Kinsbaile Borderguard MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Kithkin Soldier
Released	2008-02-01
Set symbol
Set name	Morningtide
Set code	MOR
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	14
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Christopher Moeller

Key Takeaways

Kinsbaile Borderguard excels in generating board presence and card advantage with token creation capabilities.
Its generated tokens support strategies involving a multiplicity of creatures and tapping abilities.
Despite a specific mana cost and later game entry, its value upon destruction is significant.

Text of card

Kinsbaile Borderguard comes into play with a +1/+1 counter on it for each other Kithkin you control. When Kinsbaile Borderguard is put into a graveyard from play, put a 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature token into play for each counter on it.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kinsbaile Borderguard not only lays the groundwork for a formidable board presence but also offers potential card advantage. When it enters the battlefield or is put into the graveyard from play, it creates Kithkin Soldier tokens equal to the number of counters on it, which can equate to multiple creatures from a single card.

Resource Acceleration: Although Kinsbaile Borderguard itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, the generated tokens can be essential for strategies that capitalize on a wide attack or tap for various abilities, effectively letting you do more on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The impact of Kinsbaile Borderguard is not at instant speed, but its ability to create tokens can synergize well with other instant-speed interactions. For example, instant-speed spells that pump up your army can turn a defensive Borderguard into a sudden offensive threat, as well as using it in conjunction with flash creatures can create a surprising and formidable force during your opponent’s turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kinsbaile Borderguard doesn’t have a discard mechanic itself, it often pairs with cards in a Kithkin deck that may. Be mindful of hand size as playing such synergistic cards could deplete your grip on the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Kinsbaile Borderguard’s casting cost requires two white mana. This specific cost can be restrictive, making it a less flexible option in multicolored or splash decks that could struggle to generate the necessary mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Kinsbaile Borderguard arrives later in the game compared to other low-cost creatures. When evaluating curve considerations, this can be a downside, as swifter decks might capitalize on its absence in the early game.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Kinsbaile Borderguard is a unique card that can adapt to various game situations. It serves well in decks that capitalize on creature numbers or those that utilize Soldier synergies. With its ability to scale with the number of Kithkin you play, it finds a place in tribal decks as well.

Combo Potential: Kinsbaile Borderguard has a noteworthy interaction with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters. Moreover, upon leaving the battlefield, it generates Kithkin Soldier tokens, which can be utilized for various combo plays, especially those that revolve around creature tokens or sacrifice mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In formats where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Kinsbaile Borderguard can serve as an excellent defense in the early-to-mid game. Its token-producing ability makes it resistant to board wipes, keeping a player’s board presence even through adversity.

How to Beat

Kinsbaile Borderguard presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to bring additional Kithkin soldier tokens into play. When facing this resilient card, the key is to manage the Borderguard’s impact before its dying trigger overwhelms the board. One of the most effective strategies is to utilize removal spells that exile, bypassing the death trigger altogether. Cards like Path to Exile or Declarative Stone offer clean solutions without leaving behind additional threats.

Another tactic is to employ board wipes that reset the playing field, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, before the Borderguard can accumulate a large number of tokens. Additionally, keeping pressure on your opponent’s life total can force defensive plays, making it harder for them to capitalize on the Borderguard’s strengths. In games that progress to later stages, ensure you have efficient ways to deal with multiple tokens, like Engineered Explosives or Ratchet Bomb, which can sweep away an amassed army with ease.

Preemptive control through counterspells can also save you from the headache of the Borderguard’s ability, so keep mana open for responses when you sense the potential casting of this multifaceted creature. By weighing these methods and understanding the synergy within Kithkin decks, players can prepare and counteract the resilience of Kinsbaile Borderguard effectively.

Cards like Kinsbaile Borderguard

Kinsbaile Borderguard embodies the compelling dynamics of creature cards in MTG that leverage counters as a method to amplify their battlefield presence. In terms of creatures with similar tactics, Juniper Order Ranger rises to mind, which gains +1/+1 counters whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control. Although Juniper Order Ranger benefits another creature as well, it doesn’t bring the same resilience offered by Kinsbaile Borderguard in the event of the card being sent to the graveyard.

Another comparable card would be Metallic Mimic, which provides +1/+1 counters to creatures of a chosen type upon entering the battlefield. While it certainly enhances a tribal-focused deck much like the Borderguard, Metallic Mimic does not possess the unique ability to create Kithkin Soldier tokens when it dies. Lastly, Champion of the Parish should be considered, as it grows with each Human creature you summon, mirroring the Borderguard’s capacity for growth. Yet, Champion of the Parish lacks Kinsbaile Borderguard’s potential to leave behind an impact after falling in combat.

While there are various cards that interact with +1/+1 counters in MTG, Kinsbaile Borderguard stands out for creating tokens upon destruction, granting continued value beyond its tenure on the battlefield and reinforcing its status as a noteworthy card for players favoring creature sustainability and counter strategies.

Juniper Order Ranger - MTG Card versions

Champion of the Parish - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kinsbaile Borderguard MTG card by a specific set like Morningtide, 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 Kinsbaile Borderguard and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kinsbaile Borderguard has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kinsbaile Borderguard card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2008-04-01	The last ability puts a token creature onto the battlefield for each counter of any kind that was on Kinsbaile Borderguard when it left the battlefield, not just for each +1/+1 counter that was on it.