Star-Crowned Stag MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 38
2019-11-07 - Number 245
2020-09-26 - Number M19-38
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elk |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever Star-Crowned Stag attacks, tap target creature defending player controls.
White as starlight on snow, it appears only on the eve of the winter solstice.
Cards like Star-Crowned Stag
Star-Crowned Stag is a creature card that players may recognize for its ability to tap opposing creatures when it attacks. This ability resembles that of Avacynian Missionaries, another card that can impose control over the battlefield by transforming and effectively neutralizing a target creature. The difference lies in the sheer immediacy of the Stag’s ability, granting you control every combat phase, unlike the Missionaries which require a condition to transform.
Additionally, Blinding Mage shares a similar tap-down effect, but offers more flexibility as its ability can be activated without the need to attack. However, the Stag’s larger body gives it a more prominent presence on the battlefield. Comparing the Stag to Bonds of Faith, we see a disparity not only in card type but in potential impact. Bonds of Faith can potentially buff your own creatures or lock down an opponent’s, but the Stag’s reusability each combat phase provides a constant tactical advantage.
Therefore, in terms of consistent board impact and dictating the pace of enemy movements, Star-Crowned Stag stands out amongst creatures with similar tapping abilities within Magic: The Gathering, reinforcing its role in strategies centered around controlling the combat dynamics.
Cards similar to Star-Crowned Stag by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When evaluating the Star-Crowned Stag, though it may not directly equate to drawing cards, the creature’s ability to tap potential blockers can indirectly lead to card advantage. By ensuring your attacks go through, you are more likely to benefit from other card interactions or damage-based draw triggers on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While the Stag itself does not provide traditional mana ramp, its presence on the board can accelerate your game plan. It forces your opponent to adapt their resources defensively, often putting you ahead on board presence and tempo, potentially giving you the upper hand as the match progresses.
Instant Speed: The Stag’s ability activates during combat, offering a pseudo-instant-speed advantage. You decide which creature to tap as the attack occurs, leaving opponents less time to react and plan strategically. This combat trick can disrupt your opponent’s plans, reminiscent of the flexibility instant speed spells provide.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Star-Crowned Stag doesn’t directly fall under this disadvantage, however, using it effectively could push a player to opt for ventilating their hand prematurely to maintain board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes both generic and white mana, this card fits primarily into white-based or two-color decks, potentially limiting its versatility in a broader range of MTG deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its ability to tap a creature can be useful, the stag’s four-mana cost is a considerable investment, especially when the MTG metagame offers lower-cost creatures with similar or even more impactful abilities.
Reasons to Include Star-Crowned Stag in Your Collection
Versatility: This enchanting creature easily fits into decks that aim to control combat dynamics. With its ability to tap potential blockers, Star-Crowned Stag can pave the way for profitable attacks regardless of your opponent’s board state.
Combo Potential: In decks that spotlight tapping and untapping creatures, this stag can serve as a key piece. Its ability pairs well with cards that capitalize on creatures becoming tapped, augmenting your tactical plays.
Meta-Relevance: When facing decks that rely on formidable creatures to defend, the Star-Crowned Stag shines by neutralizing those defenders, giving it a substantial edge in creature-heavy metas. Its relevance increases in games where controlling the battlefield can lead to victory.
How to beat
The Star-Crowned Stag is an intriguing creature card in the realm of MTG. With its ability to tap a target creature an opponent controls whenever it attacks, the Stag can disrupt your opponent’s defenses and leave them vulnerable to other attackers. Despite this tactical advantage, there are several strategies one can employ to outmaneuver the Star-Crowned Stag’s influence on the battlefield.
To mitigate the Stag’s impact, consider using removal spells to take it off the board before it can establish control. Efficient removal options like Fatal Push, Path to Exile, or even temporary solutions like Unsummon can neutralize the Stag’s ability. Additionally, cards with the flash ability allow you to deploy blockers even if your creatures get tapped, preserving your defense. Instant-speed interaction can catch your opponent off-guard, limiting the Stag’s ability to clear the way for an attack. Using these strategies judiciously can help maintain your line of defense and ultimately beat the challenge posed by the Star-Crowned Stag.
Understanding and anticipating key threats like the Star-Crowned Stag can be the difference between victory and defeat. Employing a combination of the right spells and tactical plays is crucial in maintaining control of the game state against such pieces.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Star-Crowned Stag MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Mystery Booster, 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 Star-Crowned Stag 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 Star-Crowned Stag Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Jonathan Kuo.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 38 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonathan Kuo | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 245 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonathan Kuo | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | M19-38 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonathan Kuo |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Star-Crowned Stag 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 |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |