Smoldering Egg // Ashmouth Dragon MTG Card


Smoldering Egg provides card advantage and potential board control through its transformative ability. Adaptable to various strategies, it thrives in spell-heavy decks, showcasing combo potential. Despite mana restrictions, it remains a versatile card that can dictate the pace of the game.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dragon Egg
Abilities Defender,Transform
Power 0
Toughness 4

Text of card

Defender Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, put a number of ember counters on Smoldering Egg equal to the amount of mana spent to cast that spell. Then if Smoldering Egg has seven or more ember counters on it, remove them and transform Smoldering Egg.


Cards like Smoldering Egg // Ashmouth Dragon

Smoldering Egg finds its niche within the transformative creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards like Thing in the Ice, which also starts as a non-threatening creature that evolves into a powerhouse. While Thing in the Ice requires four spells to transform and wipes the board of other creatures, Smoldering Egg requires seven mana worth of spells and turns into a more offensive threat, directly damaging opponents or creatures. Then there’s Ludevic’s Test Subject, another creature that demands a hefty investment of mana to transform, but compared to Smoldering Egg, it lacks the ability to influence the board with direct damage.

Another notable comparison is with Delver of Secrets, which is easier to flip into a formidable creature but doesn’t provide the game-ending potential that Smoldering Egg possesses post-transformation. Each card fits into different strategies, and while Delver of Secrets favors aggressive blue-based decks, Smoldering Egg commands a spot in decks rich with spells aiming to unleash a fiery late-game threat.

Ultimately, while each creature has its own scenario in which it excels, Smoldering Egg’s dual role as both an early deterrent and a potent late-game finisher means it serves a unique role in MTG, giving players a rewarding payoff for casting spells.

Ludevic's Test Subject - MTG Card versions
Ludevic's Test Subject - MTG Card versions

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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
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Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Smoldering Egg shines by presenting a strategic depth that can lead to card advantage. Upon transforming into Ashmouth Dragon, any future instant or sorcery spells give you a chance to deal damage, which can potentially eliminate your opponent’s threats while also advancing your board state.

Resource Acceleration: This card does not traditionally accelerate resources in the manner of providing additional mana. However, its ability to transform after you’ve cast spells worth a total of seven mana echoes the effect of resource acceleration. Once transformed, the Ashmouth Dragon yields value with each instant or sorcery spell cast thereafter, which can equate to an accelerated damage output without further mana investment.

Instant Speed: While Smoldering Egg itself is not an instant speed card, its real power becomes evident as you cast other instants (and sorceries) at any speed. In a deck designed around instants and sorcery spells, it exploits the potential of those cards, contributing to the board state every time you utilize an instant speed spell on your opponent’s turn, hence advancing the transformation process or wreaking havoc as Ashmouth Dragon.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Smoldering Egg demands that your deck is built around casting numerous spells to transform it, potentially leaving you short on options if the game progresses without suitable spells to trigger its ability.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two red mana is restrictive, forcing players who wish to incorporate this card efficiently into their decks to prioritize red mana sources, thereby potentially limiting deck diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its four mana cost to deploy, Smoldering Egg may occupy a crowded place on the mana curve, particularly in aggressive red decks that could benefit from deploying multiple threats earlier in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Smoldering Egg offers flexibility in deck-building, seamlessly integrating into strategies that revolve around spell casting. Its ability to transform into Ashmouth Dragon upon reaching seven mana value worth of spells makes it adaptable to tempo or control decks with a penchant for instants and sorceries.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations with spells that can quickly rack up its transformation count, taking advantage of its potential to become an aggressive threat. Additionally, in its transformed state, it can provide value by turning any future spell into direct damage to any target, ideal for finishing games.

Meta-Relevance: With a metagame that includes non-creature spell strategies, Smoldering Egg gains importance as both an early blocker and a looming threat. Its ability to pressure opponents while advancing your game plan makes it significant in a dynamic MTG environment.


How to beat

Smoldering Egg is a transformative card in MTG that can swing games with its spell-fueled metamorphosis. To effectively counter this card, players must employ a solid strategy. A pivotal aspect is managing the number of spells cast when Smoldering Egg is on the board, as fewer spells slow its transformation into Ashmouth Dragon.

Removal spells are essential, and timing is key. Instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch the Egg before it hatches into a more formidable threat, especially if used in response to a spell that would accumulate the last needed counters. For control decks, counterspells like Negate can not only prevent pivotal spells from resolving but also stifle the Egg’s growth. Additionally, enchantment-based removal, such as Detention Vortex, keeps the Egg from flipping and provides a more permanent solution.

Beating Smoldering Egg requires foresight and an understanding of its potential. Players must leverage their removals efficiently and moderate their spellcasting to prevent acceleration of the Egg’s transformation. Ultimately, handling Smoldering Egg is about disrupting the opponent’s strategy while maintaining a balanced and responsive playstyle.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG gameplay takes more than just powerful cards; it requires strategic deck building and an appreciation for the synergy between cards. With Smoldering Egg, you unlock the potential for incredible spell-slinging antics and game-changing transformations into the fearsome Ashmouth Dragon. Building a strategy around this dynamic card could very well set the stage for your next victorious match. Dive deeper into the vast world of MTG, uncover synergies, and optimize your deck. Ready for a transformative experience in your gameplay? Discover how to maximize Smoldering Egg’s potential and dominate the battlefield with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Smoldering Egg // Ashmouth Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Innistrad: Midnight Hunt 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 Smoldering Egg // Ashmouth Dragon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Smoldering Egg // Ashmouth Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Simon Dominic.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 940122015TransformBlackSimon Dominic
22021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight Hunt PromosPMID 159s2015TransformBlackSimon Dominic
32021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 1592015TransformBlackSimon Dominic
42021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 3582015TransformBlackSimon Dominic
52022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 1592015TransformBlackSimon Dominic

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Smoldering Egg // Ashmouth Dragon has restrictions

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