Hewed Stone Retainers MTG Card
2015-01-23 - Number 161
2002-06-24 - Number 55745
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Golem |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Cast Hewed Stone Retainers only if you've cast another spell this turn.
"Their origins are shrouded in mystery. I believe they are the protectors of the lost secrets of our world." —Jilaya, Temur whisperer
Cards like Hewed Stone Retainers
When looking at Hewed Stone Retainers and its place in MTG’s vast card repertoire, it’s important to identify its unique qualities compared to other cards in its class. Hewed Stone Retainers offer a solid creature on the battlefield at a potentially reduced casting cost, provided you’ve cast another spell before it during your turn. This cost-reduction feature resembles that of the renowned artifact creature, Frogmite, which has affinity for artifacts, reducing its cost potentially to zero in the right deck.
Another card worth comparing is Myr Enforcer, which similarly benefits from a reduced casting cost in decks with numerous artifacts. Though not as immediately powerful as Hewed Stone Retainers, Myr Enforcer’s synergy within artifact-heavy decks often makes it a more flexible choice. Conversely, Hewed Stone Retainers stands out as a non-artifact option for decks looking to cast a large creature after setting off a cascade of spells.
The correct deployment of Hewed Stone Retainers could lead to a significant shift in the board state, carving a niche for itself among creatives and enthusiasts who enjoy deck-building challenges. In this light, Hewed Stone Retainers holds a unique ground with its conditional yet powerful casting cost advantage.
Cards similar to Hewed Stone Retainers by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hewed Stone Retainers can be a key component in decks that aim to maintain card superiority. While it doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its cost-efficient nature ensures that you can deploy more threats without depleting your hand too quickly.
Resource Acceleration: As a creature that you can cast for only three mana if you’ve cast another spell this turn, Hewed Stone Retainers allows you to utilize mana efficiently. This acceleration can be crucial in outpacing your opponent by deploying larger threats sooner.
Instant Speed: While the Retainers themselves are not an instant, their casting condition complements an instant-speed strategy. This allows you to keep mana open for other instant-speed interactions and cast Retainers as an additional play within the same turn, effectively acting at a similar pace to instant-speed plays. This can be especially beneficial in decks that operate on the principle of ‘end step’ plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hewed Stone Retainers necessitate a clear board with no other spells played that turn, a condition that can be difficult to meet, especially if you need to stay proactive with your other cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting these stone giants requires a specific combination of mana, three of any color plus one generic, which may not align well with decks running a tight mana base or those that are color-intensive in other spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost effectively set at four mana for a creature that can potentially be a dead card in hand, especially during the early game stages or when you’re aiming for tempo, it may not provide the immediate board presence or versatility other creatures offer at a similar or lower cost point.
Reasons to Include Hewed Stone Retainers in Your Collection
Versatility: Hewed Stone Retainers can be a dynamic addition to decks that aim to cast multiple spells in one turn. Since they can only be cast if you’ve cast another spell before it this turn, it encourages a playstyle that’s both proactive and rewarding.
Combo Potential: Their ability to hit the board quickly makes them a prime choice for strategies looking to capitalize on creature synergies or power up with equipment and auras. Additionally, their 4/4 stature for three mana can quickly turn the tides in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed and efficiency are key, Hewed Stone Retainers offer a budget-friendly option for players looking to apply pressure without sacrificing deck space for higher-cost creatures. Their solid stat line and swift casting requirements can catch opponents off guard and shift the momentum of the game.
How to beat
Hewed Stone Retainers present a solid challenge due to their formidable power and ability to come into play quickly under the right conditions. To successfully counter this card in your MTG battles, it’s crucial to have an understanding of the requirements for casting it. Since the Retainers can only be cast if you haven’t played another spell that turn, timing your plays to force your opponent to choose between casting it and using their mana for other spells is key.
Removal spells that can target the Retainers before they can attack, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can nullify this threat promptly. Control decks that can keep the board clear with counter magic and point removal will find little trouble managing the potential threat Retainers provoke. Additionally, since the Retainers are a creature, cards that prevent creatures from entering the battlefield, or that punish your opponent for playing creatures, can be effective deterrents.
Understanding the tempo and flow of your opponent’s strategy allows you to anticipate and prepare for cards like Hewed Stone Retainers. Always be ready to disrupt their game plan, and the Retainers will be less of a stone wall and more of a stepping stone to your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hewed Stone Retainers MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Fate Reforged, 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 Hewed Stone Retainers 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 Hewed Stone Retainers Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2015-01-23. Illustrated by David Seguin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 55745 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Seguin | ||
| 2 | 2015-01-23 | Fate Reforged | FRF | 161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Seguin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hewed Stone Retainers has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hewed Stone Retainers card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-11-24 | It doesn’t matter whether the other spell resolved. It could have been countered or, if you’ve somehow cast Hewed Stone Retainers as though it had flash, it could still be on the stack. |