Stromkirk Bloodthief MTG Card
2021-09-24 - Number 123
2022-01-28 - Number 123
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Vampire Rogue |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
At the beginning of your end step, if an opponent lost life this turn, put a +1/+1 counter on target Vampire you control.
With House Voldaren ascendant, some members of the Stromkirk line took it upon themselves to "borrow" from the blood tithes.
Cards like Stromkirk Bloodthief
Stromkirk Bloodthief enters the world of MTG as an intriguing choice for those looking to amplify their vampire-themed decks. It bears a familial resemblance to cards like the iconic Vampire Nighthawk, a creature well-regarded for its deathtouch and lifelink. While Stromkirk Bloodthief lacks these abilities, it compensates with its potential to grow stronger whenever an opponent discards a card.
Its cousin in strategy, Asylum Visitor, offers a slightly different approach. Asylum Visitor may allow for card advantage when your hand is empty, a condition Stromkirk Bloodthief does not require. The Visitor is also an exceptional ally during the madness mechanic-themed games, a trait that our Bloodthief does not share, focusing instead on incremental power boosts.
Comparatively, Falkenrath Gorger furnishes your entire vampire squad with the ability to partake in madness, granting not just power but also expanded strategic play options, albeit without the built-in mechanism to grow in strength like Stromkirk Bloodthief. Amplifying its unique ability to capitalize on an opponent’s card loss, Stromkirk Bloodthief becomes a nuanced choice, particularly potent against discard-heavy strategies in the MTG arena.
Cards similar to Stromkirk Bloodthief by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Stromkirk Bloodthief. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Orzhov Midrange | Standard | Orzhov Midrange | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 29, 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Stromkirk Bloodthief grants notable card advantage as it provides an opportunity to draw each time you gain control over an opponent’s creature. This mechanic not only adds to your hand but also diminishes your opponent’s board presence, effectively shifting the game’s momentum in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: When this card successfully connects to an opponent’s life total, it can trigger an effect that boosts your resource pool. This acceleration can be pivotal in giving you the extra push needed to cast higher-cost, impactful spells ahead of schedule, thus ramping up the pressure on your adversaries.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate this card’s effects at instant speed is a game-changer, offering you the flexibility to adapt to the unfolding game. This allows you to react in real-time to threats or make strategic decisions based on your opponent’s actions without committing your resources prematurely.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Stromkirk Bloodthief commands you to discard a card to activate its abilities, potentially stripping your hand of valuable resources at crucial moments.
Specific Mana Cost: This vampire ally demands an exacting cost – two black mana in its casting price, which can restrict deck-building options and synergies, particularly in multi-colored formats where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be considered steep for its abilities, players may find that their mana is better spent on cards that provide a greater impact on the game state when considering other creatures or spells available at similar cost thresholds.
Reasons to Include Stromkirk Bloodthief in Your Collection
Versatility: Stromkirk Bloodthief is a flexible card that can slide into various Vampire tribal and aggressive red or black decks. Its ability to grow in power with each blood counter also allows it to adapt and become more formidable over the course of a game.
Combo Potential: This creature works well with cards that generate blood counters or benefit from them, enabling multiple synergistic interactions. It’s a piece that can amplify the vampire archetype and interact profitably with damage-dealing spells or effects that target players.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where small creatures and incremental advantages are key, Stromkirk Bloodthief shines. It’s not only a threat that must be dealt with swiftly but can also serve as a recurring source of pressure and card advantage against slower, control-oriented decks.
How to beat
Stromkirk Bloodthief can be a real threat on the battlefield due to its capacity to grow stronger with each instant or sorcery spell an opponent casts. Much like its vampiric kin in Magic: The Gathering, this creature hinges on the flow and control of the game. Beating this card requires a strategy that limits such opportunities or that can overtake the creature in combat.
A solid game plan is to focus on removal spells that can target and destroy it before it gets out of hand, such as Doom Blade or Murder. These pinpoint removals can dispatch Stromkirk Bloodthief swiftly and efficiently. You could also employ enchantments like Pacifism to neutralize its abilities without triggering its power-boosting effect. Additionally, it pays to be cautious about the number of instant and sorcery spells you play. Consider using creatures and other permanent types to minimize the Bloodthief’s growth potential.
In essence, keeping the board clear of such growing threats and being selective with spell casting can tilt the odds in your favor, ensuring that Stromkirk Bloodthief remains just another creature passing through your game rather than defining the victory for your opponent.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stromkirk Bloodthief MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Midnight Hunt and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Stromkirk Bloodthief 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 Stromkirk Bloodthief Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Caroline Gariba.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-09-24 | Innistrad: Midnight Hunt | MID | 123 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Caroline Gariba | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 123 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Caroline Gariba |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stromkirk Bloodthief has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Stromkirk Bloodthief card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-09-24 | Stromkirk Bloodthief's ability cares whether an opponent lost life this turn, not how their life total changed. For example, an opponent who gained 2 life and lost 1 life in the same turn still lost life. |