Stronghold Taskmaster MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Giant Minion |
| Released | 1998-03-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Stronghold |
| Set code | STH |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 72 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Brom |
Text of card
All other black creatures get -1/-1.
"With the completion of each joyous task, we are closer to Yawgmoth's divine vision." —Stronghold architect, journal
Cards like Stronghold Taskmaster
The Stronghold Taskmaster is a unique entry in the realm of creature cards within MTG. It’s reminiscent of other black cards that thrive on debuffing opponents’ creatures, such as Gravedigger, which not only reduces the power of an enemy creature but also brings a creature back from the graveyard to the player’s hand. However, the Taskmaster forgoes graveyard recursion to focus solely on weakening an opponent’s creature each turn.
In the same category, cards like Soot Imp share the theme of weakening the opponent’s strategies by imposing disadvantages on spell casting. Soot Imp directly targets opponents’ spells rather than their creatures, making it a versatile tool against certain decks. Another comparable card is Burglar Rat, which, while it doesn’t affect creature strength, it does force the opponent to discard upon entering the battlefield, disrupting their hand which can be equally crippling.
Each of the aforementioned cards, including Stronghold Taskmaster, offers tactical advantages in disrupting an opponent’s board. The Taskmaster excels in consistently diminishing a chosen creature’s effectiveness, which can play a pivotal role in the long game. The strategic use of such cards can shape the flow of battle in MTG, making them valuable to players who enjoy a more controlling playstyle.
Cards similar to Stronghold Taskmaster by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stronghold Taskmaster can bolster your hand by allowing you to potentially draw cards. This advantage can shift the game in your favor as you’ll have more options and answers to your opponent’s strategies.
Resource Acceleration: By disrupting your opponent’s board, Stronghold Taskmaster frees up your resources allowing for more efficient use of your mana. Each move with the Taskmaster can be viewed as a step towards accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: This card’s ability to act at instant speed provides flexibility, letting you wait for the perfect moment before making a pivotal move. This utility can catch an opponent off guard, potentially swinging the match outcome.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Stronghold Taskmaster necessitates parting with a card from your hand, which could deplete your available options, especially if you’re already in a tight spot resource-wise.
Specific Mana Cost: To summon the Stronghold Taskmaster, a precise combination of mana is required, locking it into decks that can produce both black and another color consistently, which can be restrictive for some strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its abilities can be advantageous, the Taskmaster comes with a mana cost that’s on the higher side relative to other creatures. This can slow down your gameplay, making it a less agile option in fast-paced matches.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Stronghold Taskmaster provides much-needed flexibility, able to slide into various deck styles. Its ability to potentially disrupt your opponent’s hand makes it a valuable asset in both aggressive and control strategies.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that profit from discard or opponent hand manipulation, the Taskmaster can play a critical role. Its combo potential in a deck can turn it from a simple creature into a key part of a winning strategy.
Meta-Relevance: Given that MTG’s meta can shift to favor interactions that target an opponent’s resources, having the Stronghold Taskmaster can tip the scales in your favor by removing key threats or simply reducing your opponent’s options.
How to beat
The Stronghold Taskmaster is a unique creature card that presents challenges on the battlefield. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses is crucial for developing a strategy against it. It shines in a deck focused on graveyard interaction, where it can leverage the discard mechanic to its benefit. However, this reliance on the graveyard can be its Achilles’ heel. Cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can neutralize its advantages by exiling cards before they hit the graveyard.
Enchantment removal spells also serve as a straightforward method for handling the Stronghold Taskmaster. Since it typically works in tandem with other cards to maximize its power, disrupting synergies with targeted removal like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can be effective. Additionally, as the Taskmaster relies on being on the battlefield to exert its influence, board wipes such as Wrath of God can reset the dynamics of the game.
Ultimately, the key to beating the Stronghold Taskmaster lies in a well-timed disruption. Knowing when to attack its graveyard dependencies or remove it directly from the battlefield will help keep this powerful servant in check and maintain control over the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stronghold Taskmaster MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold, 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 Stronghold Taskmaster 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 Stronghold Taskmaster has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |