Benevolent Bodyguard MTG Card


Preserves board presence by protecting valuable creatures, maintaining card advantage. Allows strategic, instant-speed responses to threats, increasing player leverage. Restrictive mana cost may limit deck versatility, but offers potent one-time protection.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Cleric
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Sacrifice Benevolent Bodyguard: Target creature you control gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"My destiny is to save others so their destinies may be achieved."


Cards like Benevolent Bodyguard

Benevolent Bodyguard offers a unique role in Magic: The Gathering as both a creature and a protector for other important creatures on your battlefield. It bears a strong resemblance to Mother of Runes, which also grants protection; however, the Bodyguard can be used instantly upon entering the battlefield, sacrificing itself for the sake of another. Unlike Mother of Runes, which requires a tap and doesn’t sacrifice itself, the Benevolent Bodyguard provides a one-time, immediate shield that can be crucial in pivotal moments of play.

Another card echoing this protective theme is Standard Bearer. While Standard Bearer doesn’t protect a targeted creature, it draws all harmful abilities to itself, acting as a buffer for all other creatures you control. Unlike Benevolent Bodyguard, its effect is continuous as long as it’s on the field, offering a more persistent form of protection.

Assessing the various guards and shields available, the Benevolent Bodyguard stands out for its immediate sacrificial action, making it an exceptional ally in tight situations within your MTG matches. Its ability to die for the team adds a strategic layer to gameplay, appealing to players who value on-demand protection for their key creatures.

Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Standard Bearer - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Standard Bearer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Benevolent Bodyguard by color, type and mana cost

Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Scout - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Daru Mender - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Scout - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Daru Mender - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White HeroicMono-White Heroic PauperMono-White HeroicPauper Challenge 64 2023-12-17
WW PauperPauper League 2023-12-06
SliversSlivers PauperSliversLega Pauper Canavese - 4a Tappa Paupergeddon Winter Edition 2023 - 25 Players
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Mono-White HeroMono-White Hero PauperSprint Wheel Event - Geddon Series 2^ tappa MILANO 2024
Naya ComboNaya Combo PauperBoros BullyBLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup
Sliver Sliver SliverSliver Sliver Sliver PauperSliversTappa LP Comense Pauperissima "Road to Milano" @Magic Akiba
Mono White HeroicMono White Heroic PauperMono-White HeroicLega Pauper Perugia - Tappa#5 - Road To Paupergeddon Milano 2024
Jeskai AffinityJeskai Affinity PauperJeskai AffinityPauper League 2023-12-20
StormStorm PauperStormPauper Challenge 32 2023-12-09 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Benevolent Bodyguard itself does not directly allow you to draw cards, it is key in preserving valuable creatures on your board. By sacrificing itself to protect a high-value creature, the Bodyguard effectively maintains your board presence and keeps your card advantage over the opponent intact.

Resource Acceleration: Benevolent Bodyguard may not produce mana or tokens, but it accelerates your game plan by allowing you to develop your board without the fear of losing central pieces to targeted removal. Its presence can deter opponents from using their removal spells prematurely, saving you valuable resources in the long run.

Instant Speed: This card’s ability to grant protection at instant speed cannot be overstated. The flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions on their turn gives you significant leverage. Not only does this allow for tactical surprises, but it can also throw off your opponent’s strategy, making Benevolent Bodyguard a versatile tool in any game situation.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Benevolent Bodyguard does not have an innate discard requirement, its ability to protect a creature might force players to preemptively use it or risk losing the bodyguard to removal, functionally acting as a discard.

Specific Mana Cost: Although costing a single white mana can be advantageous in a mono-white deck, it restricts its inclusion to decks that can produce that specific color, potentially limiting its versatility in multi-color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the context of requiring one white mana, Benevolent Bodyguard’s cost is not high. However, because it is a one-time-use creature whose only purpose is to sacrifice itself, some may view it as a comparatively high investment for a singular protective effect when there might be other cards that offer ongoing or repeatable protection.


Reasons to Include Benevolent Bodyguard in Your Collection

Versatility: Benevolent Bodyguard provides both creature protection and combat tricks in one package. This flexibility allows it to be a safeguard for your high-value creatures or a surprise element during battles, making it a fit for several decks that value resilience.

Combo Potential: Its ability to sacrifice itself for the benefit of another creature sets up various combo possibilities. It can be a key piece in decks that revolve around protecting a combo component, or in strategies that gain advantages from creatures entering the graveyard.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame with heavy removal or targeted spells, Benevolent Bodyguard’s utility skyrockets. It acts as a deterrent, forcing opponents to reconsider their removal strategies, thereby preserving your board state and maintaining the tempo.


How to beat

Benevolent Bodyguard occupies a unique role in MTG, offering protection for your most prized creatures against targeted spells or abilities. Just by sacrificing it, you can shield another creature from potentially game-altering removals, which makes it both a tactical asset and a thorn in the side of opponents looking to disrupt your board presence.

To effectively neutralize the Bodyguard’s influence, timing is key. Employing mass removal spells that don’t target specific creatures can bypass the Bodyguard’s safeguarding abilities. Spells such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the board without triggering the Bodyguard’s protective response. Another strategy includes forcing your opponent to use the Bodyguard’s ability prematurely, using less critical removal spells to bait out the sacrifice, or employing spells that require multiple targets, diluting the effectiveness of its protection.

At the end of the day, overcoming a Benevolent Bodyguard in MTG hinges on strategic planning and maintaining flexibility in your plays. Anticipate the sacrifice, manage your threats wisely, and remember that cards like the Bodyguard are most potent when they can dictate the flow of the game. Disrupt that flow, and you’ve mastered the art of countering a Benevolent Bodyguard.


BurnMana Recommendations

With its knack for shielding key pieces and adding strategic depth to your MTG matches, the Benevolent Bodyguard is a card that can pivot the tides of battle in your favor. Whether you’re guarding against pinpoint removals or setting up for a game-winning combo, understanding its optimal use is crucial. The MTG landscape is vast and continuously evolving, and fine-tuning your deck takes knowledge and a collection crafted with purpose. We encourage MTG enthusiasts at all levels to learn more about incorporating valuable protectors like the Bodyguard into their arsenals. Dive deeper with us to refine your strategy and ensure your deck commands respect at the table.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Benevolent Bodyguard MTG card by a specific set like Judgment and Magic Online Theme Decks, 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 Benevolent Bodyguard and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Benevolent Bodyguard Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2002-05-27 and 2016-06-10. Illustrated by Roger Raupp.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-05-27JudgmentJUD 51997NormalBlackRoger Raupp
22010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 B22003NormalBlackRoger Raupp
32014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 172015NormalBlackRoger Raupp
42016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 42015NormalBlackRoger Raupp

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Benevolent Bodyguard has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal