Shaman of Spring MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Shaman |
| Released | 2014-07-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2015 |
| Set code | M15 |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 199 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Johannes Voss |
Text of card
When Shaman of Spring enters the battlefield, draw a card.
Some shamanic sects advocate the different seasons, each working to preserve nature's cycles.
Cards like Shaman of Spring
In the realm of creature-based card draw abilities within Magic: The Gathering, Shaman of Spring stands alongside Elvish Visionary and Sea Gate Oracle. Both these creatures offer the valuable opportunity to draw a card upon entering the battlefield. Shaman of Spring, however, stands out with its larger stature, being a 2/2 compared to Elvish Visionary’s modest 1/1. This puts the Shaman at an advantage in terms of board presence.
Where Shaman of Spring diverges is its four mana cost, which is notably higher than the two mana required for Elvish Visionary, impacting its early game strategic fit. Sea Gate Oracle, similarly costed with Shaman of Spring and with a different power distribution, provides a ‘look at the top two cards and put one into your hand’ effect, granting a degree of card selection rather than the straightforward card draw that Shaman of Spring provides.
Examining these characteristics, Shaman of Spring sits in a unique spot; while it demands more mana investment, it compensates with beefier stats that could be crucial in certain matchups. Its straightforward draw effect serves well in decks looking to combine creature presence with card draw without necessitating selection, making it a fair consideration for midrange green decks.
Cards similar to Shaman of Spring by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Shaman of Spring enters the battlefield, you immediately get to draw a card, helping you cycle through your deck and maintain a healthy hand size.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, having Shaman of Spring in play can effectively accelerate your resources by keeping your hand replenished, thereby granting you access to more options and potential plays each turn.
Instant Speed: Although Shaman of Spring itself is not an instant, playing creatures like this can set up scenarios where your instant-speed spells become more effective by establishing a board presence that your opponents must answer on their turn, giving you the tactical advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Shaman of Spring is that it doesn’t involve a discard mechanic that could synergize with graveyard-focused strategies or benefit from discarding as an effect.
Specific Mana Cost: With a specific mana cost that includes both generic and green mana, Shaman of Spring demands a degree of commitment to green mana sources which can constrain deck flexibility or the ease of casting in multi-colored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its four-mana cost to put it into play, Shaman of Spring confronts competition from other creatures or spells that may offer card draw at a lower cost or with additional benefits, making it a less appealing choice in tightly tuned decks.
Reasons to Include Shaman of Spring in Your Collection
Versatility: Shaman of Spring is a card that can seamlessly fit into green decks that focus on creature-based strategies, especially where card advantage is key. Its ability to draw a card upon entering the battlefield makes it a functional addition for decks that look to keep their hand replenished while developing a board presence.
Combo Potential: As a creature that interacts with card draw mechanics, Shaman of Spring can be a piece in combos that synergize with creatures entering the battlefield or with cards that trigger upon drawing. Its elf subtype also allows for synergies in elf-themed decks that capitalize on tribal benefits.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where the game extends into later turns, having a reliable source of card draw can be crucial. Shaman of Spring offers this advantage while providing a creature on the board, which could be highly relevant depending on the pace and style of your local game environment.
How to beat
Shaman of Spring, a creature card in Magic: The Gathering, presents a straightforward ability that can be advantageous for players seeking card advantage. When Shaman of Spring enters the battlefield, the player draws a card, a simple yet beneficial effect for those looking to replenish their hand. This card features in green decks often focusing on creature-based strategies and gaining incremental advantages.
However, overcoming Shaman of Spring requires a tactical approach. The card itself does not pose an immediate threat—it does not have evasion abilities such as flying or trample, and it does not have the persistence of regenerative or indestructible creatures. To counter it, players may consider utilizing removal spells before the creature’s effects can be capitalized upon, or setting up a board state that disincentivizes the opponent from deploying it. Utilizing efficient creature removal like Doom Blade or Lightning Bolt can effectively handle Shaman of Spring before it generates too much value for your opponent.
By recognizing Shaman of Spring’s role as a value engine rather than a direct threat, players can adjust their game plan accordingly, using targeted removal or strategic trading of resources to mitigate its impact on the game and maintain control of the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shaman of Spring MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015, 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 Shaman of Spring 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shaman of Spring has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |