Pillarfield Ox MTG Card
2009-10-02 - Number 31
2012-07-13 - Number 25
2013-07-19 - Number 28
2014-06-06 - Number 76
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Ox |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Cards like Pillarfield Ox
Pillarfield Ox may seem like a simple creature on the surface, but within the context of Magic: The Gathering, it has its parallels in the broad spectrum of four-cost creatures. The Ox, known for its dependable stature as a 2/4, closely resembles cards like Lagonna-Band Trailblazer. While the Trailblazer starts off weaker, it has the potential to grow stronger through Heroic. What Pillarfield Ox lacks in this potential, it makes up for in reliable base stats from the moment it hits the battlefield.
Another card worth comparing is Raging Bull, a creature that mirrors the cost and stats of our stoic Ox. The distinction lies in the availability—Raging Bull, as a classic creature, isn’t found in modern decks, while Pillarfield Ox features in newer sets, thus becoming more accessible for current players. Yet another similar card is Silverback Shaman, which although pricier mana-wise, offers trample and a card draw upon death, something the steadfast Ox does not.
Ultimately, Pillarfield Ox is steadfast in its role. It won’t surprise opponents with flashy abilities, but offers a solid defensive line for any deck. It’s a reminder that sometimes, reliability and simplicity can be as effective as complexity in the diverse world of MTG.
Cards similar to Pillarfield Ox by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Pillarfield Ox doesn’t directly contribute to card advantage, its resilience in combat can help you maintain board presence. In a drawn out game, this sturdy bovine demands an answer, potentially leading to a 2-for-1 situation in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Even though Pillarfield Ox isn’t designed for resource acceleration, its mere presence can protect more valuable creatures or planeswalkers, indirectly preserving the resources you’ve committed to the board and keeping your key strategies accessible.
Instant Speed: Although Pillarfield Ox is played at sorcery speed, it fits into a deck that operates at instant speed. Dropping the Ox during your main phase can bolster your defenses, freeing you up to cast those crucial instant spells on your opponent’s turn without worrying as much about an unprotected flank.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Pillarfield Ox requires a defined blend of mana to cast—two generic and one white. This can be restrictive if your deck isn’t tuned to readily provide white mana when you need it.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of three mana for a creature that presents only a 2/4 body, Pillarfield Ox may fall short when compared to other creatures you could cast at a similar or even lower mana cost, especially considering the power players expect on the battlefield for such an investment.
Discard Requirement: While ordinarily the Pillarfield Ox doesn’t demand a discard, it’s worth mentioning that in a deck where discarding is leveraged for advantage, this creature doesn’t contribute to those strategies. Without inherent abilities that synergize with discarding mechanics, Pillarfield Ox could be seen as a potential slot filler that might not align with the deck’s overarching game plan.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pillarfield Ox may not be the flashiest creature out there, but it serves as a dependable blocker in many types of MTG decks. Its simple casting cost and solid body make it a universal pick, especially for newer players looking to enhance their defensive game.
Combo Potential: Although Pillarfield Ox isn’t commonly known for its combo potential, it can work well in decks that capitalize on creature count or those that take advantage of cards that support life gain strategies whenever a creature enters the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive strategies are prevalent, Pillarfield Ox’s 4 toughness provides a substantial barrier that could deter opponents from attacking. This allows players to stabilize their board position and establish control in the game before deploying more impactful win conditions.
How to beat
Pillarfield Ox is a common sight on the battlefield among limited MTG formats. This stoic creature offers decent defensive capabilities, boasting a solid four-point toughness that helps you withstand early-game aggression. While the Ox doesn’t pose much of an offensive threat, its primary role is to serve as a reliable blocker that can help stabilize the board during the crucial first few turns of the match.
Defeating Pillarfield Ox requires a strategic approach. Utilize removal spells that can surpass its four toughness or employ creatures with power greater than four to ensure a successful trade-off. Furthermore, evasion abilities like flying or trample can effectively bypass the Ox, pressuring your opponent and minimizing the relevance of their ground blockers. Enhancements that negatively affect blocking, or the use of enchantment removal, can further weaken the Ox’s board presence.
Ultimately, while Pillarfield Ox provides a sturdy barrier for your opponents, incorporating the right tactics and card choices will allow you to overcome this bovine bulwark and pave your path to victory in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pillarfield Ox MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Magic 2013, 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 Pillarfield Ox 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
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Printings
The Pillarfield Ox Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Andrew Robinson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 31 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | |
| 2 | 2012-07-13 | Magic 2013 | M13 | 25 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | |
| 3 | 2013-07-19 | Magic 2014 | M14 | 28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | |
| 4 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 76 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pillarfield Ox has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |