In the Trenches MTG Card


“In the Trenches” enhances your board presence with a steady supply of tokens, ideal for swarm strategies. The card’s instant speed affords tactical flexibility, vital for creating surprise blockers or force amplification. Despite its advantages, the required discard and specific mana can limit its playability in some decks.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Creatures you control get +1/+1. : Exile target nonland permanent you don't control until In the Trenches leaves the battlefield. Activate only as a sorcery and only once.


Cards like In the Trenches

In the Trenches might remind veteran Magic: The Gathering players of other cards designed to tilt the battlefield in their favor. Cards like Brave the Sands offer a similar “fortify your defenses” approach, allowing creatures to block an additional creature each. This effect mirrors In the Trenches’ own tactical advantage in combat situations. Both are poised to bolster your defensive line, yet In the Trenches brings the added bonus of tapping supporters for that all-important extra soldier token.

Gleam of Resistance is another card that can be seen in the same light. It offers an immediate, although temporary, army boost with its untap and block capability. While Gleam of Resistance stands as a one-time event, the ongoing nature of In the Trenches’ effect provides a continuous supply of tokens, potentially more fitting for a strategy centered on sustained pressure and board presence.

When stacking up these strategic cards, In the Trenches offers a robust option for decks that thrive on maintaining a powerful and persistent defense. The ability to influence the board turn after turn makes it a noteworthy consideration for players crafting decks around control and attrition strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Brave the Sands - MTG Card versions
Gleam of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Brave the Sands - MTG Card versions
Gleam of Resistance - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to In the Trenches by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
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Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using In the Trenches. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro StandardMono-White SoldiersBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
Boros TokensBoros Tokens StandardBoros TokensStandard League 2024-02-24
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024
Mono-White Death & TaxesMono-White Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: In the Trenches provides a steady flow of creature tokens, bolstering your army on the battlefield and consistently increasing your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: With its ability to put soldier tokens onto the field, In the Trenches can synergize with mechanics that tap creatures for additional mana or benefits, effectively acting as a resource accelerant.

Instant Speed: Its instant speed grants flexibility, allowing you to wait for the opportune moment to create blockers or surprise your opponent with an unexpected increase in your forces.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the Trenches requires discarding a card as part of its casting cost. This can be a significant drawback when you’re already behind or trying to maintain card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s demand for both white and black mana can make it challenging to cast in a timely manner, particularly in a deck that isn’t heavily focused on those colors. Players running multi-colored decks might find it cumbersome to meet the mana requirements consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes three generic and one white mana, In the Trenches can be costly for its effect, especially when compared to other creature-generating options available at lower mana values. This can sometimes result in a less efficient use of your mana resources throughout the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: In the Trenches can be a powerful addition to various deck archetypes, fitting seamlessly into strategies that thrive on creature swarming and go-wide tactics.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergistic play, enhancing decks that capitalize on soldier tokens and benefit from effects that bolster creature numbers quickly.

Meta-Relevance: Given its nature, In the Trenches is particularly effective in a meta where token-generation can overwhelm opponents or where dominating the board state with numerous creatures is key to victory.


How to Beat

In the Trenches is a unique card that can be a real thorn in an opponent’s side due to its ability to generate a steady stream of creature tokens. One efficient strategy to counter this card is to employ board wipes, which can clear out multiple tokens with a single spell, thereby negating the card’s advantage. Cards that can deal with enchantments, such as Naturalize or Disenchant, can also directly remove In the Trenches from the battlefield, shutting down its token-producing capability.

Alternatively, focusing on cards that can exile or prevent creatures from attacking, like Settle the Wreckage or Ghostly Prison, can be effective in containing the threat posed by the constant token production. Incorporating counterspells to prevent In the Trenches from ever hitting the field can be another proactive measure. Finally, outpacing the card by accelerating your win condition can also be key in overcoming the potential battlefield buildup created by In the Trenches.

Regardless of the method chosen, understanding the mechanics of In the Trenches and being prepared with the right answers in your deck will give you a solid defense against this persistent enchantment.


BurnMana Recommendations

With the pros and cons of In the Trenches dissected, savvy MTG enthusiasts know the value of informed deck-building. This card’s capacity to populate the battlefield should not be underestimated in the right strategy. For those devoted to crafting a formidable deck with synergy at its core, In the Trenches offers a wealth of possibilities. Consider the endless potential it has when combined with other token enhancing effects or in decks built to capitalize on creature numbers for a truly competitive edge. Dive deeper into strategic discussions, deck modifications, and card evaluations to ensure your collection is battle-ready. Let BurnMana be your guide as you refine your decks and strategies. Explore with us and capture the true essence of mastery within the MTG realm.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase In the Trenches MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and The Brothers' War, 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 In the Trenches and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The In the Trenches Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-11-18 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by Daarken.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1056502015NormalBlackDaarken
22022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 3012015NormalBlackDaarken
32022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 82015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where In the Trenches has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-14 Auras attached to the exiled permanent will be put into their owners' graveyards. Equipment attached to an exiled creature will become unattached and remain on the battlefield. Any counters on the exiled permanent will cease to exist.
2022-10-14 If In the Trenches leaves the battlefield and later returns to the battlefield, it is a new object on the battlefield with no memory of the last time it was there. Its ability may be activated, even if it was activated a previous time it was on the battlefield.
2022-10-14 If In the Trenches leaves the battlefield before its activated ability resolves, the target permanent won't be exiled.
2022-10-14 If a token is exiled, it ceases to exist. It won't be returned to the battlefield.
2022-10-14 In a multiplayer game, if the owner of In the Trenches leaves the game, the exiled card will return to the battlefield. Because the one-shot effect that returns the card isn't an ability that goes on the stack, it won't cease to exist along with the leaving player's spells and abilities on the stack.
2022-10-14 The activated ability can only be activated once per game. If the ability is countered or otherwise fails to resolve after being activated, it can't be activated again.
2022-10-14 The activated ability is a single ability that creates two one-shot effects: one that exiles the permanent when the ability resolves, and another that returns the exiled card to the battlefield immediately after In the Trenches leaves the battlefield.