Courage in Crisis MTG Card


Hands-on card usage boosts battlefield presence while enabling a wider proliferate application. Integral in decks focusing on +1/+1 counters, it expedites threat escalation impressively. Though powerful, the card’s discard cost and specific mana needs can limit versatility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Proliferate

Text of card

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature, then proliferate. (Choose any number of permanents and/or players, then give each another counter of each kind already there.)

"Thanks to my father, I know how to fight. He also showed me why I must."


Cards like Courage in Crisis

Courage in Crisis is a unique card that adds versatility and resilience to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It echoes the functionalities of cards like ‘Inspiring Call’, which also bolsters your creatures by giving them counters. However, Courage in Crisis takes it a step further by proliferating—increasing the number of each type of counter on any number of permanents you already have.

Examining ‘Pledge of Unity’, we find a similar spirit in its ability to put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. Unlike Courage in Crisis, it also grants life gain for each creature you control, making it a dual-purpose card. On the other hand, ‘Solidarity of Heroes’ is another spell that doubles the number of +1/+1 counters on a creature you control. Although this has the potential for a more significant immediate impact, it lacks the universal proliferation that Courage in Crisis offers.

To wrap it up, Courage in Crisis not only contends well among MTG cards that modify and leverage counters, it also brings a universal aspect to the table, allowing it to amplify various strategies across the board, making it a solid choice for decks focused on synergy and counter manipulation.

Inspiring Call - MTG Card versions
Pledge of Unity - MTG Card versions
Solidarity of Heroes - MTG Card versions
Inspiring Call - MTG Card versions
Pledge of Unity - MTG Card versions
Solidarity of Heroes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Courage in Crisis by color, type and mana cost

Ice Storm - MTG Card versions
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Seeds of Innocence - MTG Card versions
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Alluring Scent - MTG Card versions
Lair Delve - MTG Card versions
Search for Tomorrow - MTG Card versions
Ice Storm - MTG Card versions
Tranquility - MTG Card versions
Seeds of Innocence - MTG Card versions
Fallow Earth - MTG Card versions
Untamed Wilds - MTG Card versions
Wing Snare - MTG Card versions
Squall - MTG Card versions
Deep Reconnaissance - MTG Card versions
Long Rest - MTG Card versions
Rosethorn Acolyte // Seasonal Ritual - MTG Card versions
Cultivate - MTG Card versions
Lovestruck Beast // Heart's Desire - MTG Card versions
Nissa's Pilgrimage - MTG Card versions
Deconstruct - MTG Card versions
Gift of the Gargantuan - MTG Card versions
Trip Wire - MTG Card versions
Kodama's Reach - MTG Card versions
Alluring Scent - MTG Card versions
Lair Delve - MTG Card versions
Search for Tomorrow - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When playing Courage in Crisis, you not only strengthen your creatures on the battlefield, but you also can potentially create more threats for your opponent. The proliferate ability enables you to increase the number of +1/+1 counters on your creatures or even bolster other types of counters, like loyalty counters on planeswalkers, which can tip the scales of the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Courage in Crisis can serve as a form of resource acceleration, particularly in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters. By augmenting creatures already enhanced with +1/+1 counters, this card could dramatically speed up your gameplay, turning your growing forces into a quickly escalating threat that can overwhelm opponents.

Instant Speed: Although Courage in Crisis is a sorcery, its ability aligns well with instant-speed interactions. For example, if you have instant-speed effects that can add counters or protect your creatures, you can set up your board state accordingly and then capitalize on it with Courage in Crisis for a formidable presence that can change the game’s direction.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Courage in Crisis requires discarding a card to activate its most potent effects. This can be detrimental in gameplay, especially when your hand is already running on empty, pressuring you to make tough decisions about resource management.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Courage in Crisis involves specific mana, which can sometimes pose challenges in multicolored decks. If you’re struggling to find the right mana sources at a critical juncture, this card could be sitting uselessly in your hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to optimizing your game, efficiency is key. Courage in Crisis has a mana cost that’s on the higher side compared to other options available. This can slow down your gameplay, as deploying this card requires a significant investment that might not always align with your strategy or pace.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Courage in Crisis is a multifaceted card that’s a great fit for decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters. Its ability to both bolster a single creature and proliferate ensures it synergizes well with a variety of creature-focused strategies.

Combo Potential: This card’s proliferation mechanic works perfectly with permanents that have counters — from increasing loyalty on Planeswalkers to amplifying charge counters on artifacts. These interactions can turn the tide of a game by enhancing existing board states.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where longer games give value to incremental advantages, Courage in Crisis can secure an edge. Adaptability during a match can be transformative, and with creatures and counters being a consistent part of the MTG landscape, it’s a card that can frequently find its moment to shine.


How to beat

Courage in Crisis is a versatile combat trick and proliferation tool that can significantly alter the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This card allows players to put a +1/+1 counter on a target creature and then proliferate, enhancing creatures and permanents with existing counters. To effectively counter this card, it is crucial to either disrupt the initial targeting of the spell or to minimize the impact of the proliferation mechanic. One way to achieve this is through the use of instant-speed removal spells that can respond to Courage in Crisis by removing the targeted creature from the field before the spell resolves, thus negating its effects.

Additionally, managing the number of counters on the battlefield is key. Board wipes or removal spells that specifically target creatures with counters, such as Bloodchief’s Thirst, can be employed to mitigate the benefits of proliferation. Moreover, incorporating cards that limit the opponent’s ability to place counters, or that can remove counters, such as Vampire Hexmage, will also diminish the power of Courage in Crisis and similar strategies centered around counters. By maintaining control over counter distribution and being ready to react to combat tricks, you can successfully navigate your way through the challenges presented by this card.

Remember, keeping a close watch on your opponent’s mana and playing around potential combat tricks are the subtle plays that can turn the tide against the advantage provided by Courage in Crisis, ensuring your creatures survive and dominate the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

When considering the strategic depth of MTG, cards like Courage in Crisis stand out for their ability to shift gameplay with well-timed proliferation. Beyond strengthening your own board state, the critical factor lies in utilising such cards as part of a comprehensive gameplay strategy. Acknowledging the card’s dual nature in resource acceleration and potential drawback due to its mana specificity provides a balanced viewpoint for players looking to optimize their decks. Embrace the opportunities that Courage in Crisis offers and adapt your playstyle to harness its full potential. Dive deeper into MTG strategies with us and discover how to make every card in your collection count.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Courage in Crisis MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and The List, 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 Courage in Crisis and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Courage in Crisis Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Micah Epstein.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 1582015NormalBlackMicah Epstein
22020-09-26The ListPLST WAR-1582015NormalBlackMicah Epstein
32023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2782015NormalBlackMicah Epstein

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Courage in Crisis has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Courage in Crisis card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-03-19 If a permanent has +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters on it, they’re removed in pairs as a state-based action so that the permanent has only one of those kinds of counters on it.
2021-03-19 Players can respond to a spell or ability whose effect includes proliferating. Once that spell or ability starts to resolve, however, and its controller chooses which permanents and players will get new counters, it’s too late for anyone to respond.
2021-03-19 To proliferate, you can choose any permanent that has a counter, including ones controlled by opponents. You can’t choose cards in any zone other than the battlefield, even if they have counters on them.
2021-03-19 You don’t have to choose every permanent or player that has a counter, only the ones you want to add another counter to. Since “any number” includes zero, you don’t have to choose any permanents at all, and you don’t have to choose any players at all.