Kithkin Shielddare's Key Strengths and Uses

Kithkin Shielddare is a 1/1 creature with the ability to buff a target blocking creature by +2/+2 until end of turn for {W}, {T}. This common creature excels in Commander decks that run tribal themes, particularly those centered around Kithkin tokens.

Typical Uses

• Kithkin Shielddare is often used alongside other creatures with similar abilities to create a swarm of token- generating threats. Cards like Kithkin War Cry and Serra's Blessing can fuel these swarms.
• Its ability makes it a great fit for lifegain or value engines, such as Sun Titan or Ethereal Abundance, which can generate additional tokens and create an army of small creatures.
• As a 2-mana creature, Kithkin Shielddare is a good target for cards that provide immediate buffing effects, like Ajani's Pridemate or Aurelia, the Warleader.

Impact in Commander Decks

Kithkin Shielddare can have a significant impact on game states by quickly turning the tide of combat in its controller's favor. By boosting a single blocking creature, it can protect more valuable threats and maintain board presence. In combination with other tribal synergies or token-generating effects, Kithkin Shielddare becomes a formidable force in Commander decks.

Kithkin Shieldare: A Valuable Companion

Kithkin Shieldare is a common creature from the Shards of Mahamoti set that offers a unique ability to enhance your creatures in combat. Let's break down its rules and interactions.

Mana Cost and Power/Toughness

Kithkin Shieldare has a mana cost of {1}{W}, making it an efficient 2-drop creature. Its power and toughness are both 1, which is standard for most common creatures.

Ability: Shielding Blockers

The oracle text reads: "{W}, {T}: Target blocking creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn." This ability requires a tap to activate, and it targets a blocking creature (a creature that's already engaged in combat). The targeted creature gains +2 power and +2 toughness until the end of the turn.

Interactions with Other Cards

Here are some notable interactions:

• Equipping Equipment: If you equip a +1/+1 counter-boosting equipment, like Winds of Abandon, to Kithkin Shieldare, its ability can potentially make the equipped creature much more formidable.
• Auras and Enchantments: Auras and enchantments that grant power/toughness bonuses can be combined with Kithkin Shieldare's ability to create extremely powerful blocking creatures. For example, if you have an aura like Soul Warden on a creature, and then use Kithkin Shieldare's ability, the creature will gain +2/+2 twice, making it a 5/3 or more.
• Blocking with Other Creatures: If you're using other creatures to block opponents' creatures, Kithkin Shieldare can enhance their abilities. For instance, if you have a Boreal Colossus blocking an opponent's creature, and then use Kithkin Shieldare's ability, the Boreal Colossus will gain +2/+2, making it more difficult for the opponent to remove.

Unique Interactions

Keep in mind that Kithkin Shieldare can be used to enhance creatures with abilities that care about power or toughness. For example:

• If you have a creature with an ability like Kumano's Hunger (which gains +1/+1 for each 2+ power or toughness), using Kithkin Shieldare's ability on a blocking creature will grant it temporary power/toughness increases.
• If you're playing against opponents who rely heavily on creatures with abilities that care about power or toughness, such as Aurelia, the Warleader, Kithkin Shieldare can be used to disrupt their plans by weakening their blockers.

Edge Cases

Some edge cases worth considering:

• Fliers: Since Kithkin Shieldare's ability only affects blocking creatures, flier creatures won't be affected.
• Deathtouch: If a creature with deathtouch (like Kumano, Master Yamabushi) is used to block, Kithkin Shieldare's ability will still apply to the targeted creature.

Overall, Kithkin Shieldare offers a unique and valuable ability that can enhance your creatures in combat. Its interactions with other cards, particularly those that care about power or toughness, make it an excellent addition to any Commander deck.

In Commander, Kithkin Shielddare is a versatile and affordable enabler of large creatures. Its ability to buff a target blocking creature by +2/+2 until end of turn makes it an attractive option for decks looking to close out the game with big, trample-heavy threats.

Common Archetypes

Kithkin Shielddare fits into several popular archetypes:

• Enchantress: Decks centered around enchantments can benefit from Kithkin Shielddare's ability to make their creatures bigger.
• Tokens: Tokens are a staple of Commander, and Kithkin Shielddare can help turn a token creature into an imposing force on the battlefield.
• Trample Stompy: Decks focused on big, trampling creatures love enablers like Kithkin Shielddare to push through damage.

Role on the Battlefield

Kithkin Shielddare excels as a flexible support card. Its ability is situational, but when it does trigger, it can make all the difference in combat:

• Late-game: In the late game, Kithkin Shielddare's ability can be used to buff a large creature and help it push through damage.
• Defensive plays: Against aggressive decks or during defensive situations, Kithkin Shielddare can help protect your life total by making your creatures more formidable.

Decks and Strategies

Kithkin Shielddare is most valuable in:

• Token-heavy lists: Decks with an abundance of token creatures can benefit greatly from Kithkin Shielddare's ability.
• Enchantress-focused decks: Enchantresses will appreciate the extra power boost for their enchantment-attached creatures.
• Big creature builds: Decks centered around large, trampling threats will find Kithkin Shielddare a useful tool in their arsenal.

Overall, Kithkin Shielddare is an inexpensive and effective way to give your creatures a significant power boost when needed.

Kithkin Shielddare is a deceptively simple card that offers more than meets the eye. Its ability to give +2/+2 to target blocking creatures until end of turn has several applications in Commander.

Synergy with Tokens

When paired with cards like Spectral Procession, Falkenrath Marauders, or Kumano, Tyrant of Orazca, Kithkin Shielddare can turn a single creature into a formidable force on the battlefield. By creating multiple small tokens and then targeting one of them with Shield Dare's ability, you can create an almost-invincible wall that protects your life total while also allowing for repeated attacks.

Complementary Abilitites

Cards like Geist of Saint Traft or Mesteran Dwarven Forgesmith benefit from Shield Dare's ability by becoming more formidable attackers. By pairing these cards with Shield Dare, you can create a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Potential for Surprise Upgrades

When used in conjunction with Daybreak Coronet, Kithkin Shielddare gains an additional layer of depth, as the ability to give +2/+2 to target blocking creatures until end of turn can now be activated during each upkeep step. This means that your creature will continue to grow stronger even after it's blocked.

Tactics and Tricks

• Shield Dare is a natural fit for token-generating strategies like Azorius Signet, Sulfur Falls, or Fog.
• Use Shield Dare in conjunction with removal spells like Path to Exile to ensure that your opponents' creatures don't get the chance to block.
• Consider using Shield Dare as a "get out of jail free" card, giving your creature an unexpected boost when it's blocked.

Overall, Kithkin Shielddare is more than just a simple 1/1. Its ability to give +2/+2 to target blocking creatures until end of turn offers a wealth of opportunities for creative play and strategic synergy with other cards in your deck.

Kithkin Shieldare: Common Mistakes and Mispays

In Commander, players often underestimate the potential of Kithkin Shieldare. While it may seem like a straightforward 1/1 creature, its ability to buff blocking creatures can make all the difference in a game.

Timing Issues

One common mistake is playing Shieldare too early, only to have it die to an opponent's removal spell or a board sweep. To maximize its impact, play Shieldare on turn two or three, when you've already established a presence on the board and have a chance to develop your strategy.

• If you're playing a aggressive deck, consider holding off on playing Shieldare until turn four or five, when you can protect it with other creatures or using Lightning Bolt-style removal.
• In more controlling decks, aim to play Shieldare alongside a creature that can block effectively, such as War Hero.

Misunderstood Rules

Some players misinterpret the ability's trigger condition: "{W}, {T}:" is not an instant-speed ability, but rather a delayed triggered ability. This means that the buff only applies when you cast the ability in response to a spell or ability resolving, such as:

• Casting Aurelia, the Warleader's ability and Shieldare's ability at the same time.
• Using Path to Exile to destroy an opposing creature, then Shieldare's ability to buff the remaining blocker.

Poor Synergies

Another common mistake is pairing Shieldare with creatures that don't benefit from its ability. For example:

• Combining Shieldare with a deck heavy in flyers, as they won't be able to block effectively.
• Playing Shieldare alongside Goblin Cratermaker, which can't use the buff.

In contrast, Shieldare pairs well with creatures that can take advantage of its buff, such as:

• Blocking Creatures: Serra Angel , Pearled Unicorn
• Tokens and Fliers: Aurelia, the Warleader , Familiar Sprites

By understanding these common mistakes and optimizing Shieldare's playstyle, you can unlock new strategies and improve your Commander gameplay.

As we conclude our analysis of Kithkin Shielddare, it's clear that this card offers a unique and valuable ability in Commander decks. Its potential to enhance creatures in combat, particularly when used in conjunction with other tribal synergies or token-generating effects, makes it an excellent addition to any deck.

Key Takeaways

• Kithkin Shielddare is most effective when paired with other cards that care about power or toughness.
• Its ability to buff a target blocking creature by +2/+2 until end of turn can be used in conjunction with removal spells or board wipes to ensure creatures don't get destroyed.
• The card's mana cost and power/toughness make it an efficient 2-drop creature.

Recommended Playstyle

• Use Kithkin Shielddare in aggressive decks, holding off on playing it until turn four or five when you can protect it with other creatures.
• In more controlling decks, aim to play Shield Dare alongside a creature that can block effectively.
• Avoid pairing Shieldare with creatures that don't benefit from its ability.

Common Mistakes

• Playing Shieldare too early and having it die to removal or board sweeps.
• Misunderstanding the trigger condition for Shieldare's ability: "{W}, {T}:" is not an instant-speed ability, but rather a delayed triggered ability.
• Pairing Shieldare with creatures that don't benefit from its ability.

Actionable Advice

• Consider using Shield Dare as a "get out of jail free" card to give your creature an unexpected boost when it's blocked.
• Use Shieldare in conjunction with tokens and fliers to create an almost-invincible wall on the battlefield.
• Pair Shieldare with blocking creatures, tokens, or fliers that can take advantage of its buff.

Final Evaluation

Kithkin Shielddare offers a unique and valuable ability in Commander decks. Its potential to enhance creatures in combat makes it an excellent addition to any deck, especially when paired with other tribal synergies or token-generating effects. By understanding the common mistakes and optimizing Shieldare's playstyle, players can unlock new strategies and improve their gameplay.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

• Kithkin Shielddare has a mana cost of {1}{W} and power/toughness of 1/1.
• Its ability requires a tap to activate and targets a blocking creature (a creature that's already engaged in combat).
• The targeted creature gains +2 power and +2 toughness until the end of the turn.

Strategic Applications

• Kithkin Shielddare fits into several popular archetypes, including Enchantress, Tokens, and Trample Stompy.
• It excels as a flexible support card, providing a situational boost to creatures in combat.

Overall, Kithkin Shielddare is a versatile and affordable enabler of large creatures. Its ability to buff a target blocking creature by +2/+2 until end of turn makes it an attractive option for decks looking to close out the game with big, trample-heavy threats.