Strength in Numbers MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number J52
2005-08-22 - Number J42
2005-08-22 - Number J53
2006-10-06 - Number 224
2016-08-26 - Number 193
2017-03-17 - Number 138
2019-11-07 - Number 1343
2021-03-19 - Number 233
2020-09-26 - Number MM3-138
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Until end of turn, target creature gains trample and gets +X/+X, where X is the number of attacking creatures.
Cards like Strength in Numbers
Strength in Numbers is a card that offers an explosive potential boost in power for creature-based decks within Magic: The Gathering. It’s often compared to Overrun, as both increase the power and toughness of creatures. However, Strength in Numbers provides more flexibility as it depends on the number of creatures attacking, essentially turning each creature into an additional force amplifier.
Cards like Giant Growth also provide a temporary power surge with a lower mana cost, but they lack the scaling potential of Strength in Numbers. Whereas Giant Growth affects a single creature, Strength in Numbers can impact the entire battlefield, offering the possibility for a game-ending strike. Similarly, other cards in this sphere include Titan’s Strength and Brute Force, which grant substantial power boosts but do not match Strength in Numbers in its ability to turn a sizeable army into an overwhelming force.
When evaluating the strategic advantages of attack synergies in Magic: The Gathering, Strength in Numbers is particularly impactful in decks that rapidly deploy a multitude of creatures, aligning well with swarm strategies and making it a formidable spell in the right context.
Cards similar to Strength in Numbers by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Strength in Numbers offers the potential to swing the game in your favor by turning a populated battlefield into a massive card advantage. With each creature you control potentially adding substantial power to your attacking creature, every token and every low-power creature becomes a valuable asset. This synergy can drastically increase the value of your cards on the board.
Resource Acceleration: By boosting a single creature’s power for each other creature you control, Strength in Numbers can rapidly accelerate your resources on the field. This can transform a modest army into a torrent of power, overwhelming defenses without the need to commit additional mana for separate buffs—freeing up resources for further strategic plays.
Instant Speed: The instant speed of Strength in Numbers provides significant tactical flexibility. It can be deployed mid-combat, surprising an opponent during their calculations and potentially turning a sure defeat into a victorious strike. The ability to use it after declaring attackers allows you to adapt to your opponent’s responses, keeping them guessing and giving you the upper hand.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Strength in Numbers card demands players to discard another card as part of its casting cost. This prerequisite can lead to strategic setbacks, especially when players have a minimal hand and must forgo a potentially crucial card to enable the effect of Strength in Numbers.
Specific Mana Cost: Exclusive to green mana in its casting cost, Strength in Numbers may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that might struggle with mana consistency. This limitation can make it challenging for players to utilize the card’s full potential outside of monogreen or green-heavy decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a mana cost at the higher end of the curve for its effect, Strength in Numbers competes with other buff spells that can be more cost-effective. In competitive play, the mana investment could potentially be better allocated towards spells with immediate board impact or versatility.
Reasons to Include Strength in Numbers in Your Collection
Versatility: Strength in Numbers fits seamlessly into a multitude of green decks that focus on creature swarming. Its instant speed allows it to be a game-changer during combat, increasing the threat level of even the most unassuming token creatures.
Combo Potential: This card has the potential to work wonderfully with decks that are able to generate a large quantity of creatures. It synergizes with token generators and other effects that capitalize on having multiple creatures on the board, turning a wide board state into overwhelming power.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive and creature-focused decks prevail, Strength in Numbers can serve as an unexpected and cost-effective finisher. It thrives in games where board presence equates to victory and ensures that such a strategy pays off with an impactful punch.
How to Beat
Strength in Numbers is a card that speaks to the power of unity in Magic: The Gathering, amplifying the might of your creatures as your army grows. The impact it has on the battlefield can turn even the smallest creature into a colossal threat, making it a key card for those running a creature-heavy deck.
But every strategy has a counter, and dealing with Strength in Numbers is all about managing the creatures that could benefit from it. Board control spells like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can sweep the field clean, nullifying the effectiveness of the card by removing targets for its buff. Efficient removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can also help by taking out key creatures before they can be pumped. Moreover, limiting the number of creatures your opponent has means Strength in Numbers loses its potency, shifting the tide of battle in your favor.
Remember that proactive defense is as important as retaliation. Cards that prevent creatures from attacking or blocking, such as Ensnaring Bridge or Ghostly Prison, can keep the swarms at bay, making Strength in Numbers a dead card in your opponent’s hand. Properly timing these defenses can be crucial in ensuring that your opponent’s numbers don’t become their strength.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Strength in Numbers MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, 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 Strength in Numbers 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
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Printings
The Strength in Numbers Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | J52 | 2003 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | J42 | 2003 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | J53 | 2003 | Normal | White | Ron Spencer | |
| 4 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral | TSP | 224 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 5 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 193 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 6 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 138 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 7 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1343 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 8 | The List | PLST | MM3-138 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | ||
| 9 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 233 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Strength in Numbers has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Strength in Numbers card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-03-19 | The value of X is determined only as Strength in Numbers resolves. It won’t change later in the turn if the number of attacking creatures changes. |