Falter MTG Card


Grants unobstructed combat damage potential by stopping non-flying creatures from blocking. Instant speed allows for surprise and flexibility during combat engagements. Demands specific board conditions and mana types, which may limit its use.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Creatures without flying cannot block this turn.

Like a sleeping dragon, Shiv stirs and groans at times.


Cards like Falter

When we delve into the strategic depths of Magic: The Gathering, Falter shines as a unique option within the realm of combat control cards. It resonates with players adept at timing their spells to disrupt their opponent’s defenses. It stands parallel to the card Break Open, which also alters the flow of combat by preventing creatures from blocking. However, Falter outperforms by stopping all creatures without flying from blocking, which can be a game-changer in a match dominated by ground forces.

Examining other related cards, we encounter Seismic Stomp. Like Falter, it prevents ground-based creatures from blocking, but it does so at a smaller mana cost. This can be appealing for players looking to save resources for other spells. Still, Falter’s edge lies in its potential to affect all creatures, swinging the momentum in favor of the caster’s attacking force. Furthermore, when compared to Cosmotronic Wave, which similarly denies creatures from blocking, there’s an added benefit of causing damage to each creature controlled by the opponent, adding a layer of utility.

Ultimately, Falter garners attention among Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts who favor combat-centric strategies that can decisively disable opponent defenses at crucial moments, thereby swaying the game into their favor.

Break Open - MTG Card versions
Seismic Stomp - MTG Card versions
Cosmotronic Wave - MTG Card versions
Break Open - MTG Card versions
Seismic Stomp - MTG Card versions
Cosmotronic Wave - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Falter by color, type and mana cost

Shatter - MTG Card versions
Word of Blasting - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Guerrilla Tactics - MTG Card versions
Aleatory - MTG Card versions
Orcish Catapult - MTG Card versions
Blood Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Fling - MTG Card versions
Shattering Pulse - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Strike - MTG Card versions
Shrapnel Blast - MTG Card versions
Glacial Ray - MTG Card versions
Starstorm - MTG Card versions
First Volley - MTG Card versions
Blazing Shoal - MTG Card versions
Surging Flame - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Sudden Shock - MTG Card versions
Fists of the Anvil - MTG Card versions
Release the Ants - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Word of Blasting - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Guerrilla Tactics - MTG Card versions
Aleatory - MTG Card versions
Orcish Catapult - MTG Card versions
Blood Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Fling - MTG Card versions
Shattering Pulse - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Strike - MTG Card versions
Shrapnel Blast - MTG Card versions
Glacial Ray - MTG Card versions
Starstorm - MTG Card versions
First Volley - MTG Card versions
Blazing Shoal - MTG Card versions
Surging Flame - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Sudden Shock - MTG Card versions
Fists of the Anvil - MTG Card versions
Release the Ants - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Falter prevents blocking, clearing the way for your creatures to deal combat damage and potentially drawing you into further advantageous positions without the need for additional card expenditures.

Resource Acceleration: By ensuring your creatures connect with your opponent, Falter can pave the way for abilities that trigger on damage or combat wins to activate, leading to an accelerated gain in resources.

Instant Speed: The capacity of Falter to be played at instant speed provides the element of surprise and tactical adaptability, allowing you to decide the outcome of a battle at the most opportune moment, often during the opponent’s declare blockers step.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Falter necessitates that you have a creature to target, potentially rendering the card useless if you’re facing an opponent with an empty board.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise mana alignment, needing red mana sources, which can be a constraint if your mana base isn’t tailored to accommodate such requirements or if your deck runs multiple colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that may be deemed steep for its temporary effect, Falter could be less favorable compared to other disruption spells that offer more permanent solutions for the same or lower cost.


Reasons to Include Falter in Your Collection

Versatility: Falter provides strategic advantage in game situations that demand control over combat phases. This red instant is not just for aggressive decks; it can also be a crucial component in combo and control decks that require a clear path to deal critical damage.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that trigger upon hitting an opponent, Falter escalates their impact by removing blockers. It can be the lynchpin in a combo string, setting off chains of actions leading to victory.

Meta-Relevance: Against creature-heavy decks that rely on board presence for defense, Falter can serve as a pivotal sideboard card. In a meta where timely attacks mean the difference between winning and losing, having Falter on hand can disrupt opposing strategies and turn the tide of the match.


How to beat

Falter is an intriguing red spell in MTG that can turn the tide in combat by preventing creatures without flying from blocking this turn. Its potential to clear a path for an aggressive land-based assault can make it a game-changer. To counteract Falter’s impact, consider employing flying creatures which are unaffected by its ability. Additionally, having instant-speed removal spells in your arsenal can mitigate the consequences of Falter by eliminating key attackers before the combat phase ensues.

Another strategy is to utilize cards with the “flash” ability, allowing you to place blockers on the field after Falter has resolved. This way, you maintain a line of defense against incoming attackers. Similarly, spells that grant your creatures indestructible or those that can untap them during your opponent’s turn, such as Rally the Forces or Spontaneous Flight, can also provide a surprising shift in defense capabilities, bypassing Falter’s restrictions.

Ultimately, foreseeing Falter and maintaining a flexible defensive stance is the key to defeating this tactical card. Ensure your deck has a balance of flying creatures, instant-speed interaction, and combat trickery to stay one step ahead of this classic combat disruptor in MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Falter MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Vintage Masters, 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 Falter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Falter Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Mike Raabe.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 1841997NormalBlackMike Raabe
22014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1582015NormalBlackMike Raabe

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Falter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal