formidable play during complex board states.

In summary, Ambush Party may share characteristics with other red creatures in MTG but its flash attribute and board influencing capability give it an edge during gameplay, making it a strong contender in its own right among red instant-speed surprises.

Goblin Heelcutter - MTG Card versions
Fervent Champion - MTG Card versions
Goblin Heelcutter - MTG Card versions
Fervent Champion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ambush Party by color, type and mana cost

Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions
Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Ambush Party card empowers players with the potential to unexpectedly summon creatures, thereby bypassing the normal casting cost associated with such abilities. This sneaky maneuver can shift the balance of the game by introducing unexpected variables on the battlefield, all while conserving cards in hand for future plays.

Resource Acceleration: Ambush Party can effectively fast-track your game plan by putting pressure on your opponent out of nowhere. By launching creatures ahead of schedule, it gives you the upper hand, effectively accelerating your resource deployment and putting your adversary on the defensive.

Instant Speed: Ambush Party can change the course of a duel when cast at instant speed. By waiting for the perfect moment, such as during an opponent’s end step or in response to an attack, one can make strategic plays that can leverage both the element of surprise and optimal timing to maximize the card’s effect on the game state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ambush Party necessitates players to discard a card to activate certain abilities, potentially depleting hand advantage and impacting strategic flexibility, especially when the game stretches into later turns where every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Deck building with Ambush Party demands a commitment to red mana sources, making it less versatile across multicolor deck strategies that might prioritize mana fluidity and diverse spell options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that leans towards the higher end for its effect category, Ambush Party might not always be the most mana-efficient option in a slot where lower-cost alternatives could provide similar or better board impact. Players often have to weigh the card’s cost against its impact on the game state, considering other cards that might achieve comparable results with less investment.


Reasons to Include Ambush Party in Your Collection

Versatility: Ambush Party is a card that seamlessly integrates into decks that thrive on surprise attacks and sudden shifts in board presence. It’s an excellent choice for players who value flexibility and unpredictability in their strategy.

Combo Potential: With its ability to quickly change the dynamics of combat, Ambush Party can work wonders in combination with cards that reward you for dealing combat damage or having a certain number of creatures on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that rewards aggressive plays, Ambush Party can be a serious game-changer. Its potential to turn the tide makes it a must-consider for anyone looking to stay competitive and challenge control-dominated tables.


How to beat

Ambush Party is a notable card that can catch opponents off guard in Magic: The Gathering. This card grants creatures haste and increases combat potential for a sudden strike. To counter such a card effectively, one should consider strategies that control the pace of the game. Including cards that limit the abilities of opponent creatures or that can remove creatures swiftly before they become a threat are essential strategies.

For instance, incorporating instant-speed removal spells allows you to react to Ambush Party’s activation before your opponent gets the chance to attack. Playing cards with flash can significantly disrupt the tempo, giving you the upper hand. Additionally, cards that impose tapping restrictions or summoning sickness can be critical to stopping Ambush Party in its tracks, preventing a well-timed offensive from your adversary.

Therefore, it’s vital to build a deck that doesn’t just respond to creature threats, but one that is also equipped to handle surprise tactics. Careful planning and a robust defense can ensure that Ambush Party doesn’t derail your strategy and keeps you firmly in control of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ambush Party MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Homelands, 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 Ambush Party and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ambush Party Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-10-01HomelandsHML 63a1993NormalBlackMark Poole
21995-10-01HomelandsHML 63b1993NormalBlackMark Poole
31997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2081997NormalWhiteCharles Gillespie
42008-09-22Masters Edition IIME2 1151997NormalBlackCharles Gillespie

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ambush Party has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal