Take Up Arms MTG Card
2014-09-26 - Number 26
2018-06-08 - Number 111
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Put three 1/1 white Warrior creature tokens onto the battlefield.
"Many scales make the skin of a dragon." —Abzan wisdom
Cards like Take Up Arms
Take Up Arms is a versatile card that can sway the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It brings to mind other token-generating spells like Raise the Alarm. Both cards create multiple creature tokens, providing immediate reinforcements. However, Take Up Arms offers a strategic edge with its instant speed, allowing players to summon creatures on an opponent’s turn or at the end of their own, catching adversaries off guard.
Another similar card is Timely Reinforcements. Known for its condition-based play, Timely Reinforcements doesn’t always match the consistent token output of Take Up Arms as it requires the player to have less life or creatures than an opponent. However, it can prove more impactful in specific scenarios with the additional life gain it provides. Then there’s Servo Exhibition, a simpler and cheaper option at only two mana, producing two Servo tokens, but it’s locked at sorcery speed, limiting the tactical advantage in play.
Evaluating these choices shows that while there are nuances and conditions affecting the play of each card, Take Up Arms holds a firm position as a go-to for MTG players seeking flexible and surprise token generation during matches.
Cards similar to Take Up Arms by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When playing Take Up Arms, you’re effectively expanding your battlefield presence by adding multiple creature tokens to your side. This creates an immediate advantage by increasing the number of creatures you control, which can be key in outnumbering your opponent and overwhelming their defenses.
Resource Acceleration: Although Take Up Arms doesn’t directly generate mana or treasures, the three Warrior tokens it creates can be pivotal for strategies that capitalize on the number of creatures you control. This may translate to accelerated board states where these tokens can be used for convoke costs or synergize with other cards that benefit from having numerous creatures on the board.
Instant Speed: The beauty of Take Up Arms lies in its ability to be cast at instant speed, offering flexibility and strategic depth. You can surprise your opponent by summoning blockers during their attack phase or casting it at the end of their turn to safely increase your board presence without committing mana during your own turn. This allows for maintaining a reactive stance while still progressing your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in conflict can often mean making tough choices, and Take Up Arms isn’t an exception. Players may find themselves in a binding situation where activating the card might force them to lose a valuable card from their hand, putting them at a strategic disadvantage when resources are scarce.
Specific Mana Cost: Strategy in deck building is pivotal for victory, and Take Up Arms requires a precise mana combination to be played. This can be challenging for decks that are not tailored to support white mana, potentially limiting the versatility and synergy of the card in various deck structures.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: As a summoner looking to maximize efficiency, one must consider the resource allocation. Take Up Arms demands a notable amount of mana, which could otherwise be channeled into casting multiple creatures or more impactful spells. Savvy players might find alternative cards with lower mana costs offering similar or enhanced benefits.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Take Up Arms offers flexibility by providing a swift troop increase that can deter attacks, enhance defense, or support offensive pushes. This card fits seamlessly into decks focused on swarming strategies or those looking to benefit from creatures entering the battlefield.
Combo Potential: The generated warrior tokens synergize well with cards that interact with creatures or tokens. This instant has the potential to activate abilities on your board or be the tipping point for a game-changing combo.
Meta-Relevance: In a game-state where board presence can make or break a match, Take Up Arms contributes valuable utility. Its ability to instantly create multiple bodies is particularly relevant in metas dominated by aggro-decks or where stalling against formidable creatures is essential.
How to beat
Take Up Arms is a notable white instant card that allows players to summon multiple creatures at a crucial moment in the game. Its ability to instantly create three 1/1 white Warrior creature tokens can quickly turn the tides in a stalemate or offer defensive resources during an opponent’s attack. However, even the surprise factor of Take Up Arms can be mitigated with strategic play.
One effective tactic is the use of sweepers or board-clear cards that can deal with multiple creatures at once. Cards such as Wrath of God or Doomskar can efficiently remove the Warrior tokens from the battlefield, negating the advantage granted by Take Up Arms. It’s essential to keep mana available for such responses when you anticipate your opponent might play this card.
Another approach is preemptive control through counterspells that can stop Take Up Arms before it takes effect. These will ensure those Warrior tokens never hit the board. Being aware of your opponent’s potential plays and keeping your responses ready can be crucial in maintaining control over the game’s pace and outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Take Up Arms MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Battlebond, 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 Take Up 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Take Up Arms Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Craig J Spearing.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 26 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing | |
| 2 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 111 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Take Up Arms has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |