Rankle and Torbran MTG Card


Rankle offers multiple actions with his combat damage, giving an edge through card advantage. Torbran amplifies red damage, rapidly escalating damage output in games. Both cards require strategic mana management and can shift game tempo significantly.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Faerie Dwarf
Abilities First strike,Flying,Haste,Treasure
Power 3
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying, first strike, haste Whenever Rankle and Torbran deals combat damage to a player or battle, choose any number — • Each player creates a Treasure token. • Each player sacrifices a creature. • If a source would deal damage to a player or battle this turn, it deals that much damage plus 2 instead.


Cards like Rankle and Torbran

Exploring the nuances of powerful MTG creatures, Rankle, Master of Pranks, stands out with its multi-functional abilities. It’s often compared to another disruptive force, Brazen Borrower. Like Rankle, Brazen Borrower offers versatility with its Petty Theft adventure, but Rankle’s ability to force each player to discard a card, sacrifice a creature, or draw a card, presents a broader impact during each turn’s combat phase.

Torbran, Thane of Red Fell, also boasts a unique effect in red strategies, amplifying damage from other red sources. This ability draws parallels with Embercleave, another card boosting the potential of attacking creatures. While Embercleave doubles as a game-ending equipment, Torbran consistently enhances damage outputs and can quickly turn the tides in damage-centric decks. Both cards synergize well with aggressive strategies but shine in different scenarios in a match.

When comparing these strategic additions to any MTG arsenal, Rankle’s and Torbran’s capabilities make them strong contenders in their respective roles. Whether it’s wreaking havoc with Rankle’s trickery or amplifying burn strategies with Torbran, both cards offer unique benefits that can be game-changers in the right deck compositions.

Rankle, Master of Pranks - MTG Card versions
Torbran, Thane of Red Fell - MTG Card versions
Embercleave - MTG Card versions
Rankle, Master of Pranks - MTG Card versions
Torbran, Thane of Red Fell - MTG Card versions
Embercleave - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rankle and Torbran by color, type and mana cost

Tor Wauki - MTG Card versions
Boltwing Marauder - MTG Card versions
Obosh, the Preypiercer - MTG Card versions
Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa - MTG Card versions
Dread Slag - MTG Card versions
Demigod of Revenge - MTG Card versions
Cultbrand Cinder - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reaver - MTG Card versions
Monstrous Carabid - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Rix Maadi - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Ragemutt - MTG Card versions
Master of Cruelties - MTG Card versions
Underworld Cerberus - MTG Card versions
Kragma Warcaller - MTG Card versions
Nightfire Giant - MTG Card versions
Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury - MTG Card versions
The Scorpion God - MTG Card versions
Grusilda, Monster Masher - MTG Card versions
Garna, the Bloodflame - MTG Card versions
Greven, Predator Captain - MTG Card versions
Tor Wauki - MTG Card versions
Boltwing Marauder - MTG Card versions
Obosh, the Preypiercer - MTG Card versions
Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa - MTG Card versions
Dread Slag - MTG Card versions
Demigod of Revenge - MTG Card versions
Cultbrand Cinder - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reaver - MTG Card versions
Monstrous Carabid - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Rix Maadi - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Ragemutt - MTG Card versions
Master of Cruelties - MTG Card versions
Underworld Cerberus - MTG Card versions
Kragma Warcaller - MTG Card versions
Nightfire Giant - MTG Card versions
Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury - MTG Card versions
The Scorpion God - MTG Card versions
Grusilda, Monster Masher - MTG Card versions
Garna, the Bloodflame - MTG Card versions
Greven, Predator Captain - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jund MidrangeJund Midrange GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rankle, Master of Pranks offers a flying threat that can initiate multiple actions when it deals combat damage to a player. The ability to make each player draw a card capitalizes on situations where you can benefit the most from an additional card, providing a subtle edge over your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Torbran, Thane of Red Fell, doesn’t directly provide traditional mana acceleration, but it boosts the power of your red sources. This can lead to resource acceleration in terms of damage output, essentially translating to fewer resources expended to achieve the same damage totals as without Torbran on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: While neither Rankle nor Torbran operates at instant speed, the tempo they set can disrupt opponents significantly. With Rankle’s ability to force each player to discard a card, playing at a quick pace can mimic instant speed effects by preemptively dealing with threats. Furthermore, Torbran’s passive ability means any instant speed red damage spell is significantly more-impactful while he is on the field.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rankle, Master of Pranks, insists on strategies revolving around each player discarding a card, which could backfire if you’re already at a hand disadvantage or need to maintain critical strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Both Rankle and Torbran, Thane of Red Fell, require precise mana alignment—black for Rankle and red for Torbran—making them less flexible for decks running multiple colors or those looking to maintain a diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Torbran comes in at a higher than average mana cost for aggressive red decks, possibly delaying your game plan when speed is essential, while Rankle’s requirement of three mana, including two black, can be restrictive and difficult to meet early in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rankle, Master of Pranks offers a flexible suite of abilities that allow for various types of interaction. Torbran, Thane of Red Fell, significantly boosts red damage sources, fitting well into aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: Rankle can be an engine in sacrifice-themed decks, while Torbran can turn small pings into substantial damage, synergizing with cards that deal damage to multiple targets.

Meta-Relevance: Both cards are highly relevant in formats where control and midrange decks are prevalent. Rankle disrupts hand and board states, and Torbran’s damage amplification can close out games quickly against slower decks.


How to beat

When it comes to mastering the combat phase in MTG, facing a dynamic duo like Rankle, Master of Pranks, and Torbran, Thane of Red Fell can present an intricate challenge. Rankle’s ability to force both players to discard, draw, or sacrifice creatures adds a level of unpredictability while Torbran’s ability to increase red source damage can quickly escalate the threat level on the board.

To counter this formidable team, strategic removal is key. Cards like Murderous Rider or Heartless Act offer swift and unprejudiced answers to Rankle, circumventing his tricks and pranks. Against Torbran, timely use of instant-speed removal, such as Lightning Strike or Shock, can prevent the damage amplification from wreaking havoc on your life total. Moreover, keeping a robust hand and prioritizing the protection of your valuable creatures can minimize the impact of Rankle’s discard and sacrifice effects, ensuring that you maintain board presence and momentum.

Ultimately, the secret to besting Rankle and Torbran lies in eliminating them before their synergies take a toll, prioritizing resource management, and controlling the game tempo with precise, targeted removal. This way, players can stay one step ahead of these crafty cards in MTG and maintain a strong stance throughout the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG enthusiasts seeking advantage on the battlefield should consider the synergistic might of Rankle, Master of Pranks, and Torbran, Thane of Red Fell. These cards can significantly disrupt your opponent’s plans while accelerating your path to victory. Rankle’s versatile options and Torbran’s raw power boost can give any deck a competitive edge, especially in metas dominated by control and midrange strategies. Incorporating these two into your lineup can evolve your play to new heights. Interested in wielding their power? Dive into our detailed insights and elevate your deck’s performance to ensure your success in every match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rankle and Torbran MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine Promos and March of the Machine, 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 Rankle and Torbran and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Rankle and Torbran Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 252s2015NormalBlackViko Menezes
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3152015NormalBlackOmar Rayyan
32023-04-21March of the Machine Art SeriesAMOM 642015Art seriesBorderless
42023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 2522015NormalBlackViko Menezes
52023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 252p2015NormalBlackViko Menezes

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rankle and Torbran has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 If another effect modifies how much damage a source would deal, including preventing some of it, the player being dealt damage or the controller of the permanent being dealt damage chooses an order in which to apply those effects. If all of the damage is prevented, Rankle and Torbran’s effect no longer applies.
2023-04-14 The additional 2 damage is dealt by the same source as the original source of damage. The damage isn’t dealt by Rankle and Torbran unless Rankle and Torbran is the original source of damage.
2023-04-14 To resolve the second mode, starting with you (or, in unusual cases, the player whose turn it is if not you) and proceeding in turn order, each player chooses a creature they control to sacrifice. Then those creatures are sacrificed at the same time.
2023-04-14 You may choose none of the modes, some of them, or all of them. Any modes chosen will happen in order.