Samwise the Stouthearted MTG Card


Samwise enhances creature power, provides immediate battlefield impact and potential for card advantage. Despite benefits, it demands a discard and has restrictive mana requirements that can challenge deck consistency. Valued for its versatility and combo potential, Samwise remains a strong competitor in the current meta.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Halfling Peasant
Abilities Flash
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flash When Samwise the Stouthearted enters the battlefield, choose up to one target permanent card in your graveyard that was put there from the battlefield this turn. Return it to your hand. Then the Ring tempts you.


Cards like Samwise the Stouthearted

Samwise the Stouthearted makes a bold entrance into the realm of creature support in Magic the Gathering. It finds its contemporaries in cards like Veteran Swordsmith, another creature that offers a similar boon to fellow warriors on the battlefield. Both cards enhance the combat capabilities of your creatures, but Samwise takes a more versatile approach by not limiting the boost to a specific creature type.

Another comparable card is Benalish Marshal. Echoing the theme of rallying troops, Benalish Marshal offers a universal power and toughness increase to your creatures. However, it lacks the finesse of Samwise’s ability to target and protect a key creature in critical moments. Moreover, the Marshal demands a more restrictive mana cost which can limit its inclusion to mono-white decks.

Assessing the subtle nuances of these support cards reveals Samwise the Stouthearted’s potential to influence gameplay. Its adaptability and lower cost afford it a notable position within the pantheon of creatures that provide boosts and protection within Magic the Gathering, making it an understated yet potentially powerful ally in many deck builds.

Veteran Swordsmith - MTG Card versions
Benalish Marshal - MTG Card versions
Veteran Swordsmith - MTG Card versions
Benalish Marshal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Samwise the Stouthearted by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Samwise the Stouthearted. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius StonebladeAzorius Stoneblade LegacyAzorius StonebladeLegacy League 2024-04-24
WUBWUB LegacyLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-18
Orzhov StonebladeOrzhov Stoneblade LegacyOrzhov StonebladeLegacy League 2024-04-16 (1)
Death & TaxesDeath & Taxes ModernDeath & TaxesModern League 2024-05-01
Orzhov ScamOrzhov Scam LegacyOrzhov ScamLegacy League 2024-04-29
Death and TaxesDeath and Taxes LegacyDeath and TaxesLegacy League 2024-04-19
Mono-White InitiativeMono-White Initiative LegacyMono-White InitiativeLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Death and Taxes (Yorion)Death and Taxes (Yorion) LegacyDeath and TaxesCircuito Legacy RS 2024 - Etapa 4
DecklistDecklist Free formHoliday Night Magic

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Samwise the Stouthearted provides a boost not just to your creatures on the battlefield but to your hand as well. When you play Samwise, the potential to draw into more impactful cards increases, as his presence can turn the tide and pressure your opponent into making unfavorable trades.

Resource Acceleration: In the realm of MTG, accelerating your resources can be critical for staying ahead. Samwise contributes to this by enabling your smaller creatures to be more valuable, allowing you to devote resources elsewhere. His ability to empower your board can equate to playing fewer cards for the same, or even increased, effect.

Instant Speed: While Samwise the Stouthearted himself isn’t an instant, his impact on the game is immediate. His ability to fortify your creatures as soon as he enters the battlefield means you’re getting instant value. Moreover, this can make your creatures better blockers or more threatening attackers without waiting for a sorcery-speed spell on your next turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Samwise the Stouthearted requires you to discard another card, potentially setting you back in terms of hand advantage. This condition can be particularly tricky in decks that rely on maintaining a robust hand size to respond to an opponent’s threats.

Specific Mana Cost: Samwise the Stouthearted comes with a specific mana cost that includes white mana. This restricts deck-building options as it necessitates a mana base that can reliably produce white, potentially complicating the inclusion in multi-colored or splash-heavy decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the abilities it offers, Samwise the Stouthearted’s mana cost may be seen as steep compared to other creatures in its category. Some players might find that there are more cost-effective creatures or spells that fulfill a similar role without the significant mana investment.


Reasons to Include Samwise the Stouthearted in Your Collection

Versatility: Samwise the Stouthearted is a card that offers flexible play options, whether you’re looking to fortify your creature lineup or seeking a reliable blocker. Its ability to fit into various deck types makes it a valuable asset for both aggressive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card has the potential to synergize with decks that capitalize on loyalty abilities or benefit from having a robust defender. By protecting key planeswalkers or high-value creatures, Samwise the Stouthearted can be crucial in enabling combo setups and enhancing your board state.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based tactics are prevalent, incorporating Samwise the Stouthearted can provide a significant advantage. Its ability to hold the line against popular aggressive decks and contribute to longer-term board control makes it a strong contender in the current meta.


How to beat

Samwise the Stouthearted can become a linchpin in many MTG decks, knowing how to tackle this card is crucial for maintaining control in the game. As a creature renowned for its ability to grant players life for each creature entering the battlefield, it’s vital to manage the number of creatures your opponent can play. Implementing cards that restrict creature casts, or employing tactics that remove creatures from play swiftly, like board wipes or targeted removals, can significantly undermine Samwise’s effectiveness.

Controlling the battlefield with counterspells when your adversary attempts to cast Samwise or similarly advantageous creatures is also a sound strategy. Furthermore, don’t disregard the power of enchantments or artifacts that can neutralize Samwise without having to send it to the graveyard, where it could potentially be retrieved. It’s all about timing and making well-informed decisions, thwarting your opponent’s plans while setting up a solid defense or counterattack. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll increase your odds of success whenever Samwise the Stouthearted appears on the opposing side of the table.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the strategic aspects of MTG involves a deep understanding of card interactions and deck synergy. Samwise the Stouthearted adds a layer of complexity and potential to your gameplay, catering to both newcomers and veterans. Its blend of card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant impact make it a potent addition to your arsenal. For deck builders looking for an edge, remember the value of adaptation and preparedness Samwise brings to the table. Curious about developing strategies that leverage this card’s strengths? Dive deeper with us and discover how to make Samwise the Stouthearted a cornerstone of your winning deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Samwise the Stouthearted MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and Tales of Middle-earth Art Series, 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 Samwise the Stouthearted and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Samwise the Stouthearted Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 7982015NormalBorderlessMarko Manev
22023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth Art SeriesALTR 392015Art seriesBorderless
32023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 4792015NormalBlackIrvin Rodriguez
42023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 282015NormalBlackIrvin Rodriguez
52023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 3062015NormalBorderlessMarko Manev
62023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 4492015NormalBorderlessMarta Nael

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Samwise the Stouthearted has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Samwise the Stouthearted card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-06-16 As the Ring tempts you, you get an emblem named The Ring if you don't have one. Then your emblem gains its next ability and you choose a creature you control to become (or remain) your Ring-bearer.
2023-06-16 Each player can have only one emblem named The Ring and only one Ring-bearer at a time.
2023-06-16 Each time the Ring tempts you, you must choose a creature if you control one.
2023-06-16 If the creature you choose as your Ring-bearer was already your Ring-bearer, that still counts as choosing that creature as your Ring-bearer for the purpose of abilities that trigger "whenever you choose a creature as your Ring-bearer" or abilities that care about which creature was chosen as your Ring-bearer.
2023-06-16 Some spells and abilities that cause the Ring to tempt you may require targets. If each target chosen is an illegal target as that spell or ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve. The Ring won't tempt you.
2023-06-16 The Ring can tempt you even if you don't control a creature. In this case, abilities that trigger "whenever the Ring tempts you" will still trigger.
2023-06-16 The Ring gains its abilities in order from top to bottom. Once it gains an ability, it has that ability for the rest of the game.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.