Stoneskin MTG Card


Provides card advantage by replacing itself, avoiding a decrease in hand size while protecting creatures. Enables resource acceleration by safeguarding mana-producing creatures, facilitating early casting of big spells. Operates at instant speed which offers players tactical flexibility—crucial during combat or in response to removal.
Stoneskin - Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant, Flash
Released2022-06-10
Set symbol
Set nameCommander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate
Set codeCLB
Number45
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJake Murray

Text of card

Flash Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +0/+10.

"Ooh, nice shot! I almost felt that one."


Cards like Stoneskin

Stoneskin enters the realm of protective spells in MTG, joining the ranks of classic cards like Giant Growth. While Giant Growth bolsters a creature’s power and toughness significantly, Stoneskin focuses specifically on defense by preventing all damage to a target creature for a turn. Unlike combat trick cards that add to a creature’s stats, Stoneskin’s role is purely protective. Another card, Gods Willing, shares the aspect of protection but adds the benefit of scrying, allowing for better control of your upcoming draw but it doesn’t prevent all types of damage like Stoneskin does.

Comparatively, the blue spell Dive Down also serves a similar function, offering a toughness boost and effectively making a creature near invulnerable for the turn. While it boosts toughness, which can be crucial in certain situations, Stoneskin’s comprehensive shield has the upper hand in a broader range of scenarios. When evaluating such spells, one must consider the strategic implications – Stoneskin is ideal for safeguarding key creatures from an array of threats.

In analyzing these cards together, it’s evident that Stoneskin has a unique position. It might not provide a power surge or a scrying opportunity, but its ability to completely ward off harm for a turn can be pivotal in shielding your most valuable creatures on the battlefield.

Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Gods Willing - MTG Card versions
Dive Down - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Gods Willing - MTG Card versions
Dive Down - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Stoneskin 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: Stoneskin not only offers protection for a key creature but also has built-in card draw, providing an edge by replacing itself in your hand. This benefit ensures that you do not fall behind in card economy while saving your valuable assets.

Resource Acceleration: While Stoneskin doesn’t directly generate additional mana or tokens, it contributes indirectly to resource acceleration by protecting your mana-producing creatures. Keeping your mana dorks and utility creatures safe can significantly enhance your ability to cast costly spells ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: The instant speed attribute of Stoneskin is perfect for reactive gameplay. It allows players to wait until the most opportune moment, often during combat or in response to an opponent’s removal spell, to ensure their creatures survive. This tactical flexibility can swing the game in your favor unexpectedly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Stoneskin poses a challenge as it necessitates throwing away another card from your hand. This can be particularly daunting when you’re struggling to maintain card advantage or when every card in your hand is crucial to your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: Another drawback is the card’s demand for specific mana types. Requiring both colorless and red mana can be restrictive, especially in multicolor decks that may not always have the right mana available at the right time.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Additionally, the mana cost for activating Stoneskin’s effect can be seen as disproportionate to the benefit it provides. In an MTG game where the pace can be swift, dedicating a significant amount of mana to a single card’s ability might not be the most economical use of resources, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s moves.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Stoneskin can be a strategic addition to decks that require protection for key creatures. Its ability to make a creature unblockable for a turn allows for unexpected plays and can be pivotal during combat.

Combo Potential: In decks that focus on dealing combat damage to trigger various effects or win conditions, Stoneskin enhances those strategies by ensuring critical blows land unhindered.

Meta-Relevance: Given the importance of creature-centric strategies in many formats, having the means to bypass blockers can shift the tide in your favor, making Stoneskin a relevant choice for a variety of meta scenarios.


How to beat

Stoneskin presents itself as a versatile solution in defensive strategies within Magic the Gathering, known for its ability to nullify damage dealt to a creature for a turn. Its effectiveness can turn the tides during combat, making it a resourceful card to have in a pinch. Yet, like any spell, there are ways to bypass its safeguarding grip.

To counter this protective spell, players should consider timing and removal strategies. Instant removal spells that specifically target enchantments or creatures, such as Disenchant or Doom Blade, can be played in response to Stoneskin, ensuring the elimination of the threat before Stoneskin’s effect resolves. Additionally, strategies that don’t rely on damage, such as using -X/-X effects or bounce spells, overrun the defense Stoneskin provides, since those methods aren’t classified as damage.

Careful planning and maintaining board control are crucial. Holding onto key spells until after Stoneskin’s effect has been used maximizes resources and can avoid wasted efforts. Understanding and anticipating an opponent’s potential to use Stoneskin allows players to strategize proactively, advancing their own position while rendering their opponent’s Stoneskin a lesser obstacle.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of protection in MTG can be as crucial as executing a powerful attack. Stoneskin offers such a defensive edge, essential for any player looking to safeguard their most valuable creatures. Its card advantage, instant speed intervention, and versatility in certain decks make it a card worth considering. On the flip side, being mindful of its specific mana requirements and balance with discard costs is key when integrating it into your strategic fold. For those intrigued by its protective charm and potential game-changing impact, we welcome you to unearth more insights and strategies with us for optimal play with Stoneskin.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stoneskin MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Stoneskin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Stoneskin has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.