Golden Bear MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bear |
| Released | 1998-06-24 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal Second Age |
| Set code | P02 |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 127 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Una Fricker |
Cards like Golden Bear
The Golden Bear is a creature card that finds its place among the many bear-themed cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its nearest kin would be Grizzly Bears, a classic that simply offers a 2/2 creature for two mana. Both cards share the same stats and cost, embodying the very essence of what players have come to expect from bear creatures in the game – efficiency and simplicity.
Another relative in the forest of similar MTG cards is Runeclaw Bear. With the same mana cost and power/toughness ratio as Golden Bear, it’s a direct parallel, showing the foundational design of green creatures. Ashcoat Bear stands out in this family with an ability that could be game-changing in certain situations – flash. This allows it to be a surprise blocker or an unforeseen force during an opponent’s turn, a tactical advantage Golden Bear doesn’t have.
While Golden Bear may not boast special abilities or flashy mechanics, its reliable performance in many standard green decks cannot be understated. It’s a solid choice when the strategy calls for dependable creatures that can be on the field early to control the tempo or to quickly mount an offensive.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the realm of MTG, the Golden Bear card stands out by offering consistent card advantage. With its ability to potentially trade with two of an opponent’s cards, it’s an exemplary addition to any deck that seeks to overpower an adversary through sheer resource superiority.
Resource Acceleration: The Golden Bear shines in accelerating resources, as it embodies a mana-efficient creature that can be cast early in the game. By impacting the board quickly, it can accelerate your game plan, bolstering your position as your resources grow more robust while you develop a formidable board presence.
Instant Speed: The versatility of instant speed effects in MTG is not to be underestimated, and while the Golden Bear may not be cast at instant speed itself, it synergizes seamlessly with decks that capitalize on such spells. Its presence on the battlefield allows a player to confidently pass the turn, retaining mana for instant speed interactions, knowing they have a steadfast guardian in the Golden Bear.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When it comes to the Golden Bear, one of its downsides is the necessity to discard another card. This trade-off might set you back, particularly when your hand is already running low on options.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires a set combination of mana, which could restrict its integration into multi-colored decks, making it less flexible for players who like to blend various colors in their strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to summon the Golden Bear might not align with the tempo of many aggressive decks, making it less appealing compared to other creatures in its mana range that could potentially offer a greater impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Golden Bear offers a solid creature option that can seamlessly integrate into multiple deck archetypes. As a creature card that requires minimal mana investment, it can bolster your battlefield presence in both aggressive and defensive plays.
Combo Potential: While ostensibly straightforward, Golden Bear can be a key piece in synergistic strategies that take advantage of creature-based mechanics. It can enhance themes that involve creature-counts or those that capitalize on the power and toughness of your creatures.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting landscape of the current MTG meta, Golden Bear can offer a dependable two-drop that aligns well with creature-centric and midrange decks. This makes it a valuable asset in many game situations, adjusting well to a variety of competitive environments.
How to beat
The Golden Bear card in Magic: The Gathering is recognizable for its straightforward yet durable creature abilities. Successfully challenging this card often requires a strategy that mitigates its strengths. As a common tactic, using removal spells before the bear can affect the board state is advisable. Options such as Murder or Doom Blade allow you to address the creature directly and efficiently, removing it from play before your opponent can capitalize on its power and toughness.
Control decks may also find success through counter spells, intercepting the Golden Bear as it’s cast—Counterspell and Essence Scatter serve this purpose well. Alternatively, those running a white deck can look to Pacifism to neutralize the bear without resorting to removal, effectively rendering the creature harmless while it remains on the battlefield.
Combating the Golden Bear also means being prepared to trade creatures in battle. Creatures with deathtouch, like Typhoid Rats, can deter an attack or ensure a one-for-one trade. Engaging in the game with a varied toolkit that can adapt to the threats posed by the Golden Bear and similar cards will generally enhance your gameplay, leading to more victories in the MTG arena.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Golden Bear MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age, 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 Golden Bear 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Golden Bear has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |