Exemplar of Strength MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 165
2020-08-13 - Number 190
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
When Exemplar of Strength enters the battlefield, put three -1/-1 counters on target creature you control. Whenever Exemplar of Strength attacks, remove a -1/-1 counter from it. If you do, you gain 1 life.
"No one is born worthy."
Cards like Exemplar of Strength
Exemplar of Strength is an intriguing creature in MTG, sharing characteristics with other cards that revolve around self-infliction for power-ups. Cards like Hooded Brawler enhance their strength through exert, temporarily increasing their power without a life cost. Exemplar of Strength sacrifices life to grow stronger initially, but has the built-in ability to heal itself through -1/-1 counter removal.
Another cousin in strategy is Quarry Hauler, which can manipulate counters on itself or other permanents, though it does so without the life gain twist. Channeler Initiate serves a dual role, both as a mana dork and a counter mover, though it cannot heal you as Exemplar of Strength can. These different dynamics highlight the versatility and utility of Exemplar of Strength in counter-centric decks.
Considering creature flexibility and the potential for life recovery, Exemplar of Strength demonstrates its unique place among creatures that juggle with counters. It blends aggressive potential with self-sustenance, making it a card that warrants consideration in decks exploiting -1/-1 counters for strategic advantage.
Cards similar to Exemplar of Strength by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Exemplar of Strength doesn’t just place a formidable creature on the battlefield, it brings along a utility that’s twofold. By entering with -1/-1 counters and giving you the opportunity to remove those counters and gain life with each attack, it can effectively help you stabilize your board position and life total, ensuring you stay ahead in the game.
Resource Acceleration: This card works as an enabler in strategies seeking to manipulate counter placements. In decks that thrive on +1/+1 counters, Exemplar of Strength can serve as an early accelerator, setting the stage for more powerful synergy-based plays as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: While Exemplar of Strength doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, it synergizes well with other cards that do. For decks that run various combat tricks or responses that utilize -1/-1 counters or life gain, this creature can be a key piece in quickly pivoting the state of the game during combat phases or at the end of an opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Exemplar of Strength requires you to put a weakness counter on another creature you control, which can put that creature at risk and potentially set you back if you have a limited board presence. Those who favor a strategy to maintain a robust creature line-up might find this trade-off counterintuitive to their game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: Exemplar of Strength comes with a green mana requirement that confines it to green-based decks or multicolored decks that can accommodate green mana. This restricts deck-building options and can be a hurdle for players aiming to integrate it into non-green strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana, one of which must be green, Exemplar of Strength may seem affordable, but considering its requirement to weaken another creature, some players may feel it is not as cost-effective. Alternatives that don’t necessitate such a compromise could be deemed more efficient for the same or lower mana investment, especially in aggressive decks seeking to develop their board swiftly.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Exemplar of Strength can be a valuable addition across various deck archetypes, particularly those revolving around +1/+1 counters and aggressive strategies. Its ability to enter the battlefield with counters already makes it a substantive threat from the get-go.
Combo Potential: This creature has the inherent ability to work well with life-gain mechanics or act as fuel for evolve-type actions. Its capability to exploit counter-manipulating spells or abilities can turn it into a formidable presence on the battleground.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggro decks are prominent, Exemplar of Strength can serve as an early game powerhouse, often outpacing opponents in creature size and offering significant pressure right from the early turns of the game.
How to beat
Exemplar of Strength is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Boasting both a powerful enter the battlefield ability and robust stats, it’s a creature that can quickly turn the tide of a game. To effectively neutralize this threat, a targeted removal spell is your best option. Spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can take Exemplar of Strength out before its impact is deeply felt.
Another strategy is to prevent the Exemplar from being utilized as a resource engine. By hindering its ability to participate in combat – either through tap-down effects or making use of creatures with reach or flying – you ensure it stays on the sidelines. Cards such as Frost Lynx or the enchantment Claustrophobia restrict the Exemplar’s offense capabilities, mitigating its potential harm to your game plan.
Lastly, countering creature buffs is crucial. By having instant-speed answers such as Negate or Dive Down, you can address combat tricks or Aura spells targeted at the Exemplar. With these techniques, the once formidable Exemplar of Strength will be reduced to a mere inconvenience, paving your way to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Exemplar of Strength MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Exemplar of Strength and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Exemplar of Strength Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Sara Winters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 165 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sara Winters | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 190 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sara Winters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Exemplar of Strength has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Exemplar of Strength card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-18 | If Exemplar of Strength leaves the battlefield in response to its second triggered ability, you won’t be able to remove a counter from it, and you won’t gain 1 life. |