Bristling Boar MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 170
2019-07-12 - Number 338
2019-11-07 - Number 1149
2020-04-24 - Number 146
2022-12-02 - Number 635
2020-09-26 - Number M19-170
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Boar |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Bristling Boar can't be blocked by more than one creature.
"Nicol Bolas destroyed my world. I owe it to Skalla to celebrate all life, no matter how dangerous." —Vivien Reid
Cards like Bristling Boar
Bristling Boar is a creature card that has found a place in many MTG green decks due to its specific unblockable ability. When we consider similar creatures, such as Baloth Gorger or Giant Spider, we notice that each creature brings its own unique ability to the game. The Boar stands out because it can’t be blocked by more than one creature, providing a strategic edge when facing down decks that rely on multiple blockers. Baloth Gorger, for instance, is a larger creature that can become a significant threat if kicked, but lacks the Boar’s evasive capability.
Moving to another comparable card, the Giant Spider offers the utility of reach, allowing it to intercept flying creatures which Bristling Boar cannot contest. However, the Spider is easily overwhelmed by crowds of attackers, a situation where the Boar excels, sidestepping the enemy defense when applied tactically. Each card has its situational advantages depending on the deck’s overarching strategy and the current state of the board.
Ultimately, Bristling Boar serves as a formidable contender in limited formats where one-versus-many scenarios are common, showcasing its potential to push through damage in a stalemate on the ground.
Cards similar to Bristling Boar by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bristling Boar may not provide traditional card draw, but its unique ability to be unblockable by more than one creature ensures that it remains an active threat on the board. This allows players to maintain pressure on their opponents without the need to constantly commit additional resources to the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Bristling Boar does not directly accelerate resources in the form of mana or tokens, its stable presence on the field can lead to indirect resource gains. Being a 4/3 creature, it can often survive battles against smaller creatures, potentially saving the player from having to invest more mana into other creatures for defense or offense in the short term.
Instant Speed: Although Bristling Boar lacks instant speed capabilities, its straightforward menace can influence opponent’s strategy and force them to hold back potential instant-speed removal or combat tricks, knowing they can’t efficiently block and remove the boar during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Bristling Boar doesn’t require you to discard cards, which is advantageous in preserving your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement of two green mana in its overall four-mana cost, Bristling Boar is best suited for green-centric or two-color decks that can reliably generate green mana early on.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at a four total mana cost may be considered steep for its 3/3 stats, especially when there are other creatures in the same mana range with additional abilities or higher power and toughness.
Reasons to Include Bristling Boar in Your Collection
Versatility: Bristling Boar is a solid choice for green decks that require a reliable four-drop creature. Its ability to be unblockable by more than one creature makes it a consistent threat on the board that can chip away at an opponent’s life total effectively.
Combo Potential: Bristling Boar can complement strategies focused on attacking with creatures that are challenging to block. When paired with equipment or auras that increase its power, it becomes a formidable force that can potentially turn into a game-ending threat.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board stalls are common, Bristling Boar shines by slipping through crowded battlefields. This can be especially impactful in limited formats such as draft or sealed, where it can serve as a key component in overcoming defensive positions.
How to beat
Bristling Boar presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This green creature from Magic: The Gathering, with its inherent ability stating it can’t be blocked by more than one creature, requires strategy to overcome. Players often find themselves forced to deal with the Boar one-on-one which can be inconvenient, especially if they are relying on swarm strategies.
To effectively beat Bristling Boar, you’ll want to utilize effects that can target and remove it outside of combat. This includes spells like Murder, which can destroy any creature regardless of its blocking restrictions. Additionally, board wipe spells, such as Day of Judgment, bypass the Boar’s protective ability by not targeting it directly, clearing the path for your attack on the next turn.
Another approach is using enchantments that render the Boar less threatening, like Pacifism, which stops the creature from attacking or blocking, effectively neutralizing the threat without having to remove it from the board. The key is to adapt your strategy, focusing on direct removals or control elements that can transcend the Boar’s blocking limitations.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bristling Boar MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2020, 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 Bristling Boar 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 Bristling Boar Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 170 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 338 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1149 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 4 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 146 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zezhou Chen | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | M19-170 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | ||
| 6 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 635 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zezhou Chen |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bristling Boar has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bristling Boar card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-04-17 | If Bristling Boar gains menace, it can’t be blocked at all. |