Oona's Blackguard MTG Card


Oona’s Blackguard enhances rogue strategies and disrupts opponents with forced discards during combat. Black mana requirement limits deck integration, while its two-mana cost can be steep for its 1/1 stats. Combos and meta relevance make Oona’s Blackguard a valuable asset in specific MTG decks and playstyles.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Faerie Rogue
Abilities Flying
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flying Each other Rogue creature you control enters the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter on it. Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card.


Cards like Oona's Blackguard

Oona’s Blackguard holds a unique place in the rogue tribe within Magic: The Gathering. When looking at other cards that offer similar benefits to creatures, one might draw parallels with Frogtosser Banneret, which also decreases the mana cost of rogue spells. However, Oona’s Blackguard stands out by imposing a discard effect on your opponent whenever a rogue you control deals combat damage, bolstering both your board presence and your control over the opponent’s hand.

Another card that shares a semblance with Oona’s Blackguard is Earwig Squad. While Earwig Squad doesn’t provide a global boost to other creatures, it comes with a powerful ability that allows you to proactively disrupt your opponent’s strategy by exiling cards directly from their deck. Although it lacks the immediate board impact of Oona’s Blackguard, it serves as a disruptive tool in a rogue-based deck.

One also cannot overlook the synergy that Oona’s Blackguard has with Stinkdrinker Bandit. Both cards amplify the effectiveness of rogues — Stinkdrinker Bandit offers a power boost to attackers, complementing the Blackguard’s advantage of shrinking the opponent’s options. Together, they can decisively pressure the opponent’s resources and life total.

Considering the ability to strengthen your creature-based strategies while simultaneously crippling your opponent’s hand, Oona’s Blackguard plays a valuable role among rogue-themed cards in Magic: The Gathering.

Frogtosser Banneret - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Bandit - MTG Card versions
Frogtosser Banneret - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Bandit - MTG Card versions

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Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Skullsnatcher - MTG Card versions
Nezumi Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Oona’s Blackguard grants an edge by forcing opponents to discard when your Rogues connect, potentially stripping their hand of valuable resources while you maintain your own.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, it accelerates your board presence by bolstering your smaller Rogues, greatly increasing their threat level without the need for additional mana investment.

Instant Speed: Although Oona’s Blackguard doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability to impact the game is constant, offering a persistent advantage that requires an immediate answer from opponents.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Oona’s Blackguard’s ability demands a certain setup, where opponents discard cards upon being hit by Rogues you control. This can be less effective if facing an opponent with an empty hand or against strategies that benefit from having cards in the graveyard.

Specific Mana Cost: As a card that requires one generic and one black mana, its inclusion is tethered to decks that either run black mana or have a reliable mana base to support black. It’s not universally flexible and can’t be seamlessly incorporated into decks without access to black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial cost of two mana, Oona’s Blackguard sits at a higher mana value for its initial 1/1 body. In formats where speed and efficiency are key, players might prefer dropping creatures with more immediate board impact or lower mana costs that present similar or greater threats.


Reasons to Include Oona’s Blackguard in Your Collection

Versatility: With its ability to give each other Rogue you control a +1/+1 counter whenever they deal combat damage to a player, Oona’s Blackguard proves to be a flexible addition to Rogue-themed and aggro decks looking for that extra punch.

Combo Potential: This card is particularly nifty when it comes to synergizing with cards that benefit from counters or cause opponents to discard, making it a linchpin in decks that capitalize on disrupting enemy hands while strengthening your board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creatures can make a big impact, Oona’s Blackguard holds its ground. Its ability to pressure the opponent’s hand size while building a formidable board can tilt the scales in your favor, especially in relevant metas that favor incremental advantage and resource denial.


How to beat

Oona’s Blackguard is a noteworthy rogue card that comes with an ability to give opponents headaches in Magic: The Gathering. The card shines in decks focused on aggressive tactics with a strong rogue synergistic component, as it has the potential to disrupt your hand as your opponent’s rogues connect. But every card has its counter, and understanding Oona’s Blackguard’s weaknesses can turn the tide of the game. Removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are effective ways to deal with it before its ability becomes overwhelming. Cards that grant hexproof or shroud can also prevent Oona’s Blackguard from targeting your creatures, ensuring your hand stays intact.

Dedicating part of your sideboard to anti-rogue cards or incorporating universal answers such as Grafdigger’s Cage can further neutralize the threat. Board wipes like Wrath of God can clear the board of pesky rogues before they even have the chance to capitalize on the Blackguard’s benefits. In summary, maintaining a strategy that includes removals, protective spells, and potentially sideboard tech can help keep Oona’s Blackguard from dominating the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the MTG deck building scene, Oona’s Blackguard offers a strategic edge for rogue enthusiasts. As you dissect its pros and cons, consider how this card can shift the dynamic of your matches, reinforcing your creatures while depleting your adversary’s options. Should this rogue find its way into your arsenal, you’re bound to enjoy the synergy and psychological play it brings to the table. Exploring similar cards may also open new avenues for deck optimization. Remember, the right card in the right deck isn’t just an addition; it’s a game-changer. Enhance your knowledge and deck with our deep dives into MTG strategies.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Oona's Blackguard MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and DCI Promos, 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 Oona's Blackguard and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Oona's Blackguard Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-01-02 and 2020-09-25. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 325352003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
22006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 152003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
32008-02-01MorningtideMOR 722003NormalBlackKev Walker
42020-07-17JumpstartJMP 2612015NormalBlackKev Walker
52020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 512015NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Oona's Blackguard has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Oona's Blackguard card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-04-01 If Oona’s Blackguard enters the battlefield at the same time as another Rogue (due to Living End, for example), that creature doesn’t get a +1/+1 counter.
2008-04-01 If a Rogue would normally enter the battlefield with a certain number of +1/+1 counters on it, it enters the battlefield with that many +1/+1 counters plus one on it instead. If a Rogue would normally enter the battlefield with no +1/+1 counters on it, it enters the battlefield with one +1/+1 counter on it instead.
2008-04-01 The creature gets the counter if it would enter the battlefield under your control. It doesn’t matter who owns the creature or what zone it enters the battlefield from (such as your opponent’s graveyard, for example).
2008-04-01 The effects from more than one of these cards are cumulative. That is, if you have two Oona’s Blackguard on the battlefield, Rogue creatures you control enter the battlefield with two additional +1/+1 counters on them.