Unveiling Bestow: The Core Mechanics
Definition and Function
At its core, Bestow is an ability that fundamentally alters how a creature card can be played. The beauty of Bestow lies in its flexibility. Cards with Bestow offer players a crucial decision point, essentially presenting two distinct options.
Firstly, a Bestow creature can be cast as a standard creature. The mana cost is paid, and the creature enters the battlefield, ready to block, attack, and otherwise participate in the ongoing conflict. This is often the default usage of a Bestow card.
Secondly, and where the true essence of Bestow shines, the card can be cast for its Bestow cost. This Bestow cost is typically higher than the creature’s base casting cost, and it allows the Bestow card to enchant another creature you control. This transforms the Bestow card into an Aura, directly attached to the target creature. This enchantment grants the enchanted creature the effects specified on the Bestow card.
Bestow Cost and Creature Cost
The Bestow mechanic adds a layer of strategic complexity to deckbuilding and gameplay. The higher Bestow cost is often offset by the power of the effect gained when enchanting a creature.
When considering Bestow, the Bestow cost is a crucial factor. It’s not a simple mana cost. It requires players to consider the long-term value versus the immediate impact. Paying the Bestow cost is an investment, a commitment to a continuous advantage that persists as long as the enchanted creature remains on the battlefield. This is a risk-reward calculation that lies at the heart of Bestow strategy.
Enchanting Rules
A vital understanding when using cards with Bestow involves the rules governing creature enchanting. When a card with Bestow is used to enchant a creature, it becomes an Aura. As an Aura, it’s subject to the usual aura rules. You must choose a legal target for the Aura, which is generally a creature on the battlefield you control.
Crucially, what happens when the creature the Bestow Aura is attached to leaves the battlefield? The aura will be put into its owner’s graveyard as a state-based action. This means the effects granted by the Bestow card are lost, providing an interesting dynamic. This is important to remember when using cards with Bestow, because removal of the enchanted creature effectively removes the Bestow card from play.
Bestow and Other Auras
Furthermore, how does a Bestow aura interact with other auras on the same creature? The rules state that a creature can be enchanted by multiple auras. The presence of multiple auras can create synergistic effects. The Bestow card interacts like any other Aura in this respect.
Bestow on the Stack
The Stack is also a critical element of MTG that players must understand. When a player casts a Bestow spell, it goes on the stack, just like any other spell. Opponents have a chance to respond with instants or abilities that can interact with the spell. This creates opportunities for counterplay and allows for strategic maneuvering. For instance, a counterspell can stop a Bestow spell from resolving, preventing it from enchanting a creature. Other spells and abilities can target the creature before the Bestow spell resolves.
The timing of these actions is crucial. Opponents can respond to a Bestow spell, so players must consider those possibilities before casting.
A Journey Through Bestow History: Card Origins and Notable Examples
The Birth of Bestow
The world of MTG constantly evolves. Bestow first saw the light of day with the Theros set, released in 2013. This block was inspired by Greek mythology. The theme of gods, heroes, and legendary creatures provided a natural fit for the Bestow mechanic. The concept of creatures manifesting as auras seemed to fit with the flavor. This made Bestow thematically significant and added a layer of elegance.
Expansion Through Sets
The Bestow keyword subsequently reappeared in other sets, including Born of the Gods and Journey into Nyx. These sets expanded upon the themes and mechanics of the original Theros block, providing a deeper exploration of Greek mythology and its associated creatures, this shows a degree of design continuity and gives players more opportunity to use Bestow.
Notable Bestow Cards
Several cards with Bestow have become staples in various MTG formats. Exploring these cards offers a deeper understanding of how to use Bestow.
Consider Eidolon of Blossoms. This green and white card, with a mana cost of and a Bestow cost of is a potent example of a card that grants card draw. When played as a creature, the Eidolon of Blossoms draws a card each time you cast an enchantment. When bestowed, it enchants a creature, also granting it this ability.
Nylea’s Emissary is another prominent Bestow card. This green and white card offers a power and toughness of and has a bestow cost of . The Bestow card provides a sizable power and toughness boost, along with trample and vigilance.
Another card is Boon Satyr, a green and blue card which grants a creature a +4/+2 boost with flash. Flash can be a very powerful feature. This allows the player to wait to cast the Bestow card as a creature, or use it to give a creature an advantage in combat.
These are but a few examples of how Bestow cards can be used in different decks. The best way to understand is to analyze these cards further using the MTG Wiki.
Strategic Mastery of Bestow: Gameplay and Deckbuilding Insights
Advantages in Gameplay
The strategic value of Bestow is multifaceted, offering both offensive and defensive advantages.
One of the key benefits is the flexibility. This gives players multiple options, allowing them to adapt to different game situations. If you need a creature on the board, you can cast the Bestow card as a creature. If you need a boost to a creature, you can enchant another creature you control.
Card advantage is another advantage that Bestow can offer. It can be used as an early drop or as a way to power up a threat. The ability to cast a Bestow card as a creature allows you to keep cards in hand, which can be crucial for your strategy.
Deckbuilding Considerations
Effective deckbuilding is essential. To use Bestow effectively, you need to consider certain factors. Synergies are vital. Cards that work well with auras or enchantments can maximize the value of a Bestow card. Consider cards that can return auras from your graveyard back to the battlefield. Cards with abilities that trigger when an enchantment enters the battlefield are particularly effective.
Color combinations influence deckbuilding. Bestow cards appear in all five colors, but they are particularly strong in certain color pairings. Green-white decks often focus on enchanting creatures and protecting them. Blue-white decks can create control strategies.
The mana curve is another factor. A well-balanced mana curve ensures that you have plays available at different stages of the game.
Weaknesses and Counterplay
While Bestow offers advantages, it has weaknesses. A key weakness is the vulnerability of auras to removal. Opponents can destroy the creature enchanted by the Bestow card, resulting in a loss of the aura and the mana invested. Removal spells, like those that destroy creatures or enchantments, can create devastating tempo swings.
Bestow in Commander: A Format of Synergy
Bestow and Commander Compatibility
Commander is a popular format in MTG, known for its casual, multiplayer gameplay and emphasis on powerful legendary creatures. Bestow is a mechanic that has found a comfortable home in this format, thanks to the synergy it creates.
Bestow cards are especially popular in the Commander format due to the format’s ability to support large creatures.
Synergies with Commanders
Many commanders have abilities that synergize well with Bestow. A commander that creates tokens can supply the targets for the aura. A commander that grants abilities or buffs can be amplified when combined with a Bestow aura.
Commander Deck Ideas
Consider, for instance, decks that can be built around commanders. These decks often rely on enchantment strategies, which can maximize the value of Bestow cards.
Harnessing the MTG Wiki: Your Ultimate Bestow Resource
Using the MTG Wiki for Bestow
The MTG Wiki is an invaluable resource for any MTG player, and particularly for those seeking to understand the nuances of Bestow. This wiki is a treasure trove of information, updated by the community. The MTG Wiki provides an in-depth understanding of cards, mechanics, and formats.
When researching Bestow on the MTG Wiki, use specific keywords. You can also search for specific Bestow cards or the mechanic in general. Searching for the Bestow keyword itself is a good place to begin. You can also search for individual cards, viewing their rules, interactions, and rulings.
Value of the MTG Wiki
The MTG Wiki provides detailed information about cards with Bestow, including their mana costs, abilities, and interactions with other cards. The wiki is your primary source for up-to-date information on Bestow.
You can find specific information about the Bestow cards, including their casting costs, abilities, and how they interact with the other cards in the game.
In Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Bestow
Bestow offers a unique blend of flexibility, strategic depth, and thematic richness, making it a captivating ability in MTG. From its origins in the Theros block to its continued presence in various formats, Bestow has provided players with memorable moments.
Bestow enables players to make complex decisions and requires careful consideration of the strategic implications of its mechanics. This adds a layer of complexity that distinguishes the mechanic.
By understanding the rules of Bestow, its strategic advantages, and the nuances of card interactions, players can wield this mechanic to gain an advantage. Use the MTG Wiki as your primary resource. The information will allow you to further improve your comprehension and skill.
Call to Action: Embrace the Bestow Advantage
Now that you have a thorough understanding of Bestow, you can incorporate Bestow into your decks. Experiment with different cards and strategies. Play around with different color combinations. Try a variety of approaches to get a better grasp of the mechanic. This is the best way to improve.
For deeper exploration, explore related keywords. These include keywords such as “Aura,” “Enchant,” “Creature,” “Legendary,” and “Flash.” This will give you a better appreciation of the intricacies of the game. Visit the MTG Wiki often. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
