Springmane Cervin MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elk |
| Released | 2021-04-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Strixhaven: School of Mages |
| Set code | STX |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 144 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ilse Gort |
Text of card
When Springmane Cervin enters the battlefield, you gain 2 life.
Cervins feed on the mana-rich plants around the star arches, imbuing their bodies with extraordinary grace and vitality.
Cards like Springmane Cervin
Springmane Cervin is a unique creature card in the world of MTG, falling into the enchantment creature subcategory. Looking at its kin, we find cards like Nyxborn Shieldmate, which also share the enchantment creature trait and provide a semblance of utility beyond that of a simple creature. Springmane Cervin, a vigilant force, compares to the shieldmate in stats but offers an elevated level of battlefield control thanks to its vigilance attribute.
Drifting into the realm of white creatures, we can look at Concordia Pegasus as another comparable card in terms of mana cost and flying ability. Yet, Springmane Cervin stands out due to its vigilance, giving it a defensive edge over the pegasus, which lacks any form of self-protective abilities. Then there is Heliod’s Pilgrim, a card that brings in tactical flexibility by letting you sift through your deck for an aura, an advantage that the Cervin does not have, although it compensates with its sturdy vigilance and enchantment synergy.
While each card brings its nuances to the game, Springmane Cervin provides a strategic advantage in MTG decks that capitalize on vigilance and enchantment interactions, making it a considerable option for players crafting control-oriented white decks.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Springmane Cervin offers the potential for direct card advantage, as it can draw you into further opportunities when played at the right moment. Its ability to enchant a land, which then draws a card upon the creature’s death, ensures you are not falling behind in the race to maintain hand superiority.
Resource Acceleration: By transforming a land into a more valuable resource, this creature can serve a dual purpose. It incentivizes opponents to think twice before removing it, and if they do, the enchanted land ensures that you still advance your resources, maintaining or even ramping your mana production for subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The enchant land ability of Springmane Cervin can be used at instant speed, allowing you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves. This adaptability can provide a significant edge, permitting you to keep mana open for responses or to simply activate it at the end of your opponent’s turn for maximum efficiency.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Springmane Cervin requires you to have another creature on the battlefield to sacrifice. This cost can set you back, especially if you’re playing a deck with limited creatures.
Specific Mana Cost: The card demands two specific types of mana to cast—white and green. This requirement can be restrictive for players who are not running a Selesnya (green-white) or multicolor deck that includes these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Springmane Cervin offers an enchanting battlefield presence and tactical advantages, its considerable mana cost of four may deter players, considering alternative creatures or spells that provide a similar impact for less mana.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Springmane Cervin is a flexible addition to any deck that thrives on life-gain mechanics or creature strategies. Its ability to boost life while serving as a solid blocker or attacker makes it a strong choice for a range of game plans.
Combo Potential: The lifelink trait of Springmane Cervin can be crucial in combos with cards that trigger off life total changes, amplifying their effects and tipping the scales in your favor during gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggro decks are prevalent, having a creature with lifelink like Springmane Cervin can help stabilize your board presence and keep your life total out of critical ranges.
How to Beat Springmane Cervin
When facing the Springmane Cervin in MTG, it’s crucial to understand its inherent strengths and weaknesses. This creature benefits from vigilance, making it a reliable blocker that’s always ready to defend. However, its modest stats mean that there are various strategies to outmaneuver it. Removal spells are your direct answer, which can unceremoniously dispatch this vigilant creature from the battlefield. Cards that can either deal damage or force the owner to sacrifice it can effectively negate the cervin’s presence.
Another effective tactic is to utilize larger creatures. Since Springmane Cervin boasts a lower power and toughness, creatures with significant stats can overpower it in combat, clearing the way for your offense. Additionally, evasion abilities like flying or trample can circumvent the cervin, as it can’t block creatures it’s not equipped to engage with. Enhancements that boost your creatures’ abilities or debilitate your opponent’s can also tip the scales in your favor.
Lastly, patience is a virtue when dealing with the Springmane Cervin. Its vigilance may pose a constant threat, but with calculated moves and strategic planning, this steadfast cervin can be triumphed over, allowing you to claim victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Springmane Cervin MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Springmane Cervin 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Springmane Cervin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |