Image courtesy of Scryfall.com

Authenticity, Grading, and the Jumpstart Era

For MTG collectors and casual players alike, Tibalt's Rager from Jumpstart punches above its weight in both flavor and function. This red creature—simply costed at {1}{R} with a compact 1/2 frame—embodies the kind of card that makes a modern casual deck sing while still inviting a careful eye for the subtle details graders cherish. In the Jumpstart set, printed as a nonfoil uncommon, the card showcases a vivid YONGJAE CHOI illustration and a flavor text that nudges at mischief: "Find out whose that is. I like its energy." — Judith. The combo of art, text, and a usable combat line makes Tibalt's Rager an appealing piece for both play and display 🧙‍♂️🔥💎⚔️.

Core details you should know when evaluating a copy

• Name: Tibalt's Rager
• Mana cost: {1}{R}
• Type: Creature — Devil
• Power/Toughness: 1/2
• Color identity: Red
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Set: Jumpstart (jmp) — a draft-invention that marries two boosters into a chaos-laden single-player drafting experience
• Abilities: When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target. {1}{R}: This creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.
• Art & artist: Yongjae Choi
• Print status: Nonfoil, reprint in Jumpstart

From a grading perspective, the surface and centering are often where Jumpstart cards diverge the most. The edition printed on black-bordered stock with a 2015 frame remains faithful to modern MTG presentation, but Jumpstart’s draft-first design means you’ll see more variation in centering and edge quality compared to standard-set releases. A little edge wear or a faint printer flaw won’t ruin the card’s legality or its gameplay value, but these details do impact grade potential for collectors aiming for near-mint or mint conditions 🧙‍♂️🎨.

“Quality is in the small things—the registration marks, the corner squareness, the sharpness of the art.”

In terms of legality and play, Tibalt's Rager sits comfortably in formats where red aggression thrives. It’s Legal in Modern, Legacy, Commander, Brawl, and several other non-rotating stacks, making it a familiar tool for players who enjoy spicy top-deck drama or a quick sac-outlet payoff. The death-trigger—dealing 1 damage to any target—offers a reliable way to pressure opponents, finish off pesky blockers, or ping a planeswalker late in the game. The activated ability, {1}{R}: This creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn, creates a burst of aggression that can turn a 2-drop into a mini-surge of damage, especially when paired with other red threats or temporary buffs 🔥⚔️.

When grading display value, the art and flavor contribute as much as the mechanics. The devilish grin of Tibalt’s Rager pairs with Judith’s flavor line to give a sense of mischief that many red creatures aspire to—energy, risk, and a dash of chaos. The art by Yongjae Choi brings a bright, frenetic energy that looks great in a display sleeve, and the card’s compact size makes it a friendly centerpiece for a budget red deck or a casual collection display 🎨💎.

Grading for condition and authenticity: a practical checklist

Here’s a pragmatic approach you can apply when you’re evaluating a copy of Tibalt’s Rager, or any Jumpstart-era card with similar production characteristics:

• Centering: Check how well the art line sits within the border. Jumpstart prints can lean toward a slight misalignment; a noticeable off-center might affect mid-grade ratings but won’t impair playability.
• Surface & gloss: Pay attention to any scratches, scuffing, or whitening on the card face. Jumpstart nonfoil cards have a different texture than modern premium foils, so surface checks should be adjusted for the printing style.
• Edges & corners: Look for nicks or chipping, especially on corner points. A pristine corner suite matters more for mint or near-mint grades.
• Print quality & marks: Inspect for printer lines, whitening, or color shifts. Registration marks or faint lines aren’t unusual for mass-printed sets, but heavy marks should be noted in any grading report.
• Authenticity cues: Confirm set symbol, mana cost typography, and the Jumpstart-specific card back. Cross-check Oracle text against Scryfall or Gatherer to ensure no subtle rewording or font anomalies.

Just as with any card valued for display or play, many collectors are content with solid, lightly played copies. Tibalt’s Rager in a well-protected sleeve is a fun entry point for new collectors, and its low price point—roughly a few cents in common markets—means grading upgrades aren’t always a priority. The official price tag may hover around USD 0.03 and EUR 0.09, illustrating how even a well-designed red creature from Jumpstart remains accessible for budget builds and superfans alike 🧙‍♂️💸.

Beyond the numeric value, this card embodies a period of MTG design where reprint and draft-friendly formats shaped many casual collections. The Jumpstart set code and the card’s lifecycle as a nonfoil uncommon highlight a design philosophy that valued instant fun and straightforward gameplay—qualities that still resonate with modern players who enjoy quick games and bold, thematic art 🎲🔥.

Collector and player value: why it still matters

Even at a modest price, Tibalt's Rager serves a dual purpose: a playable piece for red-leaning aggro strategies and a charming artifact for a display that celebrates the Jumpstart era. The card’s death-trigger effect is a reminder that MTG combat isn’t just about proving board dominance—it’s a tapestry of small, tactical moments that can swing a match or spark a memorable story. The flavor text adds personality to the mechanical punch, and the art continues to spark conversations at tournaments and local game nights 🧙‍♂️🎨.

If you’re curating a Jumpstart-themed collection or building a budget red deck, Tibalt’s Rager offers a satisfying blend of reliability and spice. The card’s simple mana cost, dangerous late-game potential, and the occasional blast of direct damage all align with red’s core identity: speed, pressure, and a touch of reckless energy. It’s a reminder that in MTG, even the smallest creature can blaze a trail of sparks that lights up the board and the table alike 💥🎲.

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