Pikemen MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 15
1995-04-01 - Number 42
1995-04-01 - Number 42
1995-08-01 - Number 18
1997-03-24 - Number 52
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Banding,First strike |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Banding, first strike
"As the cavalry bore down, we faced them with swords drawn and pikes hidden in the grass at our feet. 'Don't lift your pikes 'til I give the word,' I said." —Maeveen O'Donagh, *Memoirs of a Soldier*
Cards like Pikemen
The Pikemen card offers a unique blend of strategy and defense to players in the world of Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to other low-cost creature cards that provide a defensive edge early in the game, such as Loyal Sentry. Like Pikemen, Loyal Sentry is able to deter attackers, however, where Pikemen stands out is in its banding ability, allowing you to group it with other creatures and share any combat damage among them. This feature comes at a cost, as Pikemen requires a slight investment of both white mana and one additional colorless mana.
When considering other cards with similar functionalities, Wall of Omens is another card that shares the spotlight. This defender draws a card upon entry, offering an immediate value in terms of card advantage, though it doesn’t possess the banding ability or capability to attack like Pikemen. On the offensive side, Elite Inquisitor is another comparable card that brings more power to the field and includes first strike, yet it lacks the cooperative defensive potential of banding.
Pikemen holds its position in the game as a flexible option for players looking to establish a firm defensive line while engaging in tactical combat formations, a trait that might appeal to players who enjoy complex battlefield tactics.
Cards similar to Pikemen by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pikemen can offer card advantage by providing a steady presence on the battlefield. Once deployed, their ability to potentially block multiple attackers can save other cards in hand from being prematurely used for defense.
Resource Acceleration: Although Pikemen themselves may not directly accelerate resources, their low casting cost allows for quick deployment, leaving mana open for further plays or spells that can accelerate your resources.
Instant Speed: Pikemen are usually not instant-speed spells, but they can affect instant-speed interactions. Due to their vigilance or similar abilities found in some variations, they can maintain a defensive stance while still enabling you to cast other spells at instant speed without sacrificing board presence.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Pikemen card demands that you discard another card to unleash its full potential. This condition can set you back, especially when your hand size is already dwindling, and each card in it holds significant strategic value.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Pikemen is not the most flexible, requiring a precise combination of mana types. This can make it difficult to fit into a multi-colored deck that might struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that may be deemed steep for the effects it provides, Pikemen might not be the most mana-efficient option available. In fast-paced games, investing in this card could slow you down, as there are alternative cards that might bring similar or better effects for less mana.
Reasons to Include Pikemen in Your Collection
Versatility: Pikemen can be a solid addition to a variety of decks, especially those that need early board presence or defense. With first strike during the blocking phase, they can serve as excellent early-game defenders.
Combo Potential: Since Pikemen have first strike, they can synergize well with equipment or auras that boost their combat capabilities, working well in decks that focus on buffing creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive strategies are prevalent, having Pikemen in your arsenal can be crucial to thwart early onslaughts and preserve your life total for the later stages of the game.
How to beat
Pikemen might not be the most stunning card at first glance, yet underestimating its combat utility could be a costly error. With abilities centered on first strike or potentially banding when attacking, Pikemen can catch an opponent off-guard, establishing itself as a low-cost nuisance that disrupts combat calculations.
To effectively overpower this card, consider employing removal spells that can bypass its first strike, such as Doom Blade or Murder, which can target and destroy the creature before it lands a blow. Another strategy is utilizing creatures with higher toughness to absorb and outlast the damage dealt or simply overpower it with creatures of greater strength. Control decks can also prove effective by employing counterspells to prevent Pikemen and other threats from ever hitting the battlefield.
Ultimately, while Pikemen may offer strategic advantages in early game skirmishes, its influence wanes as the game progresses. By being prepared with removal, counters, and more substantial creatures, you can easily mitigate the early aggression that Pikemen represents, maintaining control and steering the game in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pikemen MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Fourth Edition, 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 Pikemen and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Pikemen Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 1997-03-24. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 15 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 42 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 42 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 18 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 5 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 52 | 1997 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pikemen has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pikemen card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | A maximum of one nonbanding creature can join an attacking band no matter how many creatures with banding are in it. |
| 2008-10-01 | Creatures in the same band must all attack the same player or planeswalker. |
| 2008-10-01 | If a creature with banding attacks, it can team up with any number of other attacking creatures with banding (and up to one nonbanding creature) and attack as a unit called a “band.” The band can be blocked by any creature that could block a single creature in the band. Blocking any creature in a band blocks the entire band. If a creature with banding is blocked, the attacking player chooses how the blockers’ damage is assigned. |
| 2009-10-01 | If a creature in combat has banding, its controller assigns damage for creatures blocking or blocked by it. That player can ignore the damage assignment order when making this assignment. |