Teyo's Lightshield MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Illusion |
| Released | 2019-05-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | War of the Spark |
| Set code | WAR |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 33 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Igor Kieryluk |
Text of card
When Teyo's Lightshield enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control.
Teyo gifted his shields to as many allies as possible, knowing he could not always be there to protect them himself.
Cards like Teyo's Lightshield
Teyo’s Lightshield stands out in the Magic: The Gathering arena as a defensive staple for players eager to fortify their position. Mirroring spells such as Gideon’s Company, which also bolsters your defense by adding loyalty counters, Teyo’s Lightshield takes a more proactive approach. Upon entering the battlefield, it immediately infuses another target creature with a +1/+1 counter, strengthening your army without delay.
Then there’s Ajani’s Pridemate, a card that synergizes well with life gain strategies, growing stronger with each instance of health restoration. While not providing an immediate buff like Teyo’s Lightshield, its potential for growth can make it a formidable force over time. Similarly, we point to Battlefield Promotion, which not only adds a +1/+1 counter to your creature but also provides a crucial life boost during combat.
Assessing these alternatives reveals Teyo’s Lightshield’s unique role in bolstering your creatures. With its targeted counter placement and the ability to affect the battlefield as soon as it arrives, it represents a valuable piece in strategies focused on creature enhancement and resilience in MTG.
Cards similar to Teyo's Lightshield by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Teyo’s Lightshield may not draw cards directly, its ability to bolster another target creature by distributing a +1/+1 counter can be pivotal in outpacing an opponent’s threats. Having multiple units enhanced can quickly lead to a significant advantage on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Teyo’s Lightshield itself does not accelerate resources in the traditional sense of mana generation, the efficient cost to power and toughness ratio can contribute to a more robust board presence early on, effectively speeding up your game plan without draining resources.
Instant Speed: Teyo’s Lightshield operates at sorcery speed, but its enter-the-battlefield effect offers a valuable interaction during your turn that can complement strategies built around instant speed tricks. Boosting a creature before combat or in response to an effect can catch an opponent off guard, similar to the tactical deployment of instant-speed spells.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Teyo’s Lightshield doesn’t require discarding as an additional cost, players must be keen on managing resources to get its full effect on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Teyo’s Lightshield asks for a particular allocation of mana, with one white mandatory. This requirement could restrict the card’s flexibility in multi-colored decks that might run low on the required mana type.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three mana for a relatively modest effect, some players may find Teyo’s Lightshield less appealing compared to other creatures or spells in the same mana range that could provide a greater impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include Teyo’s Lightshield in Your Collection
Versatility: This card slots neatly into decks that thrive on bolstering creatures’ toughness. Its ability to support defensive strategies while also acting as an enabler for counter mechanics makes it a tactically flexible choice for various game scenarios.
Combo Potential: Teyo’s Lightshield excels in synergy with proliferate strategies or any deck that multiplies counters. The fact that it adds a +1/+1 counter on entry makes it a natural fit for enhancing creatures already on the field or supporting long-term growth strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Given its cost-effective nature and immediate board impact, Teyo’s Lightshield can be particularly effective in current metas that favor incremental advantages and creature-focused play. It is a smart addition to build resilience against widely favored aggro or creature-heavy decks.
How to beat
Teyo’s Lightshield is a straightforward yet tactical piece within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It slots neatly into white decks known for their life gain and bolstering of defenses. Upon entering the battlefield, Teyo’s Lightshield contributes a +1/+1 counter, a modest boost that can turn the tides of combat in your favor. While it appears simple, the accumulated value of buffs can build a formidable presence over time.
To effectively counter Teyo’s Lightshield, consider cards that neutralize its counter-adding ability. Cards like Solemnity can halt the accumulation of +1/+1 counters entirely, rendering the shield’s effect null. Alternatively, swift removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can deal with Teyo’s Lightshield before its ability has lasting consequences. If you’re playing a matchup where speed is essential, these spells can maintain the pace of your strategy while keeping the board clear.
Overall, keeping Teyo’s Lightshield from tipping the scales requires preemptive measures or direct removal. Though it may not seem a high priority target, underestimating the gradual advantage its ability provides could cost you the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Teyo's Lightshield MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Teyo's Lightshield and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Teyo's Lightshield has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Teyo's Lightshield card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-05-03 | You may choose Teyo’s Lightshield as the target of its own ability. |