Elite Scaleguard MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Abilities Bolster
Power 2
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Bolstering ability of Elite Scaleguard strengthens board presence, enabling strategic advantage without depleting resources.
  2. Its tap-down effect disrupts opponents, giving players control over the game’s pace and combat dynamics.
  3. Instant speed triggers during combat allow for unexpected plays, potentially altering the battle in significant ways.

Text of card

When Elite Scaleguard enters the battlefield, bolster 2. (Choose a creature with the least toughness among creatures you control and put two +1/+1 counters on it.) Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it attacks, tap target creature defending player controls.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elite Scaleguard can bolster your other creatures, effectively enhancing your board presence without depleting your hand. Its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters ensures you stay ahead in terms of resources on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a traditional means of acceleration, Elite Scaleguard’s ability to tap opposing creatures can stall your opponent’s plans, indirectly accelerating your game by giving you more control over the pace of the match.

Instant Speed: While Elite Scaleguard itself is not an instant, its triggered ability occurs at instant speed during the combat phase. This allows for surprise combat tricks that can shift the tide of battle dramatically in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Elite Scaleguard doesn’t necessitate discarding, it does have the bolster mechanic that requires a strategic setup on the battlefield, which could mean sacrificing certain plays or holding onto specific cards to ensure maximum benefit.

Specific Mana Cost: As a creature that requires both white and generic mana to cast, Elite Scaleguard may not seamlessly fit into a multicolored deck that doesn’t heavily feature white mana or a consistent mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana to play can be steep, especially when looking at the curve of an aggressive or fast-paced deck. There are alternatives available that may bring creatures into play or impact the battlefield sooner.


Reasons to Include Elite Scaleguard in Your Collection

Versatility: Elite Scaleguard serves as a linchpin in decks aiming to control the battlefield, fitting seamlessly into both aggressive and midrange strategies. Its ability to bolster creatures while simultaneously keeping the opponent’s board in check ensures that it can adapt to a variety of game states.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that put +1/+1 counters on creatures, this card becomes even more dynamic. Its potential to tap down potential blockers can turn the tide of any game, making it a valuable component in synergy-driven decks.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board presence and creature combat are pivotal, Elite Scaleguard stands out. Its impact in combat scenarios and the tactical advantage it grants can often align well with prevailing strategies, ensuring its relevance within the format.


How to beat Elite Scaleguard

Elite Scaleguard is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. As a renowned figure in the realm of bolster strategies, its conspicuous ability to grant a tap-down effect to creatures you control that have received counters, swings the tides of combat in your favor, locking down your opponent’s potential blockers or aggressors. However, to claim victory over a player harnessing this card requires strategic planning and timely action.

Combat tricks aside, efficient removal spells are your staunchest allies against Elite Scaleguard. Instant-speed responses like Doom Blade or Path to Exile offer a swift solution to the Scaleguard’s presence. Prioritizing the elimination of creatures with counters before they attack can also nullify the controlling effect, keeping the board state manageable. Should removal not be at hand, enhancing your creatures’ abilities with hexproof or indestructible properties will help preserve your board against the Scaleguard’s tactical dominance and open a path to your triumph.

Mastery over Elite Scaleguard comes through anticipation and resourceful counterplays. By evaluating the threats it poses and adapting your strategy promptly, you can outmaneuver your opponent and ensure that this card does not become the linchpin of their game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Finding the right balance between card advantage, strategic placement, and mana efficiency is key in MTG. Elite Scaleguard can considerably advance your battlefield strategy, particularly in decks designed around +1/+1 counters and tempo control. While it stands strong on its own merits, the card attains its full potential when aligned with the right supporting cast and within a well-structured deck. If controlling combat and cultivating a powerful board state appeals to you, refining your skills with Elite Scaleguard could be a winning move. Ready to optimize your deck and tap into deeper strategies? Explore our resources for a comprehensive guide to dominating the playfield with Elite Scaleguard.


Cards like Elite Scaleguard

Elite Scaleguard serves as a formidable force in Magic: The Gathering, bringing both offensive and defensive enhancements to the battlefield. When analyzing cards akin to Elite Scaleguard, Citadel Siege stands out. This enchantment offers a similar bolster effect, though it’s more versatile thanks to its Khans and Dragons modes. The former puts two +1/+1 counters on a creature you control during your combat phase, closely mirroring Elite Scaleguard’s bolster mechanic after attacking.

Another peer in the realm of bolstering creatures is Abzan Falconer, which grants a wider range of creatures flying if they have a +1/+1 counter, potentially offering a more impactful aerial advantage. Elite Scaleguard, while not providing flying, does tap a creature when a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter attacks. This can consistently disrupt opponents’ plans and swing the momentum in your favor.

Evaluating these cards reveals that while there are various options to strengthen one’s forces in MTG, Elite Scaleguard holds a niche in controlling combat dynamics, making it a valuable asset, especially in decks focused on counters and combat manipulation.

Citadel Siege - MTG Card versions
Abzan Falconer - MTG Card versions
Citadel Siege - Fate Reforged (FRF)
Abzan Falconer - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)

Cards similar to Elite Scaleguard by color, type and mana cost

Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
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Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
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Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Shu Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Conclave Phalanx - MTG Card versions
Veteran Bodyguard - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
Rashida Scalebane - Mirage (MIR)
Avenging Angel - Tempest (TMP)
Lancers en-Kor - Stronghold (STH)
Radiant, Archangel - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Master Healer - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Angel of Mercy - The List (PLST)
Serra Angel - Commander Anthology (CMA)
Border Patrol - Judgment (JUD)
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (MID)
Sigardian Savior - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (MID)
Celestial Gatekeeper - Legions (LGN)
Collector Protector - Unhinged (UNH)
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - Saviors of Kamigawa Promos (PSOK)
Belfry Spirit - Guildpact (GPT)
Petra Sphinx - Masters Edition (ME1)
Barrenton Medic - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Ivory Gargoyle - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Shu Elite Companions - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Conclave Phalanx - Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret (DDF)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elite Scaleguard MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged and Commander 2016, 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 Elite Scaleguard and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elite Scaleguard Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-01-23Fate ReforgedFRF 122015normalblackSteve Prescott
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 652015normalblackSteve Prescott
32018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 272015normalblackSteve Prescott
42020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 142015normalblackSteve Prescott
52021-04-23Commander 2021C21 912015normalblackSteve Prescott
62021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 852015normalblackSteve Prescott
72023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 1812015normalblackSteve Prescott
82023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 222015normalblackSteve Prescott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elite Scaleguard has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2014-11-24 Bolster itself doesn't target any creature, though some spells and abilities that bolster may have other effects that target creatures. For example, you could put counters on a creature with protection from white with Abzan Skycaptain's bolster ability.
2014-11-24 You determine which creature to put counters on as the spell or ability that instructs you to bolster resolves.

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