Thalia's Lieutenant MTG Card


Thalia’s Lieutenant amplifies human decks, turning each human played into a more potent threat. Its growing ability needs quick responses, or it can lead to snowballing advantages. Limited to synergy-based decks, it requires careful deck construction to maximize value.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Thalia's Lieutenant enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on each other Human you control. Whenever another Human enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on Thalia's Lieutenant.


Cards like Thalia's Lieutenant

Thalia’s Lieutenant holds a unique position among creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It finds its closest relatives in Metallic Mimic and Champion of the Parish. The Lieutenant adds a +1/+1 counter to itself for each other Human you control when it enters the battlefield, akin to how Metallic Mimic grants a +1/+1 counter to other creatures of the chosen type that come into play. However, it stands out with its ongoing ability to bolster all other Humans whenever another Human enters the battleground under your command.

Champion of the Parish also grows with each Human that comes into play, but it only enhances itself, unlike Thalia’s Lieutenant’s wider effect on the field. With Lieutenant, your entire board presence can swell dramatically, giving you a potentially overwhelming advantage. Another comparable card is Benalish Marshal, which provides a static +1/+1 to all other creatures you control, yet it doesn’t share the dynamic growth trait tied to creature type and entering the battlefield that makes Thalia’s Lieutenant a game changer.

Considering the synergy and potential for board presence enlargement Thalia’s Lieutenant offers, it decidedly has a substantial impact on games, especially in Human-centric decks that can fully exploit its abilities to enhance a wide array of creatures.

Metallic Mimic - MTG Card versions
Champion of the Parish - MTG Card versions
Benalish Marshal - MTG Card versions
Metallic Mimic - MTG Card versions
Champion of the Parish - MTG Card versions
Benalish Marshal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thalia's Lieutenant by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Thalia's Lieutenant. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White HumansMono-White Humans PioneerMono-White HumansPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-21
HumansHumans ModernHumansModern Challenge 64 2024-04-21
Boros HumansBoros Humans PioneerBoros HumansPioneer League 2024-04-23

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thalia’s Lieutenant is a cornerstone in human-centric decks, providing immediate board presence by strengthening all humans on the board when it comes into play. This can lead to substantial card advantage as it has the potential to turn each human draw into a more impactful play.

Resource Acceleration: Although Thalia’s Lieutenant doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense, its ability to boost the power and toughness of other creatures can accelerate the damage output and pressure on the opponent, effectively speeding up the game’s pace in your favor.

Instant Speed: While Thalia’s Lieutenant is a creature and not an instant, its presence forces instant-speed responses from opponents. With its growing capability thanks to its second ability, every human creature played afterwards strengthens it, requiring immediate answers lest it snowballs out of control.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Thalia’s Lieutenant doesn’t directly command a discard, it’s important to note that including cards predicated on synergy with other creatures, such as Humans, could potentially cost you card advantage if the creature base of your deck is minimal. This trade-off could lead to fewer cards in hand over time as you try to establish and maintain a board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Thalia’s Lieutenant’s casting cost demands both generic and white mana, specifically one of each. This requisite can sometimes restrict its inclusion to Human-centric or white-based decks primarily. Players not running a deck with a stable white mana base might find it challenging to consistently play the Lieutenant on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of two mana, Thalia’s Lieutenant might be seen as an investment in decks where speed is paramount. In aggressive strategies, the mana could potentially be allocated to deploying multiple one-drops instead, which could affect the deck’s tempo. Though the Lieutenant carries a beneficial effect for Human decks, some players may still consider other two-drops that immediately impact the board without needing a buildup of creatures.


Reasons to Include Thalia’s Lieutenant in Your Collection

Versatility: Thalia’s Lieutenant stands out as a key player in any Human tribal deck and can be seamlessly integrated into various White-based strategies. Its ability to strengthen every Human on the field makes it a flexible choice for both aggressive and midrange builds.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that generate Human tokens or recur creatures from the graveyard, Thalia’s Lieutenant can quickly amplify your board presence and turn a modest force into a formidable army, unlocking numerous synergistic possibilities.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of creature-based decks in many formats, Thalia’s Lieutenant can be a formidable foe, adjusting well to the ever-shifting battlefield dynamics while providing incremental advantages that could dictate the outcome of a game.


How to beat

Thalia’s Lieutenant is a powerful human-centric card that often acts as a cornerstone in human tribal decks within Magic: the Gathering. The card shines in its ability to quickly scale the power and toughness of other humans on the battlefield. When faced with this card, one effective strategy is to remove it as swiftly as possible. Using instant-speed removal spells before it can impact the board significantly is key. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are prime examples of efficient ways to deal with the Lieutenant before its presence becomes overwhelming.

Another method to counteract the snowballing nature of Thalia’s Lieutenant is to employ board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, which can reset the board and remove the accumulated buffs on opposing creatures. Preventing the Lieutenant from bolstering its allies is essential in stopping a human tribal deck’s momentum. Lastly, utilizing counter-magic to stop Thalia’s Lieutenant from hitting the field in the first place can save players the trouble of having to deal with its powerful synergies outright.

By understanding the mechanics and synergy of Thalia’s Lieutenant, players can prepare their decks with the necessary tools to ensure this formidable card doesn’t tip the scales out of their favor during a match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Strategizing your MTG deck with Thalia’s Lieutenant can significantly enhance your gameplay, especially within a human-centric strategy. It’s crucial to adapt quickly and employ effective techniques to counteract potent cards like Thalia’s Lieutenant on the battlefield. Staying informed on the mechanics and available counters ensures you can pivot your strategy to maintain control of the game. Dive deeper into the nuanced world of MTG with us, and unlock the power to navigate your matches with confidence. Let’s elevate your deck-building and in-game tactics to new heights—master your matches with our insights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thalia's Lieutenant MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad Promos and Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Thalia's Lieutenant and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thalia's Lieutenant Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Johannes Voss.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-04-08Shadows over Innistrad PromosPSOI 43s2015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
22016-04-08Shadows over InnistradSOI 432015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
32020-04-17Commander 2020C20 1032015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
42020-09-26The ListPLST SOI-432015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
52021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 1482015NormalBlackJohannes Voss

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thalia's Lieutenant has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2016-04-08 If Thalia’s Lieutenant enters the battlefield at the same time as another Human, each of Thalia’s Lieutenant’s abilities will trigger. You’ll put a +1/+1 counter on both cards.