Monastery Swiftspear MTG Card


Swiftspear applies pressure early, offering tactical card advantage via prowess. Instant speed spells empower it, making it a mana-efficient threat. Consistent with its single red mana cost, it remains a versatile staple for various deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Monk
Abilities Haste,Prowess
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Haste Prowess (Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.)

The calligraphy of combat is written with strokes of sudden blood.


Cards like Monastery Swiftspear

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Monastery Swiftspear holds a unique position amongst creatures due to its prowess ability and swift entry onto the battlefield for a single red mana. Much in the same league, Goblin Guide is another powerful one-drop creature that delivers immediate impact with its impressive speed and damage output. Although Goblin Guide lacks the prowess ability, which scales with the number of spells played, its guaranteed two damage every attack phase sets a comparable aggressive tempo.

Delver of Secrets is another one-mana creature that can flip into the formidable Insectile Aberration, becoming a 3/2 flier but requiring strategic deck construction to optimize its transformation. While Monastery Swiftspear thrives in spell-heavy decks that boost its prowess, Delver of Secrets relies on instant and sorcery spells to unlock its potential. Both creatures excel in aggressive strategies but harness the power of spells in different ways. Soul-Scar Mage is a mere mention away when talking about one-mana creatures designed for non-stop action. It shares Monastery Swiftspear’s prowess but carves its niche with the ability to shrink larger creatures through its -1/-1 counter ability, adding a layer of utility to its aggressive nature.

Each card offers distinct advantages depending on the deck’s strategy, but it’s the adaptability and immediate threat of Monastery Swiftspear that solidifies its prominence in fast-paced, spell-slinging MTG decks.

Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Soul-Scar Mage - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Soul-Scar Mage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Monastery Swiftspear by color, type and mana cost

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Mons's Goblin Waiters - MTG Card versions
Mogg Sentry - MTG Card versions
Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Waiters - MTG Card versions
Mogg Sentry - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro StandardGruul AggroStandard Preliminary 2024-05-07
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro PioneerMono-Red AggroPioneer Preliminary 2024-05-07
4c Prowess4c Prowess Modern4c ProwessModern League 2024-05-08
Temur BreachTemur Breach ModernTemur BreachModern League 2024-05-08
Boros BurnBoros Burn ModernBoros BurnModern Preliminary 2024-05-07 (1)
Temur ProwessTemur Prowess ModernTemur ProwessModern Challenge 32 2024-05-07
Boros HeroicBoros Heroic PioneerBoros HeroicPioneer League 2024-05-07
Generic RagavanGeneric Ragavan ModernGeneric RagavanModern Challenge 32 2024-05-07
Jeskai ProwessJeskai Prowess ModernJeskai ProwessModern League 2024-05-07
Boros AggroBoros Aggro PioneerBoros AggroPioneer Preliminary 2024-05-07 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Monastery Swiftspear offers indirect card advantage by applying pressure early in the game, forcing opponents to spend resources to deal with it, thereby giving you a tactical edge.

Resource Acceleration: This agile creature can accelerate your damage output, synergizing with spells that enable prowess—each noncreature spell cast increases its power, hastening your path to victory.

Instant Speed: Monastery Swiftspear thrives in decks packed with instant speed spells, allowing you to cast during your opponent’s turn for unexpected prowess triggers, effectively utilizing your mana pool and keeping opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Monastery Swiftspear does not require a player to discard cards, enhancing its utility in a variety of tactical situations without reducing hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: Monastery Swiftspear asks for a single red mana, aligning well with decks that capitalize on red spells but potentially limiting its inclusion in multi-color decks not focused on red.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a low casting cost of one red mana, Monastery Swiftspear stands out as an efficient early-game play, contrasting with other creatures that demand more mana for similar haste and prowess capabilities.


Reasons to Include Monastery Swiftspear in Your Collection

Versatility: Monastery Swiftspear is a staple in aggressive decks but also flexible enough for various strategies. Its prowess ability allows it to grow temporarily, benefiting from any noncreature spell you cast.

Combo Potential: With each instant or sorcery boosting its power, the Swiftspear synergizes with spellslinger decks, amplifying damage with every cast and facilitating explosive turns.

Meta-Relevance: This card consistently remains relevant in formats like Modern and Pioneer. Its quick damage output and low cost make it a formidable threat against slower, developing boards.


How to beat

Monastery Swiftspear has become a staple in aggressive Magic: The Gathering decks, renowned for its prowess ability and swift damage output. To effectively counter this card, players can lean on removal spells like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt, which can dispatch the Swiftspear before it gains momentum. Spot removals work well as they can be cast in response to the prowess trigger, neutralizing the threat immediately.

Another strategy is to obstruct the Swiftspear with creatures that have high toughness, making it difficult for your opponent to achieve profitable combat. Playing defensive creatures with reach or those that can produce tokens to block repeatedly are particularly effective, as they can withstand multiple attacks and hinder the Swiftspear’s assault. Board wipes, such as Supreme Verdict, are also useful to reset the board and remove Swiftspear along with any other accumulated threats.

In summary, defending against Monastery Swiftspear requires timely disruption, the use of sturdy blockers, and the ability to clear the board when necessary. By preventing the Swiftspear from exploiting its prowess ability to the fullest, players can retain control of the game. As always, knowing your deck and anticipating your opponent’s moves is key to triumph over swift and aggressive strategies.


BurnMana Recommendations

Monastery Swiftspear stands as an unequivocal force in MTG, renowned for its prowess and its ability to transform the battlefield dynamics from its very first turn. Incorporating this agile piece into your deck is about amplifying potential, invoking strategy, and constraining your opponent’s resources while fortifying your path to victory. With its seamless inclusion in spell-heavy strategies, Monastery Swiftspear continues to assert its relevance across competitive formats. Ready for a strategic upgrade to your deck that promises both aggression and flexibility? Discover how Monastery Swiftspear can redefine your approach and perhaps lead you to your next triumphant match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Monastery Swiftspear MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Khans of Tarkir, 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 Monastery Swiftspear and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Monastery Swiftspear Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022572015NormalBlackEric Velhagen
22014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 1182015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
32017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 1402015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 10172015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2162015NormalBorderlessBrandi Milne
62020-09-26The ListPLST IMA-1402015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
72021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3491997NormalBlackSteve Argyle
82022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1192015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
92022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3622015NormalBorderlessEric Velhagen
102022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 1442015NormalBlackGabor Szikszai

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Monastery Swiftspear has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-09-20 Any spell you cast that doesn't have the type creature will cause prowess to trigger. If a spell has multiple types, and one of those types is creature (such as an artifact creature), casting it won't cause prowess to trigger. Playing a land also won't cause prowess to trigger.
2014-09-20 Once it triggers, prowess isn't connected to the spell that caused it to trigger. If that spell is countered, prowess will still resolve.
2014-09-20 Prowess goes on the stack on top of the spell that caused it to trigger. It will resolve before that spell.
2021-03-19 An ability that triggers when a player casts a spell resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.