Fists of Ironwood MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Key Takeaways

  1. Fists of Ironwood creates immediate value by generating tokens and providing card advantage upon entry.
  2. Its synergy with creature-based strategies makes it a versatile addition to various decks.
  3. The card’s ability to bolster your board presence can be pivotal in creature-dense metas.

Text of card

Enchant creature When Fists of Ironwood comes into play, put two 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens into play. Enchanted creature has trample.

Saprolings add the three and the four to the "one-two punch."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Fists of Ironwood grants you not only an enchantment but also two Saproling tokens upon entering the battlefield. This multi-faceted approach can be particularly advantageous in strategies leveraging creatures’ quantity, thereby tipping the scale in your favor as you multiply your presence on the board without losing hand resources.

Resource Acceleration: The two Saproling tokens provided by Fists of Ironwood can serve as an invaluable asset for decks that thrive on creature synergies. They can be used as fodder for various sacrificing effects which are often crucial for ramping up your resources or for activating potent abilities that require creatures to be tapped or sacrificed.

Instant Speed: Although Fists of Ironwood is a sorcery-speed aura, the tokens it generates can be utilized during the combat phase or in synergy with effects that can untap creatures, giving you potential surprise blockers or resources for other instant-speed interactions, therefore increasing your options during crucial points in the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Fists of Ironwood grants the advantageous trample ability and token creation, it doesn’t change the fact that casting it requires dedication to a creature-heavy strategy. For players focusing on non-creature spells or control tactics, this could mean a missed opportunity for a more suitable enchantment or utility spell in hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Fists of Ironwood demands a precise mana combination to cast—one forest and one generic mana. This requirement can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may struggle with mana consistency or for those running a limited number of green sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although two mana is not exorbitant, if we consider the overall impact, other enchantments or spells might present more competitive options. There are alternatives available that could offer enchantment synergies or more flexible casting costs, possibly leading to a more strategic and efficient use of mana resources within a tight game.


Reasons to Include Fists of Ironwood in Your Collection

Versatility: Fists of Ironwood can smoothly adapt to various deck builds. Whether you’re bolstering a token strategy, enhancing creature-based tactics, or simply need a reliable aura, this card provides value by bringing additional creatures to the battlefield and boosting your board presence.

Combo Potential: The card’s ability to create two Saproling tokens presents opportunities to synergize with cards that thrive on creature count. It can be pivotal in triggering abilities that rely on creatures entering the battlefield or dying, like those found in sacrifice engines.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where board state can be king, Fists of Ironwood shines in metas where creature quantity can tip the balance. Tokens can be used for defense, offense, or leveraging mechanics like convoke, making it a pertinent choice for matches requiring a multilayered approach.


How to beat

Fists of Ironwood is a unique enchantment in the landscape of creature enhancements, known for its ability to not only boost a creature but also to create a duo of Saproling tokens upon entering the battlefield. This combination can quickly bolster your army and create a defensive barrier. The key to overcoming this multifaceted card lies in preemptive actions. Counterspells like Negate work perfectly to intercept Fists of Ironwood before it can enchant a creature and multiply the opponent’s forces.

Should the card resolve, efficient removal spells like Wrath of God or board wipes can level the playing field, dealing with both the enchanted creature and the generated tokens in one fell swoop. However, timing these can be crucial, as acting too hastily may lead to inefficient use of resources while waiting too long could allow your opponent to capitalize on their new army. Another strategy encompasses the use of enchantment removal cards such as Disenchant, specifically targeting Fists of Ironwood to prevent further token generation and weaken your opponent’s creature.

In summary, while Fists of Ironwood can undoubtedly create a sudden advantage for your opponent, there are several strategies to effectively nullify this advantage, maintaining the upper hand in your Magic: The Gathering matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Analyzing Fists of Ironwood’s role in MTG, it’s evident that while the card has its nuances, its strengths lie in creating instant board presence and contributing to creature-based strategies. Whether enhancing your green decks or integrating into token synergy, the impact of this enchantment can’t be ignored. Though it may not fit every playstyle, its potential in the right deck is undeniable. For those inclined towards a creature-heavy strategy, this card deserves consideration for its ability to multiply your forces and grant trample. Delve deeper into token tactics and discover how Fists of Ironwood can be a game-changer in your collection. Ready for a deeper dive? Visit us to expand your strategic horizons and optimize your MTG gameplay.


