Makindi Shieldmate MTG Card

Makindi Shieldmate’s ally synergy significantly advances card advantage in dedicated ally decks. Its low cost aids resource management while preserving mana for instant-speed plays. Despite mana restrictions, Shieldmate’s versatility makes it a valuable collection addition.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Kor Soldier Ally
Abilities	Defender
Released	2009-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Zendikar
Set code	ZEN
Power	0
Toughness	3
Number	26
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Howard Lyon

Text of card

Defender Whenever Makindi Shieldmate or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, you may put a +1/+1 counter on Makindi Shieldmate.

The more who rely on him, the more resolute he becomes.

Cards like Makindi Shieldmate

Makindi Shieldmate offers a unique twist on the defender archetype in Magic: The Gathering. It mirrors the functionality of cards like Guardians of Meletis, which also provide a robust defense mechanism. Yet, what sets Makindi Shieldmate apart is its ally synergy, capable of enhancing other allies each time it or another ally enters the battlefield. Guardians of Meletis lacks the interactive ally component that can be vital in specific deck strategies.

An analogous card is Veteran Armorsmith, which also presents a strong defensive unit but primarily boosts other soldiers, catering to a different tribal synergy. Although both cards strengthen their respective tribes, Makindi Shieldmate’s flexibility in any ally-focused deck gives it a slight edge. Furthermore, the cost-efficient nature of Makindi Shieldmate, at just three mana, ensures that it can fit into decks without heavily impacting the mana curve.

In assessing the strategic advantages within the vast spectrum of defender and tribal support cards, Makindi Shieldmate stands out due to its tribal versatility and cost-effectiveness, making it a worthy consideration for any ally-themed deck constructor in Magic: The Gathering.

Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Makindi Shieldmate by color, type and mana cost

Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Makindi Shieldmate doesn’t just serve as a blocker on the field; it also offers an ally subtype, which can be a linchpin in ally-centric decks where synergy creates significant card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly contributing to mana production, the Shieldmate’s low cost can help streamline your board presence, effectively accelerating your resource deployment by having more permanents on the field for other synergistic actions.

Instant Speed: While the Shieldmate itself isn’t an instant, its cheap cost allows you to keep mana open for other instant-speed interactions. This ensures that you can develop your board and still react to an opponent’s moves, thereby maintaining flexibility during the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Makindi Shieldmate doesn’t necessitate discarding directly, but its potential to affect overall hand size could disadvantage you if you’re relying on a strategy that requires maintaining a robust hand of cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Makindi Shieldmate needs a precise combination of mana, including white, which could limit its integration in multicolored decks or those with a strict mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Shieldmate offers a defensive boost, the cost to field this creature may compete with other cards at a similar mana level that could provide a more significant impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Makindi Shieldmate can be slotted into various decks, aiding strategies that capitalize on defensive measures. Its ability to support a life gain focus or act as a reliable blocker makes it a flexible addition to any collection.

Combo Potential: As a Kor Ally, Makindi Shieldmate has synergy with decks that rely on Ally tribal themes. Its presence can amplify the effects of other Allies, fueling both offensive and defensive combinations.

Meta-Relevance: With shifting meta-games that often leverage on aggressive tactics, having a low-cost creature like Makindi Shieldmate can prove crucial in tipping the scales early on. Its relevance increases in environments where stalling the game for more powerful late-game plays is a common strategy.

How to beat

Makindi Shieldmate presents itself as a solid defensive option in the vast landscape of creatures within Magic: The Gathering. With its ally mechanic, it can bolster your team’s toughness as you assemble a more formidable defense. To effectively navigate around this stalwart defender, a well-thought strategy is needed. One effective way is to employ removal spells that can bypass its defensive buff, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push. These can neatly sidestep the issue by removing the Shieldmate or any bolstered ally without having to engage in combat.

Another method is by using board wipe spells. Supreme Verdict and Wrath of God can clear the entire board of creatures, Makindi Shieldmate included, irrespective of how tough the allies have become. It’s also beneficial to prioritize spells that can handle multiple creatures simultaneously to maximize efficiency. Lastly, keeping pressure with agile creatures can outpace the ally synergy, as they work by accumulating a critical mass. By staying aggressive and keeping the opponent on their back foot, they will have less opportunity to benefit from Makindi Shieldmate’s defensive abilities.

Tackling Makindi Shieldmate effectively requires a combination of careful planning and the right spells. As with most strategies in Magic: The Gathering, adaptability and understanding of the current meta can give players the upper hand against this trusty guardian and its allies.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Makindi Shieldmate MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar, 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 Makindi Shieldmate and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Makindi Shieldmate has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2009-10-01	This ability triggers on this creature entering the battlefield, so it will enter the battlefield with its unmodified power and toughness, and then receive a +1/+1 counter a short time later. It does not enter the battlefield with the +1/+1 counter already on it.