Sudden Strength MTG Card

Sudden Strength provides a powerful boost, potentially swinging the game through substantial card advantages. The card’s instant speed and versatility make it a strategic weapon in dynamic MTG matches. However, its specific mana cost and possible card disadvantage are key considerations for deck building.

Judgment (JUD)
2002-05-27 - Number 132

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 233

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Target creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn. Draw a card.

The Mirari's magic transformed the Krosan Forest—and its inhabitants.

Cards like Sudden Strength

Sudden Strength offers Magic: The Gathering players a unique twist on temporary power boosts during combat. Much like Giant Growth, which provides a creature a +3/+3 increase until end of turn, Sudden Strength also gives creatures a sudden burst in power. However, Sudden Strength edges out with the added benefit of trample, allowing the excess combat damage to be applied to the opponent.

Giant Growth shines with its one mana cost efficiency, but the pressure Sudden Strength can apply by piercing through defensive lines is noteworthy. Invigorated Rampage is another card that somewhat mirrors this by giving a pair of creatures +2/+0 and trample or a single creature +4/+0 and trample. Despite the flexibility in distribution, Sudden Strength’s straightforward application to a single creature could result in a game-changing shift, especially if timed right with an unblocked attacker. Titanic Growth follows a similar goal with its +4/+4 boost but misses out on the critical trample effect, sometimes lessening its impact.

When evaluating these cards side by side, Sudden Strength’s balance of power enhancement and the ability to potentially translate excess damage into a strategic advantage makes it a compelling choice in decks that aim to overpower opponents with sheer force.

Cards similar to Sudden Strength by color, type and mana cost

Stonewood Invocation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sudden Strength gives players the edge by potentially turning the tide of battle in their favor. By boosting a creature significantly, it makes it more likely for the creature to overcome opponents’ defenses and possibly eliminate a key threat. This can shift the momentum and lead to card advantage as opponents may have to use more resources to deal with the strengthened creature.

Resource Acceleration: This card acts as a resource accelerator in situations where mana isn’t fully utilized. Playing Sudden Strength could mean the difference between making a good move and making a game-changing move. Enhancing a creature for a surprise block or attack can force opponents to rethink their strategy, thus potentially saving your mana for other pivotal moments.

Instant Speed: The beauty of Sudden Strength is its instant speed, allowing players to adapt to the dynamic battlefield of MTG. Whether it’s during combat on your turn, or in response to an opponent’s actions, the ability to cast Sudden Strength at any time keeps opponents on their toes, making it a versatile and strategic addition to any deck that values surprise and adaptability.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sudden Strength necessitates players to discard another card as part of its casting cost. This downside can put players at a card disadvantage, particularly when hand size is already depleted or in control-centric matchups where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Locked behind a distinct green mana requirement, Sudden Strength has limited flexibility outside mono-green or heavily green-invested decks. This can restrict its inclusion in multi-color decks that may not always guarantee the green mana necessary to cast it on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep mana investment for its effect, Sudden Strength may not be the most mana-efficient boost in a format where tempo plays a critical role. Other combat tricks at lower mana costs are available, offering similar or better effects without the added cost of discarding a card.

Reasons to Include Sudden Strength in Your Collection

Versatility: Sudden Strength seamlessly slots into various green-based decks, which often rely on quickly amassing board presence. The instant speed and sizable power boost it provides make it a flexible tool for both aggressive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: By giving a creature a sudden uptick in power, Sudden Strength can be the key to enabling surprise wins or enhancing synergies with other cards that track power increases or creature combat performance.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment filled with swift aggro decks or battles of attrition, the extra strength and survivability that Sudden Strength offers can disrupt your opponent’s plans, potentially shifting the tide of the game in your favor at a critical moment.

How to beat Sudden Strength

Sudden Strength is a potent card that can shift the scales of a match in Magic: The Gathering. This card can be a real game-changer by giving a significant power and toughness boost to a creature at instant speed. When facing a surprise buff like Sudden Strength, the best strategy is preparedness. Knowing it might be in your opponent’s arsenal can inform your choices, especially regarding when to hold back removal or counterspells.

Control decks equipped with counter magic can negate the impact of Sudden Strength entirely, ensuring the augmented creature never gets its bonus. Meanwhile, players favoring a more aggressive or midrange strategy can mitigate Sudden Strength’s effect by maintaining pressure and forcing the opponent to use their mana resources before they can cast it. In addition, sudden removal in response to Sudden Strength can result in a two-for-one trade, removing the creature and nullifying the card itself.

Playing around this card involves smart tactical decisions and a keen sense of your opponent’s potential plays. By doing so, you can effectively neutralize Sudden Strength and maintain the upper hand in your MTG battles.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sudden Strength MTG card by a specific set like Judgment and Vintage 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 Sudden Strength and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sudden Strength Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-05-27 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Alan Pollack.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2002-05-27	Judgment	JUD		132	1997	Normal	Black	Alan Pollack
2	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA		233	2015	Normal	Black	Alan Pollack

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sudden Strength has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal