Strongarm Monk MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Monk |
| Released | 2015-03-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragons of Tarkir |
| Set code | DTK |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 39 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Viktor Titov |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.
"His companions are wise to follow him, for his foes dare not stand in his way." —Zhiada, Dirgur protector
Cards like Strongarm Monk
Strongarm Monk holds its ground in the realm of creature spells that bolster others during combat in Magic: The Gathering. It shares its battlefield influence with cards like Mentor of the Meek, allowing players to gain an advantage when creatures enter play. The Monk, with its Tea Time ability, empowers your equipped creatures, giving them a tactical edge by providing a buff during combat. Mentor of the Meek, in contrast, doesn’t boost power but lets you draw cards whenever low-powered creatures enter your side of the field.
In the same vein, creatures such as Hamlet Captain enhance the game plan by supporting their fellow creatures of a specific type, in this case, Humans. While it lacks the Tea Time ability, the Captain also increases combat potential by boosting fellow Humans as they attack. Then there’s the always reliable Intangible Virtue, a non-creature spell that strengthens an entire class of creatures – tokens. Unlike Strongarm Monk, it offers a passive and ongoing advantage that bolsters your token army, making each token that much more threatening.
Assessing combat support cards in MTG, Strongarm Monk makes a respectable showing with its unique brand of creature-wide empowerment, skillfully rewarding strategic equipment plays.
Cards similar to Strongarm Monk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Strongarm Monk is adept at providing card advantage by offering dynamic interactions with other cards. Every spell you cast can potentially amplify its effectiveness, leading to a significant lead over your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: This card is known for its ability to turn the tide of the game by accelerating your resources. Each time you cast a noncreature spell, it can pave the way to casting even costlier spells much earlier than expected, offering a strategic advantage.
Instant Speed: One of Strongarm Monk’s standout features is its synergy with instant-speed spells. This allows for tactical plays and unexpected combinations during crucial moments, catching opponents off guard and disrupting their strategy on their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside is that to unlock its full potential, you might need to toss another valuable card from your hand, which could put you at a strategic disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Strongarm Monk comes with a mana cost that requires a heavy commitment to white mana. Deck builders will have to consider their mana base carefully to ensure they can consistently meet this requirement.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature of its caliber, the mana investment is significant. This may cause players to pass over the monk for creatures with lower mana costs, or more impactful abilities within the same mana range.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Strongarm Monk’s ability to give your creatures a +1/+1 boost whenever you play a noncreature spell makes it a worthy addition to various deck builds that capitalize on spell casting, particularly prowess and token strategies.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks revolving around instants and sorceries. Pair it with cards that let you cast multiple spells in a turn to create an overwhelming board presence quickly.
Meta-Relevance: In a playing environment that favors combat-centric tactics, Strongarm Monk can decisively tilt skirmishes in your favor. Its ability to buff your entire board with each noncreature spell can be critical in swinging games.
How to beat
Strongarm Monk is a unique creature card that can pose a surprising threat on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This card is especially potent in decks that focus on casting numerous noncreature spells, as it boosts the power of your other creatures whenever you cast a noncreature spell. The key to overcoming this card lies in disrupting this synergy.
Targeted removal spells are effective at keeping Strongarm Monk off the board. By removing it before a significant number of spells are cast, you limit the benefits it provides. Counterspells also serve as a proactive solution, nixing the monk before it even touches the field. Alternatively, mass removal spells can reset the board, reducing the overall impact of Strongarm Monk’s ability. Moreover, playing around with combat tricks and damage-preventing effects can neutralize the temporary buffs Strongarm Monk grants, leveling the playing field. Preventing your opponent from establishing a wide board to capitalize on the monk’s ability is also crucial.
Ultimately, a strategy centered on precise timing and disruption can effectively counteract the strengths of Strongarm Monk, preserving your chances of victory in any game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Strongarm Monk MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Strongarm Monk 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 Strongarm Monk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |