Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted MTG Card
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Samurai |
| Abilities | Bushido,Double strike |
| Released | 2004-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Champions of Kamigawa |
| Set code | CHK |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 2 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Flip |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mark Zug |
Key Takeaways
- Bushi Tenderfoot offers card advantage by evolving into Kenzo, a powerful creature, without extra card cost.
- Its instant-speed transformation can surprise opponents, altering the combat dynamic in your favor.
- Despite some limitations, its strategic play and transformation potential make it a valuable collectible.
Text of card
Double strike; bushido 2 (When this blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn.)
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bushi Tenderfoot transforms into Kenzo the Hardhearted upon fulfilling its condition, outfitting you with a powerful creature without spending extra cards from your hand. This transition means that you gain a considerable upgrade from one card, forging a strong presence on the battlefield that can edge you towards victory.
Resource Acceleration: While Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its evolution from a 1/1 to a formidable 3/4 with double strike for just two mana offers a significant increase in your board’s combat potential without additional investment. This allows you to allocate your mana to other spells and abilities, promoting a more robust and threatening strategy.
Instant Speed: The actual transformation of Bushi Tenderfoot into Kenzo the Hardhearted occurs at instant speed after the condition is met. This can catch an opponent off-guard during combat, shifting the tide unexpectedly in your favor. Swift and unpredictable, this card can serve as a pivotal turning point, showcasing the dynamic nature of instant-speed interactions in the game of MTG.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Bushi Tenderfoot involves strategic preparation and patience, as it can be quite a liability if it’s removed before it gets the chance to transform into Kenzo the Hardhearted.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both white mana and a conducive board state to transform, this card demands a specific deck build focused on combat and creature interaction, which could limit deck diversity and creative approaches.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the actual casting cost is low, the true expense comes from the necessity to protect Bushi Tenderfoot and successfully engage in combat to achieve its transformation, an investment that can be resource-intensive compared to other creatures that bring immediate value to the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted in Your Collection
Versatility: Bushi Tenderfoot begins as a humble creature but has the potential to transform into Kenzo the Hardhearted, a powerful legendary samurai with significant stats. This flexibility allows it to adapt to the changing dynamics of a game, serving both early defense and later offensive roles.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in decks that can manipulate +1/+1 counters or take advantage of samurai and soldier synergies. Its transformation into Kenzo the Hardhearted can also act as a comeback mechanic, turning a simple block into a game-changing moment.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature combat is prevalent, Bushi Tenderfoot’s ability to level up makes it an unexpected threat. As the meta shifts, this card can be particularly punishing to opponents who disregard its growth potential.
How to beat
Bushi Tenderfoot represents an intriguing challenge in Magic: The Gathering, evolving from an unassuming creature into the formidable Kenzo the Hardhearted with just a single combat victory. To navigate against this transformation, strategic removal is key. Employing spot removal spells before Bushi Tenderfoot can get a kill ensures this creature never reaches its lethal potential. Cards like Fatal Push and Path to Exile are efficient at handling this initial form.
Should Bushi Tenderfoot attain its leveled-up state, broader removal becomes necessary. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, countering the momentum gained by your opponent. Moreover, keeping the pressure with creatures that can outclass Kenzo the Hardhearted in combat is another effective tactic to maintain superiority and avoid the exchange that could turn the tides against you.
Remember to act swiftly. The key is anticipation; the longer Bushi Tenderfoot remains unchecked, the more challenging it becomes to contend with Kenzo’s hardened resolve. By staying proactive and preventing the transformation, you’ll mitigate the threat and keep your position in the game strong.
Cards like Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted
Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted is a unique Magic: The Gathering card that tells the story of transformation. This card begins as Bushi Tenderfoot, a 1/1 creature with a skill to become Kenzo the Hardhearted, a formidable 3/4 Samurai with double strike once a particular condition is met. Comparably, we have Figure of Destiny, which offers multiple upgrade levels and can develop from a 1/1 Kithkin into a potent 8/8 Spirit Warrior. Both cards capture the importance of growth and adaptability in the heat of battle.
Another noteworthy card is Student of Warfare. Like Bushi Tenderfoot, it starts as a 1/1 creature but uses the level up mechanic to strengthen over time, potentially becoming a 4/4 creature with first strike, and eventually double strike, with each level gained. These similar cards encapsulate the spirit of increasing power as the game advances, yet each card possesses unique traits that contribute differently to game strategy.
When you compare these transformative creatures, Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted stands out for its one-time flip condition, as opposed to the continuous level up investment required by the others. This distinct transition from a vulnerable creature to a significant threat adds both flavor and tactical depth to gameplay.
Cards similar to Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |