Sandsower MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number C51
2005-08-22 - Number J26
2005-10-07 - Number 28
2013-06-07 - Number 29
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Tap three untapped creatures you control: Tap target creature.
Cards like Sandsower
Sandsower is an intriguing utility creature in Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of cards that allow players to manipulate the battlefield by tapping and untapping creatures. Tapping tactics are advantageous, and Sandsower shares this space with the likes of Blustersquall. Blustersquall provides a similar effect by tapping down creatures, but it doesn’t offer the same level of continuous control. While Sandsower requires three tapped creatures to use its ability, it can be used multiple times across long games.
Then we consider Gideon’s Lawkeeper, a card that offers a lower cost single-target tap. Unlike Sandsower, Gideon’s Lawkeeper doesn’t need multiple creatures for its ability but doesn’t provide the same potential for widespread board control. Another equivalent is Opposition, an enchantment that can tap any number of creatures to control multiple targets, matching Sandsower’s potential for broad impact but at an entirely different vector of play.
In essence, while blending in with cards that tap opponents’ creatures, Sandsower stands out with its sustained capability, particularly in decks that focus on creature quantity. In the dance of creature control within Magic: The Gathering, Sandsower has a unique rhythm that, if played well, can orchestrate the tempo of the match in your favor.
Cards similar to Sandsower by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sandsower offers a unique form of card advantage by giving you the ability to tap potential blockers or utility creatures your opponents control, effectively diminishing their resources while keeping yours intact.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana, Sandsower can be a pivotal piece in resource acceleration strategies, as tapping down your opponent’s creatures can allow you to attack unimpeded, leading to more damage dealt and potentially a faster victory.
Instant Speed: The beauty of Sandsower lies in its ability to operate at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to decide the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn to disrupt their plans. This can leave your rivals at a significant strategic disadvantage, as they must consider the potential for you to tap their creatures at any moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sandsower necessitates tapping three untapped creatures you control as part of its ability’s activation, essentially forcing you to choose between using your creatures for attack or defense and leveraging their utility to control the flow of combat. This requirement can be particularly taxing when your hand is empty, and you’re already striving for board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a mana cost that includes white mana, Sandsower may not fit seamlessly into multi-colored decks. Its specific color requirement could restrict its incorporation into a wide array of strategies, potentially limiting its versatility in various game situations.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an ability that is dependent on further creature investment, Sandsower can be considered mana-intensive. Within the same mana range, players may find alternatives that offer immediate impact or more flexible utility that doesn’t tie up your creatures, making it a less favorable option in a competitive environment.
Reasons to Include Sandsower in Your Collection
Versatility: Sandsower offers flexible control capabilities in decks that focus on tapping and untapping creatures. It’s particularly effective in white and green decks that emphasize creature-based strategies.
Combo Potential: With the ability to tap not just one, but three creatures, Sandsower can synergize with tap/untap mechanics or enhance strategies that react to creatures being tapped or untapped.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where creature-based decks are dominant, Sandsower can serve as a tactical tool, offering both offensive and defensive advantages by controlling the board and influencing combat phases.
How to beat
Sandsower is a unique card capable of locking down your opponent’s creatures and setting the tempo of the game. Its ability to tap three untapped creatures you control to tap another creature can be a real game-changer. To effectively neutralize this threat, you might want to consider using instant-speed removal spells that can take out Sandsower before it becomes an issue. Cards like Path to Exile or Lightning Bolt give you the flexibility to respond during your opponent’s turn, minimizing the disruption Sandsower could cause.
Moreover, board wipes pose a significant challenge to Sandsower’s tactical advantage. By clearing the board, you remove the creatures necessary for Sandsower’s activation requirement. Wrath of God and Damnation are prime examples of such strategic plays, resetting the playing field. It’s also crucial to manage the number of creatures you have. Having more creatures than your opponent can render Sandsower’s effect less impactful. Employing cards with hexproof also ensures your key creatures remain untapped and ready for action, circumventing Sandsower’s capacity to control the board.
Your strategy should revolve around maintaining the upper hand on the battlefield, whether that means keeping removal at the ready, using board wipes to reset, or outpacing your opponent in creature presence, ensuring Sandsower can’t dominate the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sandsower MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, 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 Sandsower 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 Sandsower Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | C51 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | J26 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 29 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sandsower has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sandsower card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-06-07 | Because the cost of Sandsower’s ability doesn’t include the symbol, you can tap any three untapped creatures you control (including Sandsower itself), even if those creatures haven’t been under your control continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn. |