Seasoned Marshal MTG Card
1997-05-01 - Number 26
1998-10-12 - Number 44
1999-11-12 - Number 67
2001-04-11 - Number 40★
2001-04-11 - Number 40
2003-07-28 - Number 44★
2003-07-28 - Number 44
2005-07-29 - Number 42★
2005-07-29 - Number 42
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
If Seasoned Marshal attacks, you may choose to tap any one creature. (Tapped creatures can't intercept.)
Cards like Seasoned Marshal
Seasoned Marshal remains a solid utility creature among White creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares functional similarities with creatures like Elite Inquisitor. Both are White creatures that excel in combat, however, Seasoned Marshal brings an additional tactical advantage by allowing you to tap potential blockers, paving the way for other creatures to attack unimpeded. Conversely, the Elite Inquisitor has first strike and protection from various creature types, but lacks the battlefield control Seasoned Marshal offers.
Another card worth mentioning is Master Decoy. This card, like Seasoned Marshal, has the ability to influence combat by tapping opposing creatures. While Master Decoy can tap creatures for just one White mana, the Marshal’s effect triggers upon attacking, giving you a recurring benefit each combat phase. Yet, Master Decoy stands out due to its lower casting cost, making it an early game option where Seasoned Marshal is tailored for later gameplay.
Seasoned Marshal holds its ground in a deck focused on controlling combat phases, and while other cards offer some measure of comparison, the recurring nature of its ability often tilts the balance in your favor over the course of a game. Its presence on the battlefield commands attention and can significantly alter the flow of combat.
Cards similar to Seasoned Marshal by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Seasoned Marshal offers strategic advantage by enabling you to select and tap an opponent’s creature. This could mean bypassing potential blockers or shutting down an attacker, subtly shifting the balance of board control in your favor without the need for card draws.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Seasoned Marshal itself doesn’t directly increase your mana pool, its ability to control the battlefield can indirectly lead to resource advantages. By consistently pressuring and controlling your opponent’s resources, you ensure your other plays can be more impactful and unimpeded.
Instant Speed: While this card does not have flash and cannot be played at instant speed, its triggered ability activates during the attack phase. This allows you to make tactical decisions based on how your opponent responds during their turn, offering a form of interaction and adaptability similar to that of instant-speed plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Seasoned Marshal requires a player to tap another untapped creature you control to activate its ability, which can be a downside as it leaves you with one less blocker or attacker for your opponent’s turn. This trade-off might not always be beneficial, especially in games where board presence is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is specifically white, with a total cost of three generic mana and one white mana. This requirement can be restrictive and might not fit well with multi-colored decks that may struggle to consistently produce the necessary white mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Seasoned Marshal carries a total mana value of four, which is a significant investment for the ability it offers. Considering its ability, there are cards with lower mana costs that can provide similar or better board control. This could lead players to opt for more mana-efficient creatures over the Marshal in their deck-building strategies.
Reasons to Include Seasoned Marshal in Your Collection
Versatility: Seasoned Marshal is a solid card that can be slotted into various White-based decks, especially those that emphasize tapping and untapping creatures for value. Its ability to guide the flow of combat makes it a flexible addition to any collection.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that trigger upon creatures becoming tapped or attacking, Seasoned Marshal can become part of a rewarding combo engine. Integrating it into decks that use such synergies can unlock new levels of gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where control decks are prevalent, Seasoned Marshal offers an interesting dynamic by encouraging careful opponent decisions. It forces them to manage blockers and can slide into the role of a control deck enabler, offering strategic depth to gameplay.
How to beat
The Seasoned Marshal is a card with the potential to shift the tide of battle in your opponent’s favor in MTG. This white creature is known for its ability to untap another target creature when it attacks, allowing for strategic combat plays and increased pressure on the battlefield. To outmaneuver the Seasoned Marshal, consider using removal spells that can neutralize the card before the declare attackers step. Instant speed spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push can be highly effective in removing this troublesome card from play without giving your opponent a chance to capitalize on its ability.
Control decks could benefit from counterspells, preventing the Marshal from hitting the board in the first place. Should the Marshal already be present on the field, tapping it down or altering combat through enchantments or abilities that prevent it from attacking can cripple its utility. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the playing field. Knowing when to time your removal and control elements is key to keeping the Seasoned Marshal from commanding the game.
Remember, understanding your opponent’s strategies and maintaining answers to potential threats like the Seasoned Marshal will help secure your victory in a game of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Seasoned Marshal MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Urza's Saga, 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 Seasoned Marshal 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
Printings
The Seasoned Marshal Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-05-01 | Portal | POR | 26 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Zina Saunders | |
| 2 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 44 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 3 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 67 | 1997 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 40★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 40 | 1997 | Normal | White | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 6 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 44★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 7 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 44 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 8 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 42★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 9 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 42 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matthew D. Wilson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Seasoned Marshal has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Seasoned Marshal card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Can target an already tapped creature if you want. |