Syr Faren, the Hengehammer MTG Card

Syr Faren, the Hengehammer - Throne of Eldraine

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Legendary Creature — Human Knight
Released	2019-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Throne of Eldraine
Set code	ELD
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	177
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Chris Rallis

Key Takeaways

Boosting board presence indirectly creates card advantage by pressuring opponents with multiple threats.
Resource acceleration with Syr Faren can lead to an aggressive and high-pressure playstyle with fewer cards.
Instant speed-like attack-phase ability offers tactical surprises, akin to instants, catching opponents off-guard.

Text of card

Whenever Syr Faren, the Hengehammer attacks, another target attacking creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is Syr Faren's power.

"Words are pointless. It's what you do with your hammer that counts."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Syr Faren, the Hengehammer may not directly allow you to draw cards, this MTG card shines in its ability to maximize the value of each creature you play. When you attack with Syr Faren alongside another creature, the potential power boost effectively doubles the impact of your board presence, often forcing your opponent to deal with multiple threats and thus indirectly leading to card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Syr Faren is a card that can quickly escalate your resource acceleration. The mere presence of this legendary creature on the battlefield can amplify the power of your subsequent creatures, enabling an aggressive resource strategy where you can commit fewer cards to the board while maintaining high-pressure levels.

Instant Speed: Though Syr Faren itself is not an instant, its ability activates during the combat phase, which can be timed similarly to instant speed surprises. This can catch opponents off guard, transforming what seemed to be a moderate attack into a devastating blow, mirroring the unpredictability and tactical advantage of instant speed interactions in MTG.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Syr Faren, the Hengehammer doesn’t explicitly make you discard cards, a hand stripped of creatures reduces its impact considerably. Its ability relies on having other creatures to swing alongside it, meaning a low hand can negate its benefits.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green mana can be a stumbling block in multi-colored decks that may not always have the right mana available when needed, potentially delaying Syr Faren’s deployment to the battlefield and its effectiveness in combat.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Syr Faren coming in at a two-mana value, the initial cost isn’t overwhelming but its real potential is only unleashed when other creatures are played as well. This can lead to a significant mana investment over the turns, which may outpace the player’s mana development, hindering the tempo of the game.

Reasons to Include Syr Faren, the Hengehammer in Your Collection

Versatility: Syr Faren, the Hengehammer remains a flexible choice for numerous green-themed decks. Its ability to boost another attacking creature’s power can be a game changer in both offensive and defensive scenarios, fitting seamlessly into various strategic contexts.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with effects that benefit from power increases or which trigger upon creatures attacking. It’s perfect for synergizing with cards that look for strong attackers or for powering up through +1/+1 counters and equipment decks.

Meta-Relevance: Given its low mana cost and impactful ability, Syr Faren is particularly effective against slower decks, enabling you to apply early game pressure. Whether the meta favors aggressive plays or not, having this card in your arsenal can yield strategic advantages over decks that take time to set up their defense.

How to beat

Syr Faren, the Hengehammer emerges as a potent force on the battlefield with the capacity to rapidly accelerate the strength of not only itself but also other creatures you control in MTG. When strategizing against such a card, it’s vital to anticipate the timing of its ability trigger. One effective tactic is to utilize removal spells before the attack phase, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, thus limiting the opportunity for your opponent to exploit Syr Faren’s power-amplifying ability.

Additionally, employing creatures with reach or flying can create a defensive canopy, inhibiting the effectiveness of Syr Faren’s ground assault. Board wipes, like Wrath of God or Damnation, also serve as a comprehensive answer to sweep the board clean of Syr Faren along with any other threatening creatures. Remember that instant-speed interaction is key, as it allows you to respond aptly to the dynamic play patterns that Syr Faren encourages.

Ultimately, quick removals, strategic blocking, and board resets are essential in your repertoire when facing down the might of Syr Faren, the Hengehammer, and maintaining control of the game.

Cards like Syr Faren, the Hengehammer

Syr Faren, the Hengehammer brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to double the power of another attacking creature mirrors the functionality of renowned cards like Giant Growth, which increases a creature’s power and toughness temporarily. However, Syr Faren’s repeatable effect allows for strategic power boosts every combat phase without expending additional cards from your hand.

Comparatively, Zhur-Taa Druid not only provides mana but also deals damage to each opponent, creating a different kind of pressure. While Syr Faren aims to enhance your creatures on the offense, Zhur-Taa Druid pivots towards a passive strategy, enabling its controller to utilize mana efficiently while slowly chipping away at opponents’ life totals. Another comparable card is Domri, Anarch of Bolas, whose static ability pumps up your creatures while also offering control over creature spells and potential creature removal, presenting a versatile option compared to Syr Faren’s focused aggression.

Assessing the abilities and applications within player strategies, Syr Faren stands out as a commander that can turn any creature into a significant threat, proving its mettle in creature-centric decks that lean towards aggressive gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.

Domri, Anarch of Bolas - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Syr Faren, the Hengehammer MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine, 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 Syr Faren, the Hengehammer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Syr Faren, the Hengehammer has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
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 Syr Faren, the Hengehammer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2019-10-04	If Syr Faren leaves the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves, use its power as it last existed on the battlefield to determine the value of X.
2019-10-04	If Syr Faren's power is negative as its triggered ability resolves, X is considered to be 0.
2019-10-04	The value of X is determined only as Syr Faren's triggered ability resolves. Once that happens, the value of X won't change later in the turn even if Syr Faren's power changes.