Stalwart Speartail MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dinosaur |
| Abilities | Enrage |
| Released | 2023-12-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Ixalan |
| Set code | YLCI |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 29 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Filip Burburan |
Text of card
Enrage — Whenever Stalwart Speartail is dealt damage, other Dinosaurs you control and Dinosaur cards in your hand and library perpetually get +1/+1. Whenever Stalwart Speartail attacks, you may pay . When you do, Stalwart Speartail deals 1 damage to each creature and each planeswalker.
Cards like Stalwart Speartail
Stalwart Speartail brings a unique presence to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with other creatures like Segovian Angel, a card that also features flying and vigilance. Where Stalwart Speartail stands out is its notable addition of reach, allowing it to block creatures with flying. Segovian Angel, while having the advantage of a lower casting cost, doesn’t provide this defensive capability against flying threats.
In the same sphere, cards like Concordia Pegasus come to mind. It also soars with the flying ability, but again, it lacks the versatility of Stalwart Speartail’s reach. Concordia Pegasus is a straightforward flying creature, while Stalwart Speartail gives players an edge by being able to interact with aerial combat more effectively. Furthermore, Healer’s Hawk is another notable comparison. It offers flying and lifelink, providing a different type of utility, but still does not support the defending aspect provided by the reach on Stalwart Speartail.
Ultimately, evaluating the different skill sets of these creatures in the Magic: The Gathering universe, Stalwart Speartail secures its place with a distinctive blend of powers, especially for those looking to reinforce their defenses against opponents’ flying entities.
Cards similar to Stalwart Speartail by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Stalwart Speartail. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stalwart Speartail offers a noticeable presence on the battlefield that can potentially translate to card advantage. By forcing your opponent to deal with it, either through blocking or using removal spells, you can often gain a superior position in terms of card economy.
Resource Acceleration: While Stalwart Speartail isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, its cost-to-effectiveness ratio ensures you can develop your board without major investments. This efficient distribution of resources across your plays is a subtle form of acceleration that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Instant Speed: One of Stalwart Speartail’s hidden strengths is its reach ability, which can be leveraged at instant speed to surprise an unsuspecting opponent during combat. This shifts the flow of a match substantially, allowing you to make strategic defensive plays that could be as valuable as acceleration in the right context.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Stalwart Speartail comes with an inherent trade-off by having players part with a valuable card from their hand to unlock its potential. This becomes a strategic pitfall when your hand is already running on empty.
Specific Mana Cost: Chaining you to a specific mana requirement can be restrictive to deck building. Stalwart Speartail asks for a precise mana setup to cast, potentially causing color-fixing issues in multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing the mana cost against its abilities can reveal efficiency gaps. With a cost that could be considered high for its stat line and effect, Stalwart Speartail might lag when up against other cards in the same mana range.
Reasons to Include Stalwart Speartail in Your Collection
Versatility: Stalwart Speartail can adapt to various playstyles given its balance between offense and defense. This card’s reach ability makes it a solid defender against flying threats while still serving as a reliable attacker.
Combo Potential: With its simple mana requirements and dinosaur subtype, Stalwart Speartail effortlessly integrates into tribal synergies or enrage mechanics often found in dinosaur-themed decks, potentially unlocking new, powerful interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors flying creatures or decks with a tribal focus, Stalwart Speartail’s capabilities can be very pertinent. Its ability to block flyers and contribute to tribal combo plays can be a significant asset in the right environment.
How to beat
Stalwart Speartail carves out its niche on the battlefield with its defensive prowess and reach. This formidable card can pose a challenge for players reliant on flying creatures to secure victory. However, devising a strategy to overcome it is far from impossible. Focusing on removal spells that bypass its defensive capabilities can effectively neutralize Stalwart Speartail. Efficient removal options such as Murder or Path to Exile can dispatch this scaly obstacle with ease, irrespective of its reach.
Another effective method to tackle this card is to utilize combat tricks. Buffing your creatures temporarily with spells like Giant Growth might provide the needed strength to overpower Stalwart Speartail in battle. Alternatively, evasion tactics can circumvent the need for combat entirely. Cards that grant your creatures protection from a color or unblockable abilities can sidestep the wall that Stalwart Speartail presents, allowing you to continue pressing the attack without engaging it directly.
Lastly, overcrowding the board with multiple threats can overwhelm a lone Stalwart Speartail. While it may excel at holding back individual attackers, it cannot fend off a multitude of creatures attacking at once. By spreading out the offensive pressure, you can diminish the impact that Stalwart Speartail has on the game’s outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stalwart Speartail MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Ixalan, 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 Stalwart Speartail 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 Stalwart Speartail has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |