Stern Scolding MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 522
2023-06-23 - Number 71
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Key Takeaways
- Stern Scolding impacts opponents’ strategies by previewing hands and disrupting plays at instant speed.
- Its discard requirement and specific mana cost may limit strategic options and deck compatibility.
- Well-suited for meta-gameplay where penalizing opponents’ full resource utilization is advantageous.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stern Scolding MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Stern Scolding and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Text of card
Counter target creature spell with power or toughness 2 or less.
"Fool of a Took! This is a serious journey, not a Hobbit walking-party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance. Now be quiet!"
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stern Scolding lets you peek at an opponent’s hand, potentially disrupting their strategy while gaining knowledge to inform your own plays, a subtle but significant edge.
Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t directly produce mana or treasure, using it wisely can prevent your opposing player from accelerating their resources, thereby preserving the pace of the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: Playing at instant speed gives Stern Scolding versatility in your arsenal; it allows you to respond to threats immediately, or strategically wait until the moment your opponent is most vulnerable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Stern Scolding requires a card to be discarded from your hand in order to play, which potentially diminishes your strategic options, especially if your hand size is already being pressured by an opponent’s disruption tactics.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s casting cost demands both white and red mana, making it less flexible for inclusion in multicolored decks not already tailored to a Boros (red-white) mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the effect provided, Stern Scolding’s mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other similar spells in the MTG universe that might accomplish the same goal with a lower investment, potentially affecting its efficiency in gameplay.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Stern Scolding offers a unique twist on player interaction by penalizing opponents for tapping out, making it adaptable in decks that thrive on keeping the opponent on their toes.
Combo Potential: This card can be synergistic in a setup that rewards you for opponents’ actions, potentially leading to game-changing advantage swings or facilitating combos with cards that monitor or restrict opponent’s mana usage.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where players are frequently leveraging all their resources each turn, Stern Scolding can act as an effective deterrent, making it a timely inclusion if the meta leans toward aggressive or combo-focused gameplay.
How to beat Stern Scolding
Understanding how to navigate a standoff with Stern Scolding involves recognizing this card’s unique place in the Magic: The Gathering landscape. Stern Scolding is known for its ability to disrupt the opponent by forcing them to pay for their attacks and abilities or else face punishment via life loss or card disadvantage. The key to counteracting its effect lies in maintaining a strong mana base to afford any unexpected costs Stern Scolding might impose.
Moreover, incorporating cards that offer mana flexibility or those that provide a cushion against life loss can be a strategic defense. Cards that grant you hexproof can also nullify Stern Scolding’s impact by making it impossible for it to target you. Patience is another virtue here, as you may decide to take a more conservative approach with your attacks and abilities until a more favorable time, thereby avoiding the harsh repercussions Stern Scolding could inflict.
Efficient management of resources and a thoughtful strategy can neutralize Stern Scolding’s influence in the game. Remember, it’s not just about brute force but also about smart play when it comes to overcoming the obstacles this card presents on the battlefield.
Cards like Stern Scolding
Stern Scolding is an intriguing card in MTG that brings unique dynamics to a player’s defensive strategies. Drawing parallels to similar cards, it invokes reminders of the classic Counterspell, as both function to disrupt an opponent’s plans. However, Stern Scolding has the distinction of specifically targeting activated abilities, a narrower focus compared to Counterspell’s wide-net approach which can counter any spell.
Then there’s Stifle, which also counters activated or triggered abilities, yet it does so at a lower mana cost, making it a more flexible option during early-game scenarios. However, Stern Scolding has a leg up in situations where a player’s graveyard plays a significant role; a particular advantage in decks designed around graveyard interactions.
A comparison wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Trickbind. This card not only counters abilities but goes the extra mile to prevent other abilities from being activated that turn. This can be a game-changer in comparison with Stern Scolding, especially during critical turns. Yet, the higher mana cost needs to be taken into account.
In sum, while assessing cards that intercept opponents’ maneuvers, Stern Scolding is a capable tool, especially when tailored to a strategy that benefits from its specific focus and synergizes with graveyard-based tactics.
Cards similar to Stern Scolding by color, type and mana cost
Printings
The Stern Scolding Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Valera Lutfullina.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 522 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Valera Lutfullina | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 71 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Valera Lutfullina |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stern Scolding has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |