Steel Leaf Paladin MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 6 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Elf Knight |
Abilities | First strike |
Released | 2001-02-05 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Planeshift |
Set code | PLS |
Power | 4 |
Toughness | 4 |
Number | 127 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Paolo Parente |
Text of card
First strike When Steel Leaf Paladin comes into play, return a green or white creature you control to its owner's hand.
Cards like Steel Leaf Paladin
Steel Leaf Paladin brings a unique flair to creatures with an affinity for the forests of Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship lies with fellow green-aligned heroes like Leatherback Baloth, which also boasts a considerable physique for a moderate mana investment. Yet, Steel Leaf Paladin carves its niche with its evasive abilities, empowering players to skirt around defenders with ease, a feature Leatherback Baloth lacks.
Exploring deeper into the forest, we find cards like Dungrove Elder sharing the stage. Dungrove’s power and toughness ebb and flow with the number of forests under a player’s control, presenting a variable threat. However, unlike Steel Leaf Paladin, the elder does not inherently possess the ability to sidestep potential blockers. Then there’s the Vinelasher Kudzu, a plant that grows with each land drop but does not offer the immediate board presence or the evasion that the paladin brings to the battlefield.
Focusing on gameplay dynamics and strategic flexibility, Steel Leaf Paladin shines as a formidable presence. Its combination of solid stats and elusive nature makes it a valuable asset for players harnessing the power of green in Magic: The Gathering, adept at applying pressure while dodging common defenses.
Cards similar to Steel Leaf Paladin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Steel Leaf Paladin offers a notable advantage with its ability to potentially draw you a card upon meeting certain in-game conditions. Gaining an additional card can be pivotal, enabling you to outpace your opponent in resources over time.
Resource Acceleration: When you play the Steel Leaf Paladin, its presence on the battlefield might lead to quicker deployment of subsequent threats. By possibly ramping up your mana resources, you set the stage for casting high-impact spells sooner than expected, asserting dominance in the match.
Instant Speed: Although this card operates at sorcery speed, its effects can positively influence decisions at instant speed during gameplay. The potential for combination plays with flash cards or responding swiftly to open mana opportunities can shift the tide of a game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside to embracing the Steel Leaf Paladin in your deck is its need for a card discard to achieve optimal play, particularly taxing when your hand is already thin.
Specific Mana Cost: Tailored for green mana-intensive strategies, the Steel Leaf Paladin demands a strict mana composition, potentially clashing with more diversified mana bases and discouraging its inclusion in multi-colored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its demand for a substantial amount of mana, the Steel Leaf Paladin may lag behind when you weigh it against other creatures that hit the battlefield sooner or bring immediate value with lower investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Steel Leaf Paladin slides effortlessly into a variety of Green-centered decks, bolstering both aggressive and midrange strategies with its robust stats.
Combo Potential: With its potential to synergize well with other elves or knights, this card can serve as a crucial piece in tribal-themed decks, often setting the stage for powerful plays and interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that values quick deployment of threats, the Steel Leaf Paladin offers a significant board presence that demands an answer, aligning well with the current competitive tempo of MTG gameplay.
How to beat
Steel Leaf Paladin is a formidable force on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, capable of turning the tides in favor of its controller. However, no card is without its weaknesses. To come out on top against this powerhouse, one must understand its strengths and exploit its vulnerabilities. The Paladin’s power lies in its substantial attack boost and the ability to make creatures nearly unblockable when strengths synergize. First, remember that removal spells are your primary weapon. Employing direct removals like Path to Exile or Doom Blade can efficiently deal with the Paladin before its effects become overwhelming. Secondly, use counterspells strategically to prevent the Paladin from entering the battlefield in the first place. Negate or Essence Scatter can be key cards in preserving your defenses intact.Another strategy is to manipulate the flow of the match through board wipes. Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation reset the battlefield, nullifying the presence of the Paladin. Lastly, never underestimate the element of surprise with instant-speed interaction. Having the ability to answer threats at the right moment keeps opponents guessing and could dismantle their strategy. Keeping these tactics in mind gives you a fighting chance against Steel Leaf Paladin.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Steel Leaf Paladin MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift, 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 Steel Leaf Paladin 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Steel Leaf Paladin has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Steel Leaf Paladin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | You choose the creature to return on resolution of the triggered ability. This is not targeted. |