Isamaru, Hound of Konda MTG Card


Isamaru offers a quick, cost-effective creature for early game board control and pressure. Limited deck diversity and higher strategy costs may challenge Isamaru’s late-game viability. Efficient removal and higher toughness creatures can effectively neutralize Isamaru’s impact.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Dog
Power 2
Toughness 2

Cards like Isamaru, Hound of Konda

Isamaru, Hound of Konda, shines as a one-mana powerhouse in the vast universe of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is most closely felt with other legendary one-mana creatures, such as the nimble mischief-maker, Zurgo Bellstriker. Yet, Isamaru wins out in the race with no drawbacks – a simple yet effective 2/2 for one white mana.

Comparatively, Mother of Runes offers a different type of utility, providing protection rather than offensive prowess. However, Isamaru excels in decks looking for a swift and robust start. Another card worth noting is Savannah Lions, a non-legendary alternative. Despite its same cost and stats, Isamaru’s legendary status is a boon in decks exploiting synergies with legendary creatures and spells.

Isamaru, Hound of Konda’s efficiency in combat and as an early game threat establishes its place in MTG. It’s a card that allows players to apply immediate pressure, leveraging its cost-effective stats to gain an advantage from the first turn, making it an exemplar in its classification.

Zurgo Bellstriker - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Zurgo Bellstriker - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Isamaru, Hound of Konda by color, type and mana cost

Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Scout - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Cho-Arrim Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Scout - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Cho-Arrim Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Isamaru, Hound of Konda. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Boros TokensBoros Tokens GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024
Boros Death & TaxesBoros Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Boros StonebladeBoros Stoneblade LegacyBoros StonebladeLegacy Challenge 32 2024-02-10

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Isamaru, Hound of Konda may not directly offer card draw or card filtering, but its low cost and robust stats give players an early board presence. Having a potent creature as early as turn one can lead to substantial pressure on your opponent, which translates into a form of card advantage through board state dominance.

Resource Acceleration: While Isamaru itself doesn’t provide additional mana or ramp, its mere one mana cost for a 2/2 allows you to accelerate your gameplay. This efficiency enables you to allocate resources more effectively in subsequent turns, paying for essential spells and abilities that will further your game plan without falling behind.

Instant Speed: Isamaru’s advantages at instant speed are indirect. Through its prompt and threatening presence, it can alter the pace of the game, forcing opponents to act or remove it swiftly. In many scenarios, this can lead to opponents misusing their instant-speed removal or control actions, leaving them less prepared for your following plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not demanding a card discard, piloting a deck with Isamaru, Hound of Konda, requires heavy commitment to low-cost creatures, potentially limiting strategic diversity and weakening late-game plays.

Specific Mana Cost: Isamaru, Hound of Konda necessitates a white mana for casting, inherently restricting deck-building options and synergies to white- or dual-colored builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although sporting a low monetary cost, in competitive formats where card efficiency is paramount, the investment to make Isamaru formidable, such as equipping with high-value artifacts, can accumulate to a point where the cost-to-benefit ratio diminishes against more scalable strategies.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Isamaru, Hound of Konda slots seamlessly into a wide range of White-based decks, serving as a formidable one-drop creature with a solid power and toughness, making it a dependable choice from the get-go.

Combo Potential: This legendary canine can be a linchpin in several combo setups, particularly in those that exploit the Commander format’s rules on casting a commander multiple times for an aggressive early-game strategy.

Meta-Relevance: Considering its low cost and efficiency, Isamaru shines in aggressive metagames where placing a substantial threat early can dictate the pace of play and put opponents on the back foot from the first turn.


How to Beat

Isamaru, Hound of Konda is a powerful one-drop creature in Magic: The Gathering, renowned for its quick start and early game pressure. To effectively counter Isamaru, it’s crucial to have removal spells at the ready. Efficient removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can help keep Isamaru off the field without setting you back in mana. Board wipes are also effective, as they can handle Isamaru and any other creatures that might have been played alongside it.

Another strategy is to prevent Isamaru from dealing combat damage. Cards with the “deathtouch” mechanic can act as excellent deterrents, making opponents think twice before attacking. It’s also viable to outpace the card with creatures that have higher toughness values, essentially blocking Isamaru indefinitely.

A key thing to remember about Isamaru is that it’s a legendary creature, so utilizing cards that capitalize on that, like Karakas to bounce it back to an opponent’s hand, could also serve as a tactical advantage. By keeping these strategies in mind, you can tame this legendary hound and maintain control over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG involves understanding the fine balance between card pros and cons, and that’s exactly what Isamaru, Hound of Konda demonstrates. From considering its potential in different decks to finding ways to counter it, every detail counts. It’s this depth that makes MTG more than just a card game – it’s a strategic battle of wits. Elevate your collection and gameplay by including cards like Isamaru that provide a swift offensive edge. Ready to sharpen your skills and deepen your strategic knowledge? Dive into our resources for insights and strategies to become a formidable player.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Isamaru, Hound of Konda MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Isamaru, Hound of Konda and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Isamaru, Hound of Konda Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-10-01Champions of KamigawaCHK 192003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 72003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
32020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1132015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
42020-09-26The ListPLST CHK-192003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
52022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 2012015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Isamaru, Hound of Konda has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal