Bant Sureblade MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 2009-04-30 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alara Reborn |
| Set code | ARB |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 143 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Michael Komarck |
Text of card
As long as you control another multicolored permanent, Bant Sureblade gets +1/+1 and has first strike.
Soldiers who fought through Grixis learned to hit first, recite the prayer of Asha later.
Cards like Bant Sureblade
Bant Sureblade stands out in the realm of three-color creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card is a keen comparison to Esper Stormblade, which similarly gains a boost when paired with another multicolored card. Where Bant Sureblade has an advantage is its allegiance to the Bant colors—green, white, and blue. These colors offer a balance of control, strength, and acceleration that can be incredibly synergistic in the right deck.
Looking towards cards like Jund Hackblade, we see a pattern of these three-color creatures sporting an advantageous ability when allied with their kin. However, Bant Sureblade arguably benefits from being in a color combination that supports a multitude of strategies, from creature-centric aggression to powerful control tactics. In comparison, Jund Hackblade’s color trio leans more towards a straightforward aggressive playstyle.
The allure of Bant Sureblade in MTG is bolstered by its potential for quick and efficient damage output when combined with other multicolored permanents, establishing it as a solid choice in decks that capitalize on the multicolored theme.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By aligning with other multicolored cards in your deck, Bant Sureblade becomes a robust asset offering added board presence. This can indirectly contribute to card advantage as it forces opponents to deal with a suddenly more formidable threat, potentially leading to favorable trades that deplete their resources.
Resource Acceleration: Bant Sureblade’s low mana cost facilitates quicker deployment on the battlefield, thereby accelerating your resource efficiency. Having an early aggressive play can lead to faster victories, making it a valuable addition in decks that aim to outpace opponents.
Instant Speed: While Bant Sureblade itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with cards that do. Its ability to gain first strike can turn instant-speed buffs or combat tricks into devastating plays, which catch your opponents off guard and lead to swift removal of threats during battle encounters.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: This card does not directly require you to discard cards, but it is important to be aware that playing multicolored decks can sometimes expose you to discard effects from opponents seeking to disrupt such strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Bant Sureblade demands a mana base that can reliably produce green, white, and blue mana, which could strain your resources, especially in the early game, limiting its flexibility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not excessively high, the mana cost to play Bant Sureblade might be a bit steep considering the competitive options available. Cards with similar effects may be available for less, offering a more economical alternative in deck construction and in-game decisions.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Bant Sureblade thrives in a variety of decks, aligning perfectly with ones that value multi-colored permanents. As a card adaptable to various in-game situations, its presence can bolster both offensive and defensive capabilities, providing a solid body that can easily fit into your strategy.
Combo Potential: Known for its ability to gain first strike and deathtouch when paired with other color permanents, Bant Sureblade has excellent synergy in decks that capitalize on these keywords. This opens up a multitude of combo options, turning it into a strategic piece on your playing field for setting up your board.
Meta-Relevance: As the meta ebbs and flows, cards like Bant Sureblade can unexpectedly become a powerful asset. Its potential to interact favorably against popular threats in the game makes it a card worthy of consideration for anyone looking to stay competitive and versatile in their gameplay.
How to beat
Bant Sureblade, a versatile creature from the Alara block, shines in a deck that capitalizes on multicolored spells. Known for its combat prowess, this card can swiftly turn the tide of a match when supported by other colors. It’s a reminder of the power multicolored cards often harness in Magic: The Gathering. Think of it in line with renowned figures like Shardless Agent, which similarly excels with multicolor support, or Fleecemane Lion, where its monstrosity ability plays well with Bant Sureblade’s combat strengths.
To strategize against Bant Sureblade, you’ll want to consider removal options that aren’t color dependent, like Path to Exile, which can efficiently address the threat irrespective of its boosted state. Additionally, control spells like Counterspell remain a staple deterrent for creatures before they can assert their influence on the board. While Bant Sureblade has the potential to be a powerful aggressor with the right board state, effective removal and counterspell strategies can neutralize its impact, maintaining the upper hand in your games of Magic: The Gathering.
Ultimately, by prioritizing key removal and counter strategies, you’ll enhance your chances of overcoming the challenges presented by versatile and potentially powerful cards like Bant Sureblade.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bant Sureblade MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn, 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 Bant Sureblade 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bant Sureblade has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |