Rashka the Slayer MTG Card


Rashka’s protection from black provides a situational card advantage against particular decks. Her ability can save mana for other strategic plays, offering a subtle form of acceleration. Despite Rashka’s cost, she’s a strong defender against flying creatures, enhancing deck versatility.
Rashka the Slayer - Homelands
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Archer
Abilities Reach
Released1995-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameHomelands
Set codeHML
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number12
Frame1993
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byChristopher Rush

Text of card

Can block creatures with flying. If assigned to block any black creatures, Rashka the Slayer gets +1/+2 until end of turn.

"Rarely be the prey so haughty as to hunt the hunter." —Baron Sengir


Cards like Rashka the Slayer

Rashka the Slayer stands out among Magic: The Gathering creature cards with its specialized ability to gain protection from black as it reaches a specific level of mana on the battlefield. A comparable card is Silver Knight, which also provides protection from black and comes with first strike, making it a reliable defender and attacker in decks that face many black creatures.

Another interesting comparison could be made with White Knight, a card that shares the protection from black trait and also carries the advantage of first strike. However, Rashka the Slayer has the unique ability to become a formidable flier against black opponents when you control enough lands. Lastly, one can look at Paladin en-Vec which offers both protection from black and red, broadening its defensive capabilities across multiple common threats.

Each of these options contributes to the strategic diversity within Magic: The Gathering, and while Rashka the Slayer may not always be the first pick in certain decks, it becomes an indispensable force in others that benefit from its particular brand of black creature opposition when the mana condition is met.

Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Paladin en-Vec - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Paladin en-Vec - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rashka the Slayer by color, type and mana cost

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Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Rashka the Slayer doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, her ability to have protection from black gives her an implicit card advantage in a match-up. You essentially negate the effect of your opponent’s black creatures, potentially causing them to waste resources or attacks on Rashka without any impact.

Resource Acceleration: Rashka the Slayer may not generate additional mana or tokens, but her consistent protection ability can lead to resource acceleration by saving your mana. You might avoid having to cast spells for temporary buffs or protection when she’s on the battlefield, thus preserving your resources for more strategic plays.

Instant Speed: Although Rashka the Slayer doesn’t operate at instant speed, her presence on the board can alter the dynamics of the game instantly. Opponents with black creatures might have to rethink their strategy mid-combat or hold back on casting spells, giving you a temporal advantage as the game progresses.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rashka the Slayer doesn’t ask for a card discard directly, but her high mana cost may force you to forego other cards in your hand in order to play her.

Specific Mana Cost: Rashka demands two black mana as part of her casting cost, which may not fit into all deck strategies, particularly those that are not focussed on black mana or multi-color flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana to cast, Rashka the Slayer can be considered costly, especially when evaluated against other creatures in the same range that may provide more immediate board impact or have lower summoning conditions.


Reasons to Include Rashka the Slayer in Your Collection

Versatility: Rashka the Slayer provides an excellent defense against flying creatures, which makes it a solid inclusion in decks looking to mitigate threats from the air.

Combo Potential: With the rise of creatures that have flying, Rashka the Slayer pairs well with cards designed to capitalize on restricting or punishing those types. It’s an asset in strategies that focus on grounding opponents’ creatures and gaining the upper hand.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where flying creatures are prevalent, having a card that can serve as a dedicated blocker can shift the momentum in your favor. Rashka the Slayer, with its specific ability to block these creatures, may be a key sideboard card for decks that need to enhance their defenses against aerial strategies.


How to Beat

Rashka the Slayer stands out as a protective force against flying creatures in MTG. Her reach ability allows her to block flyers, serving as a deterrent for players relying on an aerial assault. The key to overcoming Rashka the Slayer lies in sidestepping her anti-air advantage. Strategies that focus on potent ground forces, direct damage spells, or removal cards that don’t discriminate based on creature abilities can effectively neutralize her impact on the game. Consider leveraging spells like Murder or Shatter the Sky to bypass her reach, or overwhelm the battlefield with a diverse array of creatures that demand answers beyond what Rashka the Slayer can provide.

To specifically tailor your deck against Rashka, incorporate cards that can alter combat outcomes, such as those that prevent or redirect damage. Planeswalkers that can control the board also prove effective by providing alternative threats that require the attention of your opponent. Remember, Rashka the Slayer excels in a niche role, so broadening your strategy to handle an array of threats while still accounting for her presence is the pathway to maintaining the upper hand in your MTG matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rashka the Slayer MTG card by a specific set like 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 Rashka the Slayer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rashka the Slayer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 Gets the bonus only once even if it blocks more than one black creature.
2008-04-01 This card now uses the Reach keyword ability to enable the blocking of flying creatures. This works because a creature with flying can only be blocked by creatures with flying or reach.