Spirit Bonds MTG Card


Generates card advantage and board presence by creating Spirit tokens at instant speed. Maintains strategic tempo by protecting key creatures, albeit with a card discard cost. Despite its mana specificity and cost, it remains versatile with great combo potential.
Spirit Bonds - Magic 2015
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment
Released2014-07-18
Set symbol
Set nameMagic 2015
Set codeM15
Number37
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byWillian Murai

Text of card

Whenever a nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, you may pay . If you do, put a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying onto the battlefield. , Sacrifice a Spirit: Target non-Spirit creature gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)

Designed by Justin Gary


Cards like Spirit Bonds

Spirit Bonds is an intriguing enchantment in MTG that strengthens the theme of creature support and protection. Its functionality recalls cards like Selfless Spirit, which also offers a way to protect creatures from being destroyed. However, Spirit Bonds provides repeatable protection for any creature at the cost of a single white mana and sacrificing a Spirit, an option not available with Selfless Spirit’s one-time use ability.

Comparatively, there’s the card Make a Stand. This card differs by granting a full-board indestructibility effect for a turn, yet unlike Spirit Bonds, Make a Stand cannot be activated multiple times nor does it allow for the creation of creature tokens. Mother of Runes is another individual card that offers protection, but it’s limited to targeted creatures and can’t impact the board with additional token presence like Spirit Bonds can.

In summary, Spirit Bonds offers a unique blend of utility by both generating tokens and safeguarding a roster of creatures, positioning it as a key card for players who favor strategic defense and incremental advantage in their MTG gameplay.

Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Make a Stand - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Make a Stand - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Spirit Bonds by color, type and mana cost

Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Serra Bestiary - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
Angelic Renewal - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions
Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Serra Bestiary - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
Angelic Renewal - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spirit Bonds stands out as a powerful enabler for generating card advantage through its ability to create Spirit tokens. This mechanic not only offers defensive options but also serves as a continual source of creatures that can be converted into card draws or other advantageous effects in decks designed to capitalize on such synergies.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, Spirit Bonds facilitates resource acceleration by protecting your key creatures. The option to sacrifice a Spirit to save a crucial creature ensures you maintain your board presence, effectively accelerating your strategy and keeping you one step ahead of your opponent.

Instant Speed: The utility of being able to use Spirit Bonds at instant speed significantly increases its strategic value. This allows you to respond adaptively to threats during the game, ensuring you can create and sacrifice Spirit tokens whenever most beneficial, without being constrained to your own turns. Such versatility in response timing bolsters the card’s position as a mainstay in decks that value flexibility and reaction potential.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Spirit Bonds necessitates that you discard a card when using its ability. In situations where your hand is nearly empty or each card is crucial, this requirement can be a steep price to pay, possibly setting you back.

Specific Mana Cost: This enchantment requires white mana in its casting cost, which can sometimes be a hurdle in multicolored decks that might be mana strained or those decks that focus on a color identity other than white.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of two mana, including one white, just for the initial cast, plus additional mana for each activation, Spirit Bonds can be a costly venture. Especially in a game where tempo is crucial, there may be more mana-efficient options for creature protection or token generation available in the vast pool of Magic cards.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Spirit Bonds is a dynamic addition to decks that focus on creature play. With its ability to protect your creatures by creating Spirit tokens, it fits seamlessly into strategies that want to maintain a presence on the board.

Combo Potential: This card opens up combinations with other cards that capitalize on token generation or creatures entering the battlefield, maximizing the value you get from each creature played.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating nature of the meta, a card that offers both protection and board development like Spirit Bonds can adapt and remain effective against a variety of opposing strategies, maintaining its relevance in different gameplay environments.


How to beat Spirit Bonds

Spirit Bonds is an intriguing Magic: The Gathering card that can strengthen a player’s board presence with spirit tokens. Strategically, it’s a card that shines in decks focusing on creature play. To outmaneuver this enchantment, removal spells are your best bet. Cards like Duress enable you to sidestep Spirit Bonds even before it hits the battlefield, targeting the opponent’s hand directly. If Spirit Bonds is already in play, enchantment destruction options like Disenchant and Naturalize offer quick solutions to dismantle its influence on the game.

Equally, cards that negate abilities can shut down Spirit Bonds’ protective aspect that gives creatures indestructible. Effects from cards like Stifle or Tale’s End can be pivotal to ensure that your opponent’s attempts to defend their creatures are thwarted. Also, board wipes such as Supreme Verdict can bypass the indestructible clause altogether, clearing the path to victory. Ultimately, playing around Spirit Bonds requires a mix of preemptive hand disruption and reactive board control tactics to maintain the upper hand.

The key to victory lies in preventive measures and decisive reactions, ensuring that the enchantment’s potential is nullified and your path to win remains clear.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the utility and limitations of Spirit Bonds is essential for any MTG enthusiast aiming to enhance their gameplay. If you find the strategic depth of this card resonating with your deck’s theme, it’s worth exploring how to integrate it seamlessly with your existing strategies. For those looking to counteract it, keeping a suite of removal and ability-negating cards on hand can be the difference between a setback and a win. Whether you wish to harness the power of Spirit Bonds or expertly dismantle its influence in a match, we encourage you to deepen your knowledge and refine your tactics with us. Delve further into the nuances of the MTG realm and bolster your collection wisely to triumph in the ever-evolving battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spirit Bonds 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 Spirit Bonds and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spirit Bonds has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-07-18 You can sacrifice any Spirit to activate the last ability, not just a Spirit token created by Spirit Bonds.
2014-07-18 You decide whether to pay as the triggered ability resolves. You may only pay and create a Spirit token once per nontoken creature.