Alistair, the Brigadier MTG Card


Alistair the Brigadier boosts card draw, offering strategic depth with additional options during play. Instant-speed activation allows for unexpected plays, making it a versatile asset on the battlefield. Despite resource acceleration, Alistair’s high casting cost may slow down your game tempo.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Soldier
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Whenever you cast a historic spell, create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token. (Artifacts, legendaries, and Sagas are historic.) Whenever Alistair attacks, you may pay . If you do, creatures you control get +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of historic permanents you control.


Cards like Alistair, the Brigadier

Alistair the Brigadier enters the robust lineup of commander options in Magic: The Gathering with a unique blend of abilities. Commanders like Adriana, Captain of the Guard resonate with players due to their focus on melee and combat support. Adriana also rewards players for attacking with multiple creatures, amplifying their power. Alistair, however, adds an additional layer with his ability to bolster your creatures during combat while offering flexibility through modal spells.

Examining Alistair alongside Tajic, Blade of the Legion reveals another intriguing comparison. Tajic champions a battalion strategy where attacking with other creatures unlocks his indestructibility. Alistair shifts focus from indestructibility to tactical spell usage. This can provide players with more immediate and versatile advantages during the heat of battle, unlike Tajic’s static prowess.

Ultimately, Alistair the Brigadier stands out for his balance between support and flexibility. While other commanders may rely on static abilities or specific combat conditions, Alistair’s dual nature caters to those looking for dynamic combat strategy and spellcasting potency within their MTG experience.

Adriana, Captain of the Guard - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Blade of the Legion - MTG Card versions
Adriana, Captain of the Guard - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Blade of the Legion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Alistair, the Brigadier by color, type and mana cost

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Phelddagrif - MTG Card versions
Sunscape Master - MTG Card versions
Questing Phelddagrif - MTG Card versions
Tocasia, Dig Site Mentor - MTG Card versions
Galea, Kindler of Hope - MTG Card versions
Stoic Angel - MTG Card versions
Rafiq of the Many - MTG Card versions
Bant Sojourners - MTG Card versions
Messenger Falcons - MTG Card versions
Arcades, the Strategist - MTG Card versions
Perrie, the Pulverizer - MTG Card versions
Falco Spara, Pactweaver - MTG Card versions
Kros, Defense Contractor - MTG Card versions
Brenard, Ginger Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Tan Jolom, the Worldwalker - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Alistair the Brigadier offers an upper hand by potentially providing extra draw when troops enter the battlefield under your command, keeping your hand filled with options.

Resource Acceleration: This commander can swiftly bolster your army presence, getting more creatures on the board accelerates the pace of your resource building, leading to a formidable fighting force.

Instant Speed: Its ability to activate at instant speed is a huge tactical boon, enabling surprise blocks or advantageous effects on your adversary’s turn, thus broadening your strategic choices.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Alistair the Brigadier compels you to discard another card to harness its abilities, potentially putting you at a disadvantage by depleting valuable hand options that could be crucial as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Alistair the Brigadier includes a strict combination of colors, which may not seamlessly integrate into all deck archetypes, possibly restricting its playability across diverse deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment to summon Alistair the Brigadier on the battlefield is considerable. In a game where tempo matters, its summoning cost may hinder your ability to develop other aspects of your board presence simultaneously.


Reasons to Include Alistair the Brigadier in Your Collection

Versatility: Alistair the Brigadier is a flexible card that can easily find a home in a variety of deck archetypes. Whether building around soldier synergies or looking for a solid creature that can impact the board, this card adapts to multiple strategies.

Combo Potential: With its ability to enhance and empower other creatures, Alistair the Brigadier can act as a linchpin in an array of combo setups. This card’s synergistic potential makes it a dynamic addition to decks that aim for high-impact plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a gaming environment where creature-based tactics are prevalent, Alistair the Brigadier stands out as a valuable asset. Its potential to shape the battlefield and support key creatures could help swing games in your favor against various common deck types.


How to Beat Alistair the Brigadier

The dynamic gameplay of Magic: The Gathering presents diverse challenges and Alistair the Brigadier is one such obstacle you might face. To come out on top against this formidable card, strategy is key. While Alistair proposes a strong front with its ability to bolster your opponent’s board presence, pinpoint removal spells are your strongest allies. Employing cards such as Murder to eliminate Alistair upon arrival can swiftly turn the tides in your favor.

Another effective approach is to utilize counter spells. Since Alistair’s might lies in its battle-triggered abilities, preventing it from hitting the battlefield altogether through a well-timed Counterspell or similar magic negates the threat before it gets a chance to unfold. Lastly, consider deploying board wipes if Alistair is already in play with a legion of soldiers. A strategic Wrath of God can clear the battlefield, including Alistair and its recruits, thereby resetting the stage.

Ultimately, being prepared for the various threats in Magic: The Gathering, including a strategic plan to counter Alistair the Brigadier, is crucial. Adapt your deck to include these pivotal spells, and maintain a keen sense of timing to emerge victorious in your duels.


BurnMana Recommendations

As MTG players carve a path to victory, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your cards is paramount. With Alistair the Brigadier, you wield a commander that can tip the scales in your favor, when used with foresight. Knowing its capabilities for card draw and resource acceleration plays a fundamental role in deck building, especially in formats where instant speed interactions can define the outcome of a match. Conversely, mindful deck construction to mitigate its drawbacks, such as specific mana costs, can help maintain an edge over your opponents. For players seeking to harness Alistair’s full potential and strategize effectively against it, our detailed insights are an invaluable resource. Dive into our repository of knowledge and elevate your arsenal to build a commanding presence in your next MTG encounter.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Alistair, the Brigadier MTG card by a specific set like Doctor Who and Doctor Who, 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 Alistair, the Brigadier and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Alistair, the Brigadier Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-10-13 and 2023-10-13. Illustrated by Thanh Tuấn.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 1122015NormalBlackThanh Tuấn
22023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 7172015NormalBlackThanh Tuấn
32023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 4012015NormalBlackThanh Tuấn
42023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 9922015NormalBlackThanh Tuấn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Alistair, the Brigadier has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-10-13 You choose whether to pay as Alistair's second ability resolves. Notably, once it begins to resolve, none of your opponents may take actions that might change the result before it happens, such as casting a spell that destroys one of your historic permanents.