Thorn Lieutenant MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 203
2018-07-13 - Number 203p
2018-07-13 - Number 203s
2022-10-14 - Number 109
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elf Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever Thorn Lieutenant becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, create a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token. : Thorn Lieutenant gets +4/+4 until end of turn.
Cards like Thorn Lieutenant
Thorn Lieutenant finds its place within the realm of efficient creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card reminds seasoned players of Elvish Mystic, with both offering substantial value for their low mana cost. Where Thorn Lieutenant shines is in its resilience; unlike the simple mana-generating Elvish Mystic, Thorn Lieutenant can become a serious threat if targeted by an opponent’s spell or ability, thanks to its ability to produce a 1/1 Elf Warrior token as a defensive mechanism.
Comparably, we have Warden of the First Tree, another creature that excels in adaptability. Both Thorn Lieutenant and the Warden have the potential to scale in power as the game progresses, but Warden requires a greater mana investment to unlock each stage of its development. Thorn Lieutenant, with its built-in protective trait and ability to pump its own power, becomes a more budget-friendly and offensive choice in many decks.
Assessing Thorn Lieutenant within the ecosystem of similar MTG cards, it stands out with its blend of early game presence and late-game scaling capabilities. The card’s design allows it to be more than just another creature on the board; it becomes a resilient entity that can deter opponents and control the field, all for a cost-effective investment.
Cards similar to Thorn Lieutenant by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Thorn Lieutenant. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Green Stompy | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Selesnya Aggro | Legacy | MO78#CS |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thorn Lieutenant offers a valuable edge in terms of card economy. When targeted by a spell or ability an opponent controls, you’ll get a 1/1 Elf Warrior creature token, helping you maintain presence on the board without dipping into your hand resources.
Resource Acceleration: As your game progresses, the Lieutenant’s six-mana activated ability can be a game-changer. It makes itself a serious threat by putting five +1/+1 counters on it, potentially turning the tide in your favor by boosting its power and toughness significantly.
Instant Speed: While Thorn Lieutenant’s abilities are not at instant speed, its ability to deter opponents from targeting it with instant-speed removal can impact their plays. This innate protection can indirectly influence the pace and decisions during the game, offering a subtle form of control over the battlefield.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Feldon of the Third Path’s 1GG cost may restrict it to dedicated green decks or those with a strong mana base to accommodate the color commitment.
Discard Requirement: While not directly demanding discard, Thorn Lieutenant’s six mana ability to create a token is quite costly and might compete with your desire to retain cards in hand to support other strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At two mana for a 2/3 creature, it initially seems efficient, but when factoring in the additional six mana needed to utilize its token-generating ability, it’s evident there are lower cost alternatives in green for similar or even more impactful effects.
Reasons to Include Thorn Lieutenant in Your Collection
Versatility: Thorn Lieutenant serves as a resilient two-drop creature that can be a thorn in the side of your opponent across multiple deck types. Whether in token strategies or in midrange builds, its ability to produce a token when targeted by a spell or ability gives it a unique staying power.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy in elf-centered decks or any strategy focusing on creature buffs. With its in-built ability to get larger for a mana investment, it works seamlessly within combo setups that aim to exploit such growing threats.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by spot removal, Thorn Lieutenant can deter opponents from targeting it due to its token-producing reaction. This makes it an excellent choice in environments where one-for-one removal is prevalent, thus securing its relevance in various competitive formats.
How to beat
Thorn Lieutenant is a versatile card popular among MTG players for its resilience and utility. When targeted by a spell or ability an opponent controls, it creates a 1/1 Elf Warrior creature token, which can quickly add to your board presence. Additionally, its six-mana activated ability gives it a significant +4/+4 until end of turn, making it a formidable force in the late game.
To effectively counter this stalwart fighter, removal spells that don’t target it directly are key, such as board wipes like Wrath of God or Doomskar. If you’re aiming to handle it without triggering its token-making ability, cards that change the rules of engagement, like Hushbringer or Tocatli Honor Guard, can suppress the Lieutenant’s token generation. Alternatively, if it’s the late-game boost that’s problematic, countering the activation with spells like Tale’s End or interfering with mana production through cards like Damping Sphere can hinder the opponent’s ability to buff Thorn Lieutenant, swinging the tide in your favor.
Understanding these strategies ensures that the once daunting Thorn Lieutenant becomes a manageable threat on the battlefield, allowing you to maintain control and work towards securing your victory in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thorn Lieutenant MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2019 Promos, 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 Thorn Lieutenant 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 Thorn Lieutenant Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-10-14. Illustrated by Uriah Voth.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 203 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Uriah Voth | |
| 2 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 Promos | PM19 | 203p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Uriah Voth | |
| 3 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 Promos | PM19 | 203s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Uriah Voth | |
| 4 | 2022-10-14 | Game Night: Free-for-All | GN3 | 109 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Uriah Voth |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thorn Lieutenant 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 |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Thorn Lieutenant card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-07-13 | Thorn Lieutenant’s triggered ability resolves before the spell or ability that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell or ability is countered. |