Selfless Samurai MTG Card


Boosts combat resilience and card value by protecting creatures at critical moments. Enables mana efficiency in Samurai-centric builds, providing instant adaptability. Demands specific deck construction and resource management for optimal use.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Fox Samurai
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever a Samurai or Warrior you control attacks alone, it gains lifelink until end of turn. Sacrifice Selfless Samurai: Another target creature you control gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)


Cards like Selfless Samurai

Selfless Samurai has found its way into the hearts of many MTG players who appreciate a good defense. This card echoes the sentiments of stalwart protectors like Selfless Spirit, which also allows a player to sacrifice it for the greater good of their team. What makes Selfless Samurai stand out is its distinct bushido flavor, giving it a power boost during combat, reminiscent of cards such as Konda’s Hatamoto.

When looking across other cards like Dauntless Bodyguard, the comparison becomes interesting. While Dauntless Bodyguard offers its protective service right from the moment it hits the battlefield, Selfless Samurai requires a commitment of open mana to unleash its full potential. Furthermore, whereas cards like Benevolent Bodyguard give a single creature protection from a color of your choice, Selfless Samurai’s sacrifice affects all permanents you control, revealing an all-encompassing shield against numerous threats.

In analyzing these elements, it’s evident that Selfless Samurai occupies a unique position. With its versatility in combat and ability to act as a safeguard for all your permanents, it truly emerges as a notable contender amidst MTG’s roster of defensive cards.

Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Konda's Hatamoto - MTG Card versions
Dauntless Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Benevolent Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Konda's Hatamoto - MTG Card versions
Dauntless Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Benevolent Bodyguard - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Selfless Samurai by color, type and mana cost

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Revered Dead - MTG Card versions
Starlight Invoker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - 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
Revered Dead - MTG Card versions
Starlight Invoker - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White Death & TaxesMono-White Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Mono-White MidrangeMono-White Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024
Abzan Amalia ComboAbzan Amalia Combo PioneerAbzan Amalia ComboPioneer Preliminary 2024-01-02 (1)
Abzan CompanyAbzan Company PioneerAbzan Amalia Combo#02 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Selfless Samurai presents a tactical edge for players aiming to extend their presence on the battlefield. Once used effectively, this card can convert into additional card value by safeguarding key creatures from removal or by outmaneuvering opponents during combat.

Resource Acceleration: In decks that synergize with Samurai, this card accelerates your resources by potentially saving crucial mana that might otherwise be spent on protecting your creatures. Thus, allowing you to develop your board more efficiently or conserve mana for critical plays.

Instant Speed: The Samurai’s ability functions at instant speed, providing a strategic advantage by allowing you to react promptly to threats during the heat of battle. This adaptability can turn the tide of a game by making surprise blocks or avoiding unfavorable trades, putting you one step ahead of your adversary.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Selfless Samurai demands a great sacrifice, precisely because you must discard a card to fully leverage its potential. This can pose a challenge particularly when your hand is either dwindling or packed with pivotal pieces you’d rather hold onto for future turns.

Specific Mana Cost: With its allegiance to white mana, Selfless Samurai requires a non-negotiable commitment. This cost naturally restricts the card to specific archetypes, potentially excluding it from multicolored decks that grapple with a diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Selfless Samurai’s mana expenditure may appear steep compared to other options in your deck. Other creatures in the same mana range might offer more immediate board presence or potent abilities, potentially relegating our samurai to a benchwarmer in certain strategies.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Selfless Samurai offers a unique flexibility to your deck, serving as a protective unit that can safeguard your key creatures or your life total in critical moments.

Combo Potential: With its sacrifice ability, the card synergizes with strategies focusing on death triggers or boosting other creatures as it leaves the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the dynamic combat scenarios in the current MTG landscape, a card that can provide instant board impact and deter opponents’ attacks can be a significant game-changer.


How to beat

The Selfless Samurai card presents an intriguing challenge for MTG players due to its distinct ability to shield your creatures from harm. When facing Selfless Samurai, one effective strategy is to take advantage of removal spells or abilities that can bypass its sacrificing feature. Utilizing spells that exile, such as Path to Exile, circumvents the Samurai’s protective ability by removing the safeguarded creature from the game altogether.

Another tactic is to focus on controlling the board with sweepers like Wrath of God or Doomskar that can clear multiple creatures at once, overcoming the one-time protection the Samurai provides to a single creature. Additionally, imposing card advantage pressure through draw spells can outpace the protective measures, as the Samurai’s controller may struggle to match your accumulated resources.

By strategically planning your removal and playing around the Samurai’s defensive capabilities, you can ensure that these honorable warriors do not stand in your way towards victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the abilities of Selfless Samurai can significantly enhance your gameplay, presenting new tactical opportunities across various MTG formats. Acknowledging both its strengths and limitations is key to integrating it effectively within your deck. Whether you prefer a protective strategy or enjoy exploring unique card synergies, there’s much to glean from this card’s potential. Our passion for deckbuilding and strategic play drives us to delve into cards like Selfless Samurai, exploring their nuances and defining their place in the vast MTG universe. Eager to refine your deck and outmaneuver your opponents? We’re here to guide your journey toward becoming an adept MTG strategist, armed with knowledge and ready to face any challenge on the battlefield. Dive deeper with us into the world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Selfless Samurai MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Selfless Samurai and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Selfless Samurai Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 3122015NormalBlackIshikawa Kenta
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 352015NormalBlackPINDURSKI

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Selfless Samurai has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal