Balduvian Bears MTG Card


Bears apply early pressure, forcing opponents to use resources that could exceed their value. Efficient cost aids in rapid board development and aggressive, pace-setting strategies. Although simple in design, these bears offer versatility and remain meta-relevant in creature-focused formats.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Bear
Power 2
Toughness 2

Cards like Balduvian Bears

Balduvian Bears is a classic creature from the early sets of Magic: The Gathering, finding its home in the ranks of two-mana 2/2 creatures. A fundamental comparison would be with Grizzly Bears, an iconic card in MTG history; both cards share the same creature stats and cost, providing straightforward value for green deck players who desire a solid early creature presence.

Exploring further, we encounter Runeclaw Bear, a functional reprint of the aforementioned bears, again offering the same stats and cost. They’re indistinguishable in gameplay, showing how some MTG cards become the baseline for others that follow. We then have Alpine Grizzly, which boasts a higher power of 4, but with an additional mana in its casting cost, altering the timing and dynamic of play when you’re managing your mana resources.

All in all, Balduvian Bears may not have extra abilities that newer cards might boast, but it holds value in its simplicity and history within the game. For players who appreciate a nostalgic inclusion in their decks, Balduvian Bears remains a reliable and familiar choice among green creatures.

Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Runeclaw Bear - MTG Card versions
Alpine Grizzly - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Runeclaw Bear - MTG Card versions
Alpine Grizzly - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Balduvian Bears by color, type and mana cost

Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Elvish Archers - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ayula, Queen Among Bears - MTG Card versions
Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Elvish Archers - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ayula, Queen Among Bears - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Balduvian Bears may appear simple, but they serve as a fundamental creature that can apply early pressure to your opponent. While not directly offering card draw, its presence on the board forces the opponent to deal with it, potentially using up more valuable resources than this low-cost card warrants.

Resource Acceleration: Though this bear doesn’t ramp your mana directly, having a 2/2 creature on turn two allows for aggressive strategies. This efficient creature enables quick board development, which is crucial in decks aiming to outpace the opponent.

Instant Speed: While Balduvian Bears is a creature card and therefore doesn’t have an instant speed itself, its efficient cost makes it an excellent choice for decks that operate at a swift pace. It allows you to deploy threats quickly while keeping mana open for actual instant-speed interactions during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Holding Balduvian Bears in a hand can be a commitment due to the discard mechanisms present within its related deck strategies. This requirement might force you to give up potential key plays later in the game, thus potentially disrupting your strategic setup.

Specific Mana Cost: Balduvian Bears necessitates a specific mana arrangement to cast. Requiring both red and green mana, its cost can restrict deck-building flexibility, making it less appealing for multi-colored decks that cannot consistently generate the required mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given the card’s abilities and stats, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other creatures in its category. Savvy players may opt for lower-cost creatures that provide greater value or similar creatures with added benefits, making Balduvian Bears less favorable under certain game conditions.


Reasons to Include Balduvian Bears in Your Collection

Versatility: Balduvian Bears provides a reliable creature for decks that need early board presence. Its simplicity allows it to fit into a variety of strategies, from aggressive builds to those seeking to bolster their creature count.

Combo Potential: Although not a combo piece in the traditional sense, this card works well with mechanics that care about creature count, such as Coat of Arms or beast synergy themes, enhancing the overall strategy of a deck.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors quick, creature-based tactics, Balduvian Bears can serve as an early threat or defense, maintaining relevance especially in formats where low-cost creatures are pivotal.


How to beat

Balduvian Bears might seem unassuming with its straightforward 2/2 bear frame for two mana. A staple in many beginner decks, its simplicity can make it an appealing choice for early creatures on the battlefield. Despite its potential early game pressure, Balduvian Bears can be easily overshadowed as the game progresses.

To effectively counter this creature, consider employing cheap removal spells that can handle small threats without a significant investment. Cards like Shock or Dead Weight can dispatch the Bears cost-effectively, preserving your resources for more substantial challenges ahead.

Moreover, leveraging creatures with greater toughness can also stifle the Bears’ impact. By establishing robust defenders, you can nullify the Bears’ attacks while preparing for a strategic counter-attack. It’s also worth considering the strategy of employing superior creatures that can offer both offensive and defensive capabilities, ensuring your board presence overwhelms such uncomplicated threats.

In essence, Balduvian Bears can serve as a lesson in deck building and in-game tactics—simple threats require simple solutions. With a balanced approach that integrates removal, defense, and superior creature quality, you can effortlessly navigate past these Bears and secure victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

The MTG journey is one of continuous learning and adaptation. Balduvian Bears, with its straightforward mechanics, offers an exemplary starting point for players crafting an effective early game strategy. Though it may not boast flashy abilities, this card’s inherent value lies in its ability to challenge opponents and shape the battlefield from the get-go. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of optimizing your deck with time-tested creatures or simply want to explore the diverse strategies that MTG’s rich history presents, we encourage you to delve deeper. Expand your knowledge, explore strategic intricacies, and discover how even the humblest of creatures can contribute to your victories. Visit us to uncover insights that could elevate your game to the next level. Let’s turn your MTG experience into a landscape of triumphs.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Balduvian Bears MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Deckmasters, 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 Balduvian Bears and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Balduvian Bears Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2001-12-01. Illustrated by Quinton Hoover.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 2261993NormalBlackQuinton Hoover
22001-12-01DeckmastersDKM 221997NormalWhiteQuinton Hoover

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Balduvian Bears has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal