Sootstoke Kindler MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Elemental Shaman
Abilities	Haste
Released	2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Shadowmoor
Set code	SHM
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	195
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Zug

Key Takeaways

Grants haste for immediate creature engagements, enhancing tempo and board control.
Restricts its own use to red and black mana decks, limiting its deck versatility.
Offers repeatable haste effects, outperforming similar one-off haste cards in the right decks.

Text of card

Haste : Target black or red creature gains haste until end of turn.

"Nothing warms my heart better than a spirit kindled with rage."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sootstoke Kindler may not directly provide card draw, but its ability to grant haste to target creature can lead to quicker plays and pressure on your opponent, indirectly translating to a broader control over the game and a form of card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: This card itself won’t produce additional mana or resources directly. However, the haste it gives can accelerate your strategy, enabling creatures to attack or use tap abilities the same turn they’re played, which is crucial for tempo-based decks looking to outpace the opponent.

Instant Speed: While Sootstoke Kindler’s ability isn’t at instant speed, it allows creatures that normally wouldn’t be threats until the next turn to engage immediately. This can force opponents to react during their turn, essentially giving you the advantage of acting at instant speed through the creatures you control. It keeps the pressure up and opponents on their toes, mimicking the strategic benefit of instant speed interactions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sootstoke Kindler’s ability necessitates the discard of a card, which may not always be beneficial, especially when you are managing a limited hand and need all the resources you can keep.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both black and red mana, making it less flexible for decks that are not specifically tailored to accommodate this mana combination, potentially restricting its effectiveness in multi-color decks that don’t focus on red and black.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the mana investment relative to its ability, Sootstoke Kindler’s cost may be seen as steep. Alternative options may provide greater versatility or impact on the game at a similar or lower mana value, raising questions regarding its value in a competitive deck’s lineup.

Reasons to Include Sootstoke Kindler in Your Collection

Versatility: Sootstoke Kindler is a multifaceted asset to decks that capitalize on tapping and untapping creature mechanics. Its ability to give any creature with a power of 3 or less haste allows for immediate impact on the board, making it an adaptable card for a variety of strategies.

Combo Potential: The kindler’s power to grant haste pairs well with creatures that have potent tap abilities. In the right setup, it could be the key to executing a combo that catches opponents off guard, leveraging increased creature activity and board dynamics for a potential win.

Meta-Relevance: Understanding the shifting MTG landscape is vital. Sootstoke Kindler proves useful in environments where activating abilities swiftly can outpace slower, control-oriented plays. Keeping the window of opportunity open for immediate creature utility enhances your adaptability to the current meta.

How to Beat Sootstoke Kindler

Sootstoke Kindler is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, offering an ability that can turn the tide in games by making target black or red creature gain wither until end of turn. To effectively counter Sootstoke Kindler, understanding the nuances of wither is critical. One strategy is utilizing creature removal spells to eliminate Sootstoke Kindler before its ability can be activated. Cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push are efficient ways to deal with it immediately.

Another approach is to minimize the impact of wither by employing creatures with indestructible or utilizing buffs to increase toughness. This ensures that even if wither is applied, it won’t be fatal. Additionally, countering Sootstoke Kindler’s activation with spells like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto could prove effective as well, preventing the wither effect from being a factor in combat. It’s all about timing and knowing when to play your counters or removal, as well as developing board presence that can withstand its wither ability.

By focusing on these strategies, you can diminish Sootstoke Kindler’s influence on the battlefield and maintain control over the game. Remember, flexible tactics and adapting to the presence of such abilities will prove to be key in overcoming the challenges posed by cards like Sootstoke Kindler.

Cards like Sootstoke Kindler

Sootstoke Kindler is an intriguing creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Its most direct comparison comes from creatures like Goblin Motivator, which, similar to the Kindler, grants another creature the ability to attack immediately thanks to haste. Sootstoke Kindler stands out with its ability to be activated multiple times, allowing any number of creatures to benefit in a single turn, whereas Goblin Motivator is limited to a single creature each turn.

Exploring the mechanic of granting haste, we can also look at cards like Crimson Wisps. This instant not only gives haste but also draws a card, offering immediate board impact and card advantage. The Wisps, however, are a one-time use, contrasting against the repeatable haste-empowering function provided by Sootstoke Kindler. Fervent Champion offers another point of comparison. Though primarily an aggressive creature thanks to its abilities and stats, it also confers haste to other knights—an interesting tribal synergy not found in the Kindler’s repertoire.

In essence, when evaluating the utility and synergies of Sootstoke Kindler, it proves to be a robust choice for strategies that aim to activate creatures rapidly, multiple times, and especially shines in decks designed to harness the power of this repeatable effect.

Cards similar to Sootstoke Kindler by color, type and mana cost

Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor - MTG Card versions

Tymaret, the Murder King - MTG Card versions

Grenzo, Dungeon Warden - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sootstoke Kindler MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Sootstoke Kindler and other MTG cards: