Referee Squad MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Homunculus |
| Abilities | Convoke, Vigilance |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 327 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Steven Belledin |
Text of card
Convoke (Your creatures can help cast this spell. Each creature you tap while casting this spell pays for or one mana of that creature's color.) Vigilance When Referee Squad enters the battlefield, tap target creature an opponent controls and put a stun counter on it. (If a permanent with a stun counter would become untapped, remove one from it instead.)
Cards like Referee Squad
Referee Squad is an intriguing addition to the realm of creature cards in MTG that focus on control and rule enforcement. It draws parallels to cards like Judge’s Familiar. Both have the ability to slightly affect the pace of an opponent’s game. However, Referee Squad offers a unique twist with its team-oriented benefits, where having more referees on the field can increase its controlling power.
Looking at Azorius Arrester, we see another card with a similar law-enforcing theme. While it provides detainment as its primary ability, it doesn’t offer scaling benefits like Referee Squad can accumulate over time. Conversely, a card like Loyal Sentry is straightforward in its defensive capabilities, providing a one-time destruction effect upon blocking. This contrasts with Referee Squad’s potential for recurring influence throughout the game.
When identifying comparable cards and weighing their strategic impacts, Referee Squad demonstrates adaptive strength in matches focused on incremental control and synergy with other rule-setting creatures on the battlefield, undoubtedly making it a tactical choice for players seeking to enforce order with their MTG decks.
Cards similar to Referee Squad by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Referee Squad provides strategic depth by offering card draw capability. This perk ensures you maintain a rich hand, keeping you ahead in the duel by maximizing your options each turn.
Resource Acceleration: With the Referee Squad at your disposal, you’ll streamline your play by quickly deploying your strategic pieces. This valuable acceleration can be the tipping point to outpace your adversary, steering the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The Instant Speed trait of this card gives you the agility to react fluidly to your opponent’s moves. This level of response keeps your adversary in a state of uncertainty, as you are able to adapt and counter their strategy effectively and at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Referee Squad has a gameplay mechanism that asks you to discard another card as part of its activation cost. This can potentially put you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is already depleted and you’re banking on every card to make an impact on the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting Referee Squad requires a precise combination of mana colors which could limit its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce those colors. If your mana base isn’t well-tuned to accommodate it, you might find the card stranded in your hand at crucial moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost relative to other cards with similar abilities, Referee Squad might not always be the most efficient choice. Lower-cost options could give you a competitive edge by allowing you to deploy multiple strategies or spells in a single turn, enhancing your board state or disrupting your opponent’s without straining your resources.
Reasons to Include Referee Squad in Your Collection
Versatility: Referee Squad provides a dynamic playing option for decks keen on controlling the pace of the game. Its ability to mediate interactions on the board makes it adaptable to various strategic plays.
Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate with strategies designed to capitalize on creature-based synergies, potentially unlocking new avenues for combo plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given its unique capabilities, Referee Squad can be a game-changer in a meta where fairness and rule enforcement are paramount, offering solid counters to prevalent, disruptive plays.
How to beat
Referee Squad is a unique card that can pose significant challenges on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This commanding card stands out with its ability to control the flow of the game, ensuring that your attacks and strategies are consistently scrutinized. But don’t let its presence deter you. Understanding how to maneuver around Referee Squad means grasping its strengths and turning them into opportunities.
One approach is to focus on spell-based strategies, minimizing situations where Referee Squad could alter the outcome of creature combat. Alternatively, removing it from the playfield is key. Use removal spells that can bypass its protections, or employ board wipes that eliminate all creatures regardless of individual defenses.
Finally, exploit the Squad’s static position by advancing your plan through non-combat means. Incrementally accruing advantages through card draw, resource ramp, or alternate win conditions can leave Referee Squad a mere spectator to your imminent victory. Remember, versatility and contingency plans are powerful tools in your Magic: The Gathering arsenal against formidable cards like Referee Squad.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Referee Squad MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Referee Squad 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 Referee Squad has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Referee Squad card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-14 | Referee Squad’s enters-the-battlefield ability can target a creature that’s already tapped. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.