Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment MTG Card


Vigilance and foretell grant Faithbound Judge strategic versatility in both offense and defense. Its dual nature as creature and enchantment makes it a unique pick for various MTG decks. Properly mitigating its cons demands precise mana management and thoughtful play timing.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Spirit Soldier
Abilities Defender,Disturb,Flying, Vigilance
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Defender, flying, vigilance At the beginning of your upkeep, if Faithbound Judge has two or fewer judgment counters on it, put a judgment counter on it. As long as Faithbound Judge has three or more judgment counters on it, it can attack as though it didn't have defender. Disturb


Cards like Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment

The unique dynamics of Faithbound Judge set it apart in the landscape of MTG detainment and control cards. A creature that offers a defensive wall with its high toughness, it shares similarities with cards like Crashing Drawbridge, which also provides a means to stall the opponent. However, Faithbound Judge comes with a significant advantage – its transformation into Sinner’s Judgment, offering an alternate win condition. This dual nature creates strategic depth unlike the purely defensive role Crashing Drawbridge plays.

Another card worth mentioning is Gideon’s Avenger, which capitalizes on the detainment theme but with a different twist. It gains strength from opponents’ actions, becoming more formidable as players tap more creatures. Even though Faithbound Judge doesn’t grow this way, the built-in “Sentinel” mechanic allows for a proactive defensive posture. Lastly, there’s Wall of Omens—a creature known for its defensive utility and card draw. While Wall of Omens excels at providing immediate card advantage, Faithbound Judge excels over turns with its promise of ending the game if left unchecked.

In essence, Faithbound Judge offers a striking balance between delaying opponents and setting up an inevitable victory, making it a standout choice for players looking to enforce control with the potential to clinch the win directly from the judiciary bench of MTG.

Crashing Drawbridge - MTG Card versions
Gideon's Avenger - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Crashing Drawbridge - MTG Card versions
Gideon's Avenger - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment by color, type and mana cost

Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Field Marshal - MTG Card versions
Kithkin Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Hookmaster - MTG Card versions
Zhalfirin Commander - MTG Card versions
Silverblade Paladin - MTG Card versions
Emancipation Angel - MTG Card versions
Steelform Sliver - MTG Card versions
Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Field Marshal - MTG Card versions
Kithkin Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Hookmaster - MTG Card versions
Zhalfirin Commander - MTG Card versions
Silverblade Paladin - MTG Card versions
Emancipation Angel - MTG Card versions
Steelform Sliver - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Faithbound Judge provides an advantage by potentially drawing you into additional answers or threats. Its transformation into Sinner’s Judgment allows for continued card utility, making it a multi-faceted asset over the course of a game.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, the vigilance of Faithbound Judge ensures that you are not over-committing and can maintain a defensive stance while still pressing the attack. This can indirectly lead to better resource management and maintaining board presence.

Instant Speed: Despite being a creature, the foretell mechanic allows you to set up future turns with strategic planning. You can allocate mana at a time that suits you best, potentially bluffing an instant in hand to keep your opponents guessing while you prepare for the Judge’s arrival on the field.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Faithbound Judge necessitates holding onto it or forethought in playing, which could conflict with discarding strategies or immediate play inclinations.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands precise mana allocation, with two white symbols in its casting cost, limiting its seamless integration into multicolor decks or those with an unstable mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including double white, it stands at a crossroads between early game presence and higher curve strategies, possibly crowding out slots for swifter or more impactful plays in the mid-game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Faithbound Judge offers a unique duality as both a creature and an enchantment, conforming to various deck themes. It can function as a defensive early blocker or transform into a win condition as Sinner’s Judgment.

Combo Potential: This card’s transformation into Sinner’s Judgment ties well with mechanics that manipulate or accelerate counters, potentially creating a game-ending condition in conjunction with other strategic card interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Within the current meta, the ability to deter opponents with its Defender attribute or conclude games with its secondary form makes this card a tactical choice in the face of diverse opponent strategies.


How to beat

Faithbound Judge presents a formidable obstacle for any MTG player to overcome, boasting a robust defensive line with its vigilant spirit placed front and center. What sets it apart is its potential to return from the graveyard as Sinner’s Judgment, threatening an alternative win condition if left unchecked. To effectively navigate around this card, one must consider strategies that neutralize or bypass its defensive capabilities.

Removal spells that exile, such as Swords to Plowshares, offer a swift solution to Faithbound Judge by preemptively thwarting its transformation into Sinner’s Judgment. Counterspells prove equally effective when the Judge or its judgement day trigger is on the stack. It’s also crucial to manage graveyard interactions; cards like Rest in Peace can ensure that once the Judge is dealt with, it stays in the eternal courtroom. By understanding and disrupting the dual nature of Faithbound Judge—both as a creature and an enchantment—players can maintain control and prevent their opponent from dictating the pace of the match.

Overall, the key to overcoming Faithbound Judge lies in timely disruptions and keeping a close eye on graveyard activity, ensuring that this stern adjudicator doesn’t deliver an unwelcome verdict on your gameplay.


BurnMana Recommendations

Looking to deepen your MTG strategy with multifaceted cards like Faithbound Judge? Its ability to transition from a vigilant defender to a game-ending threat adds a layer of complexity to your plays. Whether you’re reinforcing your defenses or inching closer to victory through Sinner’s Judgment, the Judge’s dual nature is a worthwhile asset. Dive into our wealth of insights to maximize the potential of versatile cards in your deck and pivot your strategy to adapt to the evolving battlefield. Mastery awaits those who can wield such cards with finesse. Embark on this journey with us and transform your game into a strategic conquest.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Innistrad: Crimson Vow, 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 Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment 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 Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 952792015TransformBlackSvetlin Velinov
22021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 122015TransformBlackSvetlin Velinov
32021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 3482015TransformBlackSvetlin Velinov
42022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 2792015TransformBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Faithbound Judge // Sinner's Judgment card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-11-19 Removing judgment counters from Faithbound Judge after it has attacked won't remove it from combat.
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.