Samite Censer-Bearer MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Rebel Cleric
Released	2007-05-04
Set symbol
Set name	Future Sight
Set code	FUT
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	15
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	William Simpson

Key Takeaways

The Censer-Bearer’s deterrent effect is crucial for protecting valuable creatures and maintaining board advantage.
Its ability to act at instant speed without mana costs enhances gameplay flexibility and disrupts opponent plans.
Casting restrictions and situational discard requirements can limit the card’s utility in diverse deck types.

Text of card

, Sacrifice Samite Censer-Bearer: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to each creature you control this turn.

Samite alchemists extracted aromatic traces of healing minerals from the residue of the receding salt dunes.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Samite Censer-Bearer doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it can play a significant role in maintaining board presence by acting as a deterrent against opponents attacking with weaker creatures, potentially preserving your bigger threats for more crucial battles.

Resource Acceleration: Although it’s not a source of mana acceleration, the Censer-Bearer’s low cost and ability can culminate in resource advancement by enabling more efficient trades on the battlefield, thereby saving mana for more impactful plays as the game progresses.

Instant Speed: The Censer-Bearer’s sacrifice ability can be activated at instant speed, offering flexibility during combat. This timely intervention can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and turn the tide in your favor, especially since it can be executed without any mana cost during their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside to the Samite Censer-Bearer is that certain game states may require you to discard cards to activate its ability. This situation can be detrimental when your hand is already scarce on options.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a white mana for casting, which can restrict its inclusion strictly to white or multicolored decks. Players running mono-color decks of a different hue or colorless ones will find the Samite Censer-Bearer incompatible.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its given effect, the investment of two mana to cast may seem steep when evaluated against other creatures with similar abilities. Players often seek more impactful board presence or abilities for this amount of mana, potentially sidelining the Samite Censer-Bearer in a competitive environment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Samite Censer-Bearer offers flexibility in deck-building. It can seamlessly integrate into defensive strategies or be used to safeguard more valuable creatures in your lineup. Its ability provides an additional layer of decision-making for opponents, making it a tactical asset.

Combo Potential: The ability of Samite Censer-Bearer to sacrifice itself and deal damage to a creature an opponent controls adds layers of combo potential. Pair it with cards that capitalize on creature death or damage triggers, and you have a recipe for a synergistic partnership.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based combat is pervasive, Samite Censer-Bearer can be a prudent choice. Its presence on the battlefield can deter attacks and influence the flow of the game, making it a relevant inclusion in creature-heavy metas.

How to beat

The Samite Censer-Bearer may not seem like a major threat in the wide universe of Magic: The Gathering, but its ability to prevent damage can be surprisingly potent in certain situations. When facing this card on the battlefield, consider strategies such as employing untargeted removal spells. Since it can only prevent damage that would be dealt to itself, board wipes like Wrath of God or global damage spells like Blasphemous Act can circumvent its defensive ability.

Another effective tactic is to limit the resources available to your opponent. The Samite Censer-Bearer requires a white mana to activate its ability, so cards that restrict mana generation or tap down creatures can be particularly useful. Direct removal spells such as Path to Exile or Murder can also get rid of the Censer-Bearer outright, as long as your opponent can’t generate white mana in response.

Ultimately, understanding when to time your removal and managing your resources efficiently can make the difference in taking down a creature like the Samite Censer-Bearer. By employing these strategies, you’ll be able to neutralize its defensive capability and maintain the upper hand.

Cards like Samite Censer-Bearer

Samite Censer-Bearer takes its place among the support creatures in MTG, offering a blend of defense and offensive tactics. When we look at spellshapers like Benevolent Bodyguard, we see a creature that can also protect valuable allies by sacrificing itself. However, Samite Censer-Bearer brings a different game mechanic with its ability to deal damage upon its sacrifice, a feature the Bodyguard lacks.

Delving into a related yet distinct option, we have Martyr of Dusk. While Martyr of Dusk doesn’t provide direct damage like our Censer-Bearer, it compensates by creating a 1/1 white Vampire creature token with lifelink upon death, thus maintaining board presence. Contrary to this, Samite Censer-Bearer’s impact leaves no remnants on the board but offers immediate damage to potentially disrupt opponent strategies.

In sum, comparing MTG creatures that offer utility through self-sacrifice showcases varied strategic value. Samite Censer-Bearer distinguishes itself with the ability to potentially turn the tide in combat, whereas others like Benevolent Bodyguard and Martyr of Dusk serve more protective roles or enhance board state. Its unique function carves a niche in decks built around tactical creature sacrifice.

Benevolent Bodyguard - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Samite Censer-Bearer by color, type and mana cost

Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions

Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions

Bushi Tenderfoot // Kenzo the Hardhearted - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Samite Censer-Bearer MTG card by a specific set like Future Sight, 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 Samite Censer-Bearer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Samite Censer-Bearer has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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