Sergeant-at-Arms MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
Abilities | Kicker |
Released | 2018-04-27 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Dominaria |
Set code | DOM |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 3 |
Number | 32 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Scott Murphy |
Text of card
Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) When Sergeant-at-Arms enters the battlefield, if it was kicked, create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens.
Knights get the glory. Soldiers get things done.
Cards like Sergeant-at-Arms
The Sergeant-at-Arms is a versatile creature card that offers players strategic flexibility within their white decks. Its ability to create two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens upon paying the additional kicker cost situates it in a unique spot when compared to other white creature cards. Notably, Precinct Captain is a similar card that generates 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens; however, it requires the Captain to deal combat damage to a player, whereas Sergeant-at-Arms’ token creation is guaranteed upon kicking.
Another card that echoes Sergeant-at-Arms’ token-making potential is Raise the Alarm. For two mana, Raise the Alarm instantly creates two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens, making it a more mana-efficient choice compared to the Sergeant’s kicker cost. Yet, it doesn’t provide the additional body that Sergeant-at-Arms does. Lastly, Benalish Marshal can’t create tokens, but instead, significantly buffs your soldiers with a universal +1/+1. This makes it a solid follow-up play to strengthen the tokens that Sergeant-at-Arms might have produced.
When considering mana efficiency, instant token creation, and overall impact on the board, Sergeant-at-Arms fits nicely within the range of white token generators and is a credible addition to a token strategy deck.
Cards similar to Sergeant-at-Arms by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sergeant-at-Arms offers a unique twist on card advantage by allowing you to create two additional 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens with its kicker cost. Deploying multiple creatures from a single card can give you a significant presence on the battlefield, edging you ahead of opponents in terms of sheer numbers and potential board control.
Resource Acceleration: While Sergeant-at-Arms doesn’t directly accelerate your mana resources, it can be seen as a form of resource acceleration in the sense that it effectively utilizes available mana to expand your army. By paying the kicker cost, you’re getting more utility out of the mana spent, deploying extra units to apply pressure or defend crucial positions.
Instant Speed: Although Sergeant-at-Arms doesn’t have instant speed itself, it synergizes well with cards that can be played at instant speed. Having a stable and expanded board presence thanks to the Sergeant’s tokens can allow you to hold mana and cards back, waiting for the opportune moment to utilize instant speed spells or abilities to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Players may find the kicker cost of Sergeant-at-Arms demanding because it necessitates discarding cards, which can be a setback when your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both white mana and generic mana, the card can be restrictive, especially in multicolored decks that might struggle with color fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial casting cost combined with the kicker for Sergeant-at-Arms is substantial. In scenarios where resources are tight, this cost may be too steep compared to other creatures that offer similar or better board presence for less investment.
Reasons to Include Sergeant-at-Arms in Your Collection
Versatility: Sergeant-at-Arms is a solid addition to decks that thrive on having numerous creatures on the board. This card can be played early as a decent body or later for its kicker cost to create soldier tokens, adapting to the game’s needs as it progresses.
Combo Potential: The additional soldier tokens it creates work well with strategies that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or with mechanics like convoke, where you can tap creatures to help cast spells. This can lead to explosive plays and turns where you summon even more formidable forces.
Meta-Relevance: Sergeant-at-Arms can hold its own in any meta that favors creature-based tactics. Token generation is always a valuable asset, helping to maintain board presence and applying pressure or serving as a defensive line against aggressive opponents.
How to beat
Sergeant-at-Arms enters the battlefield as a rather unassuming card, but with its kicker cost paid, it brings along two additional soldiers to the fray. The ability to amp up your board presence can’t be overstated in Magic: The Gathering, where numbers often equate to power. This creates a challenge for players facing it, as they must find a way to deal with not just a single creature, but three.
A successful strategy against Sergeant-at-Arms requires efficient removal spells. By utilizing spells that can clear multiple creatures at once, such as board wipes, you can counteract the potential advantage this card offers. Cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict become invaluable, wiping the board clean regardless of how many warriors have joined the ranks. Similarly, spot removal spells that can target creatures with specific attributes can be handy in picking off the tokens before they become bolstered by other effects. It’s also effective to limit the amount of mana your opponent can access, thereby preventing the kicker cost from being paid altogether. In short, proactiveness and good removal are key in successfully holding back the strategic advances Sergeant-at-Arms is capable of.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sergeant-at-Arms MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Sergeant-at-Arms 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 Sergeant-at-Arms has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |