Resourceful Defense MTG Card


Instant speed play and mana acceleration are major strategic pros for Resourceful Defense. The need to discard and specific mana cost are notable drawbacks of the card. Versatility and combo potential make it a worthy addition to certain MTG decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Whenever a permanent you control leaves the battlefield, if it had counters on it, put those counters on target permanent you control. : Move any number of counters from target permanent you control to another target permanent you control.


Cards like Resourceful Defense

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Resourceful Defense carves out a niche among protective spells with its unique blend of tactics. It draws parallels to the venerable card, Stave Off, which also offers protection from a color of your choice. However, Resourceful Defense presents a more tactical edge with the potential to recycle other cards from the graveyard, a feature absent in Stave Off.

Another card worth comparing is Gods Willing, which not only protects but also scrys, allowing a peek into the future of your deck. While akin in mana cost to Resourceful Defense, Gods Willing lacks the recursion angle that can be strategically advantageous. On the flip side, Blossoming Defense bolsters a creature with a sturdy increase in power and toughness along with protection from a color, prioritizing strength over strategy. However, it doesn’t offer the same kind of long-term card advantage that Resourceful Defense can provide by reusing your resources.

Ultimately, Resourceful Defense’s ability to blend immediate protection with a strategic advantage by returning a card from the graveyard positions it uniquely among its peers, potentially offering more versatile and sustained gameplay benefits.

Stave Off - MTG Card versions
Gods Willing - MTG Card versions
Blossoming Defense - MTG Card versions
Stave Off - MTG Card versions
Gods Willing - MTG Card versions
Blossoming Defense - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Resourceful Defense by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Fortified Area - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Sandskin - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Fortified Area - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Sandskin - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Resourceful Defense offers players an edge in terms of card economy. By triggering an effect that can potentially neutralize an opponent’s action while maintaining card parity, players can sustain their hand size, ensuring they don’t fall behind in the match.

Resource Acceleration: Should Resourceful Defense facilitate the production or untapping of resources, it would give players the opportunity to escalate their mana availability. This can be crucial for casting more spells or playing pivotal cards sooner than typically possible.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Resourceful Defense at instant speed is a significant strategic advantage. Players can adapt to threats immediately, surprise opponents during combat phases, or simply choose the most opportune moment to act, making it a versatile tool in any player’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback to the Resourceful Defense card is the necessity to discard another card in order to deploy its defensive capabilities. This condition can place you at a disadvantage, especially if your hand is already running low on cards, potentially reducing your strategic options in the later stages of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a very particular mana arrangement to cast, which might not always align with the fluid mana base that multi-color decks strive for. This constrains its inclusion predominantly to decks that are highly attuned to its color requirements, limiting its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a significant amount of mana to activate could deter players from adding this card to their deck when considering the balance between its cost and impact on the game. As there are alternative cards with lower mana requirements providing similar or improved defensive benefits, Resourceful Defense might not be the first pick for players seeking to maximize their deck’s efficiency.


Reasons to Include Resourceful Defense in Your Collection

Versatility: Resourceful Defense enhances a variety of decks, contributing to both their defensive capabilities and strategic adaptability. The card’s ability to protect key creatures or other permanents makes it a handy tool in many game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card works well with cards that benefit from activating abilities or those that have synergies with instant-speed interactions. The potential to surprise an opponent with unexpected spell or ability activations during combat makes it a combo enabler.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame filled with aggressive strategies, Resourceful Defense becomes extremely relevant by providing a safety net against direct removals and combat tricks, thus protecting your game plan and outlasting the opposition.


How to beat

Resourceful Defense offers players a unique shield in their Magic: The Gathering arsenal. Its strength lies in its capacity to turn the tide of combat, twisting an opponent’s aggression to your favor. To successfully navigate around this card, focus on strategies that minimize combat interactions or that can dismantle defenses without engaging in battle. Spells that force sacrifices or direct removal tools can sidestep the protective capabilities of Resourceful Defense. Additionally, employing counterspells to prevent it from resolving or card advantage tactics that outpace a single card’s defense can effectively diminish its impact. Timing is also key; acting when the defender is tapped out or less prepared can ensure your attacks go through or your spells remain uncounted.

It’s wise to remember that Resourceful Defense can only shield so much. Take advantage of its limitations by spreading threats across multiple angles, be it through an army of tokens or diverse abilities that require separate answers. Another angle is the strategic use of combat tricks post-declaration, leaving the opponent with less room to maneuver their defenses effectively. By understanding the conditions and constraints under which Resourceful Defense operates, players can craft a game plan to circumvent this obstacle and maintain the upper hand.


BurnMana Recommendations

Assessing the pros and cons of Resourceful Defense highlights its potential to fortify your MTG deck with strategic depth. Its ability to disrupt opponents at instant speed, maintain card balance, and accelerate resources can be a game-changer. With that said, mindful deck construction is key to mitigate the downsides such as specific mana requirements and potential card disadvantage. Including Resourceful Defense in your repertoire offers adaptability against aggressive metagames and opens up combo potentials. Want to enhance your defensive strategies and outplay your opponents? Dive deeper with us to master your defensive maneuvers and optimize your deck for victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Resourceful Defense MTG card by a specific set like New Capenna Commander and New Capenna Commander, 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 Resourceful Defense and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Resourceful Defense Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by Francis Tneh.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 1202015NormalBlackFrancis Tneh
22022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 192015NormalBlackFrancis Tneh

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Resourceful Defense has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal