Tahngarth, First Mate MTG Card


Enhances offensive strategies and card advantage by joining attacks during others’ combats. Tahngarth thrives as a commander in EDH, bolstering resource acceleration and board presence. Strategic deck building is required to unlock Tahngarth’s full potential, due to its specific mana cost.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Minotaur Warrior
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Tahngarth, First Mate can't be blocked by more than one creature. Whenever an opponent attacks with one or more creatures, if Tahngarth is tapped, you may have that opponent gain control of Tahngarth until end of combat. If you do, choose a player or planeswalker that opponent is attacking. Tahngarth is attacking that player or planeswalker.


Cards like Tahngarth, First Mate

Tahngarth, First Mate is a unique creature card that stands out in Magic: The Gathering with its built-in ability to become an attacker in a game controlled by another player. This card finds its peers in an interesting mix of other creature cards that similarly affect combat strategy. One such card is Zealous Conscripts. Although Zealous Conscripts has a one-time effect of gaining control of any target permanent until the end of the turn, it shares the theme of manipulating combat to your advantage.

Another card worth mentioning is Grenzo, Havoc Raiser, which allows you to either goad target creature or exile the top card of an opponent’s library during combat. While Grenzo changes the direction of how combat spells out across the table, it gives you more subtle control compared to the direct combat involvement that Tahngarth promises. Lastly, there’s Marisi, Breaker of the Coil which provides a wider combat influence by goading each creature that deals combat damage to a player during your turn. While Tahngarth offers a pinpoint aggressive strategy, Marisi affects the combat phase on a broader scale.

Although each card carries distinct characteristics that can alter combat in different ways, Tahngarth, First Mate’s ability to be a constant aggressive presence can be pivotal in multiplayer games, making it a compelling choice for decks geared towards combat manipulation and group slug strategies.

Zealous Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Grenzo, Havoc Raiser - MTG Card versions
Marisi, Breaker of the Coil - MTG Card versions
Zealous Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Grenzo, Havoc Raiser - MTG Card versions
Marisi, Breaker of the Coil - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tahngarth, First Mate by color, type and mana cost

Tuknir Deathlock - MTG Card versions
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Yavimaya Kavu - MTG Card versions
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Polis Crusher - MTG Card versions
Tuknir Deathlock - MTG Card versions
Jungle Patrol - MTG Card versions
Yavimaya Kavu - MTG Card versions
Voracious Cobra - MTG Card versions
Sparkcaster - MTG Card versions
Chishiro, the Shattered Blade - MTG Card versions
Hans Eriksson - MTG Card versions
Bloodbraid Elf - MTG Card versions
Goblin Clearcutter - MTG Card versions
Giant Solifuge - MTG Card versions
Gruul Scrapper - MTG Card versions
Rumbling Slum - MTG Card versions
Yule Ooze - MTG Card versions
Rosheen Meanderer - MTG Card versions
Thorn-Thrash Viashino - MTG Card versions
Hellkite Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Rhox Brute - MTG Card versions
Spellbreaker Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells - MTG Card versions
Polis Crusher - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tahngarth, First Mate’s ability to become the attacking creature in other players’ combats not only boosts offensive strategies but also provides repeated opportunities for card draw and deck manipulation if paired with cards that benefit from attacking each combat.

Resource Acceleration: As a potential commander in EDH games, Tahngarth can quickly become the cornerstone of your board presence, enabling aggressive resource utilization strategies that foster quicker gameplay and leveraging attack triggers for potential acceleration effects.

Instant Speed: The reactive nature of Tahngarth, First Mate’s ability to jump into combat on every turn keeps opponents guessing. Although not at instant speed itself, the card encourages a playstyle that maximizes instant-speed interaction, ensuring you’re always an imposing force at the table. Additionally, being able to block whenever an opponent attacks helps manage threats at crucial moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Tahngarth, First Mate doesn’t require discarding cards directly, his full potential is best realized in decks that enable him to become unblockable or grant additional combat phases. Without these synergies, you may find yourself discarding resources to build around him.

Specific Mana Cost: Tahngarth comes with a specific mana requirement, one red and one green which may not seamlessly fit into every deck’s mana base, making him a less versatile inclusion for decks not aligned with these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total casting cost of four mana, including two colors, Tahngarth, First Mate may appear to have a steep entrance fee. In fast-paced metagames, you might find this cost hampers your early-game board development, particularly when compared to other impactful four-mana creatures in the MTG universe.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tahngarth, First Mate is a card that shines in decks that capitalize on combat interactions and voltron strategies. His ability to swing at opponents without declaring as an attacker makes him elusive and hard to block, adaptable to various board states.

Combo Potential: This hulking Minotaur pairs exceptionally well with cards that care about creatures dealing damage, like Fireshrieker for double-strike, or ways to untap creatures after combat to get extra value, broadening its synergy within the deck.

Meta-Relevance: As state of the game evolves, Tahngarth offers a unique approach to the command zone, being able to attack in a multi-player format without being declared as an attacker. This makes him relevant especially in metas where opponents leave few creatures back to block, enabling a consistent source of damage.


How to beat

Tahngarth, First Mate is a unique card that grants considerable advantage by allowing you to attack with it even when it’s not your turn. This card can quickly become a problem if left unchecked on the battlefield. Effective strategies to overcome Tahngarth include using removal spells that can target creatures regardless of whose turn it is. Instant speed removal like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider are excellent choices to deal with Tahngarth before it can cause significant damage.

Another tactic is to employ creatures with deathtouch or those that can force Tahngarth to block when it’s not advantageous, such as using cards like Baleful Strix or Goblin Chainwhirler. Ensnaring Tahngarth with enchantments that prevent it from attacking or blocking, such as Pacifism or Imprisoned in the Moon, can also be viable solutions. When facing Tahngarth, it’s important to manage the board wisely and keep removal resources at the ready to neutralize threats promptly.

Overall, handling Tahngarth, First Mate relies on timely interaction and preventing it from exploiting its combat advantage. With the right cards in hand, you can turn the tide and keep this intimidating Minotaur at bay.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG involves more than just understanding individual cards; it requires building a holistic strategy. Tahngarth, First Mate is a multi-faceted card that offers numerous strategies, whether as a formidable commander or a shrewd addition to your deck. It pushes the envelope in multiplayer matches and encourages a proactive combat playstyle. As you absorb the nuances of Tahngarth’s abilities, consider how it can invigorate your deck and tip the scales in your favor. Seek out harmonious combinations and tailor your approach to harness its full power. Dive deeper with us and discover how Tahngarth can anchor your board and dominate the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tahngarth, First Mate MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2019 and Year of the Ox 2021, 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 Tahngarth, First Mate and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Tahngarth, First Mate Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-08-23 and 2021-01-25. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-08-23Commander 2019C19 502015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
22021-01-25Year of the Ox 2021PL21 42015NormalBlack宋其金/Song Qijin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tahngarth, First Mate has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-08-23 Although Tahngarth is an attacking creature if it uses its triggered ability, it was never declared as an attacking creature. This means that abilities that trigger whenever a creature attacks won’t trigger when it changes control and becomes attacking.
2019-08-23 Any effects that say that Tahngarth can’t attack or can’t attack a certain player (such as that of Propaganda, or if Tahngarth gains defender) affect only the declaration of attackers. They won’t stop Tahngarth from becoming an attacking creature through its triggered ability.
2019-08-23 Commander damage is tracked for each commander. It doesn’t matter who controls the commander as it deals damage. If Tahngarth deals 10 damage to one player while under your control and another 11 damage to that same player while under a third player’s control, the player loses the game.
2019-08-23 Giving control of Tahngarth to an opponent doesn’t cause it to become untapped. This means that Tahngarth may end up attacking several times between your turns.
2019-08-23 If Tahngarth gains menace, it can’t be blocked at all.
2019-08-23 If an opponent attacks a player or planeswalker but each creature attacking that player or planeswalker is no longer attacking that player or planeswalker by the time Tahngarth’s ability resolves (most likely because they’ve left the battlefield), that player or planeswalker can’t be chosen for Tahngarth to attack. If there’s no player or planeswalker to choose this way but you still choose to give the opponent control of Tahngarth, Tahngarth isn’t attacking.
2019-08-23 If an opponent is attacking a planeswalker but not that planeswalker’s controller, Tahngarth can’t attack that player.
2019-08-23 Players can’t take any actions between the time you choose to give control of Tahngarth to the attacking player and the time it becomes an attacking creature.
2019-08-23 Tahngarth may end up attacking its owner this way.