Blade Instructor

Blade Instructor

PLST Common
Mana Cost: {2}{W}
Type: Creature — Human Soldier
P/T: 3/1
Blade Instructor Text:
Mentor (Whenever this creature attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target attacking creature with lesser power.)
Collector Number:
Release Date: 2019-11-07
Art crop

Full Analysis

Generated on 2025-07-06T04:46:23.996901 • Legacy Format

A Comprehensive Review of Blade Instructor

Aggressive and Token-Generating Strategies: A Perfect Fit

Blade Instructor is a 2-mana White Human Soldier that has been making waves in various Magic: The Gathering formats. Its unique ability to buff its attack partner makes it an excellent addition to aggressive or token-generating strategies.

Mentor Mechanic: Unlocking Powerful Synergies

The Mentor mechanic on Blade Instructor allows it to put a +1/+1 counter on the target creature with lesser power whenever it attacks. This ability is incredibly powerful and can be used to create a snowball effect on the battlefield. By pairing Blade Instructor with other creatures that provide +1/+1 counters, such as Luminarch Ascension or Ajani's Pridemate, players can create powerful combos and synergies.

Unleashing Combo Potential

Blade Instructor has the potential to combine with other cards that provide +1/+1 counters to create a powerful combo. For example, players can use Luminarch Ascension to create a 4/4 token and then use Blade Instructor's ability on it to give it an additional boost.

Strategic Uses in Aggro and Token Generation

Aggressive decks often focus on quickly dealing damage to their opponents. Blade Instructor's ability to buff attacking creatures makes it an excellent addition to these strategies. Token-generating decks often rely on creating multiple tokens to overwhelm their opponents. Blade Instructor can be used to give these tokens a boost, making them even more formidable.

Deck Archetypes and Format Viability

Blade Instructor is best suited for aggressive or token-generating strategies. In Modern, it has been considered a powerful card that can help players create a snowball effect on the battlefield. However, its relatively low power level compared to other creatures in the format makes it less appealing for more competitive decks.

Interactions with Other Abilities

When Blade Instructor puts a counter on a creature that already has an ability triggered by a +1/+1 counter, both effects are resolved. This can lead to some interesting interactions and combinations in more complex decks.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

One technical note worth mentioning is how Blade Instructor interacts with other abilities triggered by +1/+1 counters. If a player uses Blade Instructor's ability on a creature that already has an ability triggered by a +1/+1 counter, they will have to resolve both effects.

For example, if a player uses Blade Instructor's ability on a Serra Ascendant, and then another card like Luminarch Ascension gives the same creature another +1/+1 counter, they will have to resolve both abilities. This can lead to some interesting interactions and combinations in more complex decks.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Blade Instructor's artwork features a human warrior dressed in formal attire, standing next to an instructor who is demonstrating the proper use of a sword. The flavor text for Blade Instructor reads: "Mentors are not just instructors, but also friends."

In terms of historical context, Blade Instructor was first released as part of the Lorwyn set in 2007. Since then, it has been reprinted in various sets and has become a staple in Modern and other formats.

Deckbuilding Considerations

When building a deck with Blade Instructor, players should consider its ability to create a snowball effect on the battlefield. This can be achieved by pairing it with other creatures that provide +1/+1 counters or using it to buff attacking creatures.

Players should also consider the potential interactions and combos that Blade Instructor can create when paired with other cards. For example, pairing it with Luminarch Ascension can create a powerful combo that deals significant damage to opponents.

Key Points Summary

Here is a summary of key points for this analysis:

  • Blade Instructor is a 2-mana White Human Soldier with a unique ability to buff its attack partner.
  • Its Mentor mechanic allows it to put a +1/+1 counter on the target creature with lesser power, making it an excellent addition to aggressive or token-generating strategies.
  • It has potential interactions with other cards that provide +1/+1 counters, such as Luminarch Ascension and Ajani's Pridemate, which can lead to powerful combos and synergies.
  • Its relatively low power level compared to other creatures in the format makes it less appealing for more competitive decks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Blade Instructor is a versatile card that provides a unique ability to buff its attack partner. Its Mentor mechanic allows it to create a snowball effect on the battlefield, making it an excellent addition to aggressive or token-generating strategies. While its power level may be relatively low compared to other creatures in some formats, its potential interactions and combos make it an invaluable tool for any player looking to create a powerful deck.

Blade Instructor is a staple in various Magic: The Gathering formats, and its versatility makes it an excellent addition to many different types of decks. Its ability to create a snowball effect on the battlefield and its potential interactions with other cards make it a valuable asset for players looking to create a powerful deck.

Cards Mentioned in This Review
No other cards mentioned in this review.