If you’re looking for a unique and powerful deck to play in Magic: The Gathering, look no further than the Samurai MTG deck. This archetype is focused on deploying a horde of samurai creatures who are supported by a suite of spells and equipment that make them even more formidable. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Samurai MTG decks, exploring everything from their history to their key cards and strategies.
Before we get started, it’s worth noting that this guide is aimed at players who already have a basic understanding of Magic: The Gathering. If you’re brand new to the game, you may want to start with a beginner’s guide before diving into this more advanced material.
The History of Samurai MTG Decks
The Samurai MTG deck has been around since the Kamigawa block was released in 2004. This block was heavily inspired by Japanese mythology and culture, and the Samurai creature type was one of the key new mechanics introduced in the set. In addition to Samurai, the Kamigawa block featured other creature types like Ninjas, Spirits, and Arcane spells.
Initially, Samurai decks were considered a bit of a joke, as they were seen as too slow and clunky to compete with more aggressive decks. However, over time, players began to realize that Samurai had some powerful synergies and that there were ways to speed up their deployment. By the time the Kamigawa block rotated out, Samurai decks had become a viable competitive option.
Key Cards in Samurai MTG Decks
| Card Name | Card Type | Mana Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samurai of the Pale Curtain | Creature – Samurai | 1W | Exile target card from a graveyard; Bushido 1 (Whenever this creature blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) |
| Samurai of the Sword Stance | Creature – Samurai | 1W | First strike; Bushido 1 |
| Umezawa’s Jitte | Legendary Artifact – Equipment | 2 | Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage, put two charge counters on Umezawa’s Jitte. Remove a charge counter from Umezawa’s Jitte: Choose one – Equipped creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn; or target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn; or you gain 2 life. Equip 2 |
| Konda’s Banner | Artifact | 3 | As Konda’s Banner enters the battlefield, choose a legendary creature. Creatures that share a color with the chosen creature get +1/+1. |
| Bushido | Enchantment | 2W | Creatures you control have bushido X, where X is the number of cards in your hand. |
There are many powerful Samurai cards in Magic: The Gathering, but some of the most important ones include Samurai of the Pale Curtain, Samurai of the Sword Stance, and Umezawa’s Jitte. The former two have Bushido, which means that they get stronger when they block or become blocked, while the Jitte is a powerful equipment that can pump up your creatures and disrupt your opponent’s plans.
Other cards that are often included in Samurai decks include Konda’s Banner, a powerful artifact that boosts all creatures of a certain color, and Bushido, an enchantment that gives all of your creatures Bushido.
Strategies for Playing Samurai MTG Decks
The key to playing a successful Samurai deck is to deploy your creatures quickly and take advantage of their Bushido abilities. You’ll want to use spells and equipment like Konda’s Banner and Umezawa’s Jitte to make your Samurai even more formidable, and you’ll need to be careful to play strategically to avoid being overwhelmed by more aggressive decks.
One common strategy for Samurai decks is to use creatures like Samurai of the Pale Curtain and Samurai of the Sword Stance to control the board and disrupt your opponents’ plans. By removing their creatures from the graveyard and taking out their key creatures with first strike, you can slow down their offensive and give yourself time to establish your own presence on the battlefield.
Another strategy is to use spells and equipment to pump up your Samurai and push through damage quickly. Cards like Konda’s Banner and Umezawa’s Jitte can give your creatures a significant boost, while Bushido can make them even stronger as your hand size grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors are typically used in Samurai MTG decks?
Samurai decks are typically white-based, as that color offers some of the best Samurai creatures and support cards. However, some players have experimented with other colors like red or black to add additional synergies or removal options.
What are some common weaknesses of Samurai MTG decks?
Samurai decks can sometimes be vulnerable to more aggressive decks that can put them on the back foot early in the game. Additionally, decks that have a lot of removal spells or that can neutralize key equipment like Umezawa’s Jitte can give Samurai players headaches.
What are some common sideboard cards for Samurai MTG decks?
Common sideboard cards for Samurai decks include additional removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, as well as enchantments or artifacts that can help deal with problematic creatures or decks. Some players also include counterspells or hand disruption spells to help protect their creatures and disrupt their opponents’ plans.
What are some other archetypes that pair well with Samurai MTG decks?
Some players have had success pairing Samurai decks with other archetypes like Control or Artifact decks. Control decks can help slow down opponents and give Samurai players time to build up their board, while Artifact decks can offer additional equipment and support cards that can make Samurai even more formidable.
What are some alternative win conditions for Samurai MTG decks?
While Samurai decks are focused on winning through combat damage, some players have experimented with alternative win conditions like milling their opponents or using combo strategies to deal massive damage in a single turn. However, these strategies are generally less reliable than simply attacking with a swarm of powerful Samurai creatures.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a powerful and unique Magic: The Gathering deck, Samurai MTG decks are a great option. With their powerful creatures, support cards, and synergies, they offer a fun and challenging play experience. So why not give them a try and see what kind of battlefield prowess you can unleash?
Thanks for reading this guide, and we hope you found it helpful. Be sure to check out our other content for more Magic: The Gathering tips and tricks, and we’ll see you soon!