Allied Reinforcements MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2016-01-22 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Oath of the Gatewatch |
| Set code | OGW |
| Number | 15 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Matt Stewart |
Text of card
Put two 2/2 white Knight Ally creature tokens onto the battlefield.
"Our formation was scattered after Sea Gate fell. If you're fighting the Eldrazi, consider us your newest recruits."
Cards like Allied Reinforcements
Allied Reinforcements showcases the strategic diversity that Magic: The Gathering offers in token creation. This card introduces two 2/2 white Knight Ally creature tokens onto the battlefield, reminiscent of other token-generators like Raise the Alarm. Where Raise the Alarm brings two 1/1 white Soldier tokens into play for half the mana cost, Allied Reinforcements provides sturdier creatures for a higher cost with the added synergy in decks utilizing the Ally creature type.
Surveying the vast card library of MTG reveals Secure the Wastes as another parallel; it allows flexibility by creating a variable number of tokens based on how much mana you pour into it. Although the tokens are smaller 1/1 Warriors, the instant speed of the spell offers a tactical advantage over the sorcery speed of Allied Reinforcements.
Captain’s Call is an additional sorcery to consider within the same mana range, and it creates three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens. While it does not match the power of the Allies brought forth by Allied Reinforcements, it spreads wider across the battlefield, potentially offering more blockers or attackers in large-scale combats.
Identifying the nuances and benefits of each of these options affords players a better understanding of their deck’s needs and how Allied Reinforcements fits within the context of MTG’s array of creature-generating spells.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Allied Reinforcements grants you the benefit of putting two creatures onto the battlefield with one card. This effectively furnishes you with additional opportunities to pressure your opponent, block incoming threats, or execute strategic combos, all while maintaining card parity in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Although Allied Reinforcements doesn’t directly increase your mana pool, it can be viewed as a form of resource acceleration by offering two soldier tokens with one play. These tokens can be pivotal for strategies that capitalize on creature count, such as convoke mechanics or abilities that enhance each creature you control.
Instant Speed: This card operates at sorcery speed, which means it does not offer the same flexibility as an instant-speed spell. However, the creation of two 2/2 creatures can be perfectly timed during your main phase to maximize strategic plays on your subsequent turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Allied Reinforcements does not have a discard requirement, giving you the advantage of maintaining card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: While providing valuable token creatures, the card demands a precise combination of mana, two white and two of any color, which may limit its inclusion to strictly white-based or two-color decks that can support such a cost.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Allied Reinforcements asks for a significant investment before you see any battlefield impact. Given the range of options available within MTG, you might find other cards that can provide you with more immediate or cost-effective board presence or advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Allied Reinforcements offers a broad utility in token strategies, effortlessly slotting into decks that capitalize on creature numbers. Its ability to quickly populate the battlefield makes it a smart pick for those seeking a swift board presence.
Combo Potential: The two Knight tokens with vigilance this card produces synergize with effects that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or tapping, thus enabling various combinations and interactions within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to counteract aggressive decks by providing instant blockers and its relevance in matches that may pivot to a war of attrition, Allied Reinforcements holds a place in the shifting metagame. It is particularly effective in match-ups that demand a rapid escalation in board state.
How to beat
Allied Reinforcements is a unique card that brings a strategic element to Magic: The Gathering, particularly in formats where tokens can shift the tide of battle. This card creates two 2/2 white Knight Ally creature tokens that can quickly bolster your defenses or add pressure to your opponent. However, it requires four mana, which makes it somewhat slow against aggressive decks that aim to win quickly.
To counter Allied Reinforcements effectively, one might consider using sweepers like Wrath of God or board-clear cards such as Languish to remove multiple creatures at once, ensuring that the tokens never pose a real threat. Spot removal, while efficient against single targets, won’t offer the same value in this scenario unless combined with instant-speed spells that can disrupt your opponent’s token strategy at a crucial moment. Keeping pace with an opponent playing Allied Reinforcements involves maintaining card advantage, so be prepared with answers and keep their board clear to secure your win.
Cards such as Echoing Decay or Zealous Persecution can also uniquely undermine Allied Reinforcements by targeting the uniformity of the tokens. By staying one step ahead and predicting your opponent’s token plays, you can keep the battlefield in your favor and diminish the impact of this card in your games.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Allied Reinforcements MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch, 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 Allied Reinforcements and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Allied Reinforcements has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |