Denethor, Ruling Steward MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Legendary Creature — Human Noble |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
At the beginning of your end step, if a creature died under your control this turn, create a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token. , Sacrifice another creature: Each opponent loses 1 life and you gain 1 life.
"Much must be risked in war."
Cards like Denethor, Ruling Steward
Denethor Ruling Steward delivers unique tactical options within the realm of card advantage and control in MTG. When weighed against similar card types, this card possesses distinct abilities that set it apart. For example, Abzan Falconer grants flying to creatures with +1/+1 counters, but lacks the comprehensive control over the battlefield offered by Denethor’s ability to guide your strategy by scrying.
Examining comparable strategies, cards like Mentor of the Meek allow for card draw when casting creatures with lesser power, providing an ongoing advantage. However, it doesn’t match the immediate impact Denethor has when entering the battlefield. Also in the same echelon is Ephara, God of the Polis, allowing you to draw a card for each creature that entered under your control during your last turn, yet this still demands a consistent board presence which is a different setup than Denethor requires.
While evaluating these parallels, Denethor Ruling Steward holds a formidable place for those who prefer a more directive approach to sculpting their plays, offering a strategic scrying option that complements a variety of decks focused on control and foresight. Its ability to shape the player’s upcoming moves while providing a decent body on the board is truly what defines its niche.
Cards similar to Denethor, Ruling Steward by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Denethor, Ruling Steward. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mardu Sacrifice | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024 | ||
Mardu Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024 | ||
Orzhov Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Denethor Ruling Steward excels in card advantage by offering flexibility in card selection. Players can sift through their library, ensuring they get the right tools at the right time, which is pivotal in maintaining a strategic edge over opponents.
Resource Acceleration: This card aids in resource acceleration by allowing players to access additional mana sources. The ability to expedite mana availability is significant as it opens the door to casting more influential spells earlier in the game, setting the pace for dominance.
Instant Speed: The power to execute actions at instant speed gives players a considerable advantage. This capability enables them to act reactively to their opponent’s strategies, making Denethor Ruling Steward a versatile card that can adapt to a multitude of situations, often turning the tides when least expected.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Denethor Ruling Steward necessitates discarding a card, a potential setback when you’re managing a sparse hand. This might force players to make unwanted sacrifices, impacting their strategic options and tempo.
Specific Mana Cost: The card commands a precise mana arrangement to deploy, potentially straining deck flexibility. Players using multi-color decks may find it challenging to fulfill the mana prerequisites consistently, leading to a bottleneck in play dynamics.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a steeper mana demand relative to other cards with similar abilities, Denethor Ruling Steward can lag in the race for board presence. In faster-paced games or environments where mana efficiency is critical, this card may not be the optimal choice.
Reasons to Include Denethor Ruling Steward in Your Collection
Versatility: Denethor Ruling Steward offers a unique adaptability, seamlessly integrating into control or midrange decks. Its ability to affect board state while managing opponent’s strategies makes it a flexible choice for various game plans.
Combo Potential: Denethor’s capacity to protect key pieces or provide strategic advantage shines in combos, enabling intricate plays that can swiftly shift the tide of a match.
Meta-Relevance: With ever-shifting meta dynamics, Denethor’s skill set becomes increasingly important, particularly in environments that reward precise play and foresight. Its use can disrupt common strategies, keeping your deck one step ahead.
How to beat
Denethor, Ruling Steward presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, demanding a tactical approach for those facing this formidable MTG card. As a card that excels in bolstering the player’s army by providing creatures with advantageous taps and untaps, neutralizing its influence quickly becomes a priority. A savvy strategy would be to focus on removal spells, particularly those that can bypass any potential indestructibility to strip your opponent of such a powerful piece on their board.
Another effective tactic is to manage the game state by discouraging the extensive use of loyalty abilities. Using instant-speed interaction to disrupt the opponent’s strategy during their turn could prove vital in keeping Denethor from controlling the match. Engaging in this kind of reactive play, where your decisions directly impact and negate the abilities of Denethor, will pave the way for victory. The key lies in executing precise timing and having an understanding of the specific circumstances when Denethor’s abilities are at their most threatening.
It becomes essential to maintain pressure, continuously challenging your opponent’s resources and pushing the game towards a state where Denethor’s influence diminishes. Through careful deck building, mindful play, and maintaining the upper hand, players can ultimately mitigate the impact of Denethor, Ruling Steward.
BurnMana Recommendations
With Denethor Ruling Steward, MTG players have a powerful card that can significantly influence game dynamics and offer a competitive edge. If you’ve been intrigued by its ability to offer card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant-speed actions, consider the strategies to effectively incorporate this card into your deck. Remember, its high mana demand and discard requirement are factors to navigate carefully. For those interested in further refining their understanding and utilizing Denethor Ruling Steward’s full potential, delve deeper into its synergies and impact on the game with us. Elevate your MTG prowess—explore, learn, and conquer.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Denethor, Ruling Steward MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Denethor, Ruling Steward and other MTG cards:
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- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Denethor, Ruling Steward Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Campbell White.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 649 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Campbell White | |
2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 198 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Campbell White |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Denethor, Ruling Steward has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Restricted |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Denethor, Ruling Steward card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2023-06-16 | Denethor, Ruling Steward doesn't need to have been on the battlefield when the creature died. For example, if a creature dies during combat on your turn and you cast Denethor, Ruling Steward during your second main phase, its first ability will trigger at the beginning of your end step. |
2023-06-16 | Denethor, Ruling Steward's first ability will trigger only once during your end step, no matter how many creatures died under your control this turn. However, if no creatures have died under your control this turn as your end step begins, the ability won't trigger at all. It's not possible to cause a creature to die under your control during the end step in time to have the ability trigger. |