Saddleback Lagac MTG Card
2016-01-22 - Number 142
2016-09-02 - Number 18
2018-06-08 - Number 211
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Lizard |
| Abilities | Support |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Saddleback Lagac enters the battlefield, support 2. (Put a +1/+1 counter on each of up to two other target creatures.)
"A good lagac will carry you through thick and thin. A bad one . . . well, it's a tasty dinner." —Raff Slugeater, goblin shortcutter
Cards like Saddleback Lagac
Saddleback Lagac finds its place in Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing creature that boosts others with its support ability. When considering parallels, it echoes the effect of cards like Juniper Order Ranger which also strengthens fellow creatures. Unlike the Ranger, Saddleback Lagac emphasises a once-off burst of permanent strength to only two creatures rather than a cumulative effect for each creature entering the battlefield.
Another similar card is Armorcraft Judge, which provides card draw based on creatures with +1/+1 counters, potentially turning the Lagac’s support into an advantage beyond the battlefield. However, the Judge lacks the immediate onboard impact that Saddleback Lagac offers. Cultivator of Blades can also be mentioned for its ability to empower creatures, but it requires a longer setup with fabricate and the exert mechanic for a temporary boost during combat.
All things considered, Saddleback Lagac holds its own in the space of creature support cards. It may not have the recurring growth potential or card draw synergy of its counterparts, but its immediate effect on the field can create a pivotal moment, shaping the game in a player’s favor.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Saddleback Lagac is known for its support ability, allowing you to bolster two target creatures when it enters the battlefield. This can give you a more pronounced presence on the board and convert a single card into a multi-creature enhancement.
Resource Acceleration: Although Saddleback Lagac itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability can be pivotal in supporting creatures that might have landfall abilities, paving the way for you to maximize the utility you get from playing lands and thus indirectly speeding up your resource development.
Instant Speed: While Saddleback Lagac operates at sorcery speed, its implications can be immediate in multiplayer formats. Playing this four-drop effectively can be as significant as an instant by strategically timing it to surprise opponents and strengthen your creatures right before a critical combat phase.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Saddleback Lagac can be less appealing if your strategy doesn’t support or benefit from the support mechanic or if you find yourself low on creatures to support. This requirement narrows the times when playing this card is advantageous.
Specific Mana Cost: Saddleback Lagac demands both green mana and a generic mana, which could be challenging in a multi-colored deck that’s heavy on other colors. The mana cost can hamper your flexibility, especially when you’re trying to maintain a diverse mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a cost of 4 mana, Saddleback Lagac’s stats and effect might not stand up against other cards at the same cost. This can lead to situations where Saddleback Lagac is simply outclassed by more impactful 4-mana creatures or spells in the same deck.
Reasons to Include Saddleback Lagac in Your Collection
Versatility: Saddleback Lagac offers significant value to decks designed for counter manipulation. Its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters can enhance a variety of board states and synergize with numerous strategies.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergizing with proliferate mechanics, powering up creatures quickly, and making it a formidable tool for any deck focusing on counter accumulation.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where creature-based strategies prevail, Saddleback Lagac can create immediate impact by empowering your creatures, making it a noteworthy inclusion against aggressive or creature-heavy decks.
How to beat
Saddleback Lagac has its place in the vast roster of creatures in MTG, known for its capability to bolster other creatures with its support ability. This card is an interesting choice especially for players who focus on counter strategies. Its arrival on the field is a signal to opponents that the board is about to get more challenging, as it distributes valuable +1/+1 counters to your other creatures.
To effectively counter a Saddleback Lagac, removal spells are key. Immediate responses such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can effectively deal with the Lagac before it has the chance to impact the game. Keeping removal in hand for key moments can mitigate the advantage that Saddleback Lagac promises. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the playing field, rendering Saddleback Lagac’s support ability useless if timed correctly. It’s important to monitor the state of the board and decide whether to answer its casting directly or prepare for a more sweeping approach to deal with the creatures it intends to strengthen.
Strategy and timing play crucial roles in ensuring that Saddleback Lagac’s entrance doesn’t tilt the game in your opponent’s favor. By preparing for it and reacting efficiently, you can neutralize its potential and maintain control over the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Saddleback Lagac MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch and Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis, 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 Saddleback Lagac 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 Saddleback Lagac Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-01-22 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Jason Kang.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-01-22 | Oath of the Gatewatch | OGW | 142 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Kang | |
| 2 | 2016-09-02 | Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis | DDR | 18 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Kang | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 211 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Kang |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Saddleback Lagac has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Saddleback Lagac card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-01-22 | If a spell with support has other abilities that target creatures, those abilities and the support ability can target the same creature. |
| 2016-01-22 | Support can target a creature you don’t control. |
| 2016-01-22 | You can’t put more than one +1/+1 counter on any one target using the support action. |