Shoulder to Shoulder MTG Card
2016-01-22 - Number 34
2017-06-16 - Number 20
2018-06-08 - Number 105
2019-11-07 - Number 229
2020-09-26 - Number BBD-105
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Support |
Text of card
Support 2. (Put a +1/+1 counter on each of up to two target creatures.) Draw a card.
"Sea Gate may have fallen, but we still stand. We still fight." —Gideon Jura
Cards like Shoulder to Shoulder
Shoulder to Shoulder has its own niche in the array of supportive spells in Magic: The Gathering. This card echoes the dynamics of other spells like Inspired Charge, which also offers a boost to a wide range of creatures. What sets Shoulder to Shoulder apart is its focus not just on enhancing multiple creatures, but also on bolstering your hand with additional card draw. This dual advantage is something that Inspired Charge lacks.
Looking at another related spell, Strength of Arms, we notice that it too pumps a creature, with the added benefit of creating a token when equipped. Although it’s limited to a single target, the lower mana cost offers flexibility in gameplay. Compared to Strength of Arms, Shoulder to Shoulder’s draw feature and ability to affect multiple creatures make it a valuable tool in decks that favor wide strategies.
Assessing these cards side by side, Shoulder to Shoulder stands out for players who need both immediate board presence and hand advantage. Its balanced cost and multifaceted impact can be a crucial factor in games, particularly in decks that are geared towards camaraderie and creature synergies.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Shoulder to Shoulder. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Midrange | Pauper | BLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When you play Shoulder to Shoulder, you’re not only bolstering your forces but also adding a card to your hand. The support mechanic allows you to distribute two +1/+1 counters among one or two creatures which can turn the tides of the game in your favor by enhancing your board presence. Additionally, it draws you a card, effectively replacing itself in your hand and keeping your options open for subsequent turns.
Resource Acceleration: While Shoulder to Shoulder itself doesn’t grant direct resource acceleration, the bolstering of your creatures can accelerate your game plan. Stronger creatures can push through more damage or hold the line defensively, effectively speeding up your path to victory while providing sustained pressure on your opponent.
Instant Speed: Shoulder to Shoulder is a sorcery, which means it doesn’t have the flexibility of an instant. However, its impact on the battlefield can be immediate and substantial, especially when timed correctly. Casting it pre-combat can surprise an opponent, potentially leading to favorable exchanges or even unblocked damage thanks to the sudden boost in your creatures’ power and toughness.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Shoulder to Shoulder requires both white mana and generic mana, which could be restrictive for multi-colored decks that aren’t heavily focused on white.
Discard Requirement: While not a direct discard mechanic, its support ability does necessitate having other creatures on the battlefield, potentially leading to a disadvantage if you’re facing removal-heavy opponents and end up with fewer creatures to target.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, the card’s ability to put two +1/+1 counters on creatures and draw a card may not stack up favorably against other cards with lower mana costs or those that offer more significant board presence or card advantage.
Reasons to Include Shoulder to Shoulder in Your Collection
Versatility: Shoulder to Shoulder is a solid addition to decks that aim to build upon counters and creature synergy. Its ability to bolster multiple creatures makes it a flexible pick for a wide array of strategies.
Combo Potential: This card works wonders in decks built around +1/+1 counters. Pair it with proliferate mechanics or cards like “Hardened Scales” to amplify its impact, creating overwhelming board presence rapidly.
Meta-Relevance: Against a backdrop of creature-focused decks, Shoulder to Shoulder shines by empowering your side of the battlefield for a swift and strengthened strike. Its inclusion can sway the tide of battle in creature-heavy matchups.
How to beat
Shoulder to Shoulder is a renowned White support spell that bolsters your forces in Magic: The Gathering. This card springs from the Oath of the Gatewatch expansion and is noted for its bolstering abilities – it not only beefs up your creatures with +1/+1 counters but also replenishes your hand by drawing a card. It’s a multi-faceted tool that provides both buffing and card advantage.
To effectively counter Shoulder to Shoulder, players must employ disruption tactics. Immediate removal or bounce spells cast in response to Shoulder to Shoulder can negate its impact, leaving opponents with less value gained. Furthermore, countering it outright with spells like Negate or Essence Scatter can halt its effectiveness and maintain board control. Remember, proactive removal of key creatures before the pump spell is cast can decimate its efficacy. Likewise, strategically managing the battlefield’s threat level ensures that Shoulder to Shoulder loses its lustre, as with no creatures to support, its power diminishes significantly.
Ultimately, understanding and anticipating your opponent’s moves allows you to undermine the value of Shoulder to Shoulder. By having situational awareness and the right counters in your deck, you can ensure that your adversary’s attempts at solidarity crumble before they even begin.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shoulder to Shoulder MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch and Archenemy: Nicol Bolas, 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 Shoulder to Shoulder 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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Printings
The Shoulder to Shoulder Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2016-01-22 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Chris Rallis.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-01-22 | Oath of the Gatewatch | OGW | 34 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
| 2 | 2017-06-16 | Archenemy: Nicol Bolas | E01 | 20 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 229 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | BBD-105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shoulder to Shoulder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shoulder to Shoulder card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-01-22 | If a spell with support has other abilities that target creatures, those abilities and the support ability can target the same creature. |
| 2016-01-22 | Support can target a creature you don’t control. |
| 2016-01-22 | You can’t put more than one +1/+1 counter on any one target using the support action. |