Security Detail MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 1999-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mercadian Masques |
| Set code | MMQ |
| Number | 47 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Val Mayerik |
Text of card
o Woo W Put a 1/1 white Soldier creature token into play. Play this ability only if you control no creatures and only once each turn.
Cards like Security Detail
Security Detail is an intriguing piece in the repertoire of creature spells within Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is seen with functionally alike cards that provide token generation like Raise the Alarm. Security Detail requires a three mana investment and proffers you a creature with the added boon of being repeatable each turn. Raise the Alarm, albeit cheaper at two mana, offers a one-time benefit of two tokens without the durability provided by Security Detail’s ongoing effect.
Another card in this family is Gather the Townsfolk, a spell that also affords two human tokens for two mana. While it lacks the repeating process of Security Detail, it holds the potential of creating five tokens under the right life conditions, thanks to its Fateful Hour ability. One more relevant comparison is with Captain’s Call, which offers three soldiers for four mana at sorcery pace. Here, the advantage leans towards Security Detail, due to its consistent creature production over multiple turns.
Ultimately, Security Detail shines when evaluated against these alternatives. Its persistent nature can create sustained pressure and a formidable defense, making it a valued choice in strategies hinging on token proliferation and board presence maintenance.
Cards similar to Security Detail by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Security Detail has a knack for generating card advantage by putting essential creatures onto the battlefield without tapping into your hand resources. Constantly refilling the board, it keeps opponents on their toes and can turn the tides if they’re not prepared for your strategic reinforcements.
Resource Acceleration: This card also offers a form of resource acceleration by consistently supplying you with creature tokens. Whether you’re using these tokens to chump block, fuel convoke abilities, or empower strategies that benefit from having numerous creatures in play, Security Detail can accelerate your board state significantly.
Instant Speed: The ability of Security Detail to operate at instant speed grants you the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn or at the end of it. This not only helps you maintain the element of surprise but also lets you maximize mana usage, ensuring you’re never caught off-guard and can adapt to the unfolding game with poise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Security Detail commands you to discard another card when you play it. This prerequisite can hinder you if you are already grasping for cards, especially in the mid to late game when each card in hand can be crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Security Detail’s casting cost is quite particular, requiring both white and blue mana. This can potentially restrict its integration into a variety of decks, particularly those that lean towards mono-color strategies or multicolor decks that don’t include both of these hues.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the landscape of MTG, where efficiency is key, the mana cost for Security Detail might be deemed too high for its effect. Given that you must invest four mana, such a cost can set you back in tempo compared to other cards with a similar or more impactful presence for the same or less mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Security Detail is incredibly flexible, easily slotting into decks that aim to control the board. Its ability to generate a steady stream of creatures can bolster both your defense and your offensive lines, making it a valuable card in a variety of game plans.
Combo Potential: This card has the potential to synergize with strategies that capitalize on creature tokens. Whether you’re looking to empower army-in-a-can archetypes or build up resources for a devastating late-game play, Security Detail can be a fundamental component in those combos.
Meta-Relevance: With decks that focus on either swarming the board or benefiting from creature sacrifice effects, Security Detail’s continuous token generation remains relevant. It’s a player’s asset in formats where maintaining board presence is crucial for enduring longer matches or overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers.
How to beat Security Detail
In the strategic realm of Magic: The Gathering, overcoming the card Security Detail can be a pivotal moment in gameplay. Security Detail has the capacity to create challenge for opponents, not just for its ability to generate a token but also due to its role in controlling the battlefield. This card works well in decks that capitalize on token generation, but like any strategy, it has its vulnerabilities.
One efficient method to disrupt the advantage provided by Security Detail is through the use of removal spells that can target either the enchantment directly or the tokens generated by it. Sweepers like Wrath of God can efficiently clear a board loaded with tokens, while single-target removals such as Disenchant or Naturalize allow players to remove the Security Detail before it can create a significant impact. Additionally, cards that inhibit the activation of abilities, such as Pithing Needle or Phyrexian Revoker, can be game-changers when facing cards with activated abilities.
To sum up, players can edge out Security Detail by employing timely removal, board wipes, or ability disruption strategies, and turning the tables in their favor in the complex and ever-evolving battles of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Security Detail MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Security Detail 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Security Detail has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |