Gift of Strength MTG Card
2017-07-14 - Number 117
2019-01-25 - Number 127
2020-01-24 - Number 171
2024-02-23 - Number 165
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets +3/+3 and gains reach until end of turn.
"What greater testament can there be to Rhonas's lessons?"
Cards like Gift of Strength
In the vast arsenal of combat tricks within Magic: The Gathering, Gift of Strength stands out due to its impressive stat boost. Like Giant Growth, a classic favorite, it adds a significant amount to a creature’s power and toughness. Giant Growth offers a similar boost for a lesser cost, but it lacks the reach attribute Gift of Strength grants, an essential tool against flying creatures.
Another card worth mentioning is Titanic Growth, which provides an even greater power surge. However, Titanic Growth comes with a higher mana requirement, which may not always align seamlessly with a player’s strategy. Gift of Strength, on the other hand, with its modest mana cost and the added benefit of reach, can prove to be more versatile during combat. Then there’s Blossoming Defense that not only gives a smaller power boost but also has the added advantage of hexproof to ward off targeted spells and abilities, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
When considering the tactical advantage of combat enhancements, Gift of Strength offers a balanced mix of power, protection from aerial threats, and affordability, making it a competitive choice for players looking to bolster their creatures on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Gift of Strength by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Gift of Strength doesn’t directly draw you cards, it can effectively preserve your creatures during combat or against direct damage spells, potentially outmaneuvering your opponent’s cards and leveling the playing field.
Resource Acceleration: Gift of Strength is a low-cost spell, allowing you to efficiently use your mana and still hold resources for other spells. This allows for a versatile approach to your mana allocation throughout the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Gift of Strength at instant speed provides a tactical advantage, giving you the flexibility to respond to threats or opportunities as they arise during your opponent’s turn, often leading to advantageous combat scenarios.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Gift of Strength doesn’t demand you to discard, it’s essential to consider the card’s value against what else you could be holding in your hand. In the crucial turns of a game, every card counts, and you may find yourself conflicted about casting this or advancing your board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Gift of Strength requires one green mana, pigeonholing it into green-centric or multicolored decks. This limitation restricts build variety, making it less versatile for decks that don’t prioritize green mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At two mana for a temporary buff and a modest defensive bonus, some players might balk at the cost efficiency of Gift of Strength. Considering other cards could provide a larger or more permanent boost to a creature’s stats or offer additional effects for the same or lower cost, it’s a factor worth weighing when deck building.
Reasons to Include Gift of Strength in Your Collection
Versatility: Gift of Strength can seamlessly adapt to a variety of strategies within green decks. As both an instant-speed combat trick and a creature bolster, it offers players the ability to surprise opponents during battle phases and turn the tide with its dual buff.
Combo Potential: When combined with cards that capitalize on high power creatures or ones that require the reach ability, this card becomes a key component that propels synergistic plays. It can also be an enabler in strategies focused on achieving specific conditions for winning.
Meta-Relevance: Against decks that rely on flyers as primary threats or win conditions, Gift of Strength can serve as a cost-effective response. Furthermore, in a game state that favors combat-centric interactions, its power and toughness boost could prove critical in maintaining board presence and advancing your strategy.
How to beat
Gift of Strength is an intriguing combat trick in the world of Magic: The Gathering. This instant spell not only gives a creature +3/+3 until the end of the turn but also endows it with reach, catching many opponents off guard by turning a seemingly harmless creature into a formidable blocker or a sudden heavy hitter. It’s usually deployed during the combat phase, to create a pivotal turn of play, by unexpectedly altering the power dynamics on the battlefield.
To outmaneuver this card, timing is key. Awareness of your opponent’s untapped lands and the cards they have in hand can be critical since Gift of Strength requires both a creature to target and one green mana to cast. A well-placed counterspell or removal action in response to the casting can effectively negate the surprise element of Gift of Strength. Additionally, waiting to engage in combat until you have adequate removal or the ability to withstand the buffed creature’s assault could tilt the match in your favor. Leading the opponent into a false sense of security before dismantling their plan can also be a strategic approach to neutralize the potential impact of Gift of Strength.
Ultimately, while Gift of Strength can turn a game around with its significant stat boost and added reach ability, being predictive and responsive with your counter-strategies can seamlessly secure victory against its surprise use.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gift of Strength MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Gift of Strength and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- 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
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Printings
The Gift of Strength Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-07-14 | Hour of Devastation | HOU | 117 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | |
| 2 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 127 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lius Lasahido | |
| 3 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death | THB | 171 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Winona Nelson | |
| 4 | 2024-02-23 | Ravnica: Clue Edition | CLU | 165 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lius Lasahido |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gift of Strength has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |