Bear MTG Card
2014-09-26 - Number 8
2015-11-13 - Number 12
2019-06-14 - Number 11
2019-10-04 - Number 8
2021-02-05 - Number 13
2022-07-08 - Number 14
2022-09-09 - Number 7
2022-11-18 - Number 2
2001-01-02 - Number 7
2003-01-01 - Number 4
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Type | Token Creature — Bear |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Cards like Bear
Within the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, Bear-related cards are a beloved classic, known for their simplicity and reliability. The archetype for Bear cards is the vanilla 2/2 creature for two mana, a solid play for many decks seeking straightforward value. But how do such cards measure up against their counterparts?
Taking Grizzly Bears as the representative, we see a creature with no abilities but a balanced cost-to-power ratio. Comparatively, Alpine Grizzly steps into the fray offering a 4/2 for the same mana, sacrificing resilience for higher damage output. For those considering utility, Runeclaw Bear mirrors the Grizzly Bears, while providing an option for synergy within a specific deck that benefits from its subtype.
Beyond the forests, Adaptive Shimmerer presents a different approach, entering the battlefield as a X/X creature where X is the amount of mana spent to cast it, giving players a flexible alternative depending on the game situation. The versatility of such creatures can be valuable, even though they lack the straightforward consistency of our benchmark Bear.
Evaluating these variations, one appreciates the fundamental efficiency of basic Bear cards in MTG, carving a niche for themselves in their staunch simplicity among a diverse ecosystem of creature cards.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bear cards in MTG create unique advantages as they often come with abilities that let you draw more cards, fill your hand, or even bring creatures back from your graveyard. This keeps your hand full and your options open, helping you outpace your opponent in resources over the course of the game.
Resource Acceleration: Many Bear cards have costs that are balanced with their effects, enabling you to develop your board presence swiftly. Some may even allow you to fetch additional lands from your deck, ensuring that you have the mana you need to execute bigger plays earlier in the game.
Instant Speed: Bears are predominantly creatures, but certain cards with Bear synergies can be cast at instant speed. This can permit surprise buffs, flash in creature abilities, or reactive plays that disrupt your opponent’s strategy at critical moments, giving you the edge in the duel.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Some bear cards in Magic the Gathering ask you to discard another card to unleash their full potential or activate an ability. This can be a high price to pay, especially when your hand is already running thin on options. Managing your resources effectively is key in MTG, and having to let go of a card prematurely could set you back in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Bears typically require green mana for casting. While this fits perfectly in mono-green or green-centric decks, it can be restrictive if you’re aiming for a more diverse color combination or if your mana base isn’t optimized for green mana production. This imposes a limitation on the adaptability of bear cards in multi-colored deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although bears are known for their moderate power and toughness, there are instances where you might find the mana cost a bit steep for the stats and abilities offered. In a game where efficiency can make or break a match, you may find other creatures or spells that give you a better payoff for the same or lower mana investment, making bear cards a less appealing option in certain scenarios.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Bear cards in MTG are renowned for their flexibility. Many bear creatures come with a solid 2/2 stat line for a low mana cost, making them a dependable choice in a range of deck builds, from aggressive strategies to more midrange setups.
Combo Potential: Bears often synergize with forest-themed spells and abilities allowing for intriguing combinations. They can amplify the effects of cards that benefit from the presence of creature types or bolster your board presence efficiently.
Meta-Relevance: Given their reliable cost-to-power ratio, bears maintain relevance in various metagames. They serve as excellent early blockers against aggressive decks and can hold their own in combat, making them a staple for players who appreciate utility and steadiness.
How to Beat
Bear cards in Magic: The Gathering embody simplicity and resilience, often featuring creatures with a 2/2 stat line for a moderate mana cost. Typically, these creatures provide players with a dependable board presence in the early to mid-game. Although Bears are straightforward, they pack a punch and can be a component of a sound deck strategy focused on building up a solid creature base.
To effectively counteract Bear cards, consider strategies that surpass their statistical equilibrium. Removal spells that are cost-effective can easily handle these creatures, maintaining your advantage on the board. Utilizing sweepers can also be a sound tactic, especially if the Bear cards are part of a broader creature-based strategy from the opponent. Moreover, ensure your creatures have higher toughness to withstand the 2/2 Bear onslaught or leverage deathtouch mechanics which can neutralize these furry foes regardless of their size and your creature’s power.
Ultimately, Bear cards are known for their straightforward play but can be overcome with careful planning and strategic counterplay. Their presence offers a reminder of the need to have answers ready for early-game creature threats in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bear MTG card by a specific set like Magic Player Rewards 2001 and Magic Player Rewards 2003, 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 Bear 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
Printings
The Bear Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by 6 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Player Rewards 2001 | MPR | 7 | 1997 | Token | Black | Heather Hudson | ||
| 2 | Magic Player Rewards 2003 | P03 | 4 | 1997 | Token | Black | Glen Angus | ||
| 3 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 8 | 2015 | Token | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | 2015-11-13 | Commander 2015 | C15 | 12 | 2015 | Token | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 5 | 2019-06-14 | Modern Horizons | MH1 | 11 | 2015 | Token | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 6 | 2019-10-04 | Throne of Eldraine | ELD | 8 | 2015 | Token | Black | Forrest Imel | |
| 7 | 2021-02-05 | Kaldheim | KHM | 13 | 2015 | Token | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 8 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 14 | 2015 | Token | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 9 | 2022-09-09 | Dominaria United Commander | DMC | 7 | 2015 | Token | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 10 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War | BRO | 2 | 2015 | Token | Black | Alexandre Honoré |