Cards like Fists of Ironwood

Fists of Ironwood is an alluring aura in MTG, much like Verdant Embrace. Both auras lend themselves to strategies aimed at multiplying your creatures. Yet, Fists of Ironwood is affordable at just two mana and immediately creates two Saproling tokens, offering early board presence. Verdant Embrace, however, provides a continuous stream of tokens but at a heftier five mana investment.

Moving to another competitor, Spider Umbra, which delivers not only a toughness boost but also the crucial ability of reach. While it doesn’t bolster your army with additional creatures, the Totem Armor it bestows can often be a game-changer by protecting a key creature from destruction. Also in this mix is Elephant Guide, bestowing a creature with a larger power/toughness increase and creating a creature when the enchanted creature dies, thus ensuring resilience on the battlefield.

In essence, Fists of Ironwood stands out in decks that benefit from multiplying creatures quickly, ensuring immediate impact on the game at a minimal mana cost, showing its unique position among creature-enhancing auras in MTG.

Verdant Embrace - MTG Card versions
Spider Umbra - MTG Card versions
Elephant Guide - MTG Card versions
Verdant Embrace - Time Spiral (TSP)
Spider Umbra - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
Elephant Guide - Judgment (JUD)

Cards similar to Fists of Ironwood by color, type and mana cost

Aspect of Wolf - MTG Card versions
Regeneration - MTG Card versions
Lifeforce - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Touch - MTG Card versions
Night Soil - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Library - MTG Card versions
Primal Rage - MTG Card versions
Survival of the Fittest - MTG Card versions
Crosswinds - MTG Card versions
Fortitude - MTG Card versions
Tranquil Grove - MTG Card versions
Treetop Bracers - MTG Card versions
Root Cage - MTG Card versions
Elfhame Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Compost - MTG Card versions
Thoughtleech - MTG Card versions
Weaver of Harmony - MTG Card versions
Shigeki, Jukai Visionary - MTG Card versions
Fertile Ground - MTG Card versions
Quiet Disrepair - MTG Card versions
Aspect of Wolf - Treasure Chest (PZ2)
Regeneration - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Lifeforce - Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
Gaea's Touch - The Dark (DRK)
Night Soil - Commander 2013 (C13)
Sylvan Library - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Primal Rage - Stronghold (STH)
Survival of the Fittest - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Crosswinds - Urza's Saga (USG)
Fortitude - Urza's Saga (USG)
Tranquil Grove - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Treetop Bracers - Tenth Edition (10E)
Root Cage - Prophecy (PCY)
Elfhame Sanctuary - Invasion (INV)
Compost - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Thoughtleech - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Weaver of Harmony - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Promos (PNEO)
Shigeki, Jukai Visionary - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Fertile Ground - Wilds of Eldraine Commander (WOC)
Quiet Disrepair - Future Sight (FUT)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fists of Ironwood MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and Commander 2011, 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 Fists of Ironwood and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Printings

The Fists of Ironwood Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Glen Angus.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-10-07Ravnica: City of GuildsRAV 1642003normalblackGlen Angus
22011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1562003normalblackGlen Angus
32017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 1262015normalblackGlen Angus
42024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1392015normalblackGlen Angus

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fists of Ironwood has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2017-03-14 If the target creature is an illegal target when Fists of Ironwood tries to resolve, Fists of Ironwood won’t resolve and won’t enter the battlefield. You won’t create Saproling tokens.
2017-03-14 The Saproling tokens aren’t created until after Fists of Ironwood is on the battlefield, so you can’t cast Fists of Ironwood on one of those tokens.
2017-03-14 You create the Saproling tokens, even if Fists of Ironwood enters the battlefield attached to another player’s creature.

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks