Hamlet Captain MTG Card
2011-09-30 - Number 187
2016-07-22 - Number 161
2019-11-07 - Number 1232
2023-03-21 - Number 200
2020-09-26 - Number EMN-161
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Hamlet Captain augments Human creatures, amplifying their attack and defense during combat for a strategic advantage.
- It thrives in Green and White decks, supporting strategies rooted in creature numbers and attack triggers.
- Despite mana cost and tribal specificity, it remains a potent card in Human-centric MTG decks.
Text of card
Whenever Hamlet Captain attacks or blocks, other Human creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.
"I would fear this fight, bloodsucker, were I alone."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hamlet Captain supports your hand by bringing additional value whenever you cast other Human creatures. Its ability to enhance your field presence every time you involve more allies ensures you’re maximizing every card played.
Resource Acceleration: This is a card that promotes a quicker buildup of your forces. While not directly providing mana, Hamlet Captain amplifies your board state, giving your Human creatures an immediate boost without waiting for summoning sickness to pass.
Instant Speed: While Hamlet Captain operates at sorcery speed, its true power lies in coordinating unexpectedly potent attacks during your turn. Its stat-boosting ability can turn the tide before the opponent has a chance to respond, setting the stage for swift and surprising victory.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Hamlet Captain can bolster your other creatures when it attacks or blocks, it does not come with built-in card advantage. In decks that quickly empty their hand, the lack of immediate board or card impact can be felt if you’re unable to maintain a strong presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Hamlet Captain requires both green and white mana. This specific mana cost could restrict its inclusion to only those decks that can reliably produce both types of mana, potentially limiting its versatility in a broader range of decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering it costs two mana and there are numerous other two-mana creatures that might offer more immediate or impactful abilities, Hamlet Captain might not always be the optimal choice. For decks seeking to maximize efficiency and impact from their two-mana plays, there may be other creatures or spells that fit better with the deck’s strategy or offer more utility.
Reasons to Include Hamlet Captain in Your Collection
Versatility: Hamlet Captain shines in decks that capitalize on creature synergies, especially those in the Human tribal archetype. As a two-cost creature, it can be seamlessly integrated into various game plans, bolstering the attack and defense of your other creatures when it swings or blocks.
Combo Potential: This card lends itself well to combos within Green and White decks, enhancing strategies that revolve around the number of creatures you control or those that trigger upon attacking. Its ability to boost your creature’s stats can be pivotal in overwhelming your opponent’s defenses.
Meta-Relevance: Given that aggressive human-centric decks maintain a presence in various formats, Hamlet Captain can serve as a significant force multiplier. Its relevance in the current meta can turn the tides in creature-heavy matches, often tipping the balance in your favor during crucial combat phases.
How to Beat Hamlet Captain
Hamlet Captain holds its ground as a formidable Human tribal support card in MTG, bolstering the attack and defense of other Humans during combat. Comparable in this niche is Mayor of Avabruck, another card that provides a static buff to Human creatures but also has the potential to transform and benefit even further from the werewolf mechanic.
The key to outmaneuvering Hamlet Captain lies in timing and removal. Since its power hinges on being able to attack or block, instant-speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can effectively neutralize it before its abilities impact the battlefield. Alternatively, board wipes like Supreme Verdict can clear multiple threats including the Captain, especially when facing a Human-centric deck where its influence is most pronounced.
Strategically, it is also vital to manage the game state by keeping a tab on the number of Human creatures present. Limiting these can diminish Hamlet Captain’s effectiveness, making it a less daunting obstacle. In summary, handling Hamlet Captain involves a blend of swift removal, board control, and preemptive actions to curb the swarm of Human creatures that it aims to empower.
Cards like Hamlet Captain
Hamlet Captain is a solid inclusion in decks focusing on the human creature type within Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to other creature-based lord cards like Mayor of Avabruck, which also provides buffs to human creatures. Yet, Hamlet Captain is distinctive in its ability to only boost attack and defense during combat, encouraging aggressive play styles. Conversely, Mayor of Avabruck’s power lies in its versatility, offering a buff at all times and an alternate werewolf form for a dynamic board presence.
Another comparable card is Champion of the Parish, which also celebrates the human tribal theme. Although Champion of the Parish grows stronger with each human that enters the battlefield under your control, it doesn’t support other creatures like Hamlet Captain. Instead, it excels as an ever-increasing singular threat. Moreover, Benalish Marshal shares similarities by offering a static buff to all other creatures you control; however, it isn’t tribal-specific and demands a stringent mana cost which may limit its inclusion in multicolor decks.
Ultimately, Hamlet Captain’s niche is supporting its tribe in battle, making it a valuable ally in aggressive MTG human tribal strategies that look to leverage combat phases effectively.
Cards similar to Hamlet Captain by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hamlet Captain MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Eldritch Moon, 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 Hamlet Captain and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Printings
The Hamlet Captain Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 187 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 2 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1232 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | EMN-161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | ||
| 5 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 200 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hamlet Captain 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 |
