Shire Shirriff MTG Card


Shire Shirriff controls the battlefield by deterring attacks and influencing the tempo of the game. Resource acceleration and instant speed play enhance its strategic value in various deck types. Despite mana costs and discard requirements, its versatility makes it a solid defensive choice.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Halfling Soldier
Abilities Vigilance
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Vigilance When Shire Shirriff enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a token. When you do, exile target creature an opponent controls until Shire Shirriff leaves the battlefield.


Cards like Shire Shirriff

Exploring the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, the Shire Shirriff serves as a worthy mention among its kindred. Its abilities are reminiscent of other creatures such as the Goldmeadow Harrier. Both share the capability to tap opposing creatures, yet Shire Shirriff’s uniqueness is found in its Hobbit synergy. Unlike the Harrier, Shire Shirriff gets empowered when surrounded by other Hobbits, boosting its tapping potential.

Another cousin in function is Gideon’s Lawkeeper. Like Shire Shirriff, it can lock down creatures and disrupt opponents’ battle plans. However, it doesn’t benefit from a tribal connection, highlighting Shire Shirriff’s advantage in a Hobbit-themed deck. Lastly, Avacynian Missionaries come into the comparison spotlight. Transformed into Lunarch Inquisitors, they not only tap a creature but also exile it. While they offer a more permanent solution to threats, their mechanism heavily relies on equipment, differing from Shire Shirriff’s community-driven strength.

Considering the tactical flexibility of Shire Shirriff within its niche, it stands out for players crafting Hobbit-focused decks in Magic: The Gathering, providing both defensive utility and tribal harmony.

Goldmeadow Harrier - MTG Card versions
Gideon's Lawkeeper - MTG Card versions
Goldmeadow Harrier - MTG Card versions
Gideon's Lawkeeper - MTG Card versions

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White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - 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

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu AggroMardu Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shire Shirriff comes into play, offering a crucial boost in maintaining a solid defensive line. Known for its ability to deter adversaries, it provides you with the tactical benefit of controlling the board’s tempo, ensuring you’re always one step ahead in the match.

Resource Acceleration: When included in your deck, the Shire Shirriff expands your strategic options, facilitating quicker deployment of other cards. With its synergistic abilities, it superbly supports your overarching strategic framework, inherently speeding up your gameplay.

Instant Speed: The potency of this card is magnified by its capability to function at instant speed, granting you the flexibility to adapt to the unfolding game and surprise opponents with unforeseen moves during their turn. This adds a layer of complexity and unpredictability to your strategy that can be confounding for your competition.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When playing Shire Shirriff, you often face the tough decision of discarding another card. This cost can set you back, especially in the late game when each card in hand is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: The particular mana combination required to cast Shire Shirriff can restrict its integration into a multi-color deck, potentially complicating your mana base and affecting consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring a sizable investment of mana to get Shire Shirriff on the battlefield, you may find this to be a significant drawback when faster, lower-cost creatures are pivotal to maintaining tempo in a game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Shire Shirriff is a flexible addition to decks that focus on creature control and maintaining board presence. Its ability to guard against multiple attackers makes it useful in a variety of game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on tapping or untapping creatures, as well as those that benefit from having a high number of creatures on the battlefield for boosts or abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive decks are prevalent, the Shire Shirriff can serve as an efficient roadblock, slowing down the opponent’s momentum and helping to stabilize the game for a longer-term strategy.


How to beat

Shire Shirriff presents a unique challenge on the MTG battlefield, acting as a potent deterrent against multi-creature attacks. Its primary ability to prevent all but one creature from attacking each combat can be quite the stumbling block. Overcoming this small yet mighty hobbit requires a strategy that sidesteps its combat control. Removal spells certainly come in handy; direct damage or destroy effects can effectively clear the path for your creatures. Additionally, employing evasion tactics like flying or unblockable creatures ensures your attacks can bypass the Shirriff’s authority.

Another effective approach is the use of mass removal spells. Cards that clear multiple creatures at once can neutralize the Shirriff without having to target it directly—thus evolving the game state to your advantage. Alternatively, employing your own control elements, such as creating numerous creature tokens, can overwhelm Shire Shirriff’s capacity to limit attackers, essentially nullifying its ability. In doing so, you maintain pressure despite its attempt to control the tempo of the duel.

Remember, flexibility and adaptability in deck-building and during gameplay are key in MTG. A deck versatile enough to handle various threats will find ways to circumvent the passive resistance brought by cards like Shire Shirriff and press the advantage in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

With its distinct qualities, Shire Shirriff holds the potential to alter the flow of any MTG game. If you’re looking to reinforce your deck with a card that offers both board control and strategic depth, this Hobbit ally could be a game-changer. Whether you’re aiming to thwart aggressive opponents or enhance a Hobbit-themed deck, understanding and utilizing Shire Shirriff’s unique abilities can pave the way to victory. We encourage you to further explore the capabilities and synergies of this card. Delve deeper with us and enhance your MTG knowledge to make your next play session not just a game but a showcase of skillful deck construction and play strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shire Shirriff MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Shire Shirriff and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shire Shirriff Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 4412015NormalBorderlessMartina Fačková
22023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 4812015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing
32023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 302015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shire Shirriff has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shire Shirriff card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-06-16 If Shire Shirriff leaves the battlefield before its last ability resolves, you can still sacrifice a token. However, when you do, the target creature won't be exiled when the "reflexive" triggered ability resolves. Similarly, if Shire Shirriff leaves the battlefield while the "reflexive" ability is still on the stack, the target creature won't be exiled.
2023-06-16 You don't choose a target for Shire Shirriff's last ability at the time it triggers. Rather, a second "reflexive" ability triggers when you sacrifice a token this way. You choose a target for that ability as it goes on the stack. Each player may respond to this triggered ability as normal.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.