Ruby Leech MTG Card


Ruby Leech offers reduced costs for red spells, leading to a more aggressive playstyle and quicker spell deployment. The need to discard with each red spell cast can pose challenges, potentially reducing hand size and options. While its utility is evident, Ruby Leech’s specific mana requirements could limit its versatility in multicolor decks.
Ruby Leech - Invasion
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Leech
Abilities First strike
Released2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set nameInvasion
Set codeINV
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number161
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJacques Bredy

Text of card

First strike Red spells you play cost o R more to play.

"Its gems didn't stop pulsating until they were completely removed." —Tolarian research notes


Cards like Ruby Leech

Ruby Leech is a red creature card that has carved its own niche within MTG. When examining its place in the array of red creatures, it’s essential to understand that, like most Leeches, it comes with both a benefit and a cost. On the plus side, Ruby Leech reduces the converted mana cost of red spells you cast, letting you deploy threats and answers more swiftly. This gives players a strategic edge in casting numerous spells in a single turn, or saving mana for other uses.

When we draw parallels to cards like Ruby Medallion, which consistently reduces the cost of red spells without any downside, the Leech’s drawback becomes apparent—it increases the cost of spells from other colors. In contrast, Firebrand Archer presents an alternative strategy for red decks creating damage without the mana cost manipulation that Ruby Leech offers. However, it doesn’t have the mana-saving potential on each red spell cast.

Diligently assessing the trade-offs, Ruby Leech finds its footing in decks focused on red spells, possibly outshining other cost-reducing creatures or artifacts through its unique mana discount ability, despite its heightened cost for non-red spells.

Ruby Medallion - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions
Ruby Medallion - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ruby Leech by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
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Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
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Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Ruby Leech offers an impressive twist on card advantage by potentially reducing the cost of red spells in your hand. This reduction can lead to casting more spells per turn and overwhelming opponents with less efficient decks.

Resource Acceleration: Though it doesn’t directly produce additional mana, the Ruby Leech makes your red mana work harder for you. By optimizing the mana you spend on red spells, you effectively accelerate your resource allocation, enabling a quicker deployment of your threats on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: While the Ruby Leech itself isn’t an instant, its impact on the game is felt immediately. The benefit gained from casting your red spells at a potentially reduced cost can dramatically increase your ability to respond to threats and opportunities at instant speed. Whether it’s through reacting to an opponent’s move or simply deploying your own strategy more efficiently, the Ruby Leech could be a linchpin in a reactive red strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ruby Leech demands a card discard each time you cast a red spell, presenting a trade-off that could deplete your hand and place you at a tactical disadvantage, particularly in game states where maintaining card advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s restrictive mana cost, requiring two red sources, makes it less flexible across various deck archetypes. This may hinder its integration into decks where a diversified mana base is key or where splashing multiple colors is common.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its four mana value, Ruby Leech enters a competitive slot where players expect impactful board presence or game-altering abilities. It faces stiff competition from other cards in the same range, which might offer immediate value or more substantial long-term benefits without the attached restrictions of Ruby Leech’s ability.


Reasons to Include Ruby Leech in Your Collection

Versatility: Ruby Leech stands out for its flexibility in deckbuilding, offering red mages the chance to reduce the cost of their red spells at the expense of non-red ones. This can be a game-changer in mono-red setups or in decks that leverage a majority of red cards.

Combo Potential: This creature can create powerful synergies in decks focused on casting numerous red spells in a single turn. Combine it with cards that untap creatures or with cost-reducing effects to churn out spells at a dizzying pace.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where red decks are prevalent, including aggressive or burn strategies, Ruby Leech can give you the edge by making your spells more mana-efficient. Ensuring your key red spells are cast quicker can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.


How to beat

Ruby Leech presents a unique puzzle for players in the MTG universe. An enchanting piece from the Mercadian Masques set, this card is an embodiment of strategy, reducing the amount of red mana that leaves your mana pool at the end of phases. The key to overcoming Ruby Leech lies in devising a counteractive playstyle. Harnessing abilities or spells that can bypass or neutralize static abilities becomes crucial. Among your arsenal of tactics, cards with targeted removal can dismantle this imposing obstacle, wiping it off the board before its effect becomes irreversibly detrimental to your strategy. Additionally, relying less on red mana and diversifying your mana resources can lessen the impact Ruby Leech has on your gameplay.

Considering that Ruby Leech affects only red mana, broadening your deck’s spectrum to include other colors gives you an edge, allowing you to sidestep the constraints it imposes. Keep in mind that patience and timing are of the essence. Strategic planning and exacting execution of plays can ensure that the influence of Ruby Leech is minimized, contributing to a more flexible and responsive game on your part. Thus, outmaneuvering Ruby Leech demands flexibility, removal resources, and a proactive approach to the diverse strategies available in MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ruby Leech MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Ruby Leech and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ruby Leech has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal