Martyr's Cause MTG Card


Martyr’s Cause offers both card advantage and a strategic instant-speed defense mechanism in MTG gameplay. It excels in decks that utilize creature recursion and is a powerful sideboard card against creature-heavy strategies. While it provides versatile defense, its requirement to sacrifice creatures can be a costly drawback.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Sacrifice a creature: Prevent all damage to a creature or player from one source. (Treat further damage from that source normally.)

Dying is a soldier's talent.


Cards like Martyr's Cause

Martyr’s Cause is a unique card in MTG due to its ability to turn creatures into shields for your life total. In this sense, it stands close to cards like Fanatical Devotion which also allows sacrificing creatures to prevent damage. Martyr’s Cause, however, has a broader application by permitting the redirection of damage from any source, not just combat damage. This makes it versatile on the battlefield.

Another card with a sacrifice mechanic is the more narrowly focused Selfless Spirit, which grants indestructibility but involves a one-time use through its own sacrifice. Meanwhile, Martyr’s Cause enables continuous protection as long as you have creatures to spare. Also of note is the enchantment Scapegoat. Scapegoat offers a similar damage prevention theme by bouncing creatures back to your hand instead of sacrificing them, providing a reset button of sorts. Yet, neither Selfless Spirit nor Scapegoat offer the consistent defend-and-redirect utility found in Martyr’s Cause.

Assessing their roles in the game, Martyr’s Cause claims its unique niche in MTG. Its continuous capacity to shield against various forms of harm, at the expense of creature sacrifice, sets it apart as a tool for strategic defense planning.

Fanatical Devotion - MTG Card versions
Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Scapegoat - MTG Card versions
Fanatical Devotion - MTG Card versions
Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Scapegoat - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Martyr's Cause by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Martyr’s Cause in MTG serves not only as an enchantment but also as a strategic defense mechanism. This card allows players to sacrifice a creature to prevent damage to another creature or player. The ability to do this can indirectly lead to card advantage by protecting valuable creatures on the battlefield or preserving your life total, both of which are critical aspects of maintaining dominance in a game.

Resource Acceleration: While Martyr’s Cause doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana production, it can be integral in safeguarding key creatures that contribute to your mana base or which have abilities that allow you to draw additional cards or put lands into play. By keeping these creatures in play, Martyr’s Cause indirectly contributes to resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: Martyr’s Cause can be activated at instant speed, providing flexibility and surprise in your defensive tactics. This quality is particularly powerful as it allows a player to wait until the last possible moment to decide whether to sacrifice a creature, thus responding to opponents’ actions in real-time with potentially game-saving maneuvers.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Martyr’s Cause requires the sacrifice of a creature. This is a steep price to pay, especially in a deck low on creatures or one that relies on a specific creature-based synergy. Having to give up a valuable creature can set you back significantly in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: While not color intensive, this card requires both white mana and two additional mana of any color. In multicolored decks or those that are mana-strapped, meeting this requirement can be tricky, potentially delaying its deployment on the battlefield.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Martyr’s Cause might be considered costly for an enchantment that does not directly affect the board upon entry. Other enchantments or protective spells may offer more immediate or versatile protection for a lower or comparable cost.


Reasons to Include Martyr’s Cause in Your Collection

Versatility: Martyr’s Cause can easily find a home in a variety of deck archetypes. As an enchantment that allows you to sacrifice creatures for a greater purpose, it’s particularly useful in decks that profit from creature recursion or have a focus on token generation.

Combo Potential: This card can be an integral part of combos, particularly in decks that generate a high volume of creatures. It can be used to indefinitely protect your life total, especially when combined with cards that bring creatures back to the battlefield or create token creatures en masse.

Meta-Relevance: In competitive play, Martyr’s Cause is a strong sideboard card against decks that rely on dealing damage with creatures. By strategically sacrificing your own creatures, it helps survive aggressive strategies and allows for more effective counter-play.


How to beat Martyr’s Cause

Martyr’s Cause presents a unique challenge in MTG, offering a defensive mechanism that can continually nullify damage from a single source —an asset that can turn the tides in favor of control decks. Understanding your adversary’s strategy is vital in circumventing the resilience Martyr’s Cause provides. To overcome this enchantment, consider using targeted removal like Disenchant or efficient, multi-purpose spells like Assassin’s Trophy which can dispel nuisances across all permanent types.

It’s also effective to employ indirect tactics that avoid triggering Martyr’s Cause’s ability. Cards that impose restrictions on activating abilities or that punish the sacrificing of creatures can mitigate the effectiveness of Martyr’s Cause. Curse of Death’s Hold or Tocatli Honor Guard are just a few examples that hamper the opponent’s capability to freely utilize the enchantment’s defensive potential.

Ultimately, in a game as dynamic as MTG, incorporating versatility in your approach and being prepared for a range of protective spells are keys to dismantling strategies centered around cards like Martyr’s Cause. Adaptability and strategic card choice can help ensure that your path to victory remains clear.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding Martyr’s Cause is essential for any MTG player aiming to craft a formidable defense in their deck. This enchantment can be a game-changer, offering protection and strategic advantages that could pivot the direction of a match. For those who wield token generation or thrive on combo plays, Martyr’s Cause is a must-have. Even if you’re up against it, knowing how to dismantle its benefits is just as crucial. Delve deeper into the mechanics of MTG and enrich your arsenal with cards like Martyr’s Cause. Discover more strategies and enhance your deck-building skills with our expert insights. Join the conversation and outmaneuver your opponents at every turn.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Martyr's Cause MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Mystery Booster, 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 Martyr's Cause 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 Martyr's Cause Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Jeff Laubenstein.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-02-15Urza's LegacyULG 131997NormalBlackJeff Laubenstein
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 1751997NormalBlackJeff Laubenstein
32020-09-26The ListPLST ULG-131997NormalBlackJeff Laubenstein

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Martyr's Cause has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal