Barktooth Warbeard MTG Card

Legends (LEG)
1994-06-01 - Number 221

Barktooth Warbeard - Masters Edition III (ME3)

Masters Edition III (ME3)
2009-09-07 - Number 144

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Legendary Creature — Human Warrior
Power	6
Toughness	5

Key Takeaways

Barktooth Warbeard commands the board, indirectly leading to potential card advantage over opponents.
Cost efficiency in power and toughness makes it a formidable presence and aids in board dominance.
Though lacking in instant speed, strategic deployment can vastly improve gameplay outcomes.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Barktooth Warbeard doesn’t directly offer card advantage in the traditional sense; however, its inherent robustness in a game can provide a form of virtual card advantage. By having a substantial presence on the board, it can demand multiple resources from an opponent to deal with, indirectly leading to card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Barktooth Warbeard itself doesn’t provide resource acceleration, it is a cost-efficient creature in terms of power and toughness. Playing efficient creatures can help maintain a strong position on the board, which in turn could leave more resources for other spells and threats.

Instant Speed: Barktooth Warbeard is a creature card and therefore does not have instant speed capabilities. However, understanding when to best deploy such a creature can make a substantial difference in gameplay, especially when considering the best use of mana each turn and planning around potential instant speed responses from opponents.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Barktooth Warbeard’s abilities may be potent, but players must be wary of the impact on their hand. Discarding cards can set you back, especially if Barktooth Warbeard falls victim to removal before you can reap the benefits of your sacrifice.

Specific Mana Cost: Committing to the mana requirements of Barktooth Warbeard can be restrictive. With a color identity locked in black and red, it necessitates a deck build that can support such colors consistently, which may not always be ideal for players who enjoy a more flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment to get Barktooth Warbeard on the field is considerable. In a game where tempo can determine the victor, the high mana cost poses a risk, potentially leaving you open to faster, more aggressive strategies. Players must consider if the power level matches the investment required.

Reasons to Include Barktooth Warbeard in Your Collection

Versatility: Barktooth Warbeard is a classic card that can slot into commander decks requiring a steadfast and durable commander. Its ability to consistently offer a robust presence on the battlefield makes it a reliable choice for various playstyles.

Combo Potential: As a legendary creature, Barktooth Warbeard has synergy with cards that capitalize on legendary status. It can enable strategies centered around historical or legendary themed decks, bringing an added layer of depth to your game.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-changing landscape of the MTG meta, having a card that stands the test of time reflects a solid understanding of the game’s roots. In metas where players appreciate classic cards with enduring value, Barktooth Warbeard maintains its relevance.

How to beat

Barktooth Warbeard is an intriguing old-school creature nestled in the annals of Magic: The Gathering lore. As with any card, understanding its role and weaknesses is key to conquering it in play. This legendary pirate from the Legends set can be quite formidable with a solid power and toughness ratio, but he is not unbeatable.

It’s essential to remember that Barktooth Warbeard, being an old-time card, lacks the more intricate abilities of newer MTG creatures. He doesn’t have protection from spells or abilities and can be managed with conventional removal, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile. Combat tricks also work well, as he does not have reach or flying. An effective strategy could involve forcing Barktooth into unfavorable blocks or overrunning your opponent with creatures that have evasion abilities.

To sum up, while Barktooth Warbeard might have been a considerable threat in his prime, the evolution of Magic: The Gathering has brought forth a myriad of options to handle such straightforward creatures. With thoughtful strategy and a well-constructed deck, toppling this legendary warlord can be readily achieved.

Cards like Barktooth Warbeard

Barktooth Warbeard holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many Magic: The Gathering collectors. As part of the Legends set, this card embodies the classic fantasy element of the game. It reminds seasoned players of cards like Barbary Apes, an earlier creature bearing a resemblance in art style and flavor. Nevertheless, from a gameplay perspective, there are more contemporary cards we can draw parallels to.

For instance, take the formidable Balduvian Horde, a creature that brings a similar 5/5 power and toughness to the battlefield. Though both require a payment of four mana, Balduvian Horde potentially demands an additional discard, which Barktooth Warbeard does not, offering a more predictable play. On another note, characters like Shivan Dragon not only share the old-school vibe but also offer a substantial power for mana value, inviting comparisons in cost-effectiveness and board impact with our bearded warrior.

Looking at these similarities helps players appreciate the evolving design of creatures in Magic: The Gathering and understand the historical context of cards like Barktooth Warbeard. Despite emerging from an earlier era, the card presents a baseline for evaluating creature value and mana balance over the game’s storied history.

Shivan Dragon - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Barktooth Warbeard by color, type and mana cost

Kaervek the Merciless - MTG Card versions

Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood - MTG Card versions

Bladewing, Deathless Tyrant - MTG Card versions

The Balrog, Durin's Bane - MTG Card versions

Witch-king, Sky Scourge - MTG Card versions

Kaervek the Merciless - Starter Commander Decks (SCD)

Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood - Dominaria (DOM)

Gut, Brutal Fanatic - Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate (HBG)

Bladewing, Deathless Tyrant - Dominaria United Commander (DMC)

Orca, Siege Demon - Dominaria United Commander (DMC)

The Balrog, Durin's Bane - The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth (LTR)

The Balrog of Moria - Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC)

Witch-king, Sky Scourge - Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Barktooth Warbeard MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition III, 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 Barktooth Warbeard and other MTG cards: