Magic the Gathering Card Review - Sandcrafter Mage from Dragons of Tarkir

by Richard Rowell, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Sandcrafter Mage is a solid common creature from Dragons of Tarkir aligned with the Abzan Clan (black, green, and white). It features the Bolster mechanic first introduced in Fate Reforged, which allows you to put a +1/+1 counter on a creature with the least toughness that you control. The Abzan clan focuses a lot on counters, so the Mage is an excellent complement for that strategy.

The Mage costs 2 colorless and one white mana to cast, for a 2/2 body and the ability to bolster 1 when it enters the battlefield. While the Mage may not be strong enough for competitive Constructed play, it's a solid choice in Limited as long as you play a creature-heavy deck in White and is a solid casual choice, as well. It also combines well with some Commander strategies that involve counters.

For example, Daghatar the Adamant from Fate Reforged is a counter-based Commander who fits in perfectly with the Bolster strategy. Abzan Skycaptain, Dragonscale General, and Elite Scaleguard are great cards to play with this mechanic. Also, the +1/+1 counters work well with the Outlast strategy that was introduced in Khans of Tarkir. Outlast also puts counters on creatures, but at a slower pace - requiring creatures to tap on your turn to provide counters. Abzan Battle Priest, Abzan Falconer, Ainok Bond-Kin and Herald of Anafenza are the cards you'd want to use for that ability.

Overall, Sandcrafter Mage is definitely a strong common rarity creature to keep an eye on for Limited, Casual, and Commander purposes.