Nantuko Mentor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Insect Druid |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 255 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | John Matson |
Text of card
o G, oc T: Target creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is that creature's power.
That which grows without roots cannot be uprooted. —Nantuko teaching
Cards like Nantuko Mentor
Nantuko Mentor is a unique creature card that offers players the ability to empower their creatures in Magic: The Gathering. In the realm of boosting creature strength, it stands out for its repeatable effect, which is somewhat akin to the functionality of cards like Beastmaster Ascension. While Beastmaster Ascension provides a more global attack boost after meeting its condition, Nantuko Mentor allows for focused power increases on individual creatures at the cost of tapping and mana investment.
Comparably, Serra’s Blessing offers creatures another tactical advantage with vigilance, although it does not increase power like Nantuko Mentor does. Strength-wise, the classic Giant Growth provides an instant boost in power and toughness, but it lacks the repeatable nature that the Mentor’s ability offers. Meanwhile, cards like Solidarity of Heroes double a creature’s counters instantly, although this is a one-time effect unlike the enduring support Nantuko Mentor can provide throughout the game.
In essence, while there are a plethora of cards that can modify creature stats, Nantuko Mentor has its niche in giving MTG players a reusable and flexible option to augment a creature’s hitting power, potentially creating a game-winning behemoth over the course of a match.
Cards similar to Nantuko Mentor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nantuko Mentor enables you to effectively convert excess mana into potential power by allowing you to increase a creature’s size. This can equate to drawing into a significant threat without actually using additional cards from your hand, ensuring that your resources on the battlefield are constantly maximized.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing mana or lands, the Nantuko Mentor can accelerate your game by turning any creature into a more formidable force. This could mean fewer turns needed to close out a game, effectively acting as a form of resource acceleration through increased board presence and pressure.
Instant Speed: The ability of Nantuko Mentor can be activated at instant speed, providing a strategic advantage by allowing you to wait until the last possible moment to alter the power of a creature. This can disrupt an opponent’s calculations in combat or in response to removal, making it a versatile tool in both offensive and defensive situations.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Nantuko Mentor demands you to discard a card to activate its ability. For MTG players, having to give up a card could be a setback, especially if their hand is already struggling for substance or if the discarded card is crucial for their game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: One of the hurdles with incorporating Nantuko Mentor into your deck is its specific mana cost requirements. The card needs one green and two generic mana, which can be restrictive for non-green decks or multi-color decks that might not always have the necessary green mana available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The activation cost of Nantuko Mentor is quite steep. With a casting cost of three and an activation cost of six mana including three green, it may not be the most mana-efficient option available for players looking to enhance the power and toughness of their creatures. There are alternative cards that might provide a more immediate or cost-effective impact on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Nantuko Mentor in Your Collection
Versatility: Nantuko Mentor offers adaptability in deck-building due to its capacity to beef up creatures, becoming a boon for decks that thrive on creature-based strategies and formidable combat phases.
Combo Potential: This card can partner well with strategies that untap creatures or proliferate counters, multiplying its effectiveness and creating powerful synergies within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based tactics prevail, Nantuko Mentor can become a significant asset, turning even the smallest creatures into substantial threats that can dominate the battlefield.
How to beat Nantuko Mentor
Nantuko Mentor presents itself as a unique creature within MTG’s vast landscape, offering the ability to spike a creature’s power at instant speed. Dealing with this kind of creature promptness requires a strategy that involves instant removals, counterspells or combat tricks to negate its ability or remove it before it becomes effective.
One approach is using creature removal spells that can be cast at instant speed such as Swords to Plowshares or Fatal Push, which can disrupt the opponent’s plans before they have the chance to utilize the Mentor’s ability. Players might also opt for counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak when the Mentor hits the stack, preventing it from ever taking effect on the battlefield.
Moreover, combat tricks such as Flashfreeze or Sudden Shock can catch an opponent off guard, especially when they attempt to boost a creature during the combat phase. By remaining vigilant and ready to act, you can mitigate Nantuko Mentor’s potential impact and keep the board state manageable. Being proactive and attentive to the stack and potential buffs from such creatures will be key to maintaining control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nantuko Mentor MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Nantuko Mentor and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nantuko Mentor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nantuko Mentor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The value of X is determined when the ability resolves. The value will not change over time. |