Strength of Arms MTG Card
2016-04-08 - Number 40
2020-08-07 - Number 33
2022-10-14 - Number 18
2023-03-21 - Number 47
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. If you control an Equipment, put a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token onto the battlefield.
"We fight not for Avacyn, but for her ideals; not for the church, but for its people." —Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
Cards like Strength of Arms
Strength of Arms is an intriguing combat trick in the vast arsenal of Magic: The Gathering instants. It stands out by providing a welcome boost to a creature’s power and toughness. Comparable cards such as Giant Growth offer a more significant bump in power and toughness for the same cost though without the additional potential of equipping a creature.
Gird for Battle is another spell that shares some similarities, simultaneously increasing the strength of two creatures, which makes for strategic flexibility. However, unlike Strength of Arms, it doesn’t offer the instant pull of a new equipment piece which can be a pivotal play.
In the space of targeting spells that benefit creatures in battle, Mighty Leap grants not only an augmentation in power and toughness but also gives the creature flying until the end of the turn. This additional ability can turn the tides of combat, despite its one-time use effect. While Strength of Arms lacks the aerial advantage, it shines in equipment-heavy decks where its added benefit can make a decisive impact.
Considering the blend of power-up and synergy with equipment, Strength of Arms possesses a unique position among MTG’s instant spells, nurturing strategies that make the most of a well-armed battlefield.
Cards similar to Strength of Arms by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though not directly allowing for card draw, Strength of Arms can effectively be a two-for-one scenario. It strengthens a creature significantly, which might enable it to take out an opposing card without succumbing itself.
Resource Acceleration: While Strength of Arms doesn’t provide mana or tokens, it offers a huge increase to a creature’s power for a low cost, potentially speeding up your game plan by turning even the smallest creature into a substantial threat.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Strength of Arms gives players the flexibility to surprise opponents during combat, turning defensive blocks into devastating counters or unexpectedly bolstering an attacker to deliver crucial damage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Strength of Arms does not require a discard itself, the card can sometimes be less valuable when your hand is already stretched for resources. In fast-paced games or in decks that quickly cycle through their hand, finding yourself needing a specific response without the luxury to hold onto this card can reduce its effectiveness.
Specific Mana Cost: Strength of Arms asks for white mana specifically. This requirement confines it to decks heavy in white mana or those that can reliably produce any color of mana, potentially excluding it from various multicolor builds that don’t favor white or mono-color decks of a different hue.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the mana cost for Strength of Arms is relatively low, there are alternative cards that could accomplish similar results for an equal or less mana investment. This fact makes the card potentially a less optimal choice in a strategy where mana efficiency is key to outmaneuvering opponents.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Strength of Arms is a valuable addition to any collection as it can seamlessly integrate into various deck types. Its ability to beef up creatures makes it a go-to for those looking to enhance their creature-based strategies.
Combo Potential: This card offers significant potential for synergy, especially in decks that revolve around soldiers or tokens. The instant speed of Strength of Arms means it can turn the tide during combat by unexpectedly bolstering your forces.
Meta-Relevance: Given the fast-paced nature of the current meta, the instant buff provided can be crucial for keeping pace. Furthermore, its low mana cost aligns perfectly with aggressive decks aiming to maintain pressure on the opponent.
How to beat
Strength of Arms is a potent combat trick in Magic: The Gathering that can quickly turn the tide of battle. When facing an adversary with this card in their arsenal, predicting and timing are your greatest allies. One way to effectively counteract the surprise buff it provides is by keeping up removal spells that can be cast in response to Strength of Arms. This ensures that even when your opponent attempts to overwhelm you with enhanced creatures, you have the means to level the playing field and remove the threat.
Another strategy is to limit the number of creatures your adversary controls. This makes Strength of Arms far less impactful, as it requires a creature on the battlefield to target. Board wipes or consistent creature removal will diminish the card’s utility. Additionally, be mindful of your opponent’s untapped mana and the number of cards in their hand, as these are telltale signs they could have Strength of Arms ready to deploy.
Ultimately, understanding the capabilities of Strength of Arms and maintaining a reactive stance can greatly reduce its effectiveness against you. Through careful play and strategic use of removal, you can mitigate the advantages this card could potentially bestow upon your opponent’s forces.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Strength of Arms MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad and Double Masters, 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 of Arms 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 of Arms Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by John Stanko.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad | SOI | 40 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko | |
| 2 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 33 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko | |
| 3 | 2022-10-14 | Game Night: Free-for-All | GN3 | 18 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko | |
| 4 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 47 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Strength of Arms 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 |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Strength of Arms card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-08-07 | The Human Soldier token that you'll create can't be the target to get +2/+2. |
| 2020-08-07 | You'll create a Human Soldier token if you control any Equipment, not just one attached to the target creature, or even to any creature at all. |
| 2020-08-07 | You'll create only one token, no matter how many Equipment you control beyond the first. |