Springjack Shepherd MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 15
2020-03-08 - Number 17
2020-09-26 - Number EVE-15
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Kithkin Wizard |
| Abilities | Chroma |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Chroma When Springjack Shepherd comes into play, put a 0/1 white Goat creature token into play for each white mana symbol in the mana costs of permanents you control.
"Better for a doun to lose its cenn than its springjacks."
Cards like Springjack Shepherd
Springjack Shepherd is a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, bringing an interesting dynamic to the table. Its most direct comparison is to cards like Evangel of Heliod, which also creates tokens based on devotion to a color. While Evangel of Heliod hinges on white mana symbols among permanents you control, Springjack Shepherd’s chroma ability counts white mana symbols in the cards’ casting costs, specifically impacting the number of Goat tokens when it enters the battlefield. This subtle difference can significantly affect gameplay strategies, particularly in decks that leverage token synergies.
Another card worth mentioning is Master of Waves, which offers a parallel in blue, creating elemental tokens relative to devotion to blue. Although it doesn’t provide the same versatility in a multi-colored deck as Springjack Shepherd might in a mono-white or dual-color setting. The Shepherd is also reminiscent of Cloudgoat Ranger, which comes into play with a set number of Kithkin tokens but lacks the scalability of Springjack Shepherd’s token generation.
When considering additions to a deck that focuses on swarm strategies and making the most of every white mana symbol, Springjack Shepherd provides an intriguing option, balancing the reward of creating numerous tokens against its dependency on a high devotion count.
Cards similar to Springjack Shepherd by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Springjack Shepherd. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-White Tokens | Modern | Mono-White Aggro | UOL LCI Modern League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Springjack Shepherd enters the battlefield, it creates a number of 0/1 white Goat creature tokens equal to your devotion to white. This can quickly populate your board, turning into a significant card advantage, especially when combined with other cards that leverage the presence of multiple creatures.
Resource Acceleration: Each Goat token can potentially be sacrificed for one mana of any color if you have a card like Springjack Pasture in play. This ability provides you with flexible mana resources that can propel your game forward, contributing to a faster execution of your strategy.
Instant Speed: While Springjack Shepherd itself is not an instant, it pairs well with spells that can be cast at instant speed. This ensures you can create a swarm of tokens unexpectedly during your turn or even at the end of your opponent’s turn if you’re using flicker or untap effects, catching them off guard and setting up for a potential game-changing move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the key downsides of Springjack Shepherd is that it doesn’t have a discard effect, which means it doesn’t directly offer card advantage or selection, somewhat limiting its strategic depth.
Specific Mana Cost: Springjack Shepherd’s mana cost exclusively requires white mana. This can be problematic in multicolored decks that might struggle with color fixing, making it a less versatile choice in decks that aren’t mono-white.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Springjack Shepherd may be considered a bit costly for its power and toughness. In a game where efficiency is key, there are alternative four-mana creatures and spells that can have an immediate impact on the board state, making Springjack Shepherd potentially less favorable in competitive play.
Reasons to Include Springjack Shepherd in Your Collection
Versatility: Springjack Shepherd is a unique card that can be a valuable addition to any MTG player’s collection. Its ability to create a number of 0/1 white Goat creature tokens equal to its chroma provides strategic flexibility, fitting seamlessly into decks focused on token generation or chroma mechanics.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with effects that capitalize on creature count or sacrificing creatures for benefits. From bolstering the strength of your army to converting creatures into valuable life points or mana, the Springjack Shepherd’s goats offer a range of synergies.
Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in every meta, the Shepherd can prove to be a surprise tech card in certain environments. In metas where board presence is crucial and aggro strategies are prevalent, the ability to flood the field with tokens can establish a formidable defense and potentiate various gameplay strategies.
How to beat
Springjack Shepherd is a unique creature card that, upon entering the battlefield, creates a number of 0/1 white Goat creature tokens equal to your devotion to white. As enchantment-heavy white decks might capitalize on this, dealing with a herd of goats can pose a strategic challenge. However, countering Springjack Shepherd’s impact can be straightforward. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Doomskar, can clear out the swarm of goats before they become a more significant threat when leveraged by anthem effects or card synergies.
Spot removals like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can also disrupt the Shepherd before the tokens are even created, preventing any further combo setups. Alternatively, employing cards that restrict token generation, such as Tocatli Honor Guard or Hushbringer, can nip the issue in the bud. Managing to control the board state early and keeping pressure on your opponent’s life total are also effective strategies to counteract the Shepherd’s potential.
Bearing these strategies in mind, you’ll manage to shepherd your way to victory against decks utilizing the Springjack Shepherd and maintain control over the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Springjack Shepherd MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Springjack Shepherd 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 Springjack Shepherd Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Thomas Denmark.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 15 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas Denmark | |
| 2 | 2020-03-08 | Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils | FMB1 | 17 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas Denmark | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | EVE-15 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas Denmark |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Springjack Shepherd has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Springjack Shepherd card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | Chroma abilities check only mana costs, which are found in a card’s upper right corner. They don’t count mana symbols that appear in a card’s text box. |
| 2008-08-01 | Chroma abilities count hybrid mana symbols of the appropriate color. For example, a card with mana cost {U/R}{U/R} has two red mana symbols in its mana cost. |
| 2008-08-01 | The effect counts the mana symbols in this cards mana cost as well. |