Staunch Defenders MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 49
1998-08-12 - Number bs49sb
1999-04-21 - Number 45
2001-04-11 - Number 50★
2001-04-11 - Number 50
2003-07-28 - Number 49
2003-07-28 - Number 49★
2015-05-06 - Number 37
2000-01-01 - Number 12
2002-06-24 - Number 36064
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
When Staunch Defenders comes into play, gain 4 life.
"Hold your position! Leave doubt for the dying!" —Tahngarth of the *Weatherlight*
Cards like Staunch Defenders
Staunch Defenders is a solid choice for players looking to bolster their defense in MTG. This card serves as a life-gaining roadblock against aggressive strategies. When assessing its position among life-gaining defenders, we notice that cards like Lone Missionary also provide a life boost upon entering the battlefield. However, the key difference lies in the amount of life gained and the overall toughness of the creature, with Staunch Defenders offering a more substantial boost and a sturdier defensive presence.
Comparing it to Wall of Reverence, another creature with a defensive posture and life gain potential, Staunch Defenders doesn’t offer a recurring life gain effect but rather a sizable one-time gain when it enters the battlefield. This makes it effective for a quick life total buffer. Meanwhile, Wall of Reverence has the potential for a larger life gain over time, which could be beneficial in long, drawn-out matches.
Each card has its strategic advantages, but Staunch Defenders distinguishes itself with its one-time, yet substantial, life gain and a strong defensive ability upon entry, giving it a unique place in MTG as a reliable creature for defense-centric decks looking for an immediate impact on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Staunch Defenders by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Staunch Defenders provides a unique benefit upon entering the battlefield by allowing you to gain life equivalent to its toughness. This can be particularly advantageous in games where maintaining a high life total can make the difference, contributing to your survivability while you build up your board presence.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly produce additional mana or tokens, the inclusion of Staunch Defenders in your deck means you are less likely to expend other resources on life gain spells. This allows you to focus your mana and cards on advancing your board state or disrupting your opponent’s strategies.
Instant Speed: Although Staunch Defenders itself is a creature that cannot be cast at instant speed, its life gain effect upon entry creates a potential combination with other cards that can flicker or bounce creatures during either player’s turn. This interaction can surprise an opponent who might not calculate the life gain in their combat math or during their attempts to reduce your life total quickly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In terms of resource management within the game, Staunch Defenders can sometimes fall short. This card doesn’t inherently require a discard, but to amplify its defensive capabilities, pairing it with cards necessitating discards might be necessary, and that can deplete your hand quickly.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Staunch Defenders, you’ll need not only a moderate amount of mana but also a specific color alignment. With a casting cost that includes white mana, this card’s usage becomes restricted to decks that can produce or are predominantly white mana-based.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an entry fee of five mana—three colorless and two white—Staunch Defenders demands a significant amount for a creature that provides a limited one-time life gain effect upon entering the battlefield. In a game where pace can determine victory or defeat, this cost might slow you down, especially when other cards could offer more strategic value or versatility for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Staunch Defenders in Your Collection
Versatility: Staunch Defenders offers a solid blend of defense and life gain, making it a suitable addition to decks that prioritize stability and survivability. Whether you’re facing aggressive opponents or need to endure until executing your game plan, this card has the toughness to support your strategy.
Combo Potential: With its life-gaining ability upon entering the battlefield, Staunch Defenders can synergize with cards that capitalize on life changes. This potential opens up opportunities for interesting combinations in decks focused around life gain triggers and payoffs.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive strategies often dominate, Staunch Defenders can be a valuable asset. Its entry effect can offset damage from early assaults, and its decent size for its mana cost can help maintain a presence on the board, making it a practical choice in shifting metas.
How to beat
Staunch Defenders is a versatile creature in the MTG universe, positioned as a defensive bulwark that can bolster your life total upon entering the battlefield. Its arrival triggers an immediate life gain, reminiscent of other cards that provide a similar cushion, like the celebrated Lone Missionary. The Missionary, however, is less expensive and can be a quicker option for life gain strategies, though it offers a smaller life boost compared to Staunch Defenders.
Confronting Staunch Defenders calls for strategic removal. Cards that can bypass its solid toughness are key. For instance, Murder is a straightforward solution to dispatch creatures irrespective of their toughness. Alternatively, spells that don’t target, such as Wrath of God, can sweep away Staunch Defenders without prejudice. Notably, countering Staunch Defenders is also a valid strategy. Cancel, and its ilk, prevent the creature from ever hitting the board, thus negating both the defensive presence and the life gain trigger.
In essence, while Staunch Defenders can be a formidable force, there are efficient means to mitigate or even nullify its impact. Utilizing targeted removals, board wipes, or counter spells can effectively manage this card’s influence in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Staunch Defenders MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and World Championship Decks 1998, 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 Staunch Defenders 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 Staunch Defenders Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 49 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 2 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | bs49sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Mark Poole | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 45 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Poole | |
| 4 | Friday Night Magic 2000 | FNM | 12 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | ||
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 50★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Tristan Elwell | |
| 6 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 50 | 1997 | Normal | White | Tristan Elwell | |
| 7 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36064 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | ||
| 8 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 49 | 2003 | Normal | White | Tristan Elwell | |
| 9 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 49★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Tristan Elwell | |
| 10 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 37 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Staunch Defenders has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |