Baird, Steward of Argive MTG Card


Baird deters attacks, aiding card advantage and controlling the game’s pace effectively. He offers a type of resource acceleration by shielding life and key permanents. Not just for defense, Baird’s combat tax influences opponents’ strategy considerations.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities Vigilance
Power 2
Toughness 4

Text of card

Vigilance Creatures can't attack you or a planeswalker you control unless their controller pays for each of those creatures.

"The walls of Argive were built by a peaceful dynastic union that has guarded us against war for fifteen centuries. The lesson is clear."


Cards like Baird, Steward of Argive

Baird, Steward of Argive stands out in the lineup of creatures designed to regulate the battlefield in MTG. He can be likened to classic cards like Ghostly Prison or Propaganda, which both compel opponents to pay mana in order to attack. Where Baird differs is his embodiment as a creature, providing a physical presence on the board while offering the same taxing ability on attacks.

Looking deeper into the vein of defensive cards, we find Archangel of Tithes. Much like Baird, this angel makes opponents pay for the privilege of attacking or blocking. However, Archangel swings in with more power and offers a choice between obstructing attacks or blocks, whereas Baird’s influence is only felt when he is under threat.

Yet another parallel can be drawn with Windborn Muse, a creature card with a similar deterrent effect on the battlefield. While holding the same mana taxation effect as Baird, the Muse brings flying to the table, changing the strategic positioning greatly. When assessing the nuances and utility that each card brings to a game of MTG, Baird, Steward of Argive demonstrates a solid balance as both a defensive mechanism and a creature able to attack and defend as needed.

Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Archangel of Tithes - MTG Card versions
Windborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Archangel of Tithes - MTG Card versions
Windborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Baird, Steward of Argive by color, type and mana cost

Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
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Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
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Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Leonin Abunas - MTG Card versions
Kami of Old Stone - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Blinking Spirit - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Baird, Steward of Argive. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Baird, Steward of Argive provides a significant strategic edge by imposing a tax on attacking creatures. This tax can deter opponents from attacking, effectively maintaining your card advantage by preserving your board state. Moreover, this deterrent allows you to better control the pace of the game, helping in the conservation of your resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly influencing mana, Baird’s ability indirectly speeds up your resource allocation by protecting your life total and other valuable permanents. In longer games, this can amount to a form of resource acceleration as you’re able to allocate mana towards advancing your board rather than defending.

Instant Speed: Although Baird himself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the nature of his ability to affect combat offers a persistent ‘threat’ reminiscent of instant-speed interaction. Opponents must constantly factor in the tax Baird imposes, allowing you to capitalize on their hesitation and play more aggressively or conservatively as the situation demands.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Baird, Steward of Argive has no discard requirement. Still, discussing drawbacks, it’s important to note that his presence doesn’t compensate for card disadvantage. Players using Baird must consider other ways to maintain card parity.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a mix of generic and white mana to cast, potentially challenging for decks that manage multiple colors or those that lack sufficient mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting Baird requires a total of four mana, which is significant for a creature whose main ability is to control combat. There are other creatures and spells in the same mana range that may offer more immediate board impact or advanced utility features.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Baird, Steward of Argive offers a broad defensive utility that can be slotted into a variety of white decks, notably those seeking to fortify against numerous attackers and prioritize stability on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to impose a tax on opponents’ creatures for attacking can be tactically combined with other cards that punish or deter combat actions, enhancing control and pillow-fort tactics.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive strategies proliferate, Baird serves as a crucial piece to disrupt enemy offenses, making him a relevant and strategic addition to collections facing creature-heavy metas.


How to Beat

Baird, Steward of Argive presents a unique challenge in the MTG arena, particularly with its ability to impose taxation on enemy creatures that attempt to attack you or a planeswalker you control. This taxing ability can deter aggressive strategies, forcing opponents to reassess their offensive approach. Understanding the limitations Baird enforces is crucial for circumventing this defensive stronghold.

Overcoming Baird’s influence often requires a shift towards spells and abilities that can eliminate or bypass his taxing presence. Direct removal spells, such as Murder or Path to Exile, can effectively clear the path for your attacking creatures. Counter strategies may also include utilizing evasion abilities like flying or trample to pressure defenders outside of combat or employing alternative win conditions that don’t rely on combat damage. It’s essential to prioritize Baird’s removal and adjust your plays to minimize his game impact—be it through direct confrontation or cleverly sidestepping his authority on the battlefield.

Ultimately, Baird requires opponents to innovate and adapt. Whether through precise elimination or clever deck teching, countering Baird, Steward of Argive requires strategic planning and the willingness to explore diversified paths to victory in your MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

The journey through MTG is a game of wits, strategy, and sometimes, the right card to tip the scales. Baird, Steward of Argive offers a unique blend of defensive prowess and control over the battlefield, making it a worthy contender for your deck. His ability to tax attackers can swing the tempo of the game and protect your life total and other valuable permanents. Ready to bolster your defenses and challenge your opponent’s assault tactics? Dive deeper with us into the art of control and defense with Baird, and discover how to incorporate this steadfast guardian into your ultimate MTG strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Baird, Steward of Argive MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Dominaria Promos, 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 Baird, Steward of Argive and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Baird, Steward of Argive Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Christine Choi.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-04-27DominariaDOM 42015NormalBlackChristine Choi
22018-04-27Dominaria PromosPDOM 4s2015NormalBlackChristine Choi
32020-09-26The ListPLST DOM-42015NormalBlackChristine Choi
42023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 152015NormalBlackChristine Choi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Baird, Steward of Argive has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-04-27 If you control Baird, your opponents can choose not to pay to attack with a creature that attacks “if able.” If there’s no other player or planeswalker to attack, that creature simply doesn’t attack.
2018-04-27 In a Two-Headed Giant game, creatures can attack your teammate and planeswalkers your teammate controls without requiring a mana payment. This is a change from previous rules.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.