Shieldmate's Blessing MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2009-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar |
| Set code | ZEN |
| Number | 35 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mike Bierek |
Text of card
Prevent the next 3 damage that would be dealt to target creature or player this turn.
"Even land dwellers may call for Emeria's grace in times of need." —Emeria's Creed
Cards like Shieldmate's Blessing
Shieldmate’s Blessing represents an intriguing option in the realm of defensive combat tricks within Magic: The Gathering. Its functionality is akin to cards like Gods Willing, which also provides protection to a single target creature. However, Shieldmate’s Blessing shines with its flexibility in that it can shield all creatures you control from a color of your choice until end of turn, unlike Gods Willing that applies to only one creature.
Examining other cards in this space, we spot Adamant Will with its power to grant a creature +2/+2 and indestructible until end of turn. Although it does not offer the same color protection, it’s a strong defensive play. Alseid of Life’s Bounty presents a closer match, offering protection from a color, but it’s a creature rather than an instant, and it protects only itself or another creature, not the entire team like Shieldmate’s Blessing.
In review, Shieldmate’s Blessing stands out amidst its peers for its collective defensive utility. It’s a solid pick for players looking to fortify their creatures against multi-target threats, positioning itself uniquely against its counterparts in white’s Magic: The Gathering defense arsenal.
Cards similar to Shieldmate's Blessing by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shieldmate’s Blessing can provide a significant swing in card economy by potentially negating an opponent’s card while costing you nothing if you meet its casting condition. This can keep your hand full and your options open.
Resource Acceleration: While Shieldmate’s Blessing itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, preserving your board state without expending resources can effectively accelerate your game plan by maintaining your threats and defensive capabilities.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Shieldmate’s Blessing at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves. This can disrupt their strategy while keeping yours on track, all the while keeping your mana untapped until the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shieldmate’s Blessing requires discarding a card, which can be a significant drawback when your hand is already depleted or when each card you hold is pivotal for upcoming plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost includes white mana, which means it’s primarily suitable only for white or multicolored decks. If your deck doesn’t generate white mana, it may not fit smoothly into your game plan.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be deemed steep for its effect, Shieldmate’s Blessing may not always be the most mana-efficient choice. Players might consider other spells that offer similar protection or advantages without the hefty mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shieldmate’s Blessing is a flexible card that can adapt to multiple deck builds. It can be particularly effective in decks that aim to protect key creatures or secure late-game dominance by ensuring your crucial plays go uninterrupted.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to prevent damage to a creature or planeswalker not only saves them but can create opportunities to engage other card abilities that activate when damage is prevented or when your permanents are targeted.
Meta-Relevance: With a game environment that frequently involves direct damage or targeted removal effects, incorporating Shieldmate’s Blessing can be a strategic choice to safeguard your key assets and maintain control of the board.
How to beat
Shieldmate’s Blessing introduces an intriguing layer of defense to players’ arsenals in Magic: The Gathering. This enchantment offers a protective aura, capable of turning the tide during a critical moment of battle. Its ability to prevent damage to a target creature or planeswalker can be a superb way to save pivotal pieces on the board. However, players can apply various strategies to outmaneuver this card’s benefits.
Strategic use of removal spells that bypass the damage prevention, such as those causing exiling or direct destruction, can be key. Cards like Path to Exile or Murder swiftly remove the threat without the need for damage, rendering Shieldmate’s Blessing’s effect irrelevant. Additionally, counterplay cards such as Negate or Dispel can thwart Shieldmate’s Blessing before it even hits the field, ensuring that your path to victory remains unblocked by such defenses.
Through adept deck-building and sharp gameplay, one can efficiently neutralize the protective magic of Shieldmate’s Blessing. It’s crucial to pack your deck with versatile answers that can handle various threats and ensure that no single card like Shieldmate’s Blessing can hinder your road to triumph.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shieldmate's Blessing MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar, 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 Shieldmate's Blessing 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 Shieldmate's Blessing has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